As a longtime Texan , I’ll admit, California has us beat in two undeniable categories: the weather and the mountains. And in Mill Valley, a scenic escape north of San Francisco in the Bay Area, you get the best of both. Located at the base of Mount Tamalpais, between redwood groves and the shimmering edge of the bay, Mill Valley is a must-visit for travelers seeking cinematic views, easy access to hiking trails and nature parks, a walkable downtown area, a beautiful public library, and a crowd that feels straight out Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls . Whether you’re hoping for a discreet celebrity sighting or craving a picturesque escape—the kind of place no camera can quite capture in one frame—Mill Valley delivers. Here's how to plan the perfect visit. How to Get There A "Welcome to Mill Valley" sign. Jammer Gene/Adobe Stock Mill Valley itself doesn't have an airport, but there are several in surrounding towns.…