They say it takes a village... and I must say, Mill Valley is sure one helluva village. Like all towns across the state and country, the Corona Virus has taken its toll on people's lives and livelihoods. So it was really heartwarming to see Mill Valley biz owners and residents work together to close off the town square for weekend outdoor dining & entertainment. Every Friday - Sunday this summer, folks can eat al fresco at their favorite downtown establishments (Piazza D'Angelo, Gravity Tavern, Urban Remedy, etc.). They closed off Miller Street from 5pm - 9pm and set up outdoor tables six feet apart from one another & heat lamps. They even set up an acoustic band in the Depot to entertain the crowd. The square was packed! The mood was lively. People were eating & drinking and having a grand ol' time. It almost felt like Europe. You would've almost forgot that we were in the middle of a pandemic if it wasn't for all the face masks. Congrats to everyone who worked hard to put this all together. It truly was a team effort. Hopefully (when the virus is gone), they'll continue this outdoor dining for years to come. Way to go, Mill Valley. Very proud of our community. read more

The library is great, but someone threatened to stab by dog with his keys as we were leaving. It's shockingly disgusting. I visited on Saturday, November 9th, as our friend was using restroom in the library(she lives in Mill Valley, so she knows the area). We patiently waited outside as passerbies walked by to pet my dog and compliment her. My dog is a 10 year old German Shepherd, and she has been trained extensively since 1 year old, and because of this, she doesn't approach people unless we give her the command to. We understand that if people are scared of her breed, they just have to tell us, and we're happy to give them space. After all, she's a really well-behaved and gentle dog. She has been attacked by countless other dogs(now almost a a human), but she has never attacked any other dog or human. We've worked hard with lots of training to make sure she's doesn't become reactive from all the sudden attacks. So, it's shocking when a grown man threatens to stab your dog with his key! He had kids, too. What a terrible example for his kids. This is what happened: Our friend returned from the restroom, and we started walking down towards downtown. We chatted as we walked and noticed a family behind us, walking on the sidewalk. We moved to the side to let them pass. Unknowingly, the little girl is scared of dogs. With the narrow sidewalk, we tried to move aside, but there was limited room. Instead of speaking to us or asking for more space. The man brought out his key and moved it towards my dog in a threatening manner. Hovering the sharp end of the key 1 inch from my dog. We were so shocked that we didn't have time to react! We wished he would've asked for space instead of threatening us! The only reason we knew anything was because the little girl said, "I'm scared of dogs." With the man's key so close to my dog, we couldn't even give them space! Unfortunately, the description isn't very helpful. It was a middle-aged man, about late 40s. A young boy and girl. Kindergarten age. With a black mid size SUV(like a Toyota Rav4 size). They were leaving the library around 1 pm. The thing is, it's a rather dog friendly town. My friend has two dogs. We met many other dogs, but to think, someone who lives here and is raising his kids here would do that! So, if you bring your dog here... Just know someone might try to stand your dog. read more

Not one but two parking tickets in an hour. "Welcome to our Town. We hate you. Give us more money." I regret supporting local businesses here. True...Sweetwater has great music. And there are some awesome Redwoods. But the parking enforcement program is vicious and evil. UPDATE: I fought the law and I won! I paid for one ticket and not the second. read more

Great finds, beautiful pieces, spot on curation!!! You will love this place - it's a pleasure just to hang out and meander through the new treasures daily. A wonderful addition to MV. read more

I'm still a HUGE fan of Mill Valley but driving around Mill Valley is crazy! The streets seem to go in ridiculous directions and they are often barely marked or not marked at all. Needless to say, I get lost and frustrated regularly... this confusion probably makes this already safe community even safer as nobody can find your house! read more

In one of the top most five expensive county's to live in, Mill Valley takes the cake as the most scenic ( in my opinion ) I'd never had a chance to appreciate this place only north of the city, until my best friend moved here and took me for a toke and "a walk." Our walk became a hike deep in the redwood forest, on an steep uphill trail adjacent to a bubbly stream. Slightly faded, out of shape and heaving, I still wasn't complaining. You think you have a lot of steams, creeks, marshes, lakes and reservoirs in your town? I did too. This place is Snow White's little village. Most of the million-dollar homes are hidden up in the hills emcompassed by Mt. Tamalpais Woods. Downtown around Lytton Square, where people gather for coffee at the Book Depot Café or for a game of chess while conducting some serious people-watching, is where you'll find a wealth of cultural activities. First Redneck thought when I came here: "Gee gosh! Mill Valley sho is a great place for stoners like me." Now I pass up the city, and take regular weekend trips up north of SF just to get away. The citizens who are mostly quaint white-picket-fence families and vegan bicyclists are super friendly, you could be yapping away on your cell phone, hand whisking in the air and a stranger passing by will greet you with a sincere smile and a good morning. You won't find a lot of junk food and crap restaurants, so expect things like gellatorias owned by world traveled- clean-cut hippies, and organic trade eco friendly gift shops. Oh yea and the buffalo meat hamburgers at the local joint are supposed to be what made the Native Americans live for so long. Franchises like Taco Hell, Walgreens and Safeway are out casted to the -end- of town. All that cool metaphysical shit is downtown. I forgot to mention the Punjabi Burrito shop and Stevie Nicks look alikes! So bohemian yes? read more

