Ross CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ross, California.
1. Marin Art & Garden Center
HISTORIC GARDENS AND ART
The Marin Art & Garden Center spans 11 acres of historic buildings, art galleries, and beautiful gardens in Ross. Founded in 1943 on the former Kittle estate, it's surrounded by a unique serpentine brick wall built in memory of its founder, Caroline Livermore. The center offers free admission and serves as a perfect venue for picnics, meditative tours, weddings, and special events.
2. Phoenix Lake
SCENIC HIKING TRAILS
Phoenix Lake features a popular 2.7-mile loop trail that's accessible for walkers, joggers, and bikers of all skill levels. The mostly flat terrain winds around the picturesque lake, offering beautiful views and wildlife sighting opportunities. Located near Natalie Coffin Greene Park, it serves as a favorite outdoor recreation spot for locals and visitors.
3. Ross Town Hall
HISTORIC CIVIC CENTER
Ross Town Hall was built in 1927 on the former Shotwell estate after the town voted to purchase the property for $100,000. The building showcases Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and serves as the centerpiece of Ross Common, the heart of the town. The iconic Ross Bear sculpture by Beniamino Bufano stands in front of Town Hall, becoming a symbol of the community since its donation in 1971.
4. Natalie Coffin Greene Park
GATEWAY TO PHOENIX LAKE
Natalie Coffin Greene Park comprises 25 acres of Phoenix Lake land donated by the Greene family in 1967 in memory of their relative. The park features picnic tables beneath large oak trees and serves as the entrance point to Phoenix Lake trails. Its convenient location near downtown Ross allows visitors to grab refreshments before enjoying this natural setting.
5. Barn Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS
The Barn Theatre at Marin Art & Garden Center is home to the Ross Valley Players, the state's oldest repertory company. This charming venue hosts a variety of theatrical productions throughout the year in a rustic, intimate setting. The historic barn structure adds character and authenticity to the performing arts experience in Ross.
6. Lagunitas Country Club
EXCLUSIVE TENNIS AND SWIMMING
Lagunitas Country Club was founded in 1903 as a small, private, members-only facility located on Lagunitas and Uppr Road. The club primarily focuses on tennis and swimming activities for its exclusive membership. Though private, the historic country club represents an important part of Ross's community heritage and recreational history.
7. Ross Common
TOWN CENTER PLAZA
Ross Common serves as the central gathering place and heart of the town of Ross. The plaza is anchored by the historic Town Hall and creates a focal point for community activities and events. Its well-maintained grounds and central location make it an ideal spot to experience the small-town charm that defines Ross.
8. St. John's Episcopal Church
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE AND GARDENS
St. John's Episcopal Church, dating back to 1911, showcases lovely gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. The church grounds feature peaceful gardens that provide a tranquil setting for quiet reflection. Its historic character and serene atmosphere make it a noteworthy landmark in the Ross community.
9. Baltimore Canyon Preserve
REDWOOD FOREST TRAILS
Baltimore Canyon Preserve offers shady trails winding through magnificent redwood groves near Ross. The preserve's Dawn Falls Trail leads to a picturesque waterfall that's particularly impressive during the rainy season. Its proximity to Ross makes it a convenient nature escape for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
10. Muir Woods National Monument
ANCIENT REDWOOD FOREST
Muir Woods National Monument is just a 20-minute drive from Ross and features ancient old-growth redwood trees towering above visitors. The park offers well-maintained boardwalk trails that wind through the majestic forest, providing an accessible way to experience these natural wonders. Though popular with tourists, this national monument remains one of the most impressive natural attractions in proximity to Ross.
11. Fort Ross State Historic Park
RUSSIAN HISTORY PRESERVED
Fort Ross State Historic Park preserves the history of Russian fur trappers who inhabited the area from 1812 to 1841. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park features reconstructed buildings and offers insights into this unique chapter of California history. Visitors can enjoy the park's clifftop vistas, isolated coves, and opportunities for tidepooling along the stunning coastline.
12. The Sea Ranch Trails
COASTAL BLUFF HIKING
The Sea Ranch Trails comprise six public-access paths in the private coastal community north of Fort Ross. These trails cross bluff-top meadows and wind down cliffside staircases, ending at secluded beaches with panoramic views of the ocean. The trail system provides hikers with an opportunity to experience the wild, jaw-dropping beauty of the Pacific Coast near Ross.
13. Pixie Park Co-op
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION
Pixie Park Co-op offers a community-oriented playground space for families with young children in Ross. The cooperative park provides play structures and organized activities in a safe, enclosed environment. Its cooperative nature fosters community connections while giving children a dedicated space for outdoor recreation.
14. Ross School
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Ross School, established in 1908, stands out in the community with its distinctive clock tower and red-tiled roof. While still functioning as an active educational institution, the historic exterior architecture makes it a noteworthy landmark in Ross. The school represents over a century of educational tradition and architectural heritage in the community.
15. Ross Post Office
HISTORIC POSTAL BUILDING
The Ross Post Office was built in 1958 on the site of the former North Pacific Coast Railroad Station. This historic building continues to serve the community's postal needs while preserving a connection to the area's transportation history. Its strategic location makes it both a practical service center and a point of historical interest in Ross.