how to visit muir woods from san francisco

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How to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco in 5 Ways 

A Countdown to the best way to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods

Do you want to see the famous redwoods during your visit to San Francisco? The easiest old growth redwood grove to see from the city is Muir Woods. But as close as it is to San Francisco, getting to Muir Woods from San Francisco can be complicated.

In this article we have collected the 5 best ways to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco . Armed with this information, you will have no problem making your way to Muir Woods and being absolutely amazed by these special trees. 

Note: Head to this article if you are interested in finding out about all of the other redwoods close to San Francisco . 

Table of Contents

Why go to muir woods national monument, how far is muir woods from san francisco.

• Countdown of the 5 best ways to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods
• Final Thoughts on San Francisco to Muir Woods Transportation

Getting to Muir Woods FAQ

Muir Woods National Monument is famous for its trees. The tallest tree species in the world, to be exact. We are talking about the Coastal Redwood or Sequoia sempervirens . 

The coastal redwood is the taller and thinner cousin of the Giant Sequoia. The tallest tree on earth is thought to be a coastal redwood named Hyperion located in Redwood National Park. It measures a remarkable 380 feet tall. 

Coast Redwoods are also remarkably long lived, when left alone. The trees in Muir Woods were spared from the extensive logging of the 19th century. While exact ages are impossible to know without causing damage, it is estimated that the oldest trees in Muir Woods are about 1,200 years old. 

The now endangered coast redwood trees grow only in scattered groves along the coasts of Southern Oregon and California. And not all of those are old growth. So each and every old growth redwood grove left is special. 

Having one of these rare places within an hour’s drive from a big city like San Francisco is an opportunity that no one should pass up. These trees are simply magical to see. Walking among these giants is awe inspiring and for many, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What to Do in Muir Woods?

The focus of Muir Woods is to allow everyone to experience the trees. A 6-mile network of trails, much of which is flat and paved, welcomes you to do just that. 

Every loop hike you can do in the park includes the Redwood Creek Trail. How far you go along it is your choice. You can always simply turn around and head back along this same trail. Or you can cross any one of 3 bridges and head back to the Visitor Center along the opposite side of Redwood Creek. 

These loop hikes are anywhere from 0.5 miles to 2 miles long. All are doable within 1.5 hours at an average walking pace, including time to stop and take pictures. 

If you have the time and the desire, you can connect to trails further up the hill and into Mount Tamalpais State Park, for a full day of hiking. 

There is also a Visitor Center and gift shop to integrate into your Muir Woods visit. You will find books, games, and other gifts and souvenirs that compliment the nature of the coast redwood forest around you. 

Muir Woods is only 16 miles North of San Francisco. It is located in Marin County, within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, right in the shadow of Mount Tamalpais.

If driving, the distance can usually be covered in about 45 minutes, without traffic. But driving isn’t always the best way to get to Muir Woods. Read on to find out why.

5 Best Ways to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods

So let’s get to the countdown, shall we? Below you will find the 5 ways to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco , rated from worst to best. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, which we will lay out for you. 

Once you know the details on each, you can make the best transportation choice for you and your group. So let’s get the boring planning out of the way and get you from San Francisco to Muir Woods to walk among those giant trees!

Note: All of these methods (except some tours!) require you to pay your entrance fee into Muir Woods separately. Entrance to Muir Woods is $15/adult. Kids 15 and under are free! It can be paid in advance or upon entry to the park.

Redwoods and California Wine Country Tour

The only wine country tour to combine three Napa & Sonoma Valley wineries with a morning excursion to San Francisco’s stunning Coast Redwood forest – Muir Woods.

Muir Woods Redwood Forest and Sausalito Morning Tour

This is the only Muir Woods tour with guided audio narration inside the park. Walk under the world’s tallest trees, then enjoy charming Sausalito.

5. Bike to Muir Woods

Pros: Environmentally friendly, on your own schedule Cons: Dangerous, Technical

We will start with what is, in our opinion, the worst way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco. The redwoods are just 16 miles north of the city, so avid cyclists would consider it well within the parameters for a reasonable ride. Even with the hills. 

The problem with this transportation method is not the distance, but the roads themselves. The first portion of the journey is not too bad, including the wonderful and safe ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Happy tourists do this every day with pleasing results. 

The road leading into Muir Woods is the curvy, steep 2-lane highway 1. This highway has no bike lane, steep drop offs, and heavy traffic. The cars, shuttles, and tour buses required to transfer over 500,000 visitors a year into the park try their best to look out for bicycles, but the truth is the road is just plain dangerous. 

Having said all of this, if you are an experienced and determined cyclist, it is possible to ride a bike from San Francisco to Muir Woods. If you choose to do so, please take all of the precautions possible and know the route well before the trip, as there is no cell phone service in or near the park. 

Biking part of the way from San Francisco to Muir Woods

A better alternative, which still includes a bike ride, is to bike just part of the way. Namely, the first part. Rent a bike in San Francisco and enjoy a pedal over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito. In Sausalito, safely stow your bike and take the shuttle the rest of the way into Muir Woods. More detail on this option later. 

4. Hire a Car/Rideshare from San Francisco to Muir Woods

Pros: Convenient to get there, fast, on your own schedule Cons: Might get stranded, Expensive

Our next method to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco is to book a car. This is one of the most expensive options in this list. With that price tag, it must be the most convenient right? Not necessarily. 

The main problem with booking a service like Uber or Lyft is the return journey. There is no cell service or internet within Muir Woods National Monument. So if you do book a car for the one-way journey to the park, just be sure you have a plan for the way back. You will not be able to book a car from your phone in the park. 

Of course, the solution to the return journey conundrum is to hire a car for the entire day. This will obviously cost you a pretty penny, but you can arrange to have the car meet you back at a predetermined time and not get stranded. 

Hiring a car for part of the way to Muir Woods from San Francisco

You are going to see a pattern start to emerge here. You can always hire a car for just the first part of the journey. Once you are dropped off in Sausalito or Larkspur Landing, you can hop on the shuttle for the remaining trip to Muir Woods. This eliminates the connection problem for the return journey, as cell service is not a problem further outside of the park. 

3. Drive to Muir Woods

Pros: Fast, on your own schedule Cons: Parking reservation, Parking spot hunting, potentially expensive if renting

Probably the most straightforward way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco is to drive. We are a country built on the automobile afterall, so the best way to get anywhere is by car, right? Well, maybe not in this case. 

While it may be the first method everyone will think of, driving to Muir Woods is not as simple as it used to be. In an attempt to protect the area and ease the visitation process, the park has implemented a parking reservation system. 

Everyone wishing to park must get a parking reservation BEFORE entry into Muir Woods. If you do not have one, you will need to drive back into cell service and get a reservation, if any are left. This seems silly, but just have your parking reservation purchased and downloaded ahead of your visit and it won’t be a problem.

Parking reservations can be purchased at Go Muir Woods . The rates for reservations are listed below. Note: Rates for parking reservations will be going up by $0.50 on November 1st, 2023. 

Small vehicles (under 17ft.): $9.00

Medium vehicles (17-22ft.): $30.00

Large vehicles (22-35ft.): $45.00

Parking reservations are for a specific date and 30 minute time window. You must show up within the 30 minute window. Once parked, you may stay as long as you would like (until closing), in standard size spaces.

There are only 6 medium and 6 large spaces, so those reservations are only valid for 1 hour and 45 minute visits. If you would like to stay longer you will need to reserve more than one parking reservation in advance. 

You cannot guarantee that there will be a parking spot available for you. That’s right – you can have a parking reservation in hand, but still not find a spot easily. This is more likely to happen mid-morning on, and on weekends. At these times, you may need to circle the lot waiting for someone to leave. 

To increase your chances of finding a spot, head to Muir Woods during the week and/or first thing in the morning, if possible. Of course, this is still no guarantee. The only way to guarantee no parking spot hunting on your trip is to choose one of the next two methods.

Of course there are good things about driving yourself from San Francisco to Muir Woods. If in a standard car, you can stay as long as you would like to enjoy the trails. You do not have to adhere to the schedule of a tour, or worry about when the last shuttle leaves the park. You don’t need to worry about having no cell service for a ride back. 

So we think if you already have a car at your disposal, driving to Muir Woods is a decent option. If you would need to rent a car only to drive there, there are definitely cheaper, and arguably better options for you. 

If, after weighing the pros and cons of driving, you think it is the best method for you, you will need the driving directions to Muir Woods from San Francisco. Below are the basic directions. 

Keep in mind, once again, that cell service and GPS will not work near the park, so make sure you know where you are going, or have a hard copy of the directions with you before you set out. 

From downtown San Francisco:

• Make you way onto Highway 101 North and across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Take Exit 445B toward Mill Valley/Highway 1/ Stinson Beach
• Follow the signs to Highway 1 North
• Turn left onto Shoreline Highway to stay on Highway 1 North
• Turn right onto Panoramic Highway
• Turn left onto Muir Woods Road
• Arrive at the Parking for Muir Woods National Monument

Keep in mind if you take this route in the opposite direction from Muir Woods to San Francisco, you will need to pay the toll to cross the Golden Gate Bridge southbound.

Driving part of the way to Muir Woods from San Francisco

You know what we are going to say next! You can always drive just part of the way to Muir Woods. For this option, it makes the most sense to drive to the Larkspur Landing shuttle stop. More on this in the next section. 

2. Take the Shuttle to Muir Woods

Pros: Affordable, environmentally-friendly, on your own schedule (mostly) Cons: Travel connection planning, slowest, availability changes seasonally

The second best method in our list is to take the shuttle to Muir Woods. This is not a shuttle for the entire journey to Muir Woods from San francisco. The official Muir Woods shuttle is only for the final leg of your journey. 

The shuttle is run by Marin County under route number 66. It picks up from Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal on Weekends and Holidays year round, and from near the Sausalito Ferry Terminal on weekdays from June – August. 

