Welcome to Mill Valley

Just 10 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mill Valley feels like a world apart, yet close enough to the city for an easy commute. With roughly 15,000 residents, the town is nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais, where redwoods and hills create a serene backdrop for daily life. Here, the pace is easy, the community is tight-knit, and every street seems to have its own story.

Why Mill Valley Stands Out

  • The natural setting is immediate: redwood‑canopied trails in the hills, layers of fog, quiet creeks in town, and easy access to the scenic uplands of Mount Tamalpais call for exploration and fresh air.

  • Downtown offers a distinct local character and vibe: boutique shopping, artisanal bakeries, an iconic public library set within the redwoods, curated galleries and restaurants where you’ll encounter locals as often as visitors.

  • A renewed business scene: here you’ll find many upscale boutiques, art‑forward galleries, amazing local eateries, and health‑conscious services.

  • Connectivity: Even though Mill Valley feels tucked away, its proximity to the rest of the Bay Area and the city makes it accessible while retaining its own unique feel.

Lifestyle Highlights & New Local Businesses

  • Culinary Scene: Beyond the classics like Piazza D’Angelo and Playa, recent additions like Tam Tavern and Corner Bar have added a casual yet elevated spot for locals to gather after a hike or just to meet friends. Strawberry Village has become a destination with favorites opening soon such as Tartine Bakery’s pastries, Cholita Linda’s fresh Latin cuisine, and a new outdoor plaza that hosts seasonal markets.

  • Arts & Culture: The Mill Valley Film Festival remains a highlight, drawing cinephiles from around the Bay Area. Local galleries, like the Marin Society of Artists, continue to host exhibits that spotlight both established and emerging artists. Additionally, 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.

  • Outdoors & Recreation: From Mount Tam trails to the gentle creekside paths of Old Mill Park, outdoor life is front and center. Weekend farmers’ markets, local yoga studios, and cycling routes make staying active seamless. Mill Valley is also close to Marin beaches such as Rodeo Beach, Muir Beach (including hikes at Tennesse Valley Trail), and Stinson Beach.

  • Schools: Families are drawn to Mill Valley for its top-notch schools, known for their academic excellence and innovative programs.

At Own Marin, we see Mill Valley as a town where nature, creativity, and community intersect. It’s not just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle with the perfect balance of laid-back California charm and accessible city life.

 

  • Middle Ridge

  • Molino – Edgewood

  • Muir Beach

  • Old Mill

  • Panoramic

  • Scott Valley

  • Strawberry

  • Sycamore Park

  • Tam Valley

  • Tennessee Valley

NEIGHBORHOODS

  • Alto Sutton Manor

  • Blithedale Canyon

  • Boyle Park

  • Cascade Canyon

  • Country Club

  • Downtown Mill Valley

  • Enchanted Knolls

  • Eucalyptus Knolls

  • Homestead Valley

  • Marin Terrace

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
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WHAT TO EXPECT
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Featured
The Neighborhood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Local Markets

Mill Valley’s go-to grocery stores include two Whole Foods, The Mill Valley Market, Good Earth and two Safeway grocery stores.

Enjoy Movie Night

Downtown Mill Valley is home it’s own boutique movie theater, see what’s currently in theaters here.

CITY GUIDES