Welcome to Mill Valley
Charming oasis beneath towering and historic redwoods home to an excellent school district, unique hiking trails, and a thriving downtown plaza
Known for its beautiful redwood forests and as the home base of the historic Muir Woods National Monument, the charming and sophisticated town of Mill Valley is not only a Bay Area favorite but one of America's most beloved small towns. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley is conveniently located near some of the area's most incredible natural features, such as the aforementioned redwoods, unique hiking areas like the Dipsea Trail, and several lush, open-space preserves. It's no wonder the community is so active!
Whether you're young or old, single or looking to settle down, working, or seeking the right place to retire, Mill Valley has something for everyone. The intimate, tight-knit community and friendly neighbors are always out and about, shopping in the thriving downtown area replete with fashion-forward boutiques and art galleries or attending one of the town's many fun festivals and events. Mill Valley is a fantastic and stunningly picturesque place to live.
What to Love
- Charming village with many cute shops and great restaurants
- Home to several highly-rated and California Distinguished schools
- Some of the best hiking areas in the state
People & Lifestyle
People of all walks of life and demographics flock to Mill Valley for its universally appealing nature and beautiful surroundings. The current population is around 14,000, and many of those residents live in the area's stunning hillside mansions or the smaller, cozy cottages beneath the shady redwoods.
It's a great place to live if you plan to commute to San Francisco for work or even if you are planning a small business of your own. There are small shops scattered throughout the downtown area alongside cute cafes and coffeehouses. Families appreciate the variety of parks and the top-rated school system, including Mill Valley Middle School, a four-time winner of the California Distinguished Award.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
Elegantly combining Old World charm with upscale comfort food, Buckeye Roadhouse is a classy, circa-1937 dining destination revered for its lodge-like surroundings and decadent cocktails. The urban-style eatery Bungalow 44 serves hearty New American dishes and features a bustling bar scene. It's the perfect place to catch up with friends, especially during the oyster happy hour!
The bar-driven restaurant Floodwater is owned and operated by a Mill Valley family. This cozy modern-rustic spot serves craft cocktails, beer, and wine, alongside great food. There is no better spot for Italian fare than Vasco, where you can sip from a glass of wine while sharing a wood-fired pizza.
In the historic Mill Valley Lumber Yard (home of the original Mill Valley sawmill), you'll find Watershed built over the creek, a purveyor of contemporary California cuisine prepared by Chef Kyle Swain. There are plenty of other acclaimed eateries, shops, and work studios. Proof Lab Beer Garden is always worth a visit.
Things to Do
An offshoot of the primary Marin Headlands, Tennessee Valley has many hiking trails well-suited to people of all skill levels. Of course, one of Mill Valley's most notable attractions is the Muir Woods National Monument, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Muir Woods hosts towering ancient redwood trees and countless trails that weave through the hillside for astounding views of the treetops and Mount Tamalpais.
Another great hiking area in Mill Valley is the Blithesdale Summit Preserve, the largest preserve in a chain along the northern ridge of Mount Tamalpais that runs between Mill Valley and Corte Madera. Mill Valley hosts the oldest cross-country trail running event in the country, The Dipsea Foot Race, held every second Sunday in June along the scenic 7.4-mile course.
If you're more into arts and culture, Mill Valley has plenty of that, too, including its own film festival, Marin Designers Showcase, and the Mill Valley Arts Festival. And you'll want to watch one of the live Broadway musical productions at the unique amphitheater on Mount Tamalpais held by the award-winning Mountain Play.
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