If those dates work for your trip — Congrats! The shuttle is a super affordable and great way to get to Muir Woods. Shuttle reservations need to be made in advance for the precise shuttle you will take, and you need to get to the shuttle stop at least 15 minutes before that time. Note: The price below will rise by $0.25 after November 1st, 2023. 

Adult (16+): $3.50

Children (15 and younger): Free, but need reservation

Reservations must be made in advance at Go Muir Woods . Each reservation is roundtrip, including your choice of any return shuttle from Muir Woods back to the shuttle stop in Larkspur Landing or Sausalito. Reservations do not include your entry into Muir Woods. Purchase in advance, or when you get to the park. 

One thing to note is the shuttles tend to fill up near the end of the day. To avoid disaster, we recommend planning to not rely on the very last shuttle of the day. We have heard of people not getting a seat on the last shuttle and then having to figure out how to get back on their own. 

Make sure to have your roundtrip shuttle confirmation downloaded onto a phone with plenty of battery life. You will need it for the return shuttle trip when leaving Muir Woods, and you will not have service. 

Where is the Sausalito shuttle stop?

Location: Bay & Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965 Runs: Weekdays, June-August

How to get to Sausalito Muir Woods Shuttle Stop

Ferry – Adding a ferry ride into your San Francisco trip is a classic. If the weather cooperates, the views along the ride are not-to-miss. You have two ferry options from San Francisco to Sausalito. The Golden Gate Ferry leaves from the SF Ferry Building, and the Blue and Gold Ferry leaves from Pier 41 on the Embarcadero.

Both have multiple daily departures and will run you under $15 each way per adult. The rides are 30 minutes from departure to arrival in Sausalito.  

Bike – San Francisco to Sausalito is a lovely bike ride. Rent bikes on Fisherman’s Wharf , ride along the waterfront, across the Golden gate Bridge, and along Alexander Ave into Sausalito. Just make sure your bike is safely locked up before you get onto the shuttle! There is a seasonal bike valet available at the ferry terminal. 

Public Bus – Take the Golden Gate Transit bus 130 to San Rafeal from downtown. It picks up along Mission St, Van Ness, and Lombard before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Get off at the Bridgeway & Bay Street stop, which is very close to the Muir Woods Shuttle stop.

This bus runs every hour in the morning, so it makes for convenient connections for a morning shuttle ride to Muir Woods. Adult tickets are $8.25, paid in cash upon boarding.

Hire a Car – Of course you could always hire an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to Sausalito. For groups, this method may even cost you less than the bus. 

Drive – If you are wishing to drive to a shuttle stop, we recommend driving to Larkspur Landing rather than Sausalito, for the abundant parking. See below. 

Where is the Larkspur Landing shuttle stop?

Location: Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal 101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939 Runs: Weekends and Holidays, year round

iMAGE OF MAP

How to get to Larkspur Landing Muir Woods Shuttle Stop

Ferry – Your only ferry option from San Francisco to Larkspur Landing is the Golden Gate Ferry, departing from the SF Ferry Building. Here is the schedule . The 35 minute ride will cost adults $14 each way. 

Bike – San Francisco to Larkspur Landing is a longer, more complicated bike ride, and one we do not recommend for casual riders. 

Public Bus – This route on public bus requires multiple connections, and we do not recommend it. If you want to take the public bus, take the shuttle bus from Sausalito. 

Hire a Car – Hiring an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to Larkspur Landing is a decent option for groups, although it is a good distance further north, so will be more expensive.

Drive – If you are wishing to drive to a shuttle stop, driving to Larkspur Landing is your best bet. There is ample parking at the Ferry Terminal, which is free on weekends and holidays. 

1. Book a Tour to Muir Woods from San Francisco

Pros: Stress free, convenient, environmentally-friendly, expert guide Cons: Set amount of time in park

We have made it to number 1. The best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco is to book a tour! As you can see from all of the information above, getting to Muir Woods can be quite complicated. So why not let an expert deal with that mess, while you just enjoy the park?

There are several companies that offer tours to Muir Woods from San Francisco. Below we will give you the details on two tours. The first is a half-day tour that focuses on Muir Woods, with a stop in the charming beach town of Sausalito. The other is a full-day tour beginning with a trip to Muir Woods, and then exploring California wine country in the afternoon. 

Both of these tours are extremely convenient, with pickup in downtown San Francisco. After you board the bus, sit back and relax on your way to Muir Woods as you learn about the park from a local expert.

Muir Woods Redwood Forest and Sausalito Tour

Length: 5 hours Price: $89 (includes Muir Woods entrance fee!) Available: Year round, morning and afternoon

This tour includes more than 1.5 hours of free time in Muir Woods. This is more than enough time to walk the Redwood Creek Trail as you listen to an audio narration about the park. Then explore the Bohemian and Cathedral groves, or browse the gift shop before meeting back with your group. 

Enjoy the trip back out of the park and into Sausalito. Grab something to eat and do some exploring and shopping in the charming bayside town. 

When it is time to head back, you have the choice to ride back across the Golden Gate Bridge on the bus, or take the ferry back across the bay. Choosing the ferry option makes this into a fabulously varied tour as you enjoy the views from the water on your way back to the city. 

This tour is available in the morning or afternoon, year round. No need to worry about seasonal shuttles or parking reservations!

Redwoods and California Wine Country Tour  

Length: 10 hours Price: $179 (includes 3 wine tastings!) Available: Year round

For what is possibly the best combo tour Northern California has to offer, combine a trip to Muir Woods with a trip to Napa and Sonoma on this tour. Begin with pickup at or very near your hotel in San Francisco. 

Enjoy a full hour of exploration among the coastal redwood giants in Muir Woods. Walk the Redwood Creek Trail and learn about what you are seeing with your audio tour. 

Hop back on the bus and head to Napa Valley for a wine tasting at a quintessential Napa winery. The group will then be driven to historic Sonoma Plaza for lunch before enjoying wine tastings at two additional wineries. 

On your way back to the city, enjoy a photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge before being dropped off right back at your hotel. 

Note: While 3 wine tastings are included in this tour price, entrance to Muir Woods is not and must be paid upon entrance.

Final Thoughts on San Francisco to Muir Woods Travel

With this article, you should be able to determine the best way for you and your group to get to Muir Woods National Monument. Whatever choice you make, make sure you enjoy the towering coastal redwoods to the fullest. Breathe deep and make life-long memories in this cathedral to California nature. 

Can you get to Muir Woods without a car?

Absolutely! See methods 5, 2, and 1 above. The most hassle free way is to book a tour. But you can also hop on a ferry over to Sausalito or Larkspur Landing and then connect with the Muir Woods shuttle to reach Muir Woods. 

Are there shuttles to Muir Woods?

Yes, but the shuttles will not take you all the way from San Francisco to Muir Woods. You will need to meet the shuttle in either Sausalito or Larkspur Landing in Marin County. 

Can I Uber from San Francisco to Muir Woods?

Yes, BUT. There is no cell service or internet in Muir Woods. So if you book any type of car, you need to confirm in advance that a car will be waiting for you after your visit for the return journey. You will not be able to easily contact anyone within the park.

The only option for outside communication within the park is an old school payphone. So if the worst case scenario happens and you get stranded, you may be able to call a cab. Avoid this scenario by choosing another way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco.

Published on: October 23rd 2023

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Searching For The Easiest Way To Get From San Francisco To Muir Woods? We’ve Got You Covered! Learn About Our Favorite Option For Convenient Transportation Between The Famous Redwood Park And The City.

Located just a few miles north of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument is a must-see for Bay Area locals and tourists alike.

Why Is Visiting Muir Woods Such A Popular And Highly Recommended Activity?

There are hundreds of reasons to visit this national monument, but we think the main draw is simply this: the trees.

Muir Woods is home to some of the most magnificent and rare trees in the world—coastal redwoods. These trees only grow on the Pacific coastline of California and Oregon, and Muir Woods is perhaps the most famous designated coastal redwood park in the world!

Coastal redwoods are a close relative of the Giant Sequoia, and are renowned for their fragrant red bark, towering heights, and longevity. In fact, Muir Woods’ tallest tree is 258 feet tall, while the oldest known tree in the park is dated at 1,200 years.

Once you get into the park, you’ll find a network of hiking trails and walking paths that wind through the magnificent redwoods.

The Bohemian Grove trail is a favorite with both locals and tourists, and probably the most popular walk in Muir Woods. This well-maintained path is reasonably flat and is a direct route to several important historic landmarks and some of the most famous redwoods in the grove!

If you’re up for a more strenuous hike, Muir Woods is also criss-crossed by a series of moderate to advanced trails that will take you out of the valley to mountain peaks and hidden beaches. We’d recommend the seven-mile Dipsea Trail, which offers some of the most spectacular ocean vistas in the Bay Area.

Once you’ve spent enough time wandering through the coastal redwoods, be sure to stop in at the park’s very own cafe! Located on the valley floor, Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe serves up delicious local cuisine and specialty beverages. Try the Marin Melt for a savory bite or the Local Wild Berry Scone for a sweet treat.

Unfortunately, sorting out transportation to all this fantastic walking, dining, and hiking near San Francisco can be a bit complicated.

So if you’re planning an excursion to this national park site, keep reading to learn about our favorite way to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods!

DIY TRANSPORTATION FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO MUIR WOODS

How far is Muir Woods from San Francisco?

The park is located in the town of Mill Valley, about 17 miles north of San Francisco. Since it’s so close to the city, there are a variety of do-it-yourself transportation options for getting to the park. We’ll look at the pros and cons of ride-sharing, biking, driving, and public transportation.

RIDE SHARING

Since it’s such a short drive, you may be tempted to use a standard taxi cab or ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber. However, we’d like to strongly caution you against these options for a couple of reasons.

While ridesharing or taxis may seem like budget-friendly options upfront, in fact, they are some of the least cost-effective ways of getting to or from Muir Woods.

Here’s the thing: there’s no cell service in Muir Woods. So, you might be able to ride-share your way from San Francisco to Muir Woods. But you won’t be able to order a ride for the way back!

There is a functioning payphone in the park, so you could at least call a cab to take you back to Sausalito or San Francisco. But since a standard taxi cab typically charges a minimum of $75 each way, your wallet won’t thank you for choosing this option.

Another downside of ride-sharing is that there isn’t any GPS signal in Muir Woods or the surrounding roads. So unless your driver knows their way without the help of Google Maps, you may not even make it to the park in the first place!

For serious cyclists, it is possible to bike into Muir Woods. However, be prepared to spend several grueling hours on your bicycle each way.

You’ll have to tackle some serious hills on the route from San Francisco to Muir Woods. There also isn’t a bike trail. So, you’ll be sharing the narrow, winding roads along with dozens of tour buses and personal vehicles.

Because of the distance, the steep terrain, and the dangerous roads, we don’t really recommend biking as a great option for how to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco.

If you still want to plan your own trip up to the San Francisco redwoods, we’d recommend either driving yourself or using public transportation. Both of these options are fairly budget-friendly, reliable, and relatively easy to set up if you don’t mind doing a bit of preparation before your trip.

Depending on traffic, it typically takes a little less than an hour to drive to Muir Woods from San Francisco.

If you don’t have your own car, it’s reasonably affordable to rent one for the day and set your own pace for the drive up to the redwoods near San Francisco.

If you choose this option, you’ll need to be sure to make a Muir Woods parking reservation in advance before you go.

A parking spot costs $8 per vehicle, on top of the $15 per person Muir Woods entrance fee.

But here’s the catch. Your reservation does not guarantee that you will have a parking spot waiting for you at your selected time. Having a Muir Woods reservation parking ticket only means that once a spot is available, you can park there.

The parking lot fills up early and many visitors spend hours enjoying the hiking trails through the redwoods. So chances are pretty high that you will end up spending a while circling the parking lot in search of an available spot.

You also need to be aware that there’s no WiFi or cell phone reception in the park. So, if you arrive in the parking lot without a reservation, you’ll need to drive back out of the park to get service. Then, if they haven’t sold out for that day, you can purchase a parking reservation and hopefully find a vacant spot when you get back into the park!

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Another option for getting to the park is by using the public transportation system.

To do this, start by taking a bus or the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito, Mill Valley, or Marin City. Once you get to one of these towns, you can hop on one of Marin Transit’s Muir Woods shuttle that will take you directly into the park.

The standard Marin Transit shuttle ride to Muir Woods only runs on weekends and holidays. In addition to this, the Sausalito and Marin City Hub locations operate on weekdays during the peak summer season from June to August. Please note that the shuttle that leaves from Mill Valley only operates on weekends and holidays, even over the peak season.

You’ll need to make an online shuttle reservation before your trip. The reservations are location and departure time specific, so be prepared to arrive at the right time and place.

While you’ll need to book a specific time for your ride to Muir Woods, you can hop on any shuttle returning to the location you left from. However, please note that the last shuttles of the day do fill up quickly, so we’d recommend taking an early shuttle to make sure you can catch a ride out of the park!

Driving or taking public transportation to Muir Woods are reliable, budget-friendly options. But, they do have some considerable drawbacks.

If you choose public transportation, you’ll have to purchase multiple tickets and be on top of getting yourself in the right place at the right time for all of your connections. And if you drive, you’ll need to rent a vehicle and make a parking reservation in advance. Then once you get to Muir Woods, you will most likely lose a lot of time circling the full parking lots in search of a spot.

As you can see, there are a variety of options for sorting out your own ride from San Francisco to Muir Woods, from biking to renting a car and driving. But if you’re looking for a hassle-free experience that will provide reliable, stress-free transportation, most of these standard options simply won’t work.

So, what is the best way to visit Muir Woods?

Due to the complications of private and public transportation options, we’d like to recommend this roundtrip San Francisco to Muir Woods shuttle as the best option for visiting the park

THE BEST WAY TO GET TO MUIR WOODS FROM SAN FRANCISCO

San francisco to muir woods round trip shuttle.

Departure Time: 1:00pm

Departure Location: 710 Beach St., San Francisco (Under the white gazebo near the cable car station)

Tour Length: 4 hours

Weather: Tour operates year-round in rain or shine

Cost: $65 per person + $15 per person Muir Woods admission fee

This round trip shuttle from San Francisco to Muir Woods is a one-of-a-kind Bay Area experience.

With this shuttle, heading north to Muir Woods couldn’t be simpler. You just have to do three things: hop on the bus, relax on the guided round trip ride, and enjoy more than an hour on your own in the park.

We’ll take care of all of your park reservations and transportation to and from the city. So, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of pre-purchasing a parking spot or shuttle ticket, renting a car, or finding convenient public transportation across the bay.

Ready to enjoy a relaxing, scenic adventure in Muir Woods?

Here’s How it Works

To start with, you’ll meet your shuttle driver at 710 Beach St. at 1:00 PM. After a brief roll call, you’ll hop on the minibus to enjoy a scenic guided ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and through Marin County.

Along the drive, your driver will share stories about the history of the city and offer recommendations on hiking paths to take and other things to do in Muir Woods.

Upon arrival in Muir Woods National Monument, we’ll drop you off near the park entrance. We’ll have taken care of your park reservation ahead of time, so you’ll be guaranteed entry to the redwoods. However, please note that the actual Muir Woods entrance fee is not included in the tour price, so, you will have to purchase an admission ticket.

Then, you’ll have over an hour in Muir Woods to explore the trails and extraordinary beauty of the coastal redwoods.

We’ll give you plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery before asking you to meet up with us again at the park entrance. Finally, we’ll hop back on the tour bus for a relaxing ride back across the bay and into San Francisco.

The tour bus will drop you off at the same location where you first boarded it or in Ghirardelli Square!

This direct shuttle to Muir Woods only costs $65 per person, plus the additional $15 Muir Woods entrance fee. So, it’s a high-value option that will save you time and make your visit to the redwoods fun and stress-free.

With the new regulations on parking and tour buses, planning a trip to Muir Woods can be overwhelming and stressful. But, with this direct shuttle, it certainly doesn’t have to be!

We love Muir Woods National Monument and feel that everyone should be able to experience this magnificent park, no matter what your budget or time allowance. So, we hope that this guide of our favorite ways to visit Muir Woods from San Francisco helps make your travels easy, hassle-free, and fun!

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San Francisco to Muir Woods: A Day Trip to the Towering Redwoods

last Updated: May 1, 2023 california marin county Muir Woods

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Heading to the City by the Bay (SF) and thinking about making the short trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods? You’re in luck! This Muir Woods travel guide has everything you need to know for a successful visit to the giant redwoods! 

And when I say everything – trust me. EVERYTHING – you wood not believe it (get it, wood…). Okay, no one said my jokes are funny. :p Now let’s get to it.

Visiting San Francisco for 3 days or longer? You’ve gotta add on a day trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods. Being only a few minutes north of San Francisco in Marin County, Muir Woods is by far one of the best day trips from SF . We always encourage visitors to experience the towering coastal redwoods for themselves!

Psst — don’t have time to read this whole blog post or missed out on a (required) reservation? No worries! Sign up for a Muir Woods day trip tour from San Francisco and let someone else figure out the logistics!

Imagine walking along thousand year old trees in a dense redwood forest. Close your eyes and smell the fragrant red bark. Feel the refreshing, cool misty air on your skin. Yup, we’re talking about Muir Woods here! 

The redwoods are majestic, awe-inspiring, and downright humbling. They’re actually the tallest living organisms on the planet AND they existed when dinosaurs roamed the Earth (kinda insane, right?).

• And although it isn’t actually one of the nine National Parks in California , it is a National Monument! Which is just as impressive. 

Within the 558 acres of Muir Woods, one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area exists. The National Monument actually preserves these trees, with some of them being nearly 1,000 years old (!!!) and over 250 feet tall (!!!).

Fun history fact → Muir Woods was named after conservationist John Muir, and it was the first national monument to be in such close proximity to a major city!

No one can say it better than John Steinbeck himself — “The Redwoods once seen leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always”. 

Let’s get this San Francisco to Muir Woods day trip started! First, a bunch of logistics (and yes, I’m sorry, there’s quite a few, but all SUPER important!):

Where is Muir Woods

Muir Woods is located across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, near a tiny town called Mill Valley. And it’s super close to the city (with the distance from San Francisco to Muir Woods being only about 16 miles/30 minutes north), making it the perfect day trip for any nature lovers visiting the hilly city. 

For some reason, visitors assume Muir Woods is in the city of San Francisco itself. And honestly? I can kinda understand why! So many people tack on a morning in Muir Woods to their trip to San Francisco.

When to Visit Muir Woods

TIME OF YEAR

The redwood forest is cool and somewhat damp most of the year. It’s never too hot, and never too cold, with temps ranging from 40-70 degrees F. It’s a tad warmer and dryer from June to August, although this is when it’s most crowded.

Winter is the rainy season (late October – early May), so if you’re coming then – dress appropriately! That means a rain jacket, umbrella – the whole works! However, you never really know what winter will bring – we had bright, sunny weather in early November on our last visit! 

If you have max flexibility, I’d choose September or October for a visit to Muir Woods – as that’s when it’s the warmest. Plus – San Francisco will be most pleasant those months as well, meaning you may catch a few glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge without the fog impeding the view!

Find my favorite viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge here !

TIME OF DAY

And as far as timing goes: go as early as you can! No joke though – Muir Woods gets crazy crowded. No matter the day of the week, and yes, even on weekdays.

Since the Muir Woods tour buses typically start getting to the forest around 9am or so, you’ll wanna make sure you get there prior to their arrival. This means waking up early and eating a quick breakfast in the car! You can have a nice lunch afterwards either in Sausalito or back in San Francisco. 

I’ve also heard that later in the afternoon isn’t as insanely busy, as the tour buses start leaving around 3pm-ish.

