Mill Valley Outdoor Activities
From downtown Mill Valley stairs and trails take you up onto Mt. Tamalpais for an endless variety adventures in nature and breathtaking scenery. The Dipsea Trail, famous for the Dipsea Race, crosses the mountain to Stinson Beach. It would take you years to see all of Mt. Tamalpais—providing a lifetime of enjoyment.From Tamalpias Valley, you can take the level Tennessee Valley Trail through the Golden Gate Recreational Area to the ocean. A short drive along US Hwy 1 through Tamalpais Valley takes you to the coastal villages of Muir Beach and Stinson Beach.
A short trip up the mountain to Panoramic Highway leads to the trails of Mt. Tamalpais State Park, with forests, meadows, and ocean views. The same route takes you to Muir Woods National Monument to the south and Stinson Beach to the north.
Out in Nature
There are many beautiful places to walk and hike in Mill Valley! Everywhere you turn, you are out in nature. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Cascade Canyon Loop: Walk a beautiful level loop starting downtown on Throckmorton Ave to Cascade Park and Cascade Falls, returning on Lovell Ave.
- Walk all or part of the famous Dipsea Trail from Old Mill Park at the intersection of Throckmorton Ave and Cascade Drive. This is a strenuous hike starting with three flights of stairs, eventually scaling almost 1,400 feet of Mount Tamalpais, ending in Stinson Beach. The 108th annual Dipsea race will take place on Sunday, June 10, 2018.
- Tennessee Valley Trail is a fairly level walk from a parking area not far from Shoreline Highway (Route 1) in Tamalpais Valley. This is always a beautiful walk though a lush and dramatic valley to an Tennessee Valley Beach on the ocean.
- County View Trail high on the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean can take you all the way to Muir Beach. Starting from Shoreline Highway (Route 1) , drive to the end of County View Road and take the fire road to the west. You will merge with the Miwok Trail and then the Coyote Ridge Trail, all in the Golden Gate Recreation Area.
- Fern Canyon Road/Old Railroad Grade. Drive to the end of Summit Ave and hike this ridge high above Mill Valley.
- Muir Woods National Monument is very popular, and rightly so. It is always serene and beautiful. We have been fortunate to find it less crowded late on a summer afternoon. You have to plan your visit and make reservations.
- Steps, Paths, and Lanes. Mill Valley is laced with lanes and steps built in the early 20th century. These can provide a personal exploration of residential Mill Valley. You can buy A Guide to Mill Valley SLPs, 3rd Edition, 2013, for $5 at City Hall, 26 Corte Madera Ave. You may also find it at the Book Depot in Lytton Square. You can also Google “Hikes in downtown Mill Valley” to discover more interesting walks.
Panoramic Highway, a 10 minute drive from downtown, is the gateway to Mount Tamalpais State Park and many memorable walks on Mount Tamalpais.
Golf, Tennis & Swimming
- The Mill Valley Municipal Golf Course is located in bucolic Warner Canyon (Country Club neighborhood). This par 33, 9-hole course also provides a par 3 course within the existing course. The course has the associated Mill Valley Golf Club.
- Boyle Park on East Blithedale Ave is a center for tennis activities in Mill Valley. This city park has five new courts and a pro shop.
- The Mill Valley Tennis Club, close to the municipal golf course, also provides a pool, cafe and bar.
- The Club at Harbor Point includes tennis courts, an outdoor pool, exercise facilities, and a restaurant.
- Mill Valley Recreation Center has a 25 yard indoor pool with three lanes. The center provides a variety of aquatic and fitness classes.
- Homestead Valley Pool is open Tuesday through Sunday, April 15 through August 20. The pool is available to Homestead Valley residents and the general public, either by seasonal membership or gate fee per swim.
- Scott Valley Swimming and Tennis Club has a 6-lane outdoor pool and eight tennis courts, four lit for night playing.
- The Club at Harbor Point has a 25 yard outdoor, saltwater pool with five lanes and seven outdoor tennis courts, four of which are lighted for evening play, a fitness center, and restaurant.
- Strawberry Recreation District has an outdoor, 5-lane pool and four tennis courts.
Horseback Riding
The Miwok Stables on Tennessee Valley Road in the Golden Gate Recreational Area provides trail rides, lessons, summer camps, and boarding.
