Plan Your Day at the Mountain Play

The Mountain Play is a day to unplug.  Step away from those devices and enjoy the beauty of a performance outdoors. There are so many ways to enjoy our festival-like event – hiking, sharing a picnic, soaking in the view from a historic 3750-seat amphitheatre and a live performance. Join the fun for the whole family adventure!

Seating at Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre

General Seating (i.e., First Come, First Served, or Unassigned) AND Reserved Seating Options are Available.
Claim Your Rocks for the day! The Amphitheatre Gate Opens at 9 a.m. on all Performance Dates

Its “On The ROCKS!” The stone seats are a special feature of the Amphitheatre. Bring a blanket or a cushion, sit right on the rocks, or rent a stadium seat and enjoy our awesome serpentine stones while you watch the show.

Seating at Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre

Its “On The ROCKS!” The stone seats are a special feature of the Amphitheatre. Bring a blanket or a cushion, sit right on the rocks, or rent a stadium seat and enjoy our awesome serpentine stones while you watch the show.

Most of the ampitheatre is General Seating (i.e., First Come, First Served, or Unassigned): Claim Your Rocks for they day! The Amphitheatre Opens at 9 am each performance day.

Getting There

Hike, Bike, Bus, or Drive to the Mountain Play

Take advantage of the ecologically friendly transportation

ROUND TRIP SHUTTLE BUS PRICES:
Adults: $10
Youth ages 4-25: $5

Round-trip bus fare is paid when you board in the morning. Please note: Shuttles do not stop between the amphitheater and shuttle parking lots.

Mountain Play shuttles leave beginning at 9:00 A.M. Last shuttle leaves at 11:00 A.M. from two locations in Mill Valley. At the show’s end, you will join the Front Gate Exit Line to board a bus going back to both parking lots.

Parking is free at both shuttle pickup locations:

Tamalpais High School
Opposite the Safeway on Miller Avenue. Portions are under construction.

Shoreline Parking Lot
Will be the primary lot due to the construction at the Manzanita Park and Ride. We encourage all users to be aware of the general guidelines: do not block access to stalls, bike lockers, transit buses, or load zones; do not park in red zones; abide by lot signage; and be aware that users use the lot at their own risk. California Highway Patrol provides parking enforcement and will ticket & tow if the guidelines are violated.

NOTE: There is no security, and the lot is subject to flooding. Patrons park at their own risk. Vehicles cannot be parked for more than 24 hours. Vehicles may be ticketed or towed by law enforcement for not obeying traffic laws & parking restrictions, such as no parking along red zones or at no parking signs, blocking transit or other vehicles.

Parking is Limited

Reserved Parking Spaces at the Air Force Base Parking Lot are $40 when purchased and reserved online in advance
or $50 at the lot gate; however, if you have not reserved online spaces are subject to availability. There are fewer than 200 spaces for each performance date.

ADA Parking is Limited and only available by reservation.

Purchase Parking Online

Please note that the amphitheater has no street address within Mount Tamalpais State Park. CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS. You can also follow the directions below if you cannot access Google Maps.

Take 101 North over the Golden Gate Bridge. Off 101 North, take the exit for Route 1/Stinson Beach and follow signs for Route 1, which will bring you to the intersection of Tam Junction in Mill Valley.

From Tam Junction in Mill Valley, turn left to stay on Route 1 toward Mount Tamalpais and drive 2.6 miles. Make a right onto Panoramic, following the signs toward Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods. (If you stay straight, you will go to Stinson Beach on Rt. 1)

You will drive 0.8 miles from this turn-off to “4 Corners,” where you will proceed straight (though it appears to veer slightly to the left). (If you make a sharp left, you will go to Muir Woods, and a slight right will take you on Sequoia Valley Rd back down to Mill Valley.) The middle road appears to go straight and a bit to the left. This road points to Mount Tamalpais and Stinson Beach.

From “4 Corners,” you will drive 4.5 miles up the mountain (at 1.7 miles, you will see Mountain Home Inn on the right and a sign for Mount Tamalpais State Park on the left) until you see the Pantoll Ranger Station on the left. You will turn right up the mountain, taking Pantoll Road and following signs for Mount Tamalpais.

From this split at Pantoll Ranger Station:  At 1.0 miles, you will see Trojan Point Parking Lot on the right. At 1.4 miles, you will see Rock Spring Parking Lot in front of you.

MOUNTAIN PLAY PARKING ATTENDANTS WILL ASSIST YOU FROM THIS POINT OF YOUR JOURNEY.

If you park at Air Force Base Lot: DO NOT HIKE to the theatre from the Air Force Base. Marin Municipal Water District has closed the trail.

