Stretching southward and forming the east border to Richardson Bay, the Tiburon peninsula reaches toward Angel Island State Park. Bikepaths and tree-lined sidewalks direct visitors and residents alike amid the comfortable homes and local commerce. Tiburon is a city with a history all its own. Bound on three sides by water, it makes sense that today, Tiburon is a paradise of maritime endeavors, blessed with plentiful marinas, yacht clubs, and tennis and swim facilities. Residents and visitors also enjoy the service of the Tiburon Ferry, which carries pedestrians to Angel Island State Park, a haven for biking and hiking. [See a map of Tiburon]

Cross the line into Belvedere and you might think you've stepped into another state, another time. The stately mansions and beautifully manicured gardens and lawns are reminiscent of the Antebellum South. The town is located on a tiny island at the end of the Tiburon Peninsula.

A sightseeing drive through Belvedere is an experience you won't soon forget. As tidelands were dredged and filled, and sloughs became lagoons, San Francisco's wealthy businesspeople built the summer homes most could only dream of, isolated on a beautiful island that is at once convenient and removed from the rush of daily life. This is a true "bedroom community," with no more that three local business licenses.

Since the town was laid out at the turn of the century, it is graced with numerous charming, winding roads and pathways. An early morning walk can be a breathtaking wake up. But don't expect to drive through in a hurry. The roadway system was built for a more sedate and graceful lifestyle than that practiced by many today. The placid sense that Belvedere enjoys is maintained throughout. It is one of the safest towns in all of California.