The quaint downtown is reminiscent of a European town - a plaza in the center with shops, restaurants, and even a theater to listen to stand up comedy. Currently during weekends, the downtown is closed off allowing restaurants to set up al-fresco dining.. Mill Valley has repeatedly been named among the nation's best small towns, including a ranking from Smithsonian Magazine and CNN Money, and accolades from the New York Times. The proximity to the streams, woods and hills makes Mill Valley an iconic location for trail adventures from bicycling to hiking, and running. The grueling Dipsea trail race which started in 1905 is 7.4 miles of trails, from downtown Mill Valley to Stinson Beach with a limit of 1500 runners. Popular Muir Woods is a mere 2.5 miles from downtown. Surrounding Mill Valley, the iconic Mount Tamalpais is the birthplace of mountain biking. Cyclists are regularly on trails to Sausalito, Mt. Tam, and to Tennessee Valley. The public schools: K-8 and high school are highly rated and continues to be a draw for many families. Tam High produces graduates that go to Harvard, Cal, Princeton, NYU, Yale, etc.

DOWNTOWN MILL VALLEY AMENITIES
• Marin Country Day Pre-School, public schools- K-8
• Mill Valley Public LIbrary
• Old Mill Park: redwoods with Cascade Falls
• Trails to Mt. Tamalpais, Tennessee Valley, Muir Beach and more
• Dipsea Trail Race, since 1905 with only 1500 eligible runners
• Throckmorton Theater, Sweetwater (Bob Weir, Greatful Dead founder)
• Art Galleries (Art Walk on Tuesdays)
• AC Transit Bus service to SF including early direct trips for commuters
• Mill Valley Film Festival (11 day event, nationally recognized)
• Community events planned year round in the square