How to Get to Muir Woods

You definitely need to plan ahead coming from San Francisco to Muir Woods — 100%. Like, you’ll be turned around and asked to leave if you don’t. Because you NEED to make a parking or shuttle reservation in advance. Keywords: in advance. 

Essentially, you can’t wake up one morning wanting to go to Muir Woods, and actually expect to be walking under the trees in an hour. 

In order to get to Muir Woods, you’ve basically got two options if you’re coming from San Francisco or nearby: driving over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County, or taking the shuttle. You can also opt for an organized Muir Woods tour bus if you’d like as well.

I’m getting into lots more detail about the three options, so listen up!

By Car (Driving)

Expect the drive from San Francisco to Muir Woods to take about 30-45 minutes, dependent on which neighborhood you’re coming from. They’ll typically ALWAYS be traffic, but the earlier you leave, the better! 

And once you’re over the bridge, the roads to Muir Woods are quite windy and twisty, so stay alert and be careful. Be a respectful driver: don’t drive too fast, and pull over for others if need be.

• Psst → wanna explore more of Marin County after visiting Muir Woods from San Francisco? Rent a car for a day. You’ll probably wanna check out Sausalito , Muir Beach Overlook, Battery Spencer, and/or Stinson Beach once you’re done walking along the redwoods.

Important Note: If you’re driving a car to Muir Woods, you MUST reserve your parking spot in advance. Like, they’ll turn you around without one. There’s no way around this. Find tons more info about getting reservations below.

By Shuttle 

There’s really no reason to rent a car when visiting San Francisco (unless you wanna make a whole bunch of day trips – my favorites right here ). And thankfully, there’s still a way to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods without your own set of wheels – the shuttle!

The shuttle serves three bus stop locations (all in Marin County), which you’ll need to reserve in advance:

• Sausalito (runs all weekends and holidays plus weekdays in peak summer season, no parking available)
• Marin City (runs all weekends and holidays plus weekdays in peak summer season, no parking available)
• Pohono Park & Ride (runs all weekends and holidays – NO weekdays in summer, but there is free parking!)

You didn’t see SF on that list, now did you? Unfortunately, there’s no shuttle directly from San Francisco. But if you’re visiting SF without a car, you can thankfully take the ferry to Sausalito pretty easily, and then hop on the shuttle from there!

→ Book your shuttle tickets here!

A few things to note about the shuttle: 

• Shuttle tickets are round-trip
• You don’t need a parking reservation if you’re taking the shuttle
• The shuttle reservation fee is currently $3.25 per person (2020), age 16 or older
• The last shuttles of the day fill up quickly, so plan ahead!
• As mentioned above, there’s no routes directly from San Francisco to Muir Woods

Why opt for the shuttle? Well, for starters, you won’t have to drive through the windy roads yourself, so that’s huge if you’re not a fan of navigating through twists and turns. 

And secondly, the super limited and fully pre-booked Muir Woods parking spaces get booked up pretty fast, so if you can’t snag one of those, say hello to the shuttle! Just make sure to get on the right shuttle getting back (it’s easy to get them mixed up and end up in Sausalito if you parked at Pohono, just FYI).  🙂

By San Francisco Redwoods Tour Bus

Looking for the easiest possible way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco? Join a Muir Woods tour ! Organized group tours are best if:

• Renting a car isn’t your cup of tea
• There’s no more REQUIRED advanced reservations left
• You’re not about complicated public transportation (a ferry ride to Sausalito, then hop on a pre-reserved shuttle to Muir Woods)
• Time is extremely limited and you need the quickest way get from San Francisco to Muir Woods
• Driving on twisty, windy roads sounds super scary

Tour buses take you directly from San Francisco to Muir Woods over the Golden Gate Bridge, without the hassle of reserving a parking spot in advance. And some of these tours even take you to other spots after Muir Woods (think Sausalito and Napa Valley )! Yay! Might as well make the best use of your time!

Psst → if you really wanna visit Muir Woods on a particular day and there’s no parking reservations left, check out a group San Francisco Redwoods tour ! The park does not require Muir Woods tour guests to have parking reservations, since you’re not the one driving!

Recommended San Francisco to Muir Woods tours:

• Muir Woods National Monument Tour with Entrance Fee Included : Escape San Francisco to enjoy California’s pristine nature on this half-day San Francisco Redwoods tour to Muir Woods National Forest. This tour features extended time inside the park, giving you plenty of time to marvel at the beautiful ancient redwood trees. Bonus – it even includes some time in Sausalito AND picks you up from your hotel in San Francisco.
• Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Combo Tour : Cross three things off your San Francisco bucket list in one day! Spend the day admiring giant redwoods, the gorgeous Sausalito and the chilling Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz entrance and ferry ticket included!
• Redwoods and Wine Country – Napa and Sonoma Full-Day Combo Tour : Spend the morning among the coastal redwood trees then visit California’s wine country (with fees included for three wine tastings, and learn about the winemaking process). The Muir Woods tour even stops at the Golden Gate Bridge for photos.

Local Tip: Don’t rely on a rideshare from San Francisco to Muir Woods for transportation. Since cell service is extremely limited and pretty non-existent, you’ll have a pretty hard time getting back to SF. You could take a rideshare from San Francisco to one of the shuttle stops though, which would be a good option if you don’t wanna rent a car.

Muir Woods Parking Reservations

Okay, now some of the logistical boring-yet-necessary stuff.

As stated earlier, if you’re driving your own vehicle from San Francisco to Muir Woods (or from anywhere, really), you need to make parking reservations in advance (if not – well, you’ll be turned away). 

EVERYONE needs to make a parking reservation, even if you have an Annual Parks Pass, like America the Beautiful (but not if you’re coming by San Francisco Redwoods tour bus ).

A few years ago, Muir Woods National Monument started requiring visitors to make parking (and shuttle) reservations (kinda like at Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii ). Why, you ask? Well, the park has gotten oh so popular! 

I remember visiting pre-reservation days (in 2015, I think), and my friend and I had to park over a mile away from the entrance to the park. IT WAS INSANE to say the least. We basically took a hike before our hike. Along narrow roads with cars. So yeah, it wasn’t very safe. And the new reservation system better manages that and reduces overcrowding.

Plus, who wants to be walking along the redwoods only to bump into people every 2 steps? That doesn’t sound like a relaxing stroll in the woods. 

So while it may seem annoying and unnecessary to be forced to reserve not only a specific date but time slot as well (in 30 minute windows), trust me. The other way (without reservations) just doesn’t work for a place this popular. 

Once you enter the park, simply show the staff your reservation, and they’ll direct you to the EXACT spot for you to park. Our experience was super easy, and it was SO much better than looking for and then fighting for a spot! Everyone wants to go to Muir Woods, and everyone always wants the best spot (for whatever reason).

A few important notes:

• If you’re coming on foot, by bicycle, or on a Muir Woods tour bus, you DO NOT  need to make a reservation. 
• Reservations are required seven days a week, year-round.
• A parking reservation for vehicles up to 17 feet is currently $8.50 per vehicle (2020)
• Reservations are available 90 days in advance on a rolling basis.
• Parking reservations are not sold on site at Muir Woods, and must be made in advance.

HOT TIP → There is NO cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument. Download (and screenshot) your parking reservation (or shuttle ticket) in advance. You’ll be glad you did.

What to Wear to Muir Woods

Honestly, the weather from San Francisco to Muir Woods probably isn’t all that different. Just like there’s crazy microclimates in San Francisco (and the Bay Area in general), Muir Woods is no exception. 

Muir Woods’ location plays a HUGE role in the weather. Being located in a narrow valley over 1,000 feet above the Bay, AND just across a ridge from the Pacific Ocean, means possible FOG (typically in early morning and late afternoon). 

With that being said, you’ll wanna layer up, yes, even in the summer. It’s always chillier in the woods, and there isn’t much direct sunlight on the valley floor (meaning you’ll be in the shade most of the time). 

So, even if it’s sunny in San Francisco/Sausalito, be sure to bring at least a windbreaker to Muir Woods. You’ll be glad you did.

And of course you’ll want comfy shoes for hiking the trails. On my past few visits, I wore yoga pants or stretchy jeans, sneakers, a tee shirt, and a light jacket and/or fleece. 

How Long to Stay

You’ll only need a day to visit Muir Woods, and possibly not even that much! A few hours will suffice, especially if you visit early in the day before it gets crazy crowded. You could honestly see so much of the park in just 2-3 hours.

We took visitors to Muir Woods a few months ago, and since our reservation was right after opening, we were done exploring by lunch time! We then showed them other things on our recommended 3-day San Francisco itinerary .

Where to Stay When Visiting Muir Woods

Most visitors opt to take a day trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods, and I fully support that decision to cross the Golden Gate Bridge for a morning or afternoon. BUT if you think you’ll wanna explore the area a bit more, why not consider spending a night or two up here? There’s actually lots to see, it’s a pity most people make a beeline for the woods and then leave — typically right away.

With that being said, if you wanna stay north of the Golden Gate Bridge (in Marin County, NOT San Francisco), I recommend spending a night or two in Sausalito or Mill Valley.

My top hotel picks in and around Sausalito include:

• Cavallo Point Lodge (views of the Golden Gate Bridge!)
• Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa (stay in a 1885 mansion!)
• Mill Valley Inn (super close to Muir Woods)

If you’re looking for a more local feel, check out the following AirBnB rentals:

• Dreamy and Modern Airstream Retreat (a boutique hotel feel near Muir Woods)
• The Hideaway Mill Valley (large deck with stunning view)
• The Heart Of Sausalito (soak in the Sausalito sailboats and sunlight from every room)

There’s no camping allowed in Muir Woods National Monument , so that’s not an option. If you’ve got your heart set on waking up under the redwoods, check out Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz , Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in Big Sur , and/or Butano State Park in Pescadero instead. I’ve got my eyes on this AirBnB in Felton a few miles south of San Jose (roughly an hour and a half or so south of San Francisco).

Ticket Cost: $15 park entrance fee (for ages 16 and up) – in addition to any parking reservation fees or shuttle bus tickets.