Mill Valley is nestled in a valley partially under the claw of the "fog monster" that envelopes most of the Marin Headlands. This keeps the town cool in the Summer but makes for fewer clear sunny days the rest of the year. It's not uncommon to see rain here and have bright sun just a little further North. As Meghan P. mentioned, the web of streets makes no sense and while you meander along trying to find something some self-important ass-hole will try to run you off the road in their mega SUV/portable livingroom. Everyone seems to feel entitled to have the right of way so it's the polar opposite of Fairfax where you can sit at a 4-way for ages going through an elaborate pantomime with the other drivers who are all trying to give someone else the right of way. A walk around the immaculate downtown will remind you of a quaint European village except everything is priced like it's in Harrod's. annie a. touched upon the conservative whiteness of the hood. And barbara s. hit the nail on the head with her wonderful description of the Stepford CEOs. Yes it's quite a place. I do have to say the town has a great contingent of seniors who seem to have "got here first" and thank goodness they did because they aren't afraid to say hi and even [gasp] make friendly conversation with a stranger. I find most of the down-to-earth inhabitants over at the recreation centre or in the beautiful library. read more

We went to visit Mill Valley this Sunday. Our group consisted of two gay guys and three gay women. You would have thought the people of Mill Valley had never seen GAY people! It was sooooooo white and conservative and WHITE and soooo perfectly manicured. Mill Valley is so beautiful but kind of creepy as well. Everything looks so perfect, the people included. My friend was holding her girlfriends hand ( stunning couple), and people were breaking their necks and whispering! It seems too conservative to be so close to the city. Great shops though! read more

It's a pity about Mill Valley. We lived there for a couple of years and would pass through or visit for recreational purposes. Over the years, we have seen the heavy mountain biking/running/outdoor lifestyle presence, evolve (is that the right word) in to a "look at me" environment. Mill Valley is no longer cool. Instead of sharing space with others in the community, nodding heads in recognition, smiling at cute kids and making room in the crowded book store and coffee shop, we now observe the unjustified arrogance of those who appear to have migrated to Mill Valley from the Marina, or some other such area. It almost seems like people want to move to Mill Valley to be snobs, and they practice it with relish. Pathetic really. Mill Valley is a very pretty town with a fair amount of tradition attached to it, but the turnover in population is making the place feel alien and generally intolerant of anyone and anything. read more

Small. Quaint. White. Sanitized. Limited Parking. No Freeway Access. White. Green Trees. A good place to hide out if you want no one to find you, or pretend that your rich. Sort of like a ROCKRIDGE under a mountain... lol read more

Mill Valley has spectacular views. Many homes are perched on hills between the Bay, beholding the illuminated Bay Bridge, and facing Mount Tam's splendor. It's not an easy town if you're new to the area, there are potholes, the roads need paving, and one can count on parking on the edge of cliffs (no need to go to Elephant Hill in Zion National Park or Going to the Sun Road in Glacier) Parts of Mill Valley are run down. Still, it has breathtaking views. The jaw-dropping views of the Bay and Mt. Tam are worth it. read more

I'm from Mill Valley and a lot of the reviews on here are true. I graduated from high school in '96 and I rarely go back. There are some places that are epic to chill out and listen to some Bob Marley and Led Zepplin. But overall the place has been ransacked by all types of ballers--yuppies, red necks, straight up crack heads, etc. read more

The only thing about Mill Valley that I would say negative is the a-hole rich people. Check out set and the duece.

Beautiful scenery, lots trees, amazing hikes, and yummy food. I could live in this town if it wasn't so expensive. Only downside is no Bart and the people can be a little stuck up, but overall I love it here! read more

From the film festival to all the great restaurants and fun shops - this town has history and character. I wouldn't miss it on my tour the bay area it's a lot of fun :-) read more

Four stars because 1) Sol Food (closer to SF), 2) Mount Tamalpais East Peak, 3) a short drive away from Bolinas, 4) Dipsea Trail, and 5) cute downtown. read more

I moved to Mill Valley from Oakland. I grew up in Berkeley. When I arrived there to enter fourth grade I was bussed to, what was then, Lincoln Elementary from a home in the hills near John Muir School. The year I arrived Lincoln Elementary changed its name to Malcolm X Elementary and over the years I have watched that school transform from a leaky old building with asphalt grounds to a model school with play structures, remodeled and new classrooms. I was one of the white kids who forged that change. I still love the bounce in Berkeley and the Ebony in Oakland. But the day I arrived here last May I joined the library set in the redwoods and kicked back under those friendly giants with a sketch pad and a cappucino. The folks are mostly friendly and peaceful. There are some fools with too much money just like in the East Bay and SF but it sure smells good after the rain and basically you can walk everywhere there is to go, as far as the ocean if you like. This may not be as good as it gets, but I've lived in some nice places and passed through god awful holes and this is as good as its gotten. read more

I've lived in Mill Valley for 35 years. A few years before moving here, I visited here briefly and knew then and there I had to live here someday. When I met my ex on a blind date in New York, I had a psychic hit that I would have a kid with him. A few months later he invited me to move to Mill Valley with him (that was a no brainer), and sure enough we had a kid together. I have consistently loved living here. Despite the fact that it has morphed from a highly bohemian enclave to one in which a bunch of Stepford CEO's with their trophy wives dust the surface, making you sometimes have to fight for a parking space. I don't like these changes, but to me, the heart and soul of the town remain. There is still no traffic light in downtown. It is a destination town. You won't find someone there who is passing through unless they are lost. You have majestic redwood trees lining the center divide on main street in downtown. The library is architecturally quintessential Mill Valley, built in the redwoods over a creek. All of this, and we are 15 minutes from SF over the Golden Gate Bridge. And best of all lots of the original bohemians still live here and we are bonded in that way the really cool people just are. There is nowhere else I would rather call home. read more