Guidebook for Mill Valley
Sightseeing
Parking lot at hub of several trailheads, 2 mi from our home. From here, 1.8 mi to Tennessee Beach; a flat, family-friendly, gorgeous hike.
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm
103 habitants recommandent
Tennessee Valley Trailhead
591 Tennessee Valley RoadParking lot at hub of several trailheads, 2 mi from our home. From here, 1.8 mi to Tennessee Beach; a flat, family-friendly, gorgeous hike.
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm
A wide range of hiking and mountain biking trails with spectacular views of the ocean, the bay, and SF.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471
226 habitants recommandent
Mount Tamalpais
A wide range of hiking and mountain biking trails with spectacular views of the ocean, the bay, and SF.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471
See the giant redwoods! Recommend taking the shuttle rather than trying to park. Go on a weekday - it gets crowded.
https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm
Take the shuttle to avoid the crazy parking situation:
http://www.marintransit.org/routes/66.html
660 habitants recommandent
Muir Woods National Monument
See the giant redwoods! Recommend taking the shuttle rather than trying to park. Go on a weekday - it gets crowded.
https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm
Take the shuttle to avoid the crazy parking situation:
http://www.marintransit.org/routes/66.html
Great path through the wetlands for biking, running, strolling, birdwatching.
https://www.traillink.com/trail/mill-valleysausalito-multiuse-pathway.aspx
10 habitants recommandent
Mill Valley-Sausalito Path
Mill Valley-Sausalito PathGreat path through the wetlands for biking, running, strolling, birdwatching.
https://www.traillink.com/trail/mill-valleysausalito-multiuse-pathway.aspx
Walk to here from our house, can head straight up to the Alta Trail and down into Rodeo Valley for a 10 mi loop if you feel ambitious.
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm
Oakwood Valley Trail
Oakwood Valley TrailWalk to here from our house, can head straight up to the Alta Trail and down into Rodeo Valley for a 10 mi loop if you feel ambitious.
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm
Beautiful beach. Bonfires allowed most of the time.
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/muirbeach.htm
170 habitants recommandent
Muir Beach
Beautiful beach. Bonfires allowed most of the time.
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/muirbeach.htm
I never get tired of driving or jogging over the GGB. It's spectacular.
http://goldengatebridge.org/
1321 habitants recommandent
Pont du Golden Gate
Golden Gate BridgeI never get tired of driving or jogging over the GGB. It's spectacular.
http://goldengatebridge.org/
Horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides, park in Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot.
http://www.miwokstables.com/
Miwok Livery Stables
701 Tennessee Valley RoadHorseback riding lessons and guided trail rides, park in Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot.
http://www.miwokstables.com/
Great place to go walking on a paved path (bike & stroller friendly) with panoramic bay & city views.
http://www.tiburonpeninsulafoundation.org/blackies-pasture.php
24 habitants recommandent
Blackie's Pasture
654 Tiburon BoulevardGreat place to go walking on a paved path (bike & stroller friendly) with panoramic bay & city views.
http://www.tiburonpeninsulafoundation.org/blackies-pasture.php
Famous hiking trail begins behind the MV Library and ascends many stairs through the redwoods to reach Panoramic Highway, then descends down to Stinson Beach (7 vigorous miles).
http://www.protrails.com/trail/314/san-francisco-marin-headlands-mt-tamalpais-point-reyes-dipsea-trail-muir-woods-to-stinson-beach
42 habitants recommandent
Dipsea Trail
Dipsea TrailFamous hiking trail begins behind the MV Library and ascends many stairs through the redwoods to reach Panoramic Highway, then descends down to Stinson Beach (7 vigorous miles).
http://www.protrails.com/trail/314/san-francisco-marin-headlands-mt-tamalpais-point-reyes-dipsea-trail-muir-woods-to-stinson-beach
Have a drink at Sam's next to the ferry dock, then head over to Angel Island for hiking/walking/biking trails, city views, picnic areas.
http://angelislandferry.com/
8 habitants recommandent
Angel Island - Tiburon Ferry
21 Main StHave a drink at Sam's next to the ferry dock, then head over to Angel Island for hiking/walking/biking trails, city views, picnic areas.
http://angelislandferry.com/
Get the ferry from Tiburon to visit Angel Island for hiking/walking/biking trails, city views, picnic areas.
http://angelisland.org/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=468
51 habitants recommandent
Parc d'État de l'île Angel
Get the ferry from Tiburon to visit Angel Island for hiking/walking/biking trails, city views, picnic areas.
http://angelisland.org/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=468
Beautiful national park: whale watching in season, tule elk, birdwatching, hiking, beach.
https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm
273 habitants recommandent
Réserve nationale de Point Reyes
Beautiful national park: whale watching in season, tule elk, birdwatching, hiking, beach.
https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm
Rent a bike and toodle over the GGB and along the MV-Sausalito bike path, or over to Sam's in Tiburon for a bloody Mary before catching the ferry back to SF.
http://www.blazingsaddles.com/san-francisco/routes-tours/self-guided-tours/marin-headlands-loop
9 habitants recommandent
Blazing Saddles
Rent a bike and toodle over the GGB and along the MV-Sausalito bike path, or over to Sam's in Tiburon for a bloody Mary before catching the ferry back to SF.
