Things to do in Mill Valley, CA

Mill Valley is a beautiful city located in Marin County, California. With a population of 13,903 people, Mill Valley lies in a narrow redwood canyon and is only 14 miles north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge. The charming downtown of Mill Valley provides residents with plenty of delicious restaurants, unique boutiques, and cozy theaters to enjoy. In the summertime, visitors can also take advantage of the outdoor amphitheater that hosts many festivals and concerts. All in all, it’s no wonder why so many people love calling this small town home.

Mill Valley is known for its great redwood trees and proximity to Mount Tamalpais State Park, Muir Woods National Monument, Stinson Beach, and other Marin County attractions. It is a popular destination for mountain biking, hiking, and road cycling. There are many families who have lived in Mill Valley, CA for generations. Important places in this area are:

Muir Woods National Monument

Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

In Muir Woods National Monument, you can find some of the tallest trees on Earth. The coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) here tower up to 258 feet (80 meters), and are some of the oldest living things on the planet.

These massive trees have been around for centuries, and were even here when the first Europeans arrived in California. In fact, Muir Woods is named after famed naturalist John Muir, who helped to establish the monument in 1908.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

Situated in sunny San Francisco, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of America’s most popular national parks. The GGNRA encompasses internationally-renowned landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, welcoming over 13 million visitors annually. In addition to taking in some major sights, visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and more.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a must-see for any visitor to the United States. The park caters to a wide range of interests, and visitors are sure to make wonderful memories.

Seager Gray Gallery

108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

Seager Gray Gallery is a top-notch art gallery in California that focuses on contemporary art. The gallery has been around since the early 1990s and has been a driving force in the Bay Area art scene. Seager Gray Gallery represents a number of well-known artists, both local and international, and exhibits their work in a beautiful setting.

Seager Gray Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of new works by Tomory Dodge. The show features a series of highly detailed oil paintings that focus on the American West.

Old Mill Park

64 Cascade Dr, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

Old Mill Park is a historic park located in Old Mill, California. The park is home to the only remaining water-powered grist mill in the state, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The mill was built in 1846 by John Sutter, and was used to grind wheat and corn into flour. The mill operated until 1866, when it was damaged by a flood. It was restored in the early 20th century and is now open to the public. The park also features a picnic area, hiking trails, and a playground.

Dipsea Trail

98 Cascade Way, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

The Dipsea Trail is a 7.5-mile (12.1 km) trail through Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, California. The trail is rated as difficult and is primarily used for hiking and running.

The Dipsea Trail begins at the Muir Woods National Monument Visitor Center and winds its way up to the summit of Mount Tamalpais. Along the way, hikers will enjoy stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean. The trail is steep in places and can be challenging for those who are not in good shape.

The Outdoor Art Club

1 W Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

The Outdoor Art Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious art clubs in the United States. Founded in 1897 by a group of artists in New York City, it is best known for its juried exhibitions, which began in 1900. The club’s members have included some of the most important American artists of the twentieth century, such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Marsden Hartley, Thomas Hart Benton, and Andrew Wyeth. Today, the club continues to exhibit the work of both established and emerging artists. In addition to its exhibitions, the Outdoor Art Club also sponsors educational programs and offers scholarships to aspiring artists.

Mount Tamalpais East Peak

Old Railroad Grade Trail, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

East Peak, at an elevation of 2,571 feet (784 m), is the second-highest peak of Mount Tamalpais, after West Peak. It is located in Marin County, California. There are multiple routes to the summit, the most popular of which starts from the Panorama Trailhead. The hike from the Panorama Trailhead to East Peak and back is about 8 miles (13 km) round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,400 feet (730 m). The summit offers views of the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands.

The first recorded ascent of East Peak was in 1884 by W.A. Setchell and J.T. Dobson. They used a route from the north that started near present-day Stinson Beach. This route is no longer used because of private property land access issues. The most popular route today starts from the Panorama Trailhead off Pantoll Road in Mount Tamalpais State Park.

The hike to East Peak via the Panorama Trailhead is about 8 miles (13 km) round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,400 feet (730 m). The trailhead is located at an elevation of 1,171 feet (357 m). The trail climbs steadily through redwood and Douglas fir forest before reaching open grassy slopes near the summit. The last 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the summit is a steep, rocky climb with some scrambling required.

Bothin Marsh Preserve

Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

Bothin Marsh Preserve is one of the few remaining salt marshes in San Francisco. It is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including several endangered species. The preserve is open to the public for educational and recreational purposes.

One of the most popular activities at Bothin Marsh Preserve is birdwatching. The marsh is home to a variety of birds, including several endangered species. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, picnicking, and fishing in the preserve.

Temelpa Trailhead

750-760 Summit Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

Temelpa Trailhead is a popular starting point for hikes in the Temelpa Mountains. The trailhead is located at the end of a dirt road and has a small parking area. There are no facilities at the trailhead.

The Temelpa Mountains offer many options for hikes of varying difficulty levels. The most popular hike is the Temelpa Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Temelpa. This hike is considered moderate in difficulty and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete.