Welcome to Mill Valley
Mill Valley lies just 15 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge providing one of the best commute locations to go along with nearly unparalleled beauty and amenities. Situated at the foot of Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley offers a village setting surrounded by magnificent redwoods, verdant valley’s and meandering creeks. The Depot Plaza in downtown is the heart of the community functioning as a regular gathering place for friends and families on sunny days and the location of many community events such as Winterfest and the Concert in the Plaza series. The quaint downtown district features an array of restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, theaters and art galleries, as well as the legendary Sweetwater Music Hall. Downtown is also home to the renowned Mill Valley International Film Festival and the Fall Arts Festival.
Mill Valley is made up of many different neighborhoods with many different micro-climates, from West Blithedale and Cascade Canyons to Homestead Valley, Sycamore Park, Scott Valley, Country Club, Enchanted Knolls, Tam Valley and Strawberry. Each neighborhood has its’ own character and its’ own weather, but they are all joined by Mill Valley’s award winning schools and family friendly environment. For a snapshot of Americana, just attend the Memorial Day Parade or visit the Little League fields at Boyle Park on a Saturday afternoon in the spring.
Of course, not to be overlooked is the convenient access to outdoor recreation. Mount Tamalpais provides one of the best playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and biking trails abound and with beaches just around the corner, many commuters to San Francisco find that Mill Valley is the perfect place to call home.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
For a small town, Mill Valley provides a wide variety of options for dining, entertainment and shopping.
The downtown area has it all, restaurants, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, movie theater, music venues and even a traditional theatre. The long-running
The Depot Cafe and Bookstore is at the center of it all with its Plaza location and serves coffee, pastries, and other lite fares in its outdoor patio, giving it a European vibe. The downtown restaurant scene features such classics as
Piazza d'Angelo,
La Ginestra and
Bungalow 44 as well as more recent additions such as
Playa,
Gravity Tavern and
Paseo Bistro. Just a short stroll down the road is the former
Mill Valley Lumber Yard which has been tastefully transformed into a charming and unique retail space that includes
Watershed for California cuisine or just cocktails in the yard,
Flour Craft Bakery for those seeking some gluten free treats and shops such as Aviator Nation. If you want to create a meal at home, the
Mill Valley Market boasts a fantastic selection of specialty foods, gourmet groceries, and any staples and necessities. After a day of shopping or a nice meal out, a trip to the legendary
Sweetwater Music Hall to hear a show is a great way to finish a day. Established in 1972, this little music venue was regularly visited by blues and rock luminaries of the 60's, 70's and 80's, particularly those who lived locally and has remained a popular venue to this day that now also includes a restaurant,
The Rock and Rye. And not to be left out is
142 Throckmorton, a downtown theater who's schedule includes Tuesday Night Comedy as well as other unique events.
The main street area of Mill Valley is located along the Miller Ave corridor extending from approximately Tamalpais High School/Safeway to just past the
2AM Club. This area provides more casual, dining options such as
Joe's Taco Lounge,
Sol Food,
Tamalpie,
Samurai Sushi,
Super Duper Burger, and
Grilly's. You'll also find the smaller of the two Whole Foods stores, as well as Tam Bikes, several yoga and pilates studios, chiropractor offices and other retail along this stretch.
Tam Junction, a traditional entry point to town and the Hwy 1 turn-off to the coast, has become a destination for locals and visitors alike the past few years as several new additions have sprung up around the longtime local favorites,
Proof Lab Station, Equator Coffee and the
Buckeye Roadhouse. The Hook Fish Co. at Proof Lab Beer Garden has quickly become a local favorite as has
The Junction Beer Garden and it's quaint music venue.
Floodwater provides many TV's for watching sporting events and
Good Earth Natural Foods has become a neighborhood anchor.
On the other side of Hwy 101 is
Strawberry Village Shopping Center. This gathering place sits at the crossroads between Mill Valley and Tiburon and provides a distinctive blend of specialty shops, boutiques, eateries and leisurely al fresco dining.
Things to Do & Local Events
Athletes can take part in
The Dipsea Race. First run in 1905, the Dipsea is the oldest trail race in America. It is run every year on the second Sunday in June. The scenic 7.4 mile course from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The stairs and steep trails make it a grueling and treacherous race. And its unique handicapping system has made winners of men and women of all ages. Because of its beauty and challenge, it is a very popular event, and because of safety and environmental concerns the number of runners is limited to about 1,500. While racers enter from all over the world, the Dipsea is primarily a Northern California event and the entry process is tilted slightly to favor local contestants
Experience an outdoor theater adventure at
The Mountain Play, put on every summer at the
Mountain Theatre on the upper slopes of Mt. Tamalpais. Residents with picnic goodies in tow, make their way up the mountain and are provided with live entertainment and music through unforgettable theatrical performances that are truly memorable.
