Mill Valley has the charm of a small European village, surrounded by towering redwoods and legendary parks. Nestled at the foot of Mount Tamalpais and extending to the marshland surrounding Richardson Bay, Mill Valley is an equal draw for hikers and runners, musicians and artists, foodies and fashionistas, and moms and dads with strollers. Its close proximity to San Francisco enables visitors to take in an evening in “The City,” then return for a good night’s rest at a local inn. Just minutes away are Muir Woods National Monument and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which attract vacationers from around the world.
The year-round Mediterranean climate means that you’ll usually find dozens of locals lounging in downtown’s Depot Square after grabbing a latte at one of the many cafes and coffee houses. Mill Valley hosts a range of cultural activities, like the internationally recognized Mill Valley Film Festival, which brings in leading filmmakers and movie aficionados from across the country. Locals throughout the Bay Area come to Mill Valley for the annual Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting, Fall Arts Festival and Winterfest. They also enjoy Mill Valley’s music and comic venues, where famous guest musicians and comedians are known to “drop in” for an evening to entertain.
Mill Valley’s vibrant business districts offer a variety of delights, from one-of-a-kind boutique clothing shops, salons and yoga studios to pet stores. Many Mill Valley restaurants take advantage of locally grown produce and regional cheeses. If you just want a simple burrito, gourmet burger or handmade pizza, you can find that too!
Whether you plan to visit Mill Valley for an entire week, or just an afternoon, its small-town ambiance, unique cultural activities and lush natural scenery are sure to draw you back again and again.
Photographs courtesy of Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau