Flanking the towering Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley is in the northern part of San Francisco, promising travelers an exciting visit. Its location is home to breathtaking natural wonders, including lush forests, mountains, golf courses, and stunning lakes. It’s the complete opposite of the busy streets of San Francisco. So if ever you find yourself getting tired from the daily scenes of the state, you can always head to Mill Valley. Although it’s just a 15-minute ride away from San Francisco, you will see that Mill Valley is a whole new world. It is rich in iconic landmarks, home to unique treasures, and the perfect destination for art enthusiasts. You can always start at Old Mill Park and find your way through some of the best destinations in town. For the top things to do in Mill Valley, California, feel free to check out our list below.
1. Enjoy a waterfall hike to Cascade Falls
If you’re looking for something that will suit the family, a hike to Mill Valley’s famous Cascade Falls is best. Most travelers who want to enjoy nature scenery and the outdoor make it a priority to visit Cascade Falls whenever in Mill Valley. It’s one of the least difficult places to hike, even for beginners. During the one-mile long (1.6 km) hike, make sure to take in everything Cascade Falls has to offer, including the woodsy scent wafting through the air, the chirping of birds, and of course, the sunlight shining on your face. Make sure to bring a bottle of water if you’re planning an afternoon hike.
Cascade Falls
Address: Cascade Dr., Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
2. Catch a live show at Throckmorton Theatre
Situated in the heart of downtown Mill Valley, Throckmorton Theater is the perfect place to enjoy live shows by talented artists in the city. It hosts a wide variety of concerts, comedy shows, art exhibitions, and plays. If you want something to make your day, attending one of its comedy shows will surely leave you gasping for breath from laughing too hard. For those who have a soft spot for music, live concerts performed by both aspiring and professional musicians is going to be fun. Tickets are available online and on-site.
Throckmorton Theatre
Address: 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Website: Throckmorton Theatre
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 2pm - 6pm, 8pm - 10pm (closed on Mon & Sun)
3. Admire the contemporary fine art collection at Seager / Gray Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Seager / Gray Gallery is the perfect destination for art enthusiasts and artists themselves. It’s a known attraction in the city, showcasing a diverse art style that attracts aspiring artists from different cities. One of the great things about this gallery is its warm and cozy ambiance that makes exploring the gallery comfortable and easy. It holds an annual Art of the Book exhibition in May, wherein a lot of unique and eye-catching artworks by skilled artists are being exhibited. If your interest is in painting or sculpting, don’t worry. There are tons of paintings and sculptures to marvel at inside.
Seager / Gray Gallery
Address: 108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Website: Seager / Gray Gallery
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon - Tue)
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4. Dig into delicious tacos at Joe's Taco Lounge & Salsaria
Joe’s Taco Lounge & Salsaria is the best taco spot in Mill Valley, especially with the owner being a Mexican himself. Arriving at the restaurant, vibrant floral tablecloths, and sparkling crystal chandeliers will welcome you. Its food presentation is Instagram-worthy, so make sure to bring your camera with you and take as many pictures as you want. The best part? The dishes are not only pleasing to the eyes, but they taste just as good as they look. Make sure to try their crab tacos, avocado relleno, and grilled chicken sandwiches. If you love Mexican food like any other, you can always grab a quick bite here.
Joe's Taco Lounge & Salsaria
Address: 382 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Website: Joe’s Taco Lounge & Salsaria
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 8pm; Fri: 6am - 9pm; Sat: 7am - 9pm; Sun: 7am - 8pm
5. Check out the historic Reed Mill at Old Mill Park
One of the iconic landmarks in town, Old Mill Park is another excellent destination for travelers who love outdoor activities. It’s only within a short distance to downtown giving you plenty of time to make a quick stop here. It’s also in the park where you’ll get to see the town’s namesake sawmill. It might be far from what you are expecting, but it certainly has a distinct charm. Its surrounding nature is an excellent venue for the family to enjoy fresh air. There’s also a playground in the park for the kids to enjoy.
