Welcome to Mill Valley

10 miles north of San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge, sits a quaint little town of just over 15,000 residents with iconic redwood trees, a vibrant community and downtown streets filled with one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, and restaurants perfect for strolling at any time of day. A picturesque blend of natural beauty, artistic flair, and laid-back California charm, making it a haven for those seeking a tranquil yet vibrant lifestyle.

One of the first things you'll notice about Mill Valley is its casual vibe. Locals here embrace a relaxed lifestyle, often seen enjoying leisurely strolls through the quaint downtown area or unwinding in one of the many local coffee shops or restaurants. There's a palpable sense of community spirit that permeates through the town, fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Mill Valley. Surrounded by towering redwood forests, picturesque hills, and meandering creeks, outdoor adventures abound. From hiking the iconic trails of Mount Tamalpais to picnicking in the scenic Old Mill Park, there's no shortage of opportunities to connect with nature right in your backyard.

Despite its small-town charm, Mill Valley boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The town is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues, showcasing the talents of local artists and performers. The renowned Mill Valley Film Festival, held annually, attracts cinephiles from far and wide, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the community.

Families are drawn to Mill Valley for its top-notch schools, known for their academic excellence and innovative programs. From highly-rated public schools to prestigious private institutions, parents can rest assured that their children will receive a quality education.

When it comes to amenities, Mill Valley has you covered. The downtown area is brimming with boutique shops, artisanal bakeries, and gourmet restaurants serving up farm-to-table fare. Weekly farmers' markets offer fresh produce and artisanal goods, while local breweries and wineries provide the perfect backdrop for socializing with friends and neighbors.

Fun fact: Mill Valley was once home to several iconic musicians, including Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia, who found inspiration in the town's natural beauty and bohemian spirit.

Whether you're drawn to its natural splendor, artistic ambiance, or tight-knit community, Mill Valley offers a slice of California paradise that's hard to resist.

EXPLORE:

 

NEIGHBORHOODS

  • Alto Sutton Manor

  • Blithedale Canyon

  • Boyle Park

  • Cascade Canyon

  • Country Club

  • Downtown Mill Valley

  • Enchanted Knolls

  • Eucalyptus Knolls

  • Homestead Valley

  • Marin Terrace

  • Middle Ridge

  • Molino – Edgewood

  • Muir Beach

  • Old Mill

  • Panoramic

  • Scott Valley

  • Strawberry

  • Sycamore Park

  • Tam Valley

  • Tennessee Valley

Living in Mill Valley

 
Featured
The Neighborhood
The Neighborhood

Families and professionals looking for a laid back, small-town lifestyle, a sun-soaked community and a connection to the outdoors.

Weather
Weather

Central Mill Valley including Sycamore Park, Boyle Park, Homestead Valley, Scott Valley, Alto-Sutton and Strawberry are most often sunny with morning clouds. Blithedale and Cascade Canyons enjoy more shade amidst the towering Redwood trees. Morning fog runs over Mt. Tam through Tennessee and Tamalpais Valley where the sun breaks through mid-day. No matter what part of Mill Valley you’re in, you'll rarely be disappointed by the weather in this mountain town. Check the current weather →

Commute Times
Commute Times

From downtown Mill Valley it takes 12-15 minutes to get to the Ferry Terminal in Larkspur or Sausalito, 45 minutes to downtown San Francisco, and 55 minutes to San Francisco International Airport. From Central Mill Valley it takes only 10 minutes to get to either Ferry Terminal, 30 minutes to downtown SF and 45 minutes to SFO.

Award-Winning Schools
Award-Winning Schools

Mill Valley residents have access to award-winning public and private schools from K-12. Elementary students can attend Edna Maguire, Old Mill School, Park School, Strawberry Point, or Tamalpais Valley Elementary. Middle school students attend Mill Valley Middle School and high school students attend Tamalpais High School. In addition to excellent public schools, there are several private campuses in Mill Valley including Marin Horizon, Ring Mountain Day School and Greenwood School. Learn more about the Mill Valley School District here.

Amazing Restaurants
Amazing Restaurants

Mill Valley is home to some of our favorite restaurants in Marin County, including The Buckeye, Sol Food, Playa, Balboa Cafe, Piazza D’Angelo, Bungalow 44, Hook Fish Co., The Junction, Samurai Sushi, Prabh Indian Kitchen, Pizza Antica, Super Duper Burger, Bookoo and so many more!

Bike Friendly
Bike Friendly

The Mill Valley community loves bikes. The Mill Valley/Sausalito Multiuse Pathway is a convenient connection between neighborhoods, schools, shopping, restaurants, and both a skate and dog park. Download the Marin bicycle map for the best routes throughout town.

World-Class Hiking
World-Class Hiking

Mill Valley is a famous hiking community with visitors coming from around the globe to trek the trails of Mount Tamalpais. Each neighborhood around Mill Valley offers something unique, from Blithedale Canyon trails through the redwood canopies and popular Railroad Grade to Tam Junction’s quick connection to Tennessee Valley and Muir Beach, it’s hard not to fall in love with every trail in town. Map out your next hike in Mill Valley here.

Fitness Centers
Fitness Centers

The Mill Valley community is healthy and active. You'll have a variety of fitness centers to choose from including The Mill Valley Community Center, TJ’s CrossFit Gym, The Bar Method, Red Dragon Yoga, YogaWorks Mill Valley, Pilates ProWorks and more.

Boutique Shopping
Boutique Shopping

Enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping in Mill Valley’s local boutiques including SummerHouse, The Goods, Proof Lab, Guideboat, The Store, and more.

Farmer's Markets
Farmer's Markets

Mill Valleys hosts two Farmers Markets on Friday’s year-round 9:30am - 2:30pm in the Alto Shopping Center at 759 E. Blithedale and on Tuesdays from June to Thanksgiving in the Tamalpais Community Center at 203 Marin Avenue in Tennessee Valley.

CITY GUIDES