http://www.blazingsaddles.com/san-francisco/routes-tours/self-guided-tours/marin-headlands-loop
Essentials
All-organic all the time. Expensive (nicknamed "Good Grief!") but beautiful store with great produce and high-end basics, plus prepared foods, gelato bar, burrito bar, etc.
http://www.genatural.com/
192 habitants recommandent
Good Earth Natural Foods
720 Center BlvdAll-organic all the time. Expensive (nicknamed "Good Grief!") but beautiful store with great produce and high-end basics, plus prepared foods, gelato bar, burrito bar, etc.
http://www.genatural.com/
Drugstore. Basic groceries like milk are much cheaper here than at Good Earth.
19 habitants recommandent
Walgreens
227 Shoreline HwyDrugstore. Basic groceries like milk are much cheaper here than at Good Earth.
Food Scene
Local flavor beats Starbucks.
http://www.equatorcoffees.com/
142 habitants recommandent
Equator Coffees
2 Miller AveLocal flavor beats Starbucks.
http://www.equatorcoffees.com/
Starbucks
777 Grand AveStarbucks.
English-style pub with local beers on tap, fish & chips, roast beef weekend brunch buffet.
http://www.pelicaninn.com/
68 habitants recommandent
Pelican Inn
10 Pacific WayEnglish-style pub with local beers on tap, fish & chips, roast beef weekend brunch buffet.
http://www.pelicaninn.com/
Our #1 favorite MV restaurant. City-quality menu and dining experience.
http://www.molinarestaurant.com/
32 habitants recommandent
Pizza Molina
17 Madrona StOur #1 favorite MV restaurant. City-quality menu and dining experience.
http://www.molinarestaurant.com/
One of our favorite MV restaurants.
http://www.millvalleybeerworks.com/
68 habitants recommandent
Mill Valley Beerworks
173 Throckmorton AveOne of our favorite MV restaurants.
http://www.millvalleybeerworks.com/
Don't let the attached Holiday Inn put you off. They press their own olive oil and make their own pasta in-house. Walking distance.
http://www.frantoio.com/
10 habitants recommandent
Frantoio Ristorante
152 Shoreline HwyDon't let the attached Holiday Inn put you off. They press their own olive oil and make their own pasta in-house. Walking distance.
http://www.frantoio.com/
A restored historical restaurant. Big menu, something for everyone. Especially nice in the winter and around the holidays -feels like a ski chalet. Valet parking.
https://www.buckeyeroadhouse.com/
103 habitants recommandent
Buckeye Roadhouse
15 Shoreline HwyA restored historical restaurant. Big menu, something for everyone. Especially nice in the winter and around the holidays -feels like a ski chalet. Valet parking.
https://www.buckeyeroadhouse.com/
MV hang-out in the center of downtown. Kid-friendly, outdoor cafe seating.
http://depotbookstore.com/
60 habitants recommandent
The Depot Bookstore & Café
87 Throckmorton AveMV hang-out in the center of downtown. Kid-friendly, outdoor cafe seating.
http://depotbookstore.com/
Delicious Puerto-Rican food. Pollo y platanos. They deliver.
https://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/
226 habitants recommandent
Sol Food
903 Lincoln AveDelicious Puerto-Rican food. Pollo y platanos. They deliver.
https://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/
Organic vegetarian menu; wraps, salads, rice bowls. They deliver.
http://cafedelsoul.net/
34 habitants recommandent
Café del Soul
247 Shoreline HwyOrganic vegetarian menu; wraps, salads, rice bowls. They deliver.
http://cafedelsoul.net/
Book a BBQ and table, take your own picnic, then enjoy local oysters and the bar. Great after a hike or bike ride.
https://hogislandoysters.com/
118 habitants recommandent
Hog Island Oyster Co
20215 Shoreline HwyBook a BBQ and table, take your own picnic, then enjoy local oysters and the bar. Great after a hike or bike ride.
https://hogislandoysters.com/
Fantastic restaurant on your way home from a day at Pt Reyes.
http://www.sirandstar.com/
45 habitants recommandent
Sir and Star at the Olema
10000 Sir Francis Drake BlvdFantastic restaurant on your way home from a day at Pt Reyes.
http://www.sirandstar.com/
Big waterfront patio (with heaters) next to the ferry dock in Tiburon. Panoramic city view. Great bloody Marys.
http://samscafe.com/
76 habitants recommandent
Sam's Anchor Cafe
27 Main StBig waterfront patio (with heaters) next to the ferry dock in Tiburon. Panoramic city view. Great bloody Marys.
http://samscafe.com/
Arts & Culture
Offers various mindfulness workshops, tea ceremonies.
http://sfzc.org/green-gulch
23 habitants recommandent
Green Gulch Farm Zen Center
1601 Shoreline HwyOffers various mindfulness workshops, tea ceremonies.
http://sfzc.org/green-gulch
A legendary Marin County music venue.
http://www.sweetwatermusichall.com/
166 habitants recommandent
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera AveA legendary Marin County music venue.
