Where Mill Valley is
Mill Valley runs from the marshes of Richardson Bay up into narrow wooded canyons on the southeast side of Mount Tamalpais. Most of the trees in those canyons are second-growth redwoods.
The name comes from a sawmill. John Reed built the first one in the county on Cascade Creek in the mid-1830s, at what is now Old Mill Park. The city incorporated in 1900.
Downtown and nearby communities
Downtown gathers around Lytton Square, where the Tamalpais Scenic Railway once started its climb to the summit of the mountain. The public library is nearby at 375 Throckmorton Avenue. Miller Avenue and East Blithedale Avenue are the two main roads in from Highway 101.
Several places share the 94941 ZIP code but sit outside the city limits: Almonte, Alto, Homestead Valley, Tamalpais Valley and Strawberry. They are unincorporated, so the County of Marin provides their services.
Outdoors
Mount Tamalpais is the backdrop to the whole city, and Muir Woods National Monument is just outside the city limits. The Dipsea Race, first run in 1905, starts in Mill Valley. The Mountain Play is staged at the Mountain Theater on Mount Tamalpais.
Arts and events
The Mill Valley Film Festival began in 1978 at the Sequoia Theatre and is now part of the California Film Institute. The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival is an annual event. The Outdoor Art Club dates to 1902.
Schools
The Mill Valley School District runs the elementary and middle schools. Tamalpais High School, which opened in 1908, is part of the Tamalpais Union High School District.
City government and services
City Hall is at 26 Corte Madera Avenue, and the main number is (415) 388-4033. The City of Mill Valley website covers building permits, public works, the library and recreation. For emergencies call 911. Contacts for every town are on the Marin County government and services page.
Local businesses in Mill Valley
The Marin County business directory sorts local businesses by trade. Mill Valley listings will appear there as each category is researched and checked.