Old Mill Park
Address: 64 Cascade Dr, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
6. Enjoy a picnic by the lake at Bayfront Park
Mill Valley is never short when it comes to picnic places. If you find yourself having difficulty choosing one, a picnic by the lake at Bayfront Park is beautiful. There are several benches there and picnic tables you can use. However, if you prefer to do it the traditional way, which is more fun, make sure to bring a blanket with you. With its large open grassy area, you’ll have a lot of spots to choose from, whether you want to be in the shade or the direct sunlight. You can also bring your furry friends with you. If you’re up for a little hike, there’s a scenic trail at Bayfront Park.
Bayfront Park
Address: 498 Sycamore Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Website: Bayfront Park
7. Experience the Mill Valley nightlife at Bungalow 44
Make your nights as exciting as your fun-filled days by visiting Bungalow 44. Famous for its classic and rustic ambiance, Bungalow 44 is a resto-bar that promises visitors a night of good food and drink. It serves contemporary Californian-American dishes with a touch of own made spices. Its grilled fish and steaks are some of the food to try if you’re looking for the perfect dinner. You can always start with a tasty cocktail while waiting for your order. Its Heirloom tomato flatbread is also delicious, especially when paired with a vintage wine from the bar. For intimate dining, there’s a private fireplace room in Bungalow 44.
Bungalow 44
Address: 44 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Website: Bungalow 44
Opening hours: 5pm - 8pm (daily)
8. Dive into music at Sweetwater Music Hall
Sweetwater Music Hall is a live music venue and a cafe boasting an elegance of a classic, grand-old home. Arriving at the place, you’ll have to walk through the courtyard and enter the café through wide French doors. Its café has an open kitchen and espresso bar, where you can watch the staff while they’re preparing your food. The music hall, on the other hand, is another story. While entering the hall, one of the things you’ll notice is its warm and inviting ambiance marked by a touch of comfort and hidden acoustics. Sweetwater Music Hall is a complete package where you can enjoy good food and excellent music.
Sweetwater Music Hall
Address: 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Website: Sweetwater Music Hall
9. Stay healthy and take a jog at Camino Alto Open Space Preserve
There’s no place like Camino Alto Open Space Preserve in Mill Valley. It features many habitats such as redwood, grasslands, and oak woodlands that house a plethora of animals. If you’re planning to take a hike or your morning jog here, the best trailheads are on Overhill Road. From there, you can avail of a parking space, making it an ideal starting point for your jog and exploration of the many trails that will lead to Mount Tamalpais. There’s no entrance fee for the preserve, and the degree of difficulty is moderate. We’d recommend to avoid visiting this spot during the summer as it can be a little too hot.
Camino Alto Open Space Preserve
Address: Sandy Ln, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Website: Camino Alto Open Space Preserve
10. Dye a scarf as a stylish souvenir of your Mill Valley trip (from USD 95.0)
Your visit to the charming town of Mill Valley will not be complete without a souvenir to take home with you. To make it more fun and sentimental, a workshop on dyeing a wool or silk scarf might interest you. This experience hosted by Auli is the perfect opportunity to avail of a unique souvenir, but you’ll also get to learn the right ways of natural dyeing. Included in this workshop are the tools you’ll need, including traditional dyes like coffee berry bush leaves, acorn, and eucalyptus leaves. The best part? You can be as creative as you want, and no one will have a say on it.
Dyeing a scarf with California plants
Duration: 2.5 hours
Fill your days with exciting things to do in Mill Valley
When you visit Mill Valley, one of the things that you won’t have to worry about is having nothing to do. With its natural beauty and plenty of outdoor activities, dining, and shows, there will be no dull moments while you are here. All you have to do is pack your bag, drive to Mill Valley, and the rest will take care of itself. Have fun and enjoy everything this charming place has to offer.
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