Beechwood movies is a theater in the heart of downtown Mill Valley, CA. It’s a beautiful venue, with stunning views of Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods. Theaters are reserved in advance with an online purchase. Tickets can be purchased up to one day before show time (either online or by phone) and are $9 for adults and $7 for children 12 & under.
1. Beechwood provides an intimate, fully-stocked movie experience.
On weekend nights, we’re talking to a full house! On my last visit I had to wait at the door for 30 minutes before I could even enter the theater. It’s so popular that it’s nearly impossible to get in without waiting.
2. Beechwood has a small but fantastic movie selection.
They used to show a lot of indie and foreign films, so I spent more time with these than what I actually want to see, but they’ve since started playing more mainstream movies. They do a solid job with the lineup, showing everything from the latest superhero movie to obscure foreign films.
3. Beechwood opens their theater up to the community.
They run a summer kids film camp where kids ages 6-12 show up for the day to make their own short films. They also host free screening events for groups like the Sierra Club and the women’s group, Circle of Sisters.
4. Beechwood has amazing popcorn and candy options.
I love movie theater popcorn, but I also love my waistline, so I don’t go to theaters that often because of the cost and calorie count of concessions. This is where Beechwood comes in handy: they offer a variety of decently-sized combo options for under $10, including unlimited refills on fresh popcorn & soft drinks.
5. Beechwood has a kid-friendly atmosphere.
For all the hard-core movie buffs, the House of Important Trivia and ridiculously loud sound effects might keep you from enjoying your show, but for everyone else, it provides a safe space for families of all ages.
6. Beechwood also has an amazing history .
In the early 1700’s it was a stagecoach stop on the road to California and many prominent characters including John Muir, Thomas Starr King and William Kent have visited or lived there. In 1906 it was renovated into an earthquake-proof theater that survived until 1987 when it was purchased by a company called Theatre Projects Unlimited and renovated in 1988.
7. The theater is located on a beautiful hillside with gorgeous views of Muir Woods.
I stopped by last week to look over the venue, and it really is a gorgeous space. I loved how exposed it was from the street, and how you could see the dirt trails through the trees that lead uphill to Muir Woods. It’s such an interesting juxtaposition of nature and architecture.
8. Beechwood has amazing parking!
Getting into downtown Mill Valley can be difficult, but Beechwood is right on Main street so there’s plenty of free parking right in front of the theater and overflow lots nearby that are free at night.
9. Beechwood has an unbeatable price point.
If you get a senior or student discount, it’s only $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 & under! They also offer a membership for $84.99/year that allows you to buy tickets in advance, reserve your seats, and see up to 2 movies per week (3 on weekends). If you’re into indie films or if you like going to the movies a lot, this is a steal.
10. Beechwood has an undying love for the community of Mill Valley.
The theater’s staff is young and dedicated to providing their patrons with an event that will create lifelong memories for everyone involved (especially the kids).
11. Beechwood has an amazing website and an even better loyalty program.
The website is beautifully designed and easy to navigate , making it a breeze to buy tickets online or by phone. They also offer movie times & ticket prices online, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on anything if you forget your newspaper.
Their loyalty program, called Prospective Member, is a great way for the theater to connect with its patrons. For every dollar spent at Beechwood, members receive points that can be used for free merchandise and discounted movie tickets.
12. Beechwood supports all of Mill Valley’s small businesses .
Beechwood runs a small business program where local businesses can receive discounts on tickets as well as reduced rates for concessions and other services. Each month, the theater hands out money to the local businesses in their community.
13. Beechwood supports local filmmakers .
The theater has hosted at least ten different film shoots over the years: some of those include short films and music videos, but most have been full-length features. Beechwood follows this tradition by hosting workshops and providing travel stipends to filmmakers that bring their talents to the area.
Summary:
This year Mill Valley has celebrated the centennial of its founding, but there is one thing that has been a constant in our city: Beechwood Cinemas! It’s such an important part of our community, and I’m so glad that it’s still around today. If you’re looking for a place to watch a movie with your family, friends or significant other, this is the place to be. Be sure to check out their summer movie lineup : you can buy tickets online at www.beechwoodcinemas.com and locally at Beechwood Cinema.
