Mill Valley is a beachside city in Marin County located in Northern California. Situated just 22 miles north of San Francisco, it's renowned for its picturesque natural surroundings, vibrant culture and picturesque views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. This charming town houses a whole host of attractions, restaurants, pubs and galleries, and offers plenty of activities for those looking to explore its surroundings.
1. Mill Valley Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
One of the best ways to get to know each other on a first date is to take a leisurely walk in a beautiful environment. Happily, Mill Valley offers plenty of great places for a stroll! Some of the best spots for nature walks are the Muir Woods National Monument, the Steep Ravine Trail, the Alpine Lake and Marsh Trail, and the Historic Railroad Grade Trail. What’s more, the city’s numerous parks are perfect for a picnic date, and include Old Mill Park, Baywood Park and the Redwoods Park.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Mill Valley
If you’re looking for a casual and comfortable first date spot, why not try out one of the city’s many cafes? Mill Valley is full of great places for coffee dates, ranging from cozy independent coffee shops to big-name chains. Popular spots include the quaint Depot Bookstore & Cafe, the bustling Gallery Cafe and the cozy Mill Valley Coffee Roasters.
3. Mill Valley Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
If your date is a culture vulture, then Mill Valley is the perfect place for you both! The area houses a number of interesting galleries and exhibitions, including the Mill Valley Library, the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Marin History Museum.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite your Date to in Mill Valley
For a unique and memorable first date, why not take your date to some live music or entertainment in Mill Valley? The city is home to a number of great music venues and theatres, including the Victoria Theatre, the Throckmorton Theatre and the Sweetwater Music Hall.
5. Mill Valley Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
For a drink or dinner on a first date, Mill Valley offers plenty of stellar options. You could take your date to one of the city’s many pubs or bars, including the Bungalow 44, the California Wine Collective and the Distillery. Or, if you’d prefer something a bit more romantic, why not make a reservation at one of the city’s numerous restaurants? Popular eateries in the area include the Rustic Bakery, Lighthouse Deli and the Fish.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Mill Valley
If you’re looking for ideas that break away from the traditional dinner and a movie, then Mill Valley also offers a number of other date possibilities! How about indulging in some wine tasting at one of the city’s many wineries? Or, if you’re adventurous, why not try out the canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding activities at McNear’s Beach Park? Or, for a truly unique experience, take a tandem bike ride along the Old Mill Park trail.
