Mill Valley, California
Mill Valley, California provides is an excellent getaway for an unforgettable experience. With its numerous trails, parks, scenic overlooks, and other attractions, there is something for everyone. Popular attractions include the Muir Woods National Monument, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the Point Reyes National Seashore. For those looking for outdoor sports, there are plenty of options, including biking, hiking, kayaking, and more. The area also offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. For those looking for a must-visit destination, Mill Valley is an ideal choice. With its stunning scenery and plethora of outdoor activities, the area is sure to create lasting memories.
Top Spots in and near Mill Valley
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Mill Valley, California
Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail
8.17 mi / 1391 ft gainMiwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail is a scenic 8.2-mile loop trail in the Marin Headlands offering panoramic Bay Area views Trail Overview Distance: 8.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1,177 feet Difficulty: Moderate Type: Loop Location: Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area Best...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Rodeo Cove to Point Bonita Lighthouse
5.03.64 mi / 568 ft gainIf you're looking for a little hike and a lot of beach, you'll find your ideal combo at Rodeo Beach and Point Bonita Lighthouse. Park at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at the head of the 0.8 mile trail to the beach. From the lighthouse to the beach, it will be another 1.5-2 miles there and ba...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Swedes Beach
This is a small tucked away beach in Sausalito, CA. Being in the bay, it has very calm waters and is easy to swim in, though the water will be very cold. There are pilings in the water that are remnants of the old piers. It is a great beach to watch the sunset at. There is very limited street...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cruising Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California
4.8Start your drive on US Highway 1 aka Pacific Coast Highway just North of San Francisco. The drive will take about 1 -2 days so plan on overnighting somewhere. Hotels are scarce in the unpopulated areas but there all lots of Cabin rentals throughout and several campgrounds around. Just make sure y...Read more -
Stinson Beach, CaliforniaBouldering & BBQ at Stinson
4.5Stinson offers up a great beach day with a few activities for everyone to enjoy. If you head toward the south end of the beach, you'll come across a few boulder problems, including the 2 most popular: Are You Experienced and The Old Man. Are You Experienced is the smaller of these 2 boulders, but...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cataract Falls
4.22.81 mi / 1184 ft gainThe Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain. Cataract Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed near Stinson Beac...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Stinson Beach
4.3Stinson beach is a popular destination for Bay Area residents and tourists alike. Located just 20 miles north of San Francisco, it is a 30-40 min drive away from the Golden Gate Bridge (it's a one-lane windy road once you're on HWY 1). It is also a popular stop when hiking the nearby Mount Tama...Read more -
San Rafael, California
Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site
4.74.37 mi / 988 ft gainThe Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site trail in San Rafael, California, is a moderately challenging hike. The trail spans approximately 4.37 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 988 feet. The path is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels....Read more -
Sausalito, California
Marin Headlands Trail Loop
11.56 mi / 2415 ft gainThis trail starts at the Julian Trail in Marin Headlands Park, where there's a small parking lot and outhouse bathroom off the circle when coming from Conzelman Road. Take the Julian Trail until you intersect with Bunker Road (you can even turn right and spit off the trail just before intersecti...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Slacker Hill
5.01.02 mi / 344 ft gainAlthough the Headlands can be crowded, particularly at the parking-lot chaos of the Vista Point and pull-offs along Conzelman Road, the three routes leading to the summit of Slacker Hill remain relatively quiet, even during busy weekends. Each can be tied into larger loops throughout the Headland...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Ninja Loop
4.39.37 mi / 1831 ft gainThis loop can start from several different locations, including Rodeo Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot. Starting from the GGB will add 2 more miles onto this run. I like to start at the Coastal Trailhead parking lot off of McCullough and Conzelman Roads (just a notch down from Hawk Hi...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Black Sands Beach
5.00.54 mi / 285 ft gainBlack Sand Beach is a beautiful, mile-long stretch of black sand just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. On a sunny day, it’s best to try and arrive in the morning, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. To get down to the beach, you’ll need to hike for about 5 minutes down 250 or so wooden steps....Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Point Bonita Lighthouse
1 mi / 210 ft gainPoint Bonita Lighthouse stands as a historic sentinel at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, offering visitors a unique blend of maritime history, stunning coastal views, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit to one of California's most dramatic l...Read more -
Fairfax, California
Carson Falls
4.03.75 mi / 863 ft gainAre you tired of crowds on your hikes? First, shame on you for getting up so late and moving so slowly. Did you really need Philz before you got on the trail? Ok, now that you’ve been thoroughly chastised, let’s start planning a hike to the less-frequented Carson Falls. Like any of the falls in ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
WWII Ruins on Point Bonita
4.30.25 mi / 200 ft gainAll throughout the Marin Headlands are WWII-era bunkers, batteries and ruins, including a complex on the hillside above the Point Bonita Lighthouse that provide amazing views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate, and the north coast. Drive out to the parking lot for the Point Bonita Lighthouse in t...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Hawk Hill
5.00.76 mi / 144 ft gainIf you're leaving from SF, head over the bridge and exit onto Alexander Ave. Make the immediate left under the overpass and you'll be on the road to Hawk Hill. There's a parking area just below the gate leading up to Hawk Hill. From the parking lot you can walk west about ten yards along the outs...Read more
