About San Rafael's Terra Linda

Ever wonder where to bring your dog, especially if you have a dog that doesn't like the confines of a closed dog park? Then you must head on over to the Terra Linda/Sleep Hollow Open Space Preserve in San Rafael, CA. This is a fantastic spot and a great alternative to the other "off leash" dog parks in the Marin County and surrounding area (Escalon Trail, Rodeo Beach, Crissy Fields and Fort Funston).

You'll drive up 101 North and take the Freitas Parkway exit going West, head all the way down Del Ganado Road which runs parallel to the Terra Linda shopping center. Follow the road for about 6-8 minutes until you dead end into the Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow Open Space Preserve's entrance. Lots of bikers, hikers and dog owners so you'll be in good company. As you first enter the park you'll be on a black top that winds up the hill for about a 5 minute walk, then the road turns sharply to the right and transitions into a wide and level dirt road. Once on the top of the hill you have a 360 degree view of the Bay, Richmond Bridge, downtown San Rafael, Sleepy Hollow, Terra Linda and if you're lucky up to Novato.

What I love about this San Rafael "off leash" trail is that you really feel like your on top of the world. From top to bottom it will take you a slow 15 minutes walk. The beauty and open space is simply wonderful, its quiet, you see dozens of hawks circling around, a few stone sculptures (like the one below) and soon you'll find your self at a fork in the road. Whether you go to the right or the left it doesn't really matter because its pretty much a horse shoe that loops you back onto the path headed down the hill. There are lots of off shoot trails to investigate but you'd be wise to go with a map if you are not familiar with the area and make sure to bring a water bottle...it can get hot on this trail!

Marin County offers so many fantastic areas for you and your dogs to investigate that you'll love making the Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow Open Space Preserve one of your Top 10 "off leash" areas to visit.

The Terra Linda area of San Rafael, 94903 is located just north of central San Rafael. As you drive north on Highway 101, Terra Linda is on the west (left) side of the freeway, accessed via the Freitas Parkway exit.

Terra Linda is known for its mid-century and mid-century modern homes. Some people choose Terra Linda because of its approximately 900 Eichler-built homes. Although Terra Linda is primarily a residential area, it is a community with plenty of conveniences, including the newly renovated Northgate Mall and several smaller shopping centers along Las Gallinas Avenue and Freitas Parkway.

Terra Linda is surrounded on three sides by open space and there are many hiking opportunities.

Terra Linda is popular with families because it is located in the well-regarded Dixie School District (though you should always double check with the district before buying a home). The district includes Dixie Elementary School, Mary Silveira Elementary School, Vallecito Elementary School, Miller Creek Middle School and Terra Linda High School. Feel free to contact us for a street-by-street guide to neighborhood schools

This photo shows 1315 Las Raposas Rd. in Terra Linda, listed for $799,000. The see the MLS listing in the link below.

Terra Linda provides a more affordable option for people looking for highly-rated schools. When compared to the Peacock Gap area in central San Rafael, which also has desirable schools, Terra Linda can look attractive because homes start at a lower price point.

On May 9, 2010, the asking prices of homes for sale in Terra Linda ranged from $679,000 to almost $860,000.

Active MLS listings in Terra Linda, single-family homes (12 total)

To see any Marin homes, please contact me: Kevin (415)725-1911 or kmcginnis@fhallen.com

Homeowners: What is your home worth today? Please contact me: Kevin (415)725-1911 or kmcginnis@fhallen.com