http://www.sweetwatermusichall.com/
Tuesday night stand-up comedy and various weekend productions.
http://throckmortontheatre.org/
37 habitants recommandent
Throckmorton Theater
142 Throckmorton AveTuesday night stand-up comedy and various weekend productions.
http://throckmortontheatre.org/
Another good live music venue, 10 minutes north in San Rafael.
http://www.terrapincrossroads.net
98 habitants recommandent
Terrapin Crossroads
100 Yacht Club DrAnother good live music venue, 10 minutes north in San Rafael.
http://www.terrapincrossroads.net
Movie theater downtown MV.
http://www.cinemark.com/theatre-detail.aspx?node_id=1678&
35 habitants recommandent
CineArts Sequoia
25 Throckmorton AveMovie theater downtown MV.
http://www.cinemark.com/theatre-detail.aspx?node_id=1678&
Entertainment & Activities
Coastal farm and recreation center that works to connect kids with nature.
http://slideranch.org/
9 habitants recommandent
Slide Ranch
2025 Shoreline HwyCoastal farm and recreation center that works to connect kids with nature.
http://slideranch.org/
Let your kids burn off some steam here. Tennis courts, playground, dog park, barbecues, picnic tables.
Eastwood Park
627 Eastwood WayLet your kids burn off some steam here. Tennis courts, playground, dog park, barbecues, picnic tables.
Secret little playground nestled behind some backyards. Closest park to our house, great for kids.
Kay Park
398 Linda WaySecret little playground nestled behind some backyards. Closest park to our house, great for kids.
10 min drive. Great for toddlers to preschoolers. Indoor-outdoor playgrounds, train room, art & creativity spaces. Closed on Mondays.
http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/
85 habitants recommandent
Musée de la découverte de la baie de San Francisco
557 McReynolds Rd10 min drive. Great for toddlers to preschoolers. Indoor-outdoor playgrounds, train room, art & creativity spaces. Closed on Mondays.
http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/
Good for rainy days with kids. Nestled in the redwoods next to Old Mill Park.
http://www.millvalleylibrary.org/index.aspx?page=10
31 habitants recommandent
Mill Valley Public Library
375 Throckmorton AveGood for rainy days with kids. Nestled in the redwoods next to Old Mill Park.
http://www.millvalleylibrary.org/index.aspx?page=10
MV Community Center - drop-in gym or pool fee of less than $10. Also: Drop-in child care Mon-Sat mornings for $6 per hour.
http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=168
Mill Valley Recreation
180 Camino AltoMV Community Center - drop-in gym or pool fee of less than $10. Also: Drop-in child care Mon-Sat mornings for $6 per hour.
http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=168
High-end shopping and restaurant complex with outdoor jazz on Friday evenings.
http://marincountrymart.com/
45 habitants recommandent
Marin Country Mart
2257 Larkspur Landing CirHigh-end shopping and restaurant complex with outdoor jazz on Friday evenings.
http://marincountrymart.com/
If you're hiking this way, stop in for free to see this marine mammal rescue center. Not worth a trip all by itself, but worth seeing if you're nearby for Rodeo Beach.
http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/
37 habitants recommandent
The Marine Mammal Center
2000 Bunker RdIf you're hiking this way, stop in for free to see this marine mammal rescue center. Not worth a trip all by itself, but worth seeing if you're nearby for Rodeo Beach.
http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/
Next to the library, good shady playground on hot sunny days, nestled in redwoods. A creek runs through it.
http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=417
30 habitants recommandent
Old Mill Park
64 Cascade DrNext to the library, good shady playground on hot sunny days, nestled in redwoods. A creek runs through it.
http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=417
Shopping
Proof Lab Surf Shop
244 Shoreline HwyA MV classic.
http://www.prooflab.com/
Hip hiking/surfing clothes and gear in case you forgot something.
http://www.prooflab.com/
Proof Lab Station
254 Shoreline HwyHip hiking/surfing clothes and gear in case you forgot something.
http://www.prooflab.com/
Expert runners will fit you with shoes and gear, and they host weekend trail runs if you're looking for running partners.
http://www.sanfranciscorunning.com/
San Francisco Running Company
247 Shoreline HwyExpert runners will fit you with shoes and gear, and they host weekend trail runs if you're looking for running partners.
http://www.sanfranciscorunning.com/
Everything Else
HQ FUEL
251 CA-1Cheapest gas. Debit/Cash only.
YogaWorks Mill Valley
650 E Blithedale AveMy go-to yoga studio.
http://www.yogaworks.com/
Runs every 30 min to SFO for about $20 pp. Closest stop to our house is in the Manzanita Parking Lot, close to the Buckeye. Schedule and locations here:
http://www.marinairporter.com/
13 habitants recommandent
Marin Airporter
1081 Andersen DrRuns every 30 min to SFO for about $20 pp. Closest stop to our house is in the Manzanita Parking Lot, close to the Buckeye. Schedule and locations here:
http://www.marinairporter.com/
Manzanita Park & Ride Lot
40 Shoreline HwyThis is where the Marin Airporter will drop you off or pick you up.