Tamalpais Valley, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tamalpais Valley
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| Nickname(s):
Tam Valley
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 Tamalpais Valley
Location in California
Tamalpais Valley
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Marin County |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.795312 sq mi (2.05985 km2) |
| Elevation | 108 ft (33 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 11,492 |
| • Density | 14,449.7/sq mi (5,579.05/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
Tamalpais Valley is a cool place in Marin County, California. It's not an official city, but it's a community where people live. Many people call it "Tam Valley" for short. The name "Tamalpais" comes from the Miwok people, who were the first to live here.
Contents
What is Tamalpais Valley Like?
Tamalpais Valley is about 509 acres big. It sits 108 feet above sea level. You can find it near the coordinates 37°53′19″N 122°32′23″W / 37.888526°N 122.539609°W.
Location and Nearby Places
The closest cities are Mill Valley to the north and Sausalito to the southeast. If you drive, Tamalpais Valley is only about 10 minutes from the famous Golden Gate Bridge. It's also about 15 minutes from the big city of San Francisco.
California State Route 1, also known as Shoreline Highway, runs right through the valley. This road is super important for getting to the western parts of Marin County.
Nature and Wildlife
A big part of Tamalpais Valley is federal parkland. This area is called the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). It has lots of wooded canyons. These canyons are home to many different animals. You might see deer, raccoons, squirrels, and even bobcats or mountain lions. There are also many kinds of birds, like hummingbirds, hawks, and eagles.
Other cool nature spots nearby include Mount Tamalpais State Park, Muir Woods National Monument, Tennessee Valley, and Muir Beach.
Who Lives in Tamalpais Valley?
In 2009, about 11,000 people lived in Tamalpais Valley. That's almost the same number of people as in Sausalito! For official counting, Tamalpais Valley is grouped with another community called Homestead Valley. Together, they form a "census-designated place" called Tamalpais-Homestead Valley.
Local Government and Leaders
Even though it's not a city, Tamalpais Valley is part of the larger government system.
- Your state senator is Mike McGuire. He is from the Democratic Party.
- Your representative in the State Assembly is Marc Levine (D).
- Your representative in the U.S. Congress is Jared Huffman (D).
These leaders help make decisions for the area and the state.
A Look at Tamalpais Valley's Past
Long ago, Native American tribes like the Miwok Indians lived in Tamalpais Valley. They left when Spanish missions and forts were built in San Francisco.
From Coyote Hollow to Tamalpais Valley
In the 1800s, this area was known as Coyote Hollow. It was given to William Richardson in 1838. Later, it was bought by Samuel Reading Throckmorton. Eventually, Portuguese families from the Azores bought the land. They started dairy farms in the valley. Some of their family members still live there today!
In 1908, developers bought land in the valley. They changed the name from Big Coyote to Tamalpais Valley. They started selling lots for people to build homes.
Growing as a Community
During the 1920s, Tamalpais Valley grew quickly. More families moved in, and small businesses opened. By the 1950s, it had become a suburban area. It had its own primary school, a sewer system, and local government.
Fun Things to Do in Tamalpais Valley
The area is perfect for outdoor adventures! You can find many hiking and biking trails. These trails offer amazing views of Mount Tamalpais and the Marin Headlands. You can also see the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.
Some popular trails nearby include:
- Tennessee Valley trail
- Miwok trail
- Dias trail
- Mountain Home trail
Places to Check Out Nearby
- Mill Valley
- Mount Tamalpais
- Muir Woods
- Richardson Bay
- Tamalpais High School
