Welcome to Mill Valley
Beautiful to its core, the picturesque city of Mill Valley brings a sense of whimsy and history to its bounty of contemporary luxury
In the effortlessly hip city of Mill Valley, monolithic redwoods and the commanding backdrop of Mount Tamalpais serve to enhance the city’s fairytale atmosphere. Downtown, European-style architecture and idyllic scenery are both part of Mill Valley’s enchanted forest feel, melded seamlessly into modernity by the presence of fashionable boutiques and chic eateries.
Mill Valley is notable as the home entrance of the Muir Woods National Monument. The area’s sweeping foothills, rambling creeks, and generous meadows have been delighting residents for centuries, beginning first with the native Coast Miwok. Incorporated in 1900, Mill Valley became synonymous with affluence during the 1970s as San Francisco’s millionaires migrated north to live more private, bucolic lifestyles.
Much of the architecture in Mill Valley is predicated around the concept of creating designs in harmony with the surrounding nature. Some of the most enviable homes here are those built into the gentle slopes of foothills and feature the incorporation of earthy materials such as wood and stone. Panoramic views of the mountains and even Downtown San Francisco increase the desirability of these homes, too, which are often outfitted for exceptional luxury.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
The city of Mill Valley is an undeniable paradise for the outdoorsy types, brimming with trails suitable for hiking, biking, and more. A dedication to conserving open space and the abundance of surrounding national parkland keeps Mill Valley feeling rural, despite its close proximity to one of the nation’s biggest urban epicenters, San Francisco. A charming downtown fosters a quaint, small-town community vibe for locals, who enjoy quiet days in local coffee shops.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
The pulse of Mill Valley lies within its adorable Downtown District along Throckton Avenue and the nearby Mill Valley Lumber Yard, a must-see for visitors and an exciting boutique shopping space for locals. The Lumber Yard was built on the historic site of an 1892 lumbar property and features 10 renovated buildings in a village-style layout. Here, you’ll encounter one-of-a-kind wares and artisan creations at independent shops, as well as the incredible fare at standout restaurants.
One such restaurant is Watershed Mill Valley, whose menu is a master class in contemporary California fare. Chef-driven and inspired by the use of in-season, entirely local ingredients, Watershed ensures that every dish is unforgettable. Gastronomes will also want to check out the modern takes on New American at Bungalow 44, a cozy neighborhood bar and restaurant that’s perfected its at-home, fun-loving environment.
Explore the streets of Downtown Mill Valley to find a variety of additional shopping and dining options, whether it’s picking up weekly staples and gourmet groceries at Mill Valley Market, or the trendiest home décor at Farm House Urban. Indulge your sweet tooth after a day spent exploring by heading to the iconic Millie’s Crêpe et Crème, where the menu of milkshakes, soft serves, and crêpes promises melt-in-your-mouth goodness with every taste.
Things to Do
The culturally-minded can enjoy the local arts through Mill Valley’s collection of art galleries and the city’s home performance base, Throckmorton Theatre. A versatile venue that hosts comedians, musicals and musicians, youth performances, and educational programs, the Throckmorton Theatre is certainly a boon to the residents of Mill Valley.
As the home to Muir Woods, it isn’t hard to see that apart from its quaint commercial scene, Mill Valley’s biggest attractions come in the form of hiking trails, redwood groves, and excursions into nature. One of the most recognizable and beloved trails in the Bay Area, the Dipsea Trail starts with the Lower Dipsea Stairs at Old Mill Park. The trek in full takes hikers all the way to Stinson Beach through Muir Woods, mixing in 2,000 feet of elevation changes.
Schools
Mill Valley is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
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Edna Maguire Elementary School, K-5, highly rated public elementary school rated #6 in Marin County
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Mill Valley Middle School, 6-8, highly rated public middle school rated #4 in Marin County
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Marin Horizon School, PK & K-8, highly rated private Montessori elementary school
