Single traveller - Stinson beach or Mill Valley?

Question

I am planning to 5 night in California next summer before attending a conference in SFO. Since I am traveling alone I do not want to go too far from SFO. I am considering staying in Mill Valley because it seems to be possible to get around the town without a car. I am a bit hesitant hiring a car when traveling alone. What is your recommendation between Stinson Beach and Mill Valley? I would like to relax, reading and some hiking. Would it be possible to stay in Stinson Beach without a car?

Answer

For a solo traveler looking to relax, read, and do some hiking while staying relatively close to San Francisco, both Mill Valley and Stinson Beach have their merits, but your choice will depend on how much you want to rely on a car and how isolated you want to be.

Mill Valley is very convenient if you want easy access to public transportation and local amenities. It’s a charming town at the base of Mount Tamalpais, offering a small-town feel with cafes, bookstores, and restaurants within walking distance. From Mill Valley, you can take short hikes in the Marin Headlands or up Mount Tamalpais. Public transit options, including buses to San Francisco, are available, so you could manage without a car.

Stinson Beach offers a true beach escape with a more relaxed, coastal vibe. It’s perfect for reading, enjoying the ocean, and doing short coastal or nearby redwood hikes. However, it is much more isolated than Mill Valley, and public transport options are limited. Without a car, you would be dependent on infrequent buses or rideshares, which can be inconvenient for grocery runs or spontaneous hikes. Staying at Stinson without a car is possible but requires careful planning.

Mill Valley: Walking-friendly, close to shops and restaurants, easy access to Mount Tamalpais hikes, reliable public transport to San Francisco.
Stinson Beach: Ideal for solitude, ocean views, and beachside relaxation, but limited public transport; hiking mostly requires planning and possibly a car.

Recommendation: If your priority is convenience, low stress, and the ability to explore without a car, Mill Valley is likely the better choice. You can still enjoy nature and hiking, and it’s easy to get to San Francisco for your conference or other city activities. Stinson Beach is excellent if your priority is a quiet beach retreat and you don’t mind organizing rides or planning excursions in advance.

For hiking near Mill Valley, consider:

Mount Tamalpais State Park – several moderate trails with great views.
Dipsea Trail – iconic coastal to forest hike connecting Mill Valley to Stinson Beach if you feel adventurous and have the time.
Marin Headlands – short hikes with fantastic Golden Gate Bridge views, easily accessible by bus or rideshare from Mill Valley.

Overall, Mill Valley offers the best balance of convenience, safety for a solo traveler, and access to nature.