Incorporated in 1900, Mill Valley is located about 14 miles north of San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge. Nestled along the eastern slopes of Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley, with a population of around 14,000 (14,231 in the 2020 censues) has a mountain town vibe with a thriving downtown. The Mill Valley zip code, 94941, includes adjacent unincorporated communities of Almonte, Alto, Homestead Valley, Tamalpais Valley and Strawberry.
All You Need to Know to About This Quaint Mountain Hamlet
Mill Valley is positioned at the base of Mount Tamalpais, serving as the gateway to the coast and Muir Woods. It’s home to the Dipsea Trail and its iconic up-and-over footrace (the oldest in the country), the Mountain Play and its al fresco musicals, and (once upon a time) the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway and its open-air gravity cars. The railway may be a thing of the past, but residents still find ways to get around: see them hike, cycle and surf, sometimes all in one day. Families fill the redwood-rimmed village of downtown, catching up with friends in the Depot Plaza and threading in and out of owner-operated shops and world-class eateries. Later, they might just catch a show at the Sweetwater Music Hall.
Looking to learn more about this amazing part of Marin? Click below.
Eat | Stay | Do
Community
9 Questions for Mill Valley Bike Enthusiast Joe Breeze
Q&A with the creator of the “Breezer”, the first modern mountain bike.
KNBR’s Avid Sports Host Brian Murphy Gushes Over Life in Mill Valley
A morning radio host talks about how he got started in the business, his most famous interview and why he loves Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Music Owner Gary Scheuenstuhl Shares What’s on his Summer Playlist
The owner of this local institution knows Marin’s music scene better than almost anyone.
History
The Sequoia Theater’s Beginnings: Downtown Mill Valley 95 Years Ago
In 1929, Mill Valley saw the Sequoia Theater open and a devastating fire destroy 117 homes.
Mill Valley History: Fun Facts
Mill Valley is a town rich with history — some of it quirky, some of it surprising.
Turn of the Century Clean Power: When Marin had Electric Trains
For nearly 40 years, these environmentally-friendly trains connected Marin County.
Marin’s First Movie Star: The Mt. Tamalpais Scenic Railway
The Edison company filmed an early movie of the Crookedest Railroad in the World.
The History and Rebirth of Mill Valley’s Sequoia Theater
After 93 years, it’s about to get a second life.
Marin’s History with the Summer of Love
While San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury drew the national spotlight, many discovered a quieter counterculture enclave right across the bridge.
Homes
A Thoughtful Renovation of a Mill Valley Craftsman Pairs Historical References With Modern Sensibility
A transformation that improved functionality while honoring history.
Creative License: Interior Designer Kress Jack’s Mill Valley Home is Awash in Color and Character
Interior designer Kress Jack transforms a quirky Mill Valley fixer-upper into her dream home.
A Mill Valley Home Remodeled for Family, Friends and Community
In Mill Valley, a home is remodeled to roll out the welcome mat for family, friends and community.
Our Partners