And if you hold an annual Parks Pass, entry is included! Wooooo!

Additional Tips when visiting Muir Woods (and hiking in general)

• Arrive early and leave on the earlier side to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods! It gets busy, even with the parking reservation system. Plan to visit the gift shop once you’re done exploring the park (and not before). 
• Be sure to LEAVE NO TRACE and do your part to protect the outdoors. Whatever comes with you into the park, comes out. This means no crumbs, wrappers, etc. Anything. And with that being said, no picnics or camping are allowed in the National Monument.
• Always stay on the trail and always look out for poison oak. Going off trail harms plants and causes erosion. 

• Leave the wildlife alone – don’t feed them, don’t chase them, don’t touch them, etc. Keep wildlife wild. Although you probably won’t see too much (well, besides tons of plants and trees), Muir Woods is actually home to more than 380 different plant and animal species.
• There’s NO cell service in the park, so make exact plans with friends to meet up beforehand. Make sure to decide on a meeting spot! And if anyone in your party gets lost, have an emergency meet-up spot as well!
• Bring more water than you think you’ll need, even if it’s foggy or overcast. Avoid dehydration and drink often. Pace yourself, rest in the shade, and eat salty snacks.

Hiking in Muir Woods

This may come as a surprise, but there really aren’t any super long hikes in Muir Woods. So yup, you can fulfill all your redwood fantasies with minimal effort! 

Despite the National Monument being over 500 acres, the longest hike within the actual park is roughly 4 miles. In total, there are only 6 miles of trails; crazy, right?! The different hiking loops take approximately ½ hour (.5 miles), 1 hour (1 mile), and 1 ½ -2 hours (2 miles), all connected and all along Redwood Creek.

You’ll find these easy, well-marked trails right from the entrance after you pay – it doesn’t get simpler than that! Most of the trails are pretty flat, and even boardwalked!

You basically follow the same path from the Visitor Center, but can turn around at whichever bridge you’d like (look at the map above). This path is called The Main Trail , but it’s also referred to as the Redwood Creek Trail sometimes. The shortest loop will have you turning around at Bridge 2 (being a quick ½ mile loop), while the longest has you turning around at Bridge 4 (taking roughly 1 – 1 ½ hours to do the complete 2 mile loop). 

No matter which bridge you turn back at, you’ll pass by the Founders Grove ! This is where you’ll find the largest tree on the entire trail – the Pinchot Tree (dedicated to honor the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot)! And it’s ridiculously massive and then some. Don’t miss it!

The ½ hour and 1 hour loop are totally paved and super accessible for everyone – strollers and wheelchairs included! The longer 2 mile loop climbs up a bit on some dirt paths – this is the one we hiked (and it was honestly very easy with very minimal elevation gain). 

Next time I want to hike up the Canopy View Trail → it’s known to be way less crowded, and check out The Lost Trail and Fern Creek Trail (appropriately named and lined with lush, green ferns).

However, if you are coming from San Francisco to Muir Woods looking for some longer hikes – don’tchu worry! There are some longer hikes which extend into Mount Tamalpais State Park if you’re looking for something a bit more advanced. 

Other Things do in Marin (near Muir Woods)

As mentioned earlier, you can easily satisfy your craving for redwoods in just a few hours. And that leaves the rest of the day for further exploring! If you’ve got your own car, check out a few of my other favorites in the area:

• Stinson Beach : Sunny day? Dip your toes in the sand and watch the puppies play at Stinson! We love to bring our dog Kona here!
• Muir Beach Overlook : A super short trail brings you directly over the Pacific Ocean! I don’t recommend visiting when it’s foggy though – you won’t see much of a view! Bring a sweater – it’s almost always windy over here.

• Sausalito : Ohhhh one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco! We love to stroll around the waterfront with a cone from Lapperts in hand, and just take in all the warm Mediterrannean vibes. Read my full guide to Sausalito here!
• Mt. Tamalpais : Head over here for much more hiking, with drastically different views!
• Battery Spencer: If you’re looking for those postcard-worthy views of the Golden Gate Bridge, this is where you’ll find them.
• Point Bonita Lighthouse: Visiting on a Sunday or Monday? You’re in luck, as tours to the Point Bonita Lighthouse are only offered these days! One of my favorite hidden gems in the Bay Area!

So there ya have it – my complete San Francisco to Muir Woods day trip guide! Are you planning a visit soon?!

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August 14, 2020 at 5:33 pm

Muir Woods looks absolutely dreamy! I got to see the redwoods recently at Redwood National Park and it was amazing how tall those trees were. This is such a detailed and great article! 🙂

August 15, 2020 at 4:09 am

Once everything opens back up, I can’t wait to go to SF and explore Muir Woods! Thank you for this comprehensive guide.

August 15, 2020 at 7:44 am

This place looks so beautiful and peaceful! I hope I get to visit one day!

July 21, 2022 at 5:20 am

Hi, My family is heading to Muir Woods in a few weeks. We are driving from the city and are wondering where we could stop for lunch close to Muir Woods before we park and begin hiking. Any recommendations are appreciated!

July 21, 2022 at 3:57 pm

Hi Allison, I recommend stopping in Sausalito, right over the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s plenty of restaurants over there! Have a great trip!

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Muir Woods National Monument: The Complete Guide

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Things to Do

Best hikes and trails, where to camp, where to stay nearby, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit, muir woods national monument.

Just north of San Francisco and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area , Muir Woods National Monument is known for its ethereal grove of centuries-old redwood trees. The park has a special place in the hearts of many nature enthusiasts, as it was originally created through a land donation meant to protect the ancient trees from a logging industry boom. Before that, the land was home to the Coast Miwok people for more than 10,000 years.

Today, Muir Woods is a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to escape the city for crisp, clean air. The coastal redwoods here average between 600 to 800 years old, with the oldest being approximately 1,200 years. While wildlife can be hard to spot due to the thick foliage, plenty of lush vegetation can be found within the dense forests. Read on to learn about the best trails, where to stay nearby, and what to expect during a visit to Muir Woods.

Most visitors come to Muir Woods looking for solitude among nature, and hiking provides the perfect way to do so. Although many of the most popular hikes can get overcrowded on busy days, it is entirely possible to venture far enough on one of the park’s 6 miles of trails to find some peace and quiet.

For families with smaller children, the Muir Woods junior ranger program is a great way for kids to learn about the park and its nature. Forest rangers also give 15-minute “Tree Talks” throughout the day as well as longer ranger-led tours when staffing permits; check the program board at the park entrance when you arrive to confirm times.

zrfphoto / Getty Images

There are 6 miles of trails in Muir Woods National Monument—including 30-minute, one-hour, and 1.5-hour loops within the park—as well as longer hikes that extend into the neighboring Mount Tamalpais State Park . Maps of the trails are available online or at the visitor center for $1.

• Muir Woods Fern Creek Loop: This 1.3-mile hike is easy for beginners and those using strollers thanks to the wooden boardwalk. It’s also one of the most popular trails in the park, so be ready for larger crowds during busier hours.
• Dipsea Trail: At nearly 10 miles long, this trail is considered difficult due to the steep climbs and 2,000-foot elevation gain. Known for its stunning wildflowers, Dipsea takes hikers near the coast toward Stinson Beach.
• Main Trail: The Muir Woods main trail begins at the visitor center and follows Redwood Creek past several bridges and old-growth redwood trees. There’s a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk until the third bridge (about 1 mile into the trail) to Cathedral Grove—a silent preserve home to the tallest, oldest redwoods at Muir Woods.

While there are no options for camping inside the park, there are several campgrounds nearby with sites available throughout the year. Golden Gate National Recreation Area as a whole has four campgrounds, all of which can be reserved on Recreation.gov . Additionally, the Presidio of San Francisco has one group campground available. For more information about the area’s camping options, read our guide to camping near San Francisco .

San Francisco offers the most diverse options when it comes to accommodation near Muir Woods National Monument. It will take you a minimum of 35 minutes to reach the city's downtown area because of the winding road and time it takes to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. For those who don’t want to head into SF, consider Marin (about 7 miles away) or Sausalito (8 miles away).

• Mountain Home Inn: One of the closest options to Muir Woods, the Mountain Home Inn is a relaxing, rustic retreat perched on a Mt. Tamalpais ridgeline overlooking the bay. Reservations for one of the lodge’s 10 guest rooms come with complimentary breakfast and access to the on-site bar and restaurant.
• The Inn Above Tide: This famous inn is situated just over the water in Sausalito, about a minute walk from the Sausalito Ferry Terminal and 3 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. The pricey accommodations feature beautifully decorated rooms with private terraces overlooking the bay.
• Hotel Kabuki: A boutique hotel in San Francisco’s Japantown, Hotel Kabuki is a trendy spot with a hotel bar and a great location. The Japanese-inspired hotel is just three blocks from Fillmore Street and 1.2 miles from Union Square.
• The Parker Guest House: Popular with returning visitors to San Francisco’s Castro district , this charming bed and breakfast is made up of two Edwardian-style homes that date back to 1909. Right across the street from Dolores Park , the Parker Guest House includes a complimentary continental breakfast, an afternoon wine social, and a cozy lounge with a piano and fireplace.

Bibirajh Sivamyinthan / Getty Images

From San Francisco, take Highway 101 North to the Mill Valley/Highway 1/Stinson Beach Exit and follow signs to Highway 1 and Muir Woods. The national monument is found 11 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. If coming from the East Bay, take Highway 580/Richmond/San Rafael Bridge West to Highway 101 South and look for the exit towards Stinson Beach/Mill Valley to get to Highway 1. Parking costs $8.50.

The Muir Woods Shuttle offers seasonal service from stops in Sausalito and Marin City. Round-trip shuttle tickets cost $3.25 for adults and are free for children 15 years and younger. The shuttle schedules change often, so be sure to check the website for the most current information.

