Discover Mill Valley

Discover Mill Valley through its local history, art events, and outdoor trails. Depending on whether you are more interested in railway and movie theater history, a seasonal cultural program, or outdoor activities, you can explore different themes during your stay.

Local History: Sawmill, Railway and Movie Theater

The first sawmill in the San Francisco Bay Area stood at Cascade Creek. Today, Old Mill Park occupies its site. The park’s name is thus connected to a specific chapter of local history: it is both a place visitors can enjoy today and the site of the former sawmill.

The historic railway offers another perspective. From 1896 to 1930, the Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais Scenic Railway carried passengers through redwood forests, across streams, and up the steep slopes of Mt. Tamalpais. The Mountain Railroad Walk follows the original railway track through Blithedale Canyon and passes 13 stations. The walk gives the railway’s past a distinct and tangible connection to the landscape.

The Sequoia Theater is another part of local history. It opened on February 21, 1929, as a movie theater with one screen and 1,200 seats. Alongside the sawmill and railway, its history adds another historical theme to the picture.

Art Events and Summer Program

The First Tuesday ArtWalk features monthly art exhibitions at Mill Valley City Hall and Community Center. The Arts Commission also publishes a monthly gallery guide. Concerts in the Plaza takes place during the summer months, adding a seasonal event alongside the monthly art program. The two formats therefore differ both in content and in the time of year.

If you would like to plan your stay around a cultural event, keep this distinction in mind: the ArtWalk follows a monthly schedule, while Concerts in the Plaza takes place during the summer season. Program details may change, so check the current dates before your visit.

Trails, Park and Outdoor Activities

Mill Valley has more than 175 original stairways, lanes, and trails. Their variety shows that the local trail network is not limited to a single hiking route. For visitors who enjoy finding their way around on foot, this variety offers its own way to experience the town.

Bayfront Park is located on Richardson Bay, off Sycamore Avenue, and has a trail for hiking and running. Mill Valley Golf Course, a nine-hole course, offers another specific outdoor activity. The Dipsea Race course begins downtown and passes through Old Mill Park. It offers a different connection to the trails than the Mountain Railroad Walk: the former is a race course that starts downtown and crosses the park, while the latter is a walk along the original railway track.

Old Mill Park can also be rented for group picnics. This is another way to use the park, in addition to its historical significance and its place on the Dipsea Race course. If a group picnic is part of your plans, you can include the park as a specific activity.

Muir Woods as a Regional Nature Destination

In the wider region, Muir Woods National Monument offers a distinct natural attraction: it protects 554 acres of old-growth redwood forest. Hiking options there range from short, easy walks to challenging hikes of several miles. When comparing these options, walking time and difficulty are two different factors to consider.

Reservations are required for all private vehicles and shuttle passengers visiting Muir Woods National Monument. As reservation requirements may change, check the rules before your trip. This keeps planning for this regional destination distinct from the art events, historical attractions, and trails in Mill Valley.

Discover more destinations: San Anselmo, Novato, Stinson Beach, San Rafael, Point Reyes Station, San Geronimo, Sausalito, Tomales

For the main travel overview: Marin.