One Of California's Friendliest Cities Is An Artsy, Bustling Gem That Resembles A European Village

From San Francisco to San Diego, the Golden State is gleaming with illustrious destinations. In fact, there are plenty of hidden gem California cities, like Gardena, in the shadows of the state's sun-kissed landscape that are waiting to be explored. Nestled in the Bay Area, about 15 miles from San Francisco, Mill Valley is one such place. Wrapped in the embrace of majestic redwood trees, rolling green hills, and a bohemian-souled community, the small city of Mill Valley is brimming with both natural and artistic beauty. Stroll through Mill Valley's adorable downtown district dotted with cozy shops, art galleries, quaint cafes, and gourmet eateries that emulate the charm of a European village. 

So, if you are looking for an idyllic getaway in an unsung California city full of charm, Mill Valley could be a good choice. Inspiring famous former residents like Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia, there's a friendly and free-spirited beauty that pulses through the town. This atmosphere draws artists from near and far — especially during the annual film festival. Also, if you're an outdoor enthusiast, Mill Valley has you covered, boasting a beautiful backyard brimming with nature-filled playgrounds and hiking trails for miles.

If you're flying to California, the best way to get to Mill Valley is to land at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), one of the least crowded airports in America, or the Oakland Airport (OAK). Both options will put you within an hour drive of Mill Valley, which lies just beyond the reaches of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. If you are traveling from San Francisco, you can also stop at the Hawk Hill Overlook to get unbeatable and sweeping views of San Francisco and the ocean on the way.

Known for its laidback, mountain town atmosphere, you'll find a community with a sunny disposition to match the warm weather in Mill Valley. Situated at the gateway to downtown, your first step should be to head to the Mill Valley Lumber Yard. Here you'll find the cobbled streets of the historic refurbished lumber yard lined with a treasure trove of shops, artist studios, and eateries sparkling with European charm. Dine at Millie's Crêpe Et Créme for a Parisian-style breakfast, or bite into contemporary California cuisine at the Watershed Restaurant. The bustling street also hosts seasonal events, from holiday fairs to Saturday markets. 

After exploring the Mill Valley Lumber Yard, venture further into downtown to wander specialty shops like the vintage treasure chest, The Goods, and Poet and the Bench, a local gift emporium specializing in handcrafted jewelry and contemporary art pieces. For more art, pop into one of the town's galleries, like Robert Green Fine Arts, which showcases a vibrant wonderland of abstract-expressive paintings.

No matter the time of year, Mill Valley is buzzing with activity. The small, yet vibrant town is a paradise for artsy souls, from film fanatics to theater lovers. In fact, the town hosts an array of annual artsy events like the Mill Valley Film Festival. Taking place each October, this 11-day event draws in thousands of cinephiles, screening creations from over 200 filmmakers in the town's local theaters. Furthermore, if you visit during the summer, you can catch the Mountain Play, an outdoor musical production put on by the local theater troupe. This annual play is set on the Cushing Memorial Amphitheater stage against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.

Of course, a trip to the beautiful Bay Area wouldn't be complete without exploring the great outdoors. Resting in the shadow of the majestic Mount Tamalpais and surrounded by picturesque parks, Mill Valley is a perfect base camp for nature-filled adventures. You can visit the Muir Woods National Monument, a stunning redwood forest with miles of hiking trails, ranging from gentle half-mile loops to longer forest-to-beach hikes. For spectacular panoramic views of distant San Francisco, take a hike at Mount Tamalpais State Park, which boasts a plethora of tree-lined trails abundant with wildlife. Surrounded by outdoor beauty and a friendly, small-town atmosphere, Mill Valley is a delightfully underrated and artsy city that is perfect for a charming California escape.