Muir Woods (which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area) offers 560 acres of gorgeous redwood forest, featuring trees that stand more than 240 feet tall and that are more than 1,000 years old. If you like to hike, we strongly recommend a visit: there are numerous trails -- some are paved, although most are merely footpaths worn through the forest. There is even a wheelchair-accessible loop trail.

In addition to being home to one of the Bay Area's last stands of old growth redwoods, Muir Woods is rich with other wildlife, including ferns, flowers, lichens, deer, chipmunks, birds and salamanders.

Be sure to stop at the Visitors Center for a comprehensive trail guide, before you set out on your hike. Rangers at the Visitors Center will be able to inform you about any current events or conditions you should be aware of. For example, there has been a recent increase in mountain lion sightings: the rangers will explain what you should do if you meet one of these "big cats." They will also help you identify stinging nettles and poison oak, which, if you touch them, could leave you with a nasty rash.

Mill Valley Travelodge offers you all the facilities of any San Francisco motels and has additional benefit owing to its proximity to the famous tourist destinations. 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.