Belvedere

Meaning "beautiful sight" in Italian, Belvedere earns its name completely. One of California's smallest and most exclusive cities, it occupies two islands and a lagoon connected to the Tiburon Peninsula by causeways — almost entirely surrounded by San Francisco Bay. With fewer than 1,000 residences, it is among the most coveted addresses in the entire Bay Area.

Belvedere's residential landscape spans Belvedere Island's grand hillside estates, Corinthian Island's mix of walkability and architectural character, and the calm lagoon community ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Historic homes designed by Julia Morgan (architect of Hearst Castle) and Albert Farr sit alongside midcentury moderns, Cape Cods, and contemporary masterpieces — many with private docks. Secret stairways and hand-painted lane markers preserve a 19th-century character unique to the island.

Life in Belvedere revolves around the Bay. Two world-class yacht clubs — the San Francisco Yacht Club and the Corinthian Yacht Club — anchor the sailing community. Morning walks along quiet shoreline streets, afternoons on the water, evenings watching city lights appear across the bay. The Belvedere Lagoon offers protected waters for non-motorized watercraft. Sunny 260 days a year, with coastal breezes keeping the air fresh.

Belvedere is served by the Reed Union School District — repeatedly recognized as one of the best elementary districts in the nation. Reed, Bel Aire, and Del Mar schools score consistently in the highest tiers of California's Academic Performance Index. High school students attend Redwood High School.

Belvedere's quiet, residential character means its neighbor Tiburon provides most of the dining and shopping — a short walk or drive away. Nugget Market and Woodlands Market handle the essentials. The newly renovated Belvedere playground has become the most popular park in southern Marin. For those who commute, the Tiburon Ferry offers a peaceful ride to the San Francisco Ferry Building.