Many hiking trails start at the Rock Spring parking lot if you want to hike before or after the show. Visit the Friends of Mount Tamalpais Booth for more hiking info at the event.

The theatre entrance is just beyond Rock Spring. Patrons needing special access can be dropped off at the front gate before parking the car.

Mountain parking lots typically fill before 10:00 A.M. on show days. Drivers should drive to the Air Force Base with reservations or park at other available lots (getting to and from these other lots is up to you no shuttles are provided.)  From the Air Force Base Parking Lot and Trojan Parking Lot, patrons will be shuttled to the front gate in small vans. After the show, drivers and passengers should walk to Rock Spring via the side exit, and DRIVERS ONLY will be taken to surrounding parking lots. Drivers must then drive back to Rock Spring to pick up passengers. There will be signs and volunteers to direct you.

Heading south on 101, take the Mill Valley/Tiburon exit, bear right, and go towards Mill Valley. Turn left onto Camino Alto. Follow Camino Alto past Safeway and turn right onto Miller Ave.

After passing the Whole Foods on your left, look for a left turn onto Montford Ave – you should see the famous 2 A.M. Club on your left at the corner. Stay on this road even though it will change names – Molino, Edgewood, and Sequoia Valley Road. Follow the yellow line and ALWAYS go uphill! You will go through a couple of neighborhoods until you get to what looks like a four-way stop, known as “4 Corners.” Turn right here onto Panoramic Highway (notice our billboard on your right.)

From “4 Corners,” you will drive 4.5 miles up the mountain (at 1.7 miles, you will see Mountain Home Inn on the right and a sign for Mount Tamalpais State Park on the left) until you see the Pantoll Ranger Station on the left. You will turn right, go up the mountain, take Pantoll Road, and follow signs for Mount Tamalpais.

From that split at Pantoll Ranger Station:  At 1.0 miles, you will see Trojan Point Parking Lot on the right. At 1.4 miles, you will see Rock Spring Parking Lot in front of you.

MOUNTAIN PLAY PARKING ATTENDANTS WILL GUIDE YOU TO AVAILABLE PARKING SPACES.

If you park at Air Force Base Lot: PLEASE DO NOT HIKE to the theatre from the Air Force Base. Marin Municipal Water District has closed the trail.

Many hiking trails start at the Rock Spring parking lot if you want to hike before the show. Visit the Friends of Mount Tamalpais Booth for more hiking info at the event.

The theatre entrance is just beyond Rock Spring Lot and Trailhead. Patrons needing special access can be dropped off at the front gate before parking the car.

Drivers should drive to the Air Force Base with reservations. From the Air Force Base Parking Lot patrons will be shuttled to the front gate in small vans. After the show, drivers and passengers should walk to Rock Spring via the side exit, and DRIVERS ONLY will be taken around to the parking lot on the Mountain. Drivers must then drive back to Rock Spring to pick up passengers. There will be signs and volunteers to direct you.

Biking to the Mountain Play is a fun way to get to the show.

You can road cycle or mountain bike. Either way, please be sure to stay safe! Wear your helmet, and bring lots of water, snacks, and a map. See the links below for advice and directions from the pros around the Bay Area. For a fantastic biking map, check out the Marin Bike Coalition map.

Bike parking is FREE and available in the amphitheater.

Jay’s Essential Bike Rides

SF Chronicle Biking Directions

The Traditional Way to Get There

Hiking For those patrons who want to take the traditional route to or from the theatre, hiking is an attractive option. Please research the way on your own before you leave in the morning. Consider buying a map of the mountain. A great map is “Trails of Mount Tamalpais and the Marin Headlands,” available at Amazon. You can also visit OneTam.Org to find a free downloadable map.

Traditional Hike Down

Many Mountain Play hikers take the bus up to the theatre and then hike down after the show. Your hike down is made easier because the Mountain Play transports your ice chests and other bulky items back to Mill Valley.

We offer a mid-way point pickup, so you can stop there if you’re tired when you get to the Mountain Home Inn. Refresh yourself with some beverages or a snack, and then catch our Midway shuttle back to your car at 5:00, 5:20 & 5:45 P.M. If you’re feeling good and want to walk to Mill Valley, go for it!

Once you reach Mill Valley, pick up your gear and hop on a shuttle back to your parked car at Tamalpais High or Manzanita Park and Ride. Enjoy dinner in charming downtown Mill Valley while you wait. The last shuttle from downtown Mill Valley to the parking lots leaves at 7:00 P.M. You can take a taxi (at your expense) to the parking area if you miss the last shuttle.

Mountain Play: Hike Down Map
Mountain Play: Hike Down Guide

While more manageable than the hike up to the theatre, it is still 7 miles and will take 2-2 1/2 hours. Please wear appropriate clothing and bring plenty of water.

