Old Mill Park
Old Mill Park
4.5
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Restored, historic sawmill turned park, site of annual Mill Valley Arts Fest.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
84 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
29
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
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cp n
Raleigh, NC31 contributions
May 2021
One of the goals of our recent road trip was to see redwood trees. There was not enough time in our schedule to go to the more notable places to see them, so we were seeking alternatives. We walked 3 miles (round trip) in Yosemite to see a couple of clusters of redwood trees in Merced Grove. Literally, there was a cluster of about 7 trees and walking a little farther, there was a clump of 2 trees.
We intended to go to Muir Woods until the hotel clerk told me that you had to have reservations to go to Muir Woods... no time for that. And then I read that Mill Valley had redwood trees in Old Mill Park that were easily accessible so we decided to go see.
We were rewarded with a beautiful park that we enjoyed walking through that was FILLED with redwood trees. The area was shaded by the canopy of the redwoods. We were somewhat envious that almost every house in the neighborhood had their houses built within the redwood forest.
Literally, we parked our car on the street, crossed the sidewalk and entered the park surrounded by these towering giants. Could not have been an easier way to enjoy these beautiful trees. Were they as tall as the ones in Sequoia National Park and other places more known for the trees? I don't really know. But they were easy to get to and we were practically alone in the park.
...and in case it needs to be mentioned, there is no charge to enter this city park. This is a family park with a playground. The old mill remains are preserved there and the creek/river runs by it. And the day we were there, there was a man sitting by the creek playing his guitar. He was good. We enjoyed it.
We intended to go to Muir Woods until the hotel clerk told me that you had to have reservations to go to Muir Woods... no time for that. And then I read that Mill Valley had redwood trees in Old Mill Park that were easily accessible so we decided to go see.
We were rewarded with a beautiful park that we enjoyed walking through that was FILLED with redwood trees. The area was shaded by the canopy of the redwoods. We were somewhat envious that almost every house in the neighborhood had their houses built within the redwood forest.
Literally, we parked our car on the street, crossed the sidewalk and entered the park surrounded by these towering giants. Could not have been an easier way to enjoy these beautiful trees. Were they as tall as the ones in Sequoia National Park and other places more known for the trees? I don't really know. But they were easy to get to and we were practically alone in the park.
...and in case it needs to be mentioned, there is no charge to enter this city park. This is a family park with a playground. The old mill remains are preserved there and the creek/river runs by it. And the day we were there, there was a man sitting by the creek playing his guitar. He was good. We enjoyed it.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joan88
Mill Valley, CA742 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Not that many parks in the world where you can push your kid, or grandkid on a swing and then look up and be awed by the redwood trees! Two play areas, restrooms, picnic tables...and the beautiful public library adjoining. Also trails leading over streams into the redwoods for older kids too. The Dipsea Steps are not far from the park area too! The town itself is quite incredible...small, lovely shops and fun places to eat also!
Written July 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jarion M
Mill Valley, CA76 contributions
Jun 2013 • Solo
I walk here with my dog almost every day. There's really no other small town park quite like it, and the library is built right into it! And once a month, the library sets up tables out of doors in the park for their book sale. Mill Creek runs right through it, and on a hot day, this is the place to be. In the summer, bring your beach chair down to watch first run movies in the park with your dogs and kids. But the best times for me have been mostly on a daily basis when hardly anyone's around: just me and my dog beneath the redwood canopy, the cathedral-like majesty of these wondrous trees. When the Fall Arts Festival is held here, it becomes quite a different place with crowds of tourists and shoppers browsing the wares of local artists, but that's fun, too---for a couple of days. Mostly, it's the serenity that attracts me to the groves, the brook, and the filtered light.
Written June 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
foodguruchannel
Mill Valley, CA38 contributions
May 2014 • Family
Darkened by thick, enormous Redwood Trees and a trickling creek, in Old Mill Park, the Library is home to Mill Valley’s history of the Miwok Indians, settlers, homesteaders, the lumber mills, and the old railroads. Old Mill Park, directly outside the Library, is a quiet and serene place for a picnic lunch or for a peaceful respite. Off of Throckmorton Ave, about 2 blocks away from the Depot (the downtown square), is the Mill Valley Public Library. http://www.food-guru.com/mill-valley-a-locals-guide/
Written June 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1972TravelGirl
San Francisco, CA185 contributions
Sept 2020
Great playground and natural setting for kids to play. There is water, massive tree trunks, plus everything you need to exhaust your little ones.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karim Maarouf
Cairo, Egypt892 contributions
Sept 2019
I came here by bike from San Francisco, made a quick stop then continued to Tiburon to take the ferry back. So, I didn't have time to explore but the redwood trees were amazing. I could be wrong, but it seemed like the park wasn't too big anyway. Still would definitely recommend visiting.
Written November 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
662GeorgeM
Mill Valley, CA24 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Old Mill Park is close to the central part of town and the city library is adjacent to it. It is close to my home so my wife and I visit it often. We walk our dog there weekly. I’ve conducted a couple of weddings and one Celebration of Life event there.
“In 1834, John Thomas Reed was assigned the first Mexican land grant on the Marin peninsula. He established a mill to provide lumber for the new military post being built in the Presidio, across the bay in San Francisco.”
Some of the original saw mill is still in tact. If you don’t have the opportunity to visit Muir Woods, also in Mill Valley, visit Old Mill Park. There you will walk through ages-old redwood trees. For many visitors, they are the tallest trees they have ever seen. There is a little stream wandering through the park. Benches and tables are available… bring your lunch and stay a while. You’ll remember doing so the rest of your life.
“In 1834, John Thomas Reed was assigned the first Mexican land grant on the Marin peninsula. He established a mill to provide lumber for the new military post being built in the Presidio, across the bay in San Francisco.”
Some of the original saw mill is still in tact. If you don’t have the opportunity to visit Muir Woods, also in Mill Valley, visit Old Mill Park. There you will walk through ages-old redwood trees. For many visitors, they are the tallest trees they have ever seen. There is a little stream wandering through the park. Benches and tables are available… bring your lunch and stay a while. You’ll remember doing so the rest of your life.
Written June 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DosDocs
San Francisco16 contributions
Oct 2015 • Business
Park has picnic tables for near a creek. Bought my lunch and ate at the tables before taking the dogs on a hike.
Written October 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GINA
Roswell, GA27 contributions
A hidden gem. Take shoes that won't skid and can climb. The climb to the top of waterfall is amazing. The water is refreshing. A great free time. The landscape is beautiful!
Written July 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ClaudeA654
Mill Valley, CA321 contributions
May 2014 • Family
This little park is an enclave of nature in the middle of town, and easy walk from downtown, and an ideal place to either take the kids for the playground or to bring yourself for some quiet solitude. Redwood trees are the key feature of this great park, although the Mill Valley Fall Arts Fair is a highlight at the end of every Summer.
Written May 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, what is the parking situation like on Saturday afternoons? Is it pretty easy to find an abundant amount of parking around 4:30pm? Thank you
Written September 28, 2018
Parking is rough. Only street parking. Mill Valley is a very walkable little town. Park downtown and walk to the park.
Written September 16, 2019
Didn’t see any, but you might be able to use the restroom at the Public Library, if it’s open.
Written January 27, 2018
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