The main parking lot at Muir Woods has accessible parking stalls close to the visitor and park centers, both located across from the accessible restrooms. There are a few accessible benches found near the entry plaza, which has a stable surface made of compacted asphalt and dirt. Stop inside the visitor center for assistive listening devices and MP3 players with audio descriptions of the property, brochures and trail maps in Braille, and more information about the raised accessible boardwalks found throughout the park.

• There is no cell phone service or WiFi inside the park, so always organize your transportation ahead of time to avoid getting stuck there. If you’re taking the shuttle back, download or take a screenshot of your return ticket while you still have service, as drivers require proof of reservations.
• Muir Woods is known for its large crowds on the weekends, so try to visit on the weekdays if possible (and make sure to arrive early). The busiest months in the park are June, July, and August.
• The parking situation at Muir Woods is notorious for being chaotic. Consider taking the shuttle to avoid having to deal with the limited number of parking spaces.
• Temperatures inside the park range from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for a majority of the year (the redwoods thrive in chilly, damp coastal weather), so don’t forget to bring an extra layer or two. If traveling in the winter months, supplement with a poncho or other rain gear.
• With the exception of service animals, there are no pets allowed in the park.
• There is a small counter-service restaurant near the visitor center and bathrooms, but it can get very busy depending on the day and time. There is no picnicking allowed inside the national monument, so try not to plan any meals there if you don’t want to waste time in line. Pack some light snacks just in case.

National Parks Service. "History of Muir Woods." Retrieved on November 5, 2021.

National Parks Service. "Trees and Shrubs." Retrieved on November 5, 2021.

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15 Best Muir Woods Tours From San Francisco (2024)

Looking for the best Muir Woods Tours from San Francisco to take on your trip? You’ve come to the right place!

As a California local, I love visiting redwoods. There is just something magical about walking through an ancient forest filled with towering trees that have endured for centuries.

If visiting California redwoods is on your bucket list, Muir Woods is hands down the best place to see redwoods in the Bay Area!

Our top pick for a Muir Woods Tour from San Francisco: Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Sausalito Day Trip (with over 1000 reviews!)

Muir Woods is home to a stunning old-growth forest with redwood trees that are 600 to 1000 years old and up to 250 feet tall. Visiting Muir Woods is a great activity year-round as the weather stays temperate in redwood forests throughout the seasons.

The easiest way to visit Muir Woods is by taking a guided tour. This is a very busy location with limited parking so driving there yourself can be a huge hassle.

For the ultimate experience, book a tour that also includes a trip to the famous Alcatraz Island and the charming seaside town of Sausalito so you can visit multiple incredible San Francisco attractions in one day!

If you’re wondering which Muir Woods tour is best for you, read on to find out.

In this post, I have vetted all the highest-rated Muir Woods tours from San Francisco so you can book a tour that best fits your travel needs and have a wonderful time. Let’s get started!

Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, may I earn a small commission when you book through these links for which I am very thankful!

15 Best Tours To Muir Woods From San Francisco:

1. alcatraz tour, muir woods and sausalito day trip.

Tour Highlights:

• Tour length: 7.5 hours
• Tour rating: 4/5 stars
• Includes: transportation in a luxurious air-conditioned coach, admission tickets, ferry ride & cellhouse audio tour

This Alcatraz Muir Woods tour starts at 8 AM and kicks off with a trip to Alcatraz Island, the ultimate federal security prison during its heyday. To get to Alcatraz, tourists will board a ferry at Embarcadero’s Pier 33. The scenic drive passing through Union Square, Van Ness Avenue, Cow Hollow, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County is an excellent way to begin a day full of excitement.

While in Alcatraz—also called The Rock—you can listen to an audio-guided walking tour of the Cell Blocks of the famous site and then move on to Muir Woods National Monument. The tour agency will take care of the admission ticket for Muir Woods.

Before heading back, your group will spend time in the quaint and picturesque village of Sausalito, a Mediterranean-like village with waterfront restaurants and shops.

“Fabulous day trip from San Francisco . Muir Woods are beautiful together with the Sausalito trip, topped off with the trip to Alcatraz. A trip not to be missed.” -Leanne H. ( read more reviews )

Book Alcatraz, Muir Woods And Sausalito Day Trip Here!

2. Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito With Optional Alcatraz

• Tour length: 9 hours
• Tour rating: 5/5 stars
• Includes: local guide, Alcatraz entry ticket, ferry ride

This small group San Francisco tour meets at 8 AM at the Fisherman’s Wharf and then heads out to explore the city’s best neighborhoods. You’ll hear many stories and the history of the community thanks to the knowledgeable bus drivers and tour guides. There are several stops where you can explore a bit and take some pictures.

From 9 AM until about 10:30, you can reconnect with nature by exploring and hiking through the Muir Woods. Take your time and enjoy the rare sight—it is one of the few remaining coastal redwood forests in the world!

At lunchtime, you will enjoy a meal in the beautiful village of Sausalito and indulge in some shopping afterward. After lunch, the optional Alcatraz tour will commence. Those heading to the prison island will be dropped off at Pier 33, while those who won’t avail of this tour will be brought back to Fisherman’s Wharf.

“ What a great way to see San Francisco and surrounding areas! Muir Woods are beautiful , lunch in Sausalito was delicious (and what a cute place), views of neighbourhoods were fantastic, tour of Alcatraz was very interesting” -Lorraine L. ( read more reviews )

Book Small Group Muir Woods Tour From San Francisco Here!

3. Small Group Muir Woods With Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

• Tour length: 10 hours
• Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars
• Includes: transportation, guide, wine tasting

A great option for families or traveling friend groups is this Muir Woods And Wine Country Tour which is such a fun day excursion!

It begins with a refreshing hike through Muir Woods. You will spend half of the morning surrounded by the towering 1,000-year-old redwood trees and walk around the trails of this preserved area.

Breathe in the fresh air and take photos of the San Francisco Bay and Marin Headlands as you explore Muir Woods. You may also see a glimpse of Alcatraz Island, which can entice you to visit the place.

In the afternoon, indulge in wine tasting in Sonoma and Napa Valley. Sipping on top-notch wine and nibbling on cheese while enjoying the California sun is as good as it gets!

“ We had a great time on our tour . We went to the Muir Woods, Sonoma, and Napa wine tasting. Each tour was unique and the vineyards were beautiful.” -Patricia G. ( read more reviews )

Book Small Group Muir Woods & Wine Tour Here!

4. Alcatraz With Muir Woods And Sausalito Tour

• Tour length: 7-8 hours
• Includes: luxury transportation, ferry ride, admission ticket to Alcatraz, cellhouse audio tour

Another very interesting day tour is a well-coordinated visit to the three big attractions: Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito. You can have a preview of what San Francisco has to offer aboard a comfortable and luxurious tour van as you drive by the scenic views of the city.

Heading to Alcatraz Island means taking the ferry and seeing the 360-degree view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Once you are on Rock Island, you can take in the extraordinary sights and learn from the audio tour included in your admission ticket. Then, you’ll head out to explore Muir Woods to your heart’s content.

At the end of the trip, you will have some time to chill out in Sausalito—sample their food and enjoy your meal as you take in the sights of this quaint and beautiful village.

“ This was the best tour we took in San Fran . Muir Woods was beautiful & Sausalito was a really nice quaint little town.” -Laura N. ( read more reviews )

Book Muir Woods, Alcatraz And Sausalito Tour Here!

5. Small Group Tour: San Francisco And Muir Woods With Lunch In Sausalito

• Tour length: 5.5 hours
• Includes: local guide, snacks, water

This small group Muir Woods tour begins with a trip across the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. It then goes into the Muir Woods for hours of communing with nature and some of the oldest redwoods in the world.

After this, you will enjoy a tour around the city aboard a bus—you will surely have your fill of the city’s geography and culture. There are several pitstops for picture-taking opportunities.

Chinatown and San Francisco’s Little Italy are fun excursions, along with a quick visit to the impressive homes in Pacific Heights. Then, your group will head to the small town of Sausalito while enjoying a meal. You can simply breathe in and enjoy the relaxed and beautiful village.

“Our tour guide/driver (Jake) was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The SF stops were great and Muir Woods was fantastic . Really appreciated the water and snacks provided.” -Tracy A. ( read more reviews )

Book Small Group San Francisco & Muir Woods Tour Here!

6. Muir Woods And Sausalito Tour Plus Bay Cruise

• Tour length: 6 hours
• Includes: transportation in an air-conditioned bus, guide, admission to Muir Woods, bay cruise

Get lost in the beauty as you look at the redwood trees in all their majestic grandeur at the Muir Woods National Monument . This visit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—these trees are hundreds of years old and are witness to so much history. Go on a hike and follow the trails as you take in your surroundings.

You’ll see impressive angles of the Golden Gate Bridge from above and below as you drive across and glide underneath. This dual Muir Woods and Sausalio excursion is an excellent way to spend your morning in the Bay Area.

And finally, enjoy a trip to the charming little village of Sausalito, where you can make the most of being a tourist. Stroll along its waterfront pavements, pop in and out of the local shops and galleries, and have lunch in one of the outdoor cafes.

“This was a great experience! Highly recommend it. Seeing the giant redwoods has been on my bucket list for a very long time and I was not disappointed.” -Sandra O. ( read more reviews )

Book Muir Woods And Sausalito Tour Here!

7. Muir Woods, Sausalito, SF, All In One Day!

• Includes: transportation, local guide, water

This Muir Woods adventure is your best tour option if you want to see the highlights of San Francisco and all it can offer in just one day. It is great for small families and friend groups.

Explore the city on foot and find yourself in Chinatown, North Beach, and Haight Street. After the busy hustle and bustle of the city, escape to the Muir Woods National Monument and chill under the impressive, towering, and mighty redwood trees.

After letting your eyes and spirit indulge in the scenery, make the most of your Sausalito stop and treat yourself to some souvenir shopping from the many shops and upscale boutiques in the area. Spend your lunch hour enjoying this peaceful pocket of the city and admire and savor the waterfront community.

