Guidebook for Mill Valley
Shopping
Locally-owned running shop with a big focus on trails. Stop in for SFRC-logoed clothes, last-minute run essentials, or just to say hi. Great advice is always free.
San Francisco Running Company
247 Shoreline HwyLocally-owned running shop with a big focus on trails. Stop in for SFRC-logoed clothes, last-minute run essentials, or just to say hi. Great advice is always free.
Parks & Nature
It's always popular, and with good reason. Go early for smallest crowds. Parking is by reservation only and often sells out days in advance, so consider taking the shuttle. if you're a trail runner or serious hiker it's easy to get there on foot from our place, we're happy to share our favorite routes.
134 locals recommend
Muir Woods Visitor Center
1 Muir Woods RdIt's always popular, and with good reason. Go early for smallest crowds. Parking is by reservation only and often sells out days in advance, so consider taking the shuttle. if you're a trail runner or serious hiker it's easy to get there on foot from our place, we're happy to share our favorite routes.
A visit to Mill Valley isn't complete without a visit to the historic Dipsea Trail, home of the 2nd-oldest footrace in the USA (behind only the Boston Marathon). The trail starts with three long flights of stairs taking you ~700 steps up from redwood-filled Old Mill Park, dips down into Muir Woods, then climbs again to cross the shoulder of Mt. Tamalpais before a long scenic downhill to end at Stinson Beach.
42 locals recommend
Dipsea Trail
Dipsea TrailA visit to Mill Valley isn't complete without a visit to the historic Dipsea Trail, home of the 2nd-oldest footrace in the USA (behind only the Boston Marathon). The trail starts with three long flights of stairs taking you ~700 steps up from redwood-filled Old Mill Park, dips down into Muir Woods, then climbs again to cross the shoulder of Mt. Tamalpais before a long scenic downhill to end at Stinson Beach.
Essentials
Locally-owned store with a focus on natural, organic, and healthy. Many prepared food options make this a perfect choice for travellers. Burrito counter, salad bar, stir-fry/soup counter, sandwiches, pizza by the slice, coffee bar, ice-cream by the scoop, bakery.... you get the idea.
192 locals recommend
Good Earth Natural Foods
720 Center BlvdLocally-owned store with a focus on natural, organic, and healthy. Many prepared food options make this a perfect choice for travellers. Burrito counter, salad bar, stir-fry/soup counter, sandwiches, pizza by the slice, coffee bar, ice-cream by the scoop, bakery.... you get the idea.
Arts & Culture
Surrounded by redwood trees, huge windows, high ceilings, and cozy seating... all that and books, too. One of our favorite public libraries anywhere. Worth a visit if you're a reader, or even if you just want to see some redwood trees but don't feel up for braving the tourists at Muir Woods.
31 locals recommend
Mill Valley Public Library
375 Throckmorton AveSurrounded by redwood trees, huge windows, high ceilings, and cozy seating... all that and books, too. One of our favorite public libraries anywhere. Worth a visit if you're a reader, or even if you just want to see some redwood trees but don't feel up for braving the tourists at Muir Woods.
Iconic CA design in the original factory where their hand-made tableware is still produced. Browse the huge stacks of seconds at bargain prices, or pick up an occasional third for a steal. They also sell all of their first-quality dinnerware here (& will ship), and there's a well-curated selection of home goods from other bespoke makers from around the globe. It's our go-to place to pick up gifts that will be loved AND used.
107 locals recommend
Heath Ceramics
2900 18th StIconic CA design in the original factory where their hand-made tableware is still produced. Browse the huge stacks of seconds at bargain prices, or pick up an occasional third for a steal. They also sell all of their first-quality dinnerware here (& will ship), and there's a well-curated selection of home goods from other bespoke makers from around the globe. It's our go-to place to pick up gifts that will be loved AND used.
Drinks & Nightlife
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera AveGreat music, great food.
Food Scene
Mill Valley Beerworks
173 Throckmorton AveGreat food, great beer. Enough said.
Because waffles. Also great coffee. They don't have a large food menu, but they do have waffles and you can't go wrong with any of their amazing options (we're partial to the brie/tomato/avocado one). It gets busy but the line moves fast, and there is great people-watching while you wait.
142 locals recommend
Equator Coffees
2 Miller AveBecause waffles. Also great coffee. They don't have a large food menu, but they do have waffles and you can't go wrong with any of their amazing options (we're partial to the brie/tomato/avocado one). It gets busy but the line moves fast, and there is great people-watching while you wait.
The best coffee, closest to our place. No waffles or other cooked food at this location, though they do have a cold case and a good selection of pastries/etc. Enjoy locally roasted coffee at Equator's original location, adjacent to the Proof Lab Surf Shop. Indoor & outdoor seating.
142 locals recommend
Equator Coffees
2 Miller AveThe best coffee, closest to our place. No waffles or other cooked food at this location, though they do have a cold case and a good selection of pastries/etc. Enjoy locally roasted coffee at Equator's original location, adjacent to the Proof Lab Surf Shop. Indoor & outdoor seating.
Casual spot with consistently good food. Dine in and choose from one of hundreds of hot sauce bottles that line the walls, or get speedy take-out and enjoy at home.
46 locals recommend
Joe's Taco Lounge & Salsaria
382 Miller AveCasual spot with consistently good food. Dine in and choose from one of hundreds of hot sauce bottles that line the walls, or get speedy take-out and enjoy at home.
It's popular because it's amazing food. Limited seating & communal tables. But there are benches outside and they are also great for take-out. Don't miss the sandos or limeade.
226 locals recommend
Sol Food
903 Lincoln AveIt's popular because it's amazing food. Limited seating & communal tables. But there are benches outside and they are also great for take-out. Don't miss the sandos or limeade.
Inventive wood-fired pizzas and small plates in an intimate space downtown. No reservations, so there's often a wait, but it's always worth it.
32 locals recommend
Pizza Molina
17 Madrona StInventive wood-fired pizzas and small plates in an intimate space downtown. No reservations, so there's often a wait, but it's always worth it.
Indian burritos. They may sound odd, but they taste amazing. Our go-to for a fresh, delicious, budget lunch in downtown Mill Valley. No real seating (maybe a few chairs?), so take your burrito to the downtown square or Old Mill Park for people-watching while you enjoy.
37 locals recommend
Avatar's Punjabi Burritos
15 Madrona StIndian burritos. They may sound odd, but they taste amazing. Our go-to for a fresh, delicious, budget lunch in downtown Mill Valley. No real seating (maybe a few chairs?), so take your burrito to the downtown square or Old Mill Park for people-watching while you enjoy.
If you're an ice cream connoisseur you MUST make a trip to Posie to sample their inventive and delicious flavors. They also have amazing pies (by the slice) and sometimes other baked desserts.
Posie
250 Magnolia AveIf you're an ice cream connoisseur you MUST make a trip to Posie to sample their inventive and delicious flavors. They also have amazing pies (by the slice) and sometimes other baked desserts.
Casual eatery & drinkery (beer & wine). Order at the counter and find a seat, larger tables are communal. "California comfort" food with some pretty tasty salads. Right on the water with outdoor seating that fills up quickly on a perfect Sausalito evening.
22 locals recommend
Joinery, Beerhall + Rotisserie
300 Turney StreetCasual eatery & drinkery (beer & wine). Order at the counter and find a seat, larger tables are communal. "California comfort" food with some pretty tasty salads. Right on the water with outdoor seating that fills up quickly on a perfect Sausalito evening.