The Mill Valley area is well-known locally for the many various festivals and community events held here. If it's music you are after, the recently created
Mill Valley Music Festival, held at Friends Field by the
Community Center is a two-day event with multiple stages and various vendors that was a massive hit in its first year in 2022.
The Homestead Valley Music Festival, held in The Meadow at the heart of Homestead Valley, continues to grow and gain popularity year after year and
Sound Summit, held at the Mountain Theatre provides another opportunity to enjoy a show on the mountain at the end of summer.
The
Mill Valley Film Festival, presented by the California Film Institute, is an annual American film festival held in the community since 1977 and is well-known for its track record in launching new films and brings Hollywood luminaries to town.
Gather under the Redwoods to celebrate nature, arts, and community at the
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival. Held annually at Old Mill Park, the event gathers visitors together for live demonstrations and presentations, entertainment, music, cuisine, and fun activities.
Walk the shores of Richardson Bay at
Bayfront Park or take your pup to the adjoining
Dog Park with ample open space for your dog to run free. It should be noted that this dog park is not enclosed, does not have a specific small dog section and most dogs are off-leash.
The beautiful
Mill Valley Golf Course is truly one of the hidden jewels of Marin County, and by far one of the best golf deals around! This 9-hole par 33 layout is hidden amongst 42 acres of hills, creeks and mature redwoods. While most holes are on the shorter side, the terrain and layout still make it a challenging course.
If you want to relax and read a book, the
Mill Valley Library is not to be missed. Nestled amongst the redwoods of Old Mill Park, the walls of windows seemingly bring the forest in, creating a uniquely tranquil space.
If you'd rather get sand between your toes, pop over the hill to Muir Beach or Stinson Beach. If it's hiking or mountain biking you are interested in, trails abound throughout town, but the
Old Railroad Grade, the route of the
"Crookedest Railroad in the World" from the turn of the century through about 1930, is as good a starting point as any. The ever popular
Tennessee Valley Trail is also a great, mostly flat, 1.7 mile walk each way to the cove and back that accommodates most levels and abilities. For the more adventurous, there are several trails that branch off and head up the hills if you want a climb.
Community Parks
There are a number of community parks throughout Mill Valley with some being very small neighborhood parks and others larger with the ability to accommodate events. The following list of most of them.
Mill Valley's iconic park located downtown amongst the Redwoods across from Old Mill School and the Mill Valley Library. It is also home to the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
Boyle Park is one of the larger and most centrally located parks that is bisected by a creek. On one side of the creek lie the playground, picnic area and large open lawn and on the other side of the creek are the 2 Little League Baseball Fields.
Neighborhood park in the Sucamore/Tamalpais Park neighborhood with a large playground and lawn area that abuts Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio creek
A picturesque location abutting Richardson bay with views of Mt Tam, the park features a playground and multiple playing fields including a baseball/softball field and soccer/lacrosse fields.
Small neighborhood park in the Sycamore/Tamalpais Park neighborhood with a playground, basketball half court and picnic area.
Larger park at the end of the Little City farms neighborhood in Tam Valley. This park includes a basketball half court and tennis courts that have also been used for pickleball.
Small neighborhood park in Tam Valley
Small neighborhood park in the Country Club neighborhood by the golf course
Small neighborhood park in the Strawberry Pointe neighborhood with access to Richardson Bay
This small park located at the back of Homestead Valley is surrounded by ancient Redwoods with Reed creek running along one side and includes a picnic area and theater stage for outdoor performances.
The skate park is located along the parking lot at Mill Valley Middle school next to the Mill Valley Bike Path and includes several ramps and structures.
Recreation Centers & Private Clubs
Mill Valley includes a few recreation centers and three private swim and tennis clubs that provide residents with multiple options for recreational facilities that best fit their needs.
Mill Valley Recreation Center
Strawberry Recreation Center
Homestead Valley Recreation Center
Scott Valley Swim & Tennis Club
Mill Valley Tennis Club
The Club at Harbor Point
Schools
The public schools in Mill Valley are award winning and highly acclaimed and are run by the Mill Valley School District and Tamalpais Union High School District.
In addition, there are a couple private school options
