Old Mill Park

Within walking distance of downtown Mill Valley, Old Mill Park is a popular spot for local families and historians alike. The name refers to Reed's Mill, one of the first structures built by European immigrants in southern Marin County. The original mill was built in the 1830s and replaced by an exact replica in 1990. The redwoods in the park aren't as grandiose as those in nearby Muir Woods but have a calming effect on everyone who comes to play, picnic, or sit.Parking and public transportation at Old Mill ParkStreet parking only, as the Park is in a neighborhood near the Mill Valley Library and across the street from Old Mill School. Parking is mostly free (metered closer to downtown) but comparatively hard to come by as the area is well-traveled. Busses run to downtown Mill Valley regularly and from there it's a short walk to the Park. It's almost better to make the Park a destination on a bike ride or hike to avoid the parking hassle.Best and worst time go to Old Mill ParkWith Old Mill Elementary school right across the street, avoid school drop-off and pick-up times if at all possible. Weekday early mornings and late afternoons, before and after the schoolkids are gone, are the quietest times to go. Since it is rather popular there will always be some sort of crowd but it's usually easy to find a little place of your own. The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival is held on the grounds every year.Admission to Old Mill ParkNo admission fees to Old Mill Park. Open hours are from dawn till dusk. No camping allowed. Picnic areas can be reserved for a fee.Must see/do At Old Mill ParkPlay structures and benches are near Reed's Mill within the redwoods. The picnic area is also within the redwoods. Old Mill Creek runs through the park as well. The famous Dipsea Steps are nearby if this is your starting point for a hike or run. You can be as active or as relaxed as you want. If you've just checked out a book at the nearby library, this is the place to start it. If you've gotten a coffee downtown, this is the place to sit and have it. Just being within the redwoods and listening to the wind whistle through the treetops can be enough.Other places to visit near Old Mill ParkDowntown Mill Valley offers many places to get a bite to eat or drink before or after a visit to Old Mill Park. The Mill Valley Market has been family-owned for generations and offers to-go sandwiches and drinks. The Depot Bookstore and Café has coffee and food as well. There are many other places including Peet's and the local Equator Coffee. The Grateful Dead's Bob Weir owns The Sweetwater nearby, which is a restaurant and popular music venue.Insider tip for visitors to Old Mill ParkOld Mill Park is a great place to start a walk on the back roads of Mill Valley. One direction is a trail that leads to picturesque Cascade Falls, which depending on rainfall might be gushing or trickling. Another direction heads up the hill on slopes of Mount Tamalpais. But it's just a calming area where the best thing to do might be to follow the kids lead, climb around Reed's Mill and laugh in the redwoods.Author's bio: Alex Drude is a Bay Area native. He has not fallen off the rebuilt Reed's Mill into the creek, but he's come close a few times. Follow his sports and travel musings on Twitter @Alex_Drude and on Facebook.

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