The Coast Miwok Indians greeted Francis Drake and the crew of the Golden Hinde shortly after they arrived in Marin in 1579.

The Coast Miwok Indians were hunters and gatherers whose ancestors had occupied the area for thousands of years. About 600 village sites have been identified in the area.

In 1821 control of California passed from Spain to Mexico, and in the early 1830s secularization of mission properties was decreed.

The United States' occupation of California began in 1846, ending the "Days of the Dons." California became a state in 1850 and Marin County one of its original counties. As settlement accelerated, the huge cattle-raising ranchos gradually gave way to smaller ranches, many of which still flourish today.

In 1937 when the bridge spanned the Golden Gate, the pressure for development increased. During World War II people came from all across the country to work in the Sausalito shipyards and at Hamilton Air Force Base in Novato.

Marin County has attracted progressive people who have supported the purchase of land for parks and community uses. William Kent donated the Muir Woods for a park in 1908 and his mother Adaline, donated land for the Tamalpais Centre, which was eventually given to the College of Marin. In 1972 the Golden Gate National Recreational Area was created. It encompasses the Marin Headlands, Muir Woods and thousands of acres along the Pacific Coast.

Being a San Francisco California Hotel, there are many things to do and see in the vicinity of Mill Valley Travelodge. San Francisco (Marin County), spectacular views from Mill Valley retreat just 15 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Two main trails lead from the house down the north side of the ridge to downtown Mill Valley. The trails on the west side lead to the old gravity railroad grade to the top of Mt. Tamalpais. The trails on the south side lead down to Muir Woods.

Napa and Sonoma County wine regions are about an hour away. Berkeley and Oakland are about 45 minutes away. Other upscale Marin County towns like Sausalito, Belvedere, Tiburon, Larkspur, and San Anselmo are also just minutes away from Mill Valley.