“Loved seeing all the neighborhoods, great stops for picture opportunities, and Muir Woods was worth the drive. Definitely go on this trip if you only have a day or two in the city. ” -Erin E. ( read more reviews )

Book Muir Woods, Sausalito & SF Tour Here!

8. Muir Woods And Sausalito Small Group Tour

• Tour length: 4-5 hours
• Includes: transportation in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van, entrance fee

On this San Francisco redwoods tour to Muir Woods you have four to six hours to have your fill of Muir Woods and Sausalito. Most San Francisco visitors would say that this is the perfect amount of time for a small group tour!

You will have the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge in your van on the way to Muir Woods. The views are just fantastic at this redwood haven, and you will have the opportunity to take dozens of amazing photos that you will treasure forever. The pictures will make you smile and reminisce every time you look back at them.

You can also spend hours lazing around the quaint village of Sausalito and take your time to browse through its art galleries, shops, and waterfront restaurants.

“ Our tour guide was excellent . Walking through the woods and taking in the breathtaking beauty of the redwoods was the highlight of the trip.” -Lenora D. ( read more reviews )

Book Muir Woods & Sausalito Small Group Tour Here!

9. Muir Woods Tour Of California Coastal Redwoods

• Tour length: 3.5 hours
• Tour rating:   4.5/5 stars
• Includes: transportation, local guide, entrance fee to Muir Woods

Over three hours dedicated to exploring the Northern California redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument is time well spent. You don’t want to skip these impressive redwoods when you visit San Francisco – and this San Francisco tour to Muir Woods will ensure you don’t miss a thing!

From Fisherman’s Wharf, you will be driven to Muir Woods, and you will have your fill of the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge along the way. From here on, look up at the sky and see how tall the redwoods are after being on this earth for centuries.

“This was an excellent tour and our tour guide was absolutely wonderful! It was the perfect amount of time to spend at Muir Woods , and it was so informative.” -Donna P. ( read more reviews )

Book Muir Woods Redwood Tour Here!

10. Muir Woods And Sausalito Half-Day Tour

• Tour length: 5 hours
• Includes: transportation, tour guide, entrance fee to Muir Woods

This tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito is five hours long and begins early in the morning. After the excursion, you’ll still have most of the afternoon to explore the vibrant San Francisco city on your own.

The tour consists of a half-day trip to the impressive Muir Woods National Monument. All the necessary transportation and entrance fees are already included, so all you need to do is enjoy the preserved land where redwood trees stand in their full grandeur.

For the rest of the morning, you can take leisurely walks in Sausalito and take pictures along the Bridgeway Promenade and Sausalito Boardwalks. After this, you’ll head back to San Francisco by ferry.

“ We loved Muir Woods . It was a nice little hike and so beautiful! Sausalito was such a cute little town too! Our guide was very knowledgeable.” -Kathryn S. ( read more reviews )

Book Muir Woods And Sausalito Half-Day Tour Here!

11. Small Group Half-Day Muir Woods And Sausalito Morning Tour

• Tour length: 4 hours
• Includes: transportation, guide

Nothing can beat mornings spent in Muir Woods and then heading out for an early brunch in Sausalito. This Muir Woods National Monument and Sausalito tour ensures you enjoy a very memorable morning in two of San Francisco’s best spots and give your time back in the afternoon for anything else you want to do in the city.

This little adventure is only four hours long and begins in the morning, so you will surely enjoy the scenery as your van heads to Muir Woods. The tight curves going to this redwood paradise are a fun initial thrill, and once you are there, you’ll be amazed at the height of the redwoods.

Cap this short morning adventure with a brunch in Sausalito and spend your remaining morning walking along the boardwalks and visiting the galleries.

“Wonderful experience with a friendly guide, Muir woods and Sausalito were awesome! In the morning is the way to go! “ -Olga P. ( read more reviews )

Book Small Group Half-Day Muir Woods Tour Here!

12. Big Bus Muir Woods Tour

• Includes: Bus tours to Muir Woods

When you visit San Francisco, you must indulge in the best sights in the city. There is no better way to do this than spending three hours exploring the beautiful redwoods on a Muir Woods self guided tour!

Hop into this Muir Woods bus tour for a hassle-free trip. This tour is for everybody, so you can expect your ride to be wheelchair-accessible with lifts to make sure that everyone can enjoy this quick escapade.

As you drive to Muir Woods, you will pass by the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County headlands, and on the way back to the city, you’ll pass through the picturesque seaside of Sausalito.

Being surrounded by these towering redwood trees and the impressive flora and fauna of the area is an incredible experience of a lifetime!

“Our bus tour guide was wonderful! The weather was perfect with beautiful sunshine streaming through the giant trees. It felt like we were in a magical place .” -Jill F. ( read more reviews )

Book Muir Woods Tour Bus Here!

13. San Francisco To Muir Woods Shuttle

• Includes: guide, water

A direct round trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods and back without hassle, haggling, or stress—perfect, right? This Muir Woods shuttle tour provides you with transportation that departs from Fisherman’s Wharf, and from then on, you can expect the next four hours to be enjoyable and all pre-arranged.

Upon your arrival at Muir Woods, you can explore this expansive preserve at your own pace. You can follow the walking trails, hike, or spend some time at the visitor center. Of course, you can take advantage of the view of the Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean from above.

The redwoods have been there for more than 1,000 years, and this area is also home to some of the oldest living things in the world. If you have any questions, you can ask your knowledgeable guide.

Book Muir Woods Shuttle Tour Here!

14. Bike The Golden Gate Bridge And Shuttle Tour To Muir Woods

• Tour length: 8 hours
• Includes: bike, helmet, shuttle to Muir Woods

This is a whole-day event that promises exciting adventures. The Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods tour begins by meeting your guide at Fisherman’s Wharf. You will board the minibus shuttle as the group heads to Muir Woods for an hour of exploring picturesque redwood trees.

You will have lunch in Sausalito afterward—you will surely enjoy the impressive background of the San Francisco bay area. After these two main activities, you will be driven back to San Francisco to explore the rest of the city, take in the views, and cruise on all-day rented e-bikes to your heart’s content until 6 PM.

“ We really enjoyed the Muir Woods Tour and other stops with Sully as our guide. Biking the Golden Gate with the E-Bikes was an experience we will have forever, and NEVER forget.” -Barbara A. ( read more reviews )

Book Golden Gate Bridge And Muir Woods Tour Here!

15. Alcatraz And Muir Woods Express Tour With Golden Gate Bridge Visit

• Tour length: 5-7 hours
• Includes: Alcatraz entry ticket, ferry tickets, bus to Muir Woods

Touring three of San Francisco’s best locations in seven hours makes for a fantastic day in the city. This Muir Woods and Alcatraz tour includes the Muir Woods, where you can feel, touch, and be surrounded by 1,000-year-old redwoods.

A visit to the Bay Area is incomplete without a walk and a photo shoot along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure that you take snaps from different angles! You can always ask your tour guide about the best vantage points on the bridge.

Finally, you will head to Alcatraz or the infamous Prison Island, where you can walk around and learn all about the Cell Block. A comprehensive audio tour is included in the tour package.

“ Arriving at Muir Woods before the park opened provided a quiet experience . The visit to the Golden Gate Bridge visitors center was a nice addition that I wasn’t expecting.” -Timothy T. ( read more reviews )

Book Alcatraz And Muir Woods Express Tour Here!

I hope this list has helped you find just the right Muir Woods tour for your trip to San Francisco!

Looking for more things to do in California? Here are a few other popular posts that you may enjoy:

• 20 Stops On a Road Trip From Los Angeles To San Francisco
• 12 Best Wine Tours From San Francisco
• 10 Best Yosemite Tours From San Francisco
• Best Boutique Hotels On Central Coast In California
• Amazing Places To See Big Trees In California
• Best Beaches On The Central Coast In California

This post is written by Laura . Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 30,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here .

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How to Take the Muir Woods Shuttle

This post contains logistics, prices, and everything you need to know about the Muir Woods shuttle reservation system. 

• Plan Your Visit
• How to Take The Shuttle
• Alternatives and Tours
• Camping in Muir Woods
• Tips From Locals and Travelers

WHY VISIT MUIR WOODS

The Muir Woods National Monument is just a short scenic drive north of San Francisco in Marin County, California.

The Muir Woods is famous for its beautiful coast redwood trees, which can reach a staggering height of more than 300 feet (92 meters) and live for over 1,000 years!

The tallest tree in Muir Woods is 258 feet (79 meters) tall and an astonishing 1,200 years old . Sure enough, these are among the tallest living things in the entire world!

There are 6 miles (10 km) of trails throughout Muir Woods National Monument, allowing visitors to choose from several hiking routes.

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If you are torn between Muir Woods or Redwood National Forest, consider the following:

Both feature old-growth coastal redwood forests full of massive, ancient 1,000-year-old trees ( Sequoia sempervirens).

However, Muir Woods is much closer to San Francisco at just a 40-minute drive. If time is a factor, then Muir Woods is for you.

Redwood National Forest is more than 300 miles north of San Francisco, but is much larger and has fewer visitors. If you want a true escape, Redwoods National Forest is a better choice.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

This section gives you on your reservation and how to plan your day.

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There is a $15 entrance fee to Muir Woods for those 16 and older. Those under 16 years old are free.

This fee is in addition to what you will pay if you take the shuttle or what you will pay for parking.

On these days admission is free:

January 15, 2024 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day April 20, 2024 - Start of National Park Week June 19, 2024 - Juneteenth August 04, 2024 - Great American Outdoors Day September 28, 2024 - National Public Lands Day November 11, 2024 - Veterans Day

TIP : Admission to Muir Woods is free for all US Veterans and Gold Star Families. Fourth Graders can also visit for free!

Park Open Hours

Muir Woods is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am until approximately sunset (time varies by season)

The only exceptions are for emergency closures, including weather, air quality, power outages, and other safety risks.

every day from 8 am to 5 pm (or 8 pm per the time of year). In every season, it closes at sunset.

