Dreamy Day Journey Itinerary to Mill Valley, California

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 occasions than I can depend. It significantly by no means will get previous. With its peaceable redwoods, cozy cafés, trendy retailers, and what is likely to 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 means of Muir Woods

Muir Woods is a 558-acre nationwide monument that is among the Bay Space’s final remaining historical redwood groves, and a few of these timber are really insane—over 250 ft tall and almost 1,000 years previous!

With round six miles of trails, you possibly can 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 via Bohemian Grove and Founders Grove. It’s simply the correct amount of time to completely benefit from the magnificence with out speeding—or needing a backpack filled with snacks.

Fast ideas: Reservations are required (this place will get busy!), so you’ll want to guide forward. And since there’s no cell service when you’re deep within the woods, don’t neglect to obtain your reservation QR code earlier than you go. Additionally, hold a watch out for the stretch between bridges 3 and 4 on the Bohemian Grove Loop—it’s fingers 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 (significantly, all the things 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 are 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 an precise lumber yard again in 1892 has been superbly reimagined right into a full of life little village of outlets, out of doors hangouts, and informal enjoyable—suppose cornhole video games, creekside seating, and views of Mount Tam peeking via the timber. Mill Valley Lumber Yard is the type of place the place you possibly can sip a espresso, browse native boutiques, and completely lose observe of time (in one of the simplest ways). 

A few my favourite spots? Nonetheless is a dream for stunning house 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 would possibly simply be the prettiest one among 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 timber 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 could be a little bit of a headache close to the native faculty, so attempt to keep away from these busy drop-off and pick-up occasions.

Procuring 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, road musicians including a bit of soundtrack to your stroll, and even a number of pleasant chess video games occurring proper below the solar. 

It’s additionally an amazing 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 option 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 recent—particularly the al pastor tacos with that sweet-spicy pineapple salsa, and the crispy empanadas crammed with chorizo, currants, and inexperienced olives.

➞ On the lookout for extra journeys from San Francisco? Listed below are a number of of my favorites:

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