Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Mill Valley California
With trails winding through fragrant Redwood groves leading to secret stairways and panoramic views, Mill Valley is a haven for bikers, hikers, and nature lovers. Add in local restaurants, cafes, makers, shops, and musicians and you’ll see why we recommend at least two days exploring this area. Settle in at Mill Valley Inn in downtown Mill Valley or at Acqua Hotel, only a 10 minute drive from downtown.
Now let’s head out! Read on to learn about our recommendations for romance, nature, entertainment, dining, activities, and wellness.
ROMANCE
We’ve made this really easy on you by planning a 48-hour datecation in our Mill Valley Date Night intenerary. Cherry pick if you must, or go all in for a 48-hour date that includes everything from live music to couples mani-pedis. Also works for a retreat with your bestie!
NATURE
A lovely meander or an intense workout, you’ll find them both (and more) in Mill Valley.
Old Mill Park. Redwoods and easy paths wind around this sweet park. An easy walk from Mill Valley Inn you’ll be immersed in the grove in under 5 minutes. If you’re driving, there’s usually street parking around the area.
Cascade Falls is located just a 25 minute walk from Mill Valley Inn. If you’re driving over from Waters Edge Hotel or Acqua Hotel, you’ll find street parking around the area. In the summer the falls might not be running, but the walk is lovely year-round.
Explore the Stairways of Mill Valley. Mill Valley has 175 heritage stairways, lanes, and paths meandering through the residential areas of town. Pick up a map of the the paths, lanes, and stairways at the Chamber of Commerce or the Mill Valley Library (worth a visit on its own! Trust). Or download this guide. And here’s some history.
Do The Dipsea. Your Dipsea route starts a few flat blocks from the Mill Valley Inn at the Dipsea Stairs in Old Mill Park, on a flight of 671 stairs in three separate sections. On the course of the 7.4 mile Dipsea Trail, you’ll follow in the footsteps of hundreds of walkers and runners of the oldest footrace in America.
Muir Woods. Of course you know about this super famous National Park. Remember to make Reservations!
ENTERTAINMENT
When you’re ready for some entertainment and culture, Mill Valley delivers with a little something for everyone.
For live music Sweetwater Music Hall is a must-do.
Comedy at the Throckmorton Theatre.
Live Theatre at Marin Theatre Company.
Art at O’Hanlon Center for the Arts and Seager Gray Gallery.
Check out the Mill Valley Library calendar of events for speakers and other events.
DINING
For a small town, there are alot of dining options in Mill Valley! Of course our favorite is our sister restaurant Piazza D’Angelo. Some other favorites are:
Bungalow 44 for $1 oysters 5-6pm every night of the week and a great bar scene.
Mill Valley Beerworks for fresh cuisine and so many beers.
Tamalpie because everyone loves their pizza.
Playa for contemporary mexican.
Here’s link to all of the restaurants in Mill Valley.
ACTIVITIES
Proof Lab. We can never talk about our favorite things in Mill Valley without mentioning Proof Lab Surf Shop. There’s retail and a coffee shop at Proof Lab, but it’s the indoor skate ramp that makes this an activity destination.
Studio Velo. Join one of their bike rides or explore Marin Classic Loops on your own.
WELLNESS
Red Dragon is a yoga studio located near downtown Mill Valley, an easy walk or bike ride (borrow one of our bikes!) from Mill Valley Inn.
Evo Spa is small, lush and low key spa with really lovely practitioners and and excellent shop with clothing, jewelry, and body products.
Conscious Transformation for a truly magical, mystical, highly personal experience with Andrea Satyam in her small studio in Mill Valley.
See you out there!
