Mill Valley is considered one of my favourite day journeys—it’s solely about half-hour north of San Francisco, and I’ve gone extra instances than I can depend. It critically by no means will get previous. With its peaceable redwoods, cozy cafés, trendy retailers, and what could be the prettiest library in California, it’s the proper mixture of nature and attraction. Let me present you my go-to itinerary for the proper day:
Morning
Stroll By Muir Woods
Muir Woods is a 558-acre nationwide monument that is among the Bay Space’s final remaining historic redwood groves, and a few of these bushes are actually insane—over 250 toes tall and practically 1,000 years previous!
With round six miles of trails, you’ll be able to select something from a brief, 30-minute stroll to longer hikes that join into Mount Tamalpais State Park. I often follow the one-hour loop by Bohemian Grove and Founders Grove. It’s simply the correct amount of time to totally benefit from the magnificence with out speeding—or needing a backpack stuffed with snacks.
Fast suggestions: Reservations are required (this place will get busy!), so remember to guide forward. And since there’s no cell service when you’re deep within the woods, don’t overlook to obtain your reservation QR code earlier than you go. Additionally, maintain a watch out for the stretch between bridges 3 and 4 on the Bohemian Grove Loop—it’s arms down my favourite spot for these epic redwood views.
Brunch at Flour Craft Bakery
Flour Craft Bakery is 100% gluten-free, however you’d by no means understand it from the style (critically, all the pieces is so good). Tucked inside the fashionable Mill Valley Lumber Yard, they serve up artisan pastries, fresh-baked breads, and colourful, plant-based tartines which might be as fairly as they’re scrumptious.
We ordered the Stinson Tartine, piled excessive with basil-almond pesto, Marin French Brie, and slow-roasted tomatoes, plus the Basic Avocado Toast topped with smoked salmon. Complete heaven on a plate. And don’t even take into consideration leaving with out making an attempt considered one of their flourless mudslide cookies—they’re wealthy, gooey, and fully unforgettable.
Discover the Mill Valley Lumber Yard
What was once an precise lumber yard again in 1892 has been fantastically reimagined right into a full of life little village of outlets, outside hangouts, and informal enjoyable—suppose cornhole video games, creekside seating, and views of Mount Tam peeking by the bushes. Mill Valley Lumber Yard is the sort of place the place you’ll be able to sip a espresso, browse native boutiques, and completely lose monitor of time (in one of the simplest ways).
A few my favourite spots? Nonetheless is a dream for stunning residence items and decor, and Aviator Nation has the coziest 70s-inspired hoodies and sweats.
Afternoon
Go to California’s Prettiest Library
I do know it sounds loopy to say a library is a must-see—however the Mill Valley Library may simply be the prettiest one amongst of California. Tucked into the redwoods, it’s this attractive mixture of glass, wooden, and nature, with floor-to-ceiling home windows that allow the sunshine pour in and bushes virtually hugging the constructing. We solely popped in for a fast look, however I’m already dreaming about coming again with my laptop computer to work right here for a day. I imply… forest views and free Wi-Fi? Sure, please.
Professional tip: Parking is usually a little bit of a headache close to the native faculty, so attempt to keep away from these busy drop-off and pick-up instances.
Buying in Downtown Mill Valley
Downtown Mill Valley has this charming European village really feel that makes merely wandering round really feel like a mini trip. Lytton Sq. is the guts of all of it—locals lounging with cappuccinos from The Depot or Equator Espresso, avenue musicians including a bit soundtrack to your stroll, and even just a few pleasant chess video games taking place proper beneath the solar.
It’s additionally an awesome place to buy! I at all times pop into The Items for quirky presents and classic finds (honest warning: you’ll in all probability stroll out with one thing you didn’t know you wanted)!
Night
Dinner at Playa
Wrap up your day with dinner at Playa, and actually, I can’t consider a greater strategy to finish an ideal Mill Valley escape. This contemporary Mexican restaurant nails the vibe—with indoor-outdoor seating, cozy heaters, and twinkling string lights that make it really feel such as you’ve been transported straight to an elegant Baja seaside city (minus the sand!).
I often go all in on the ahi tostada, creamy guacamole, and some tacos. The flavors are daring and contemporary—particularly the al pastor tacos with that sweet-spicy pineapple salsa, and the crispy empanadas crammed with chorizo, currants, and inexperienced olives.
➞ Searching for extra journeys from San Francisco? Listed here are just a few of my favorites:
Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Assets for Reserving Your Journey!
E-book Your Flight
Expedia is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you’ll be able to simply discover one of the best fare offers. You may as well choose ‘Watch Costs’ to get an electronic mail alert when the costs change.
E-book Your Lodging
I take advantage of each Reserving.com and Expedia for accommodations, as a result of every provides a pair totally different resort decisions and I like to check the critiques on each. When you have a gaggle or are on the lookout for extra of a house ambiance, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, residences and even only a room for hire in each value vary.
E-book Your Rental Automotive
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the best choice! I at all times guide with RentalCars.com (it’s a part of reserving.com) for one of the best costs and high model choices.
E-book Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to serps for cool bucket listing experiences! Each can have totally different excursions, so verify each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Neglect Journey Insurance coverage
Journey will be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an damage, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed here are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Take a look at the Bucket Record Journey Amazon Retailer to search out all my favourite journey necessities. Every part from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling footwear.
*Lastly, verify journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security data.
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