Life in Mill Valley’s Sunniest Neighborhood

1. Leave the car at home and hop onto the Mill Valley-Sausalito multi-use path. Shared by everyone - from commuters biking into SF and seniors out for leisurely strolls to children en route to soccer practice - this well-used trail leads all the way into Sausalito. Wide and groomed, it runs for 3.7 miles, passing alongside everything from soccer fields and a community center to protected wetlands and picture-perfect houseboats.

2. All of Mill Valley's schools are highly ranked, but there's no denying that there's something impressive about the sprawling and newly renovated campus of Edna Maguire Elementary (1/2 acre edible garden included). Still part of the toddler set? Terra Mandarin, an immersion preschool and transitional kindergarten, is located right next door.

3. Whole Foods Market is located just down the street and has you covered when gathering ingredients for that home cooked meal ... plus a killer hotbar (and popular cafe, TamTam Ramen) as backup. On Fridays, the Mill Valley farmer's market also joins the party in the parking lot around the corner.

4. Sure, classic neighborhood cats are great - but neighborhood horses? Um, yes please. A herd of 14 peacefully roam on Horse Hill, an absolutely stunning and much-loved open space preserve above Lomita Drive. Hike a short distance up the fire road to say hello to the pack and take in views of Mt. Tam, the Tiburon Penninsua, and the San Francisco Bay ... or lace up your hiking boots and continue on to connect to the endless trails of the Alto Bowl.

5. Yes, yes, we all love and appreciate the signature Bay Area fog ... but not in our backyard. Locals know that Alto Sutton is one of Mill Valley's warmest weather pockets, perfectly protected and bathed in sun. Hello summer nights!