Food & Drinks

You can pack a gourmet picnic or pre-order a boxed lunch.  No outside alcohol is allowed. The theatre village area will have beer, wine, water, sodas, snacks, snocones for sale.  Pre-ordered box lunches will be available for pickup by 10:30 a.m..

There’s nothing like a picnic on a mountaintop! Start your picnic tradition.
Please drink responsibly and keep hydrated. Consider packing a State Park-friendly picnic: low waste and green!

PICNIC CONTEST: Closing Day June 16, 2024- Special Judge to be Announced!

Arrive Early and Picnic to Impress – Register at the Merchandise Booth between 10:00 Am and 12:00 pm – Judging begins at 12:30!

Check back for more info!

Enjoy an icy sno-cone treat and support the Mountain Play (Cash Only)

Mill Valley Rotary Club offers hot beverages & cold beverages, ice cream desserts, and snacks for your picnic. Proceeds go toward the Rotary’s selected charity.

Tamalpais Tavern offers refreshing adult libations. Our friends from Lagunitas Brewery Co. donate these beverages. All proceeds benefit the Mountain Play Association. (Cash or Credit)

Remember to Bring These With You

  • Picnic Lunch and Snacks!

  • Tickets and Parking Passes, or ID to pick up your tickets from Will Call at the Front Gate

  • WATER! Bottles or Tumblers can be filled at the water fountains 

  • Cushions/Blankets for seating. You can also rent or purchase Stadium Seats at the theatre

  • Layered Clothing  – Weather can be unpredictable

  • Directions to theatre or shuttle parking, cell service on the mountain is inconsistent

  • Cash – there is no ATM available, and not all vendors take credit card

  • Sunscreen, Sun Protection

  • Sunglasses & Hats

  • Hiking Maps & Gear

  • Allergy Emergency Medicine

Please Do Not Bring –

  • Pets & Dogs – Pets cannot be left unattended in your car or brought into the theatre.

  • Chairs with legs of any kind – seats and cushions must rest on the ground. You will impair the view of the play goers behind you. We also offer Stadium Seats for rent or for purchase at the amphitheatre.

  • Umbrellas are only allowed before the show starts, including pre-show.

  • Smoking is NOT allowed in the amphitheatre at any time. Please follow the State Park Rules

  • No outside alcohol is allowed

Improving Access

Golf Cart Assistance

Upon arrival at the front gate of the Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, a golf cart is at your service between 9:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. It assists patrons with physical limitations by shuttling them along a short, flat trail leading to the wheelchair platform or nearby seating. Even if you don’t use a wheelchair but require assistance getting around, this option is perfect for you. It conveniently takes you to the heart of the theatre, making seating access much simpler.

After the performance, the Golf Cart Shuttle is available to transport patrons back from the trailhead to the front gate. From there, patrons can either arrange for their ride or board the bus home. Depending on the number of patrons requiring a ride, there may be a short wait. Your patience is appreciated.

No reservations are necessary for Golf Cart Transportation; simply request it on the day of the performance. Special thanks to the Kaliski family and Harbor Point Tennis Club for their support!

Platform Seating Section

For guests in a wheelchair or who need more accessible seating, we reserve seating on a shaded platform. It can seat up to 8 wheelchairs with one companion each for every performance. Due to limited space, platform seating is available only for guests with reduced mobility and one companion. Additional members of the party can find seating nearby.

We also have seating for guests with reduced mobility, not in a wheelchair. This seating section is situated directly below the platform, also in the shade. Space is limited in this row and is only available by reservation or for medical emergencies.

Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis and must be made before the Friday at 5 P.M. of each performance weekend. 

Please call (415) 383-1100 to make your reservation.

Altered Vehicle Parking

Madrone Grove parking is only available to wheelchair users who drive their own specially equipped/altered vehicles and for vans carrying multiple wheelchair patrons. This small lot is located inside the theater and is close to the wheelchair platform. We only have space for fewer than six vehicles, and it is accessible only to patrons who have received a Mountain Play parking permit. Please call to make a reservation early in the season if you need to use these parking spots.

For regular ADA Accessible Parking – Please Call 415 383-1100 for a reserved space in the Rock Spring Lot details about drop off and pick up can be discussed then.

Safety Protocols

Infection Prevention

We are lucky to perform outdoors, where we don’t have to worry about ventilation for our audience or staff.

Protocols for other circumstances. These guidelines are for the safety of our audiences, volunteers, and employees. Thank you for your continued understanding.

Currently – The Mountain Play updates all COVID protocols based on current local, state, federal, and CDC Guidelines and may continue to change at any time. For last-minute performance updates, check the home page before leaving your home on the day of the show.