For the most up-to-date information, check the  National Park Service  website.

What is the best time to visit?

The best time to go to Muir Woods is early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.

As for the time of year, May to October is good. Read more about the weather in Muir Woods .

June, July, and August see the most visitors, so be prepared for afternoon crowds.  

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in Muir Woods. Service dogs are permitted.

There are dozens of trails throughout Muir Woods National Park, and while all of them are great, some are better and more noteworthy than others.

Depending on which trail you choose, you can expect to see sites such as Cathedral Grove, Bohemian Grove, Muir Beach Overlook, and more.

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If you're trying to figure out which path to take once you get to the park, read our post, The 8 Best Muir Woods Hiking Trails .

Visitors Center

The Muir Woods Visitor Center is located at the entrance to the park and is open from 8 am to 30 minutes before the park closes.

Here you can find maps of the area, brochures for tours and other activities, weather information, trail conditions, and more.

Before you discredit the idea of grabbing a map, keep in mind that there is no cell service in Muir Woods, so it might be a good idea to get one!

There's a cafe and gift shop nearby, allowing you to grab something to eat before entering the park.

Must I make a reservation to go to Muir Woods?

If you take the Shuttle, you will need to reserve a spot. We go over this below .

If you drive, you will need to reserve a parking spot. Read more about Muir Woods Parking Reservations .

If you arrive by foot, bicycle, or tour bus, you do not need to make a reservation.

Tip:  During the summer travel season shuttle tickets and parking reservations can sell out many days in advance. Make your reservations as soon as you know your travel dates.

Can you take an Uber to Muir Woods?

It is possible to take an Uber to Muir Woods, but it can be expensive (about $50 to $80 one-way from San Francisco) and hard to find a ride back.

We recommend a tour bus or other transport instead.

How long will the whole trip take?

Muir Woods is only 16 miles from the center of San Francisco proper and the Muir Woods shuttle takes approximately 30-40 minutes from the drop-off locations to get to the park entrance.

Most park guests spend 1 - 2 hours exploring and walking the trails. If you enjoy browsing gift shops, tack on another 30 minutes.

Keep in mind - during busy summer months, there may be a wait to get on a return Muir Woods shuttle.

In total, it might take 4 - 5 hours to leave San Francisco proper, enjoy your time at Muir Woods, and return to San Francisco.

HOW TO TAKE THE SHUTTLE

The Muir Woods shuttle is a seasonal service that takes visitors from several off-site locations to the Muir Woods National Monument.

It’s the easiest way to get to the park outside of driving your car or taking a guided tour.

The round-trip fare for adults is  just $3.75  and free for children aged 15 and under. All riders must reserve a spot.

There is NO cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument. Download your shuttle ticket in advance.

Tip : You must reserve your shuttle ticket in advance. You cannot purchase tickets onsite.

Note that you will still need to purchase the park entry fee.

The park entry fee is $15 per adult (16 years and older) and free for children (15 years and younger).

With the shuttle ride and park entry fee, your total cost is $18.75 for an adult (16 years and older).

Is the shuttle ADA or wheelchair accessible? 

Yes. All shuttles can accommodate wheelchairs through lifts or ramps.

Additionally, service dogs are allowed on the shuttle and within Muir Woods itself. No other dogs or pets are allowed on the premises.

Where are the Muir Woods shuttle stops?

There is no direct Muir Woods shuttle from San Francisco but the two shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations are easy to reach.

Larkspur Landing

101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939

Ticket reservations for this shuttle stop are made for your exact departure time. See below for shuttle schedules.

Arrive 15 minutes early or more.

Free parking is available. Reservations are not needed.

Public Transport:

• Marin Transit:  Route 17 ,  Route 29 ,  Route 228
• Larkspur Ferry

Sausalito Ferry Terminal

Bay & Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965

Parking is not available.

• Sausalito Ferry from San Francisco Proper: Golden Gate Ferry , Blue & Gold Fleet
• Marin Transit: Route 17 , Route 61
• Golden Gate Transit: Route 30

If you want to spend time in Sausalito before or after your visit to Muir Woods, see our Guide to Visiting Sausalito .

When Does the Shuttle Run?

Shuttle to Muir Woods

The shuttle from Larkspur Landing runs on weekends and holidays from early spring through October.

Additionally, the Sausalito Ferry Terminal shuttle runs on select summer weekdays.

The first shuttle departure from Larkspur Landing is 8:00 am and from Sausalito at 8:30 am.

The last shuttle departure time varies by season but may be as late as 4 pm. Check the reservation schedule for availability.

Shuttle departure frequency is every 15 minutes to 45 minutes.

Return shuttles

You do not have to choose a time in advance. But the last buses of the day from Muir Woods fill up early so get on the line way before the departure time or you will be stuck there.

The return shuttle runs at different frequencies depending on the time of year. A detailed schedule can be found on the Marin Transit website for the Route 66 and Route 66F buses.

Making Shuttle Reservations

Reservations for the shuttle or car parking can be made up to 90 days in advance on a rolling basis through the official Muir Woods website or by calling 1-800-410-2419.

Tickets are automatically made available at 9:00 am Pacific Time.

The reservation system accommodates advance and day-of reservations (dependent on availability).

While the system does allow for same-day reservations, demand is high, so we recommend you book as far in advance as possible.

If you are making last-minute plans and want to try your luck, Muir Woods does hold a small number of reservations to be released five (5) days in advance.

All shuttle passes are electronic and will be checked before entering the shuttle.

If you reserve your spot online you will get an email confirmation.

If you reserve your spot over the phone you will receive a confirmation number and can give your email address to receive the pass. You may bring a printed copy with you on the day of.

If shuttle tickets for your chosen day are sold out, you can join an inclusive tour and let the tour company handle all the travel logistics.

ALTERNATIVES AND TOURS

There are several ways to get to Muir Woods without using their shuttle service.

You can travel via public bus routes, inclusive tours, and with your car.

Since there are no bike paths on the winding road up to the Muir Woods entrance, we suggest you do not walk or ride a bicycle.

As the Muir Woods shuttle only operates seasonally, guests who hope to visit the forest via public transportation might find the trip to be rather long and confusing during the winter months.

The trip takes roughly 2 hours on public transportation from downtown San Francisco to Muir Woods National Monument.

Click here to see precise routes and timetables .

1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Driving to Muir Woods National Monument will give you the most freedom to take your time on the trails.

If you drive, you must make a parking reservation in advance.

It is a 40-minute drive to Muir Woods from San Francisco but heavy traffic can significantly add to your travel time.

Reservations for vehicles up to 17 feet are $9.50 and can be purchased up to 90 days before your travel date.

Read more about Muir Woods Parking Reservations .

GUIDED TOURS OF MUIR WOODS

Each of the following companies offers tours to Muir Woods.

San Francisco Skyline Sightseeing, Gray Line, and Tower Tours lead combination tours that include tours of Sausalito, Sonoma, and/or highlights of San Francisco.

Most tour companies spend between 1.5 to 2 hours in the forest.

As noted below, some companies (such as Skyline Sightseeing and Gray Line) are more transportation services rather than tours, as there is limited guided commentary off of the coach.

Prices range from $50 to over $100 per adult, depending on what other activities are combined with the trip to Muir Woods. 

Skyline Sightseeing Tours (formerly City Sightseeing)

Skyline Sightseeing Tours are classic hop-off-hop-on bus tours that take visitors to several different tourist destinations.

They offer several options that include Muir Woods, including the option to add-on a return ferry to San Francisco (Pier 41), for those who want to spend more time in Sausalito then is included in the tour. 

While on the ferry, you'll pass by Alcatraz Island and get a chance to see this historic site from afar. You'll also enjoy excellent views of the waterfront around Fisherman's Wharf!

This outfit offers complimentary hotel pickup. 

Tours to Muir Woods National Monument with Skyline Sightseeing receive generally positive reviews, with many guests praising the ease of transportation.

Some guests found the tour pick-up/drop-off schedule to be somewhat restrictive, however, this is a common complaint among all organized tours to Muir Woods.

Overall, visitors who traveled with Skyline Sightseeing found the experience very enjoyable and straightforward.

Muir Woods and Sausalito (with optional Ferry back to San Francisco)

• Standard Ticket (without ferry): $82 Adults / $58 Children 
• Departs daily at 9 am and 1 pm from San Francisco with multiple departures from Sausalito daily
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• More info and to book .

Muir Woods and 1 Day City Hop-on-Hop-Off Ticket

• Standard Ticket (without ferry): $129.99 Adults / $84.99 Children 

Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour

This is a 9-hour tour that combines some of Sonoma's best wineries with a stop at Muir Woods. It operates daily at 9 am year-round.  

Be sure to read our post on Sonoma and Napa Valley  wine tours.

• $159.99 - Adult
• $115.99 - Child
• More info and to purchase .

Read more about their hop-on-hop-off city, and Alcatraz tours . 

Dylan's Tours

Dylan’s Tours offer intimate, guided bus tours of San Francisco and the surrounding area, including some trips that will take you to the Muir Woods.

Their main service is a combo tour which includes both Dylan’s Famous Tour and a trip to Muir Woods.

During their San Francisco tour, you’ll visit sites such as Haight-Ashbury, Pacific Heights, and North Beach.

In addition to those options, this company also offers combo packages which include bike rides, a trip to Alcatraz, and more.

Dylan’s Tours is perhaps most well-known for its small group sizes and knowledgeable guides.

Their fleet of mini-buses allows for a more intimate experience than most of the other tour companies included on this list.

A vast majority of guests give this tour company a full 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Dylan’s Tours is reported to be very well organized and always on time.

Guides are also complimented for their impressive knowledge and likability. 

In fact, some guests liken the experience to a close friend driving them around for the day. Negative reviews are rare and usually the result of extenuating circumstances.

San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz Tour

• $175 – Adults | $119 – Children 
• Departs daily at 8:30 am
• Duration: 8 hours
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

San Francisco, Sausalito, and Muir Woods Tour

• $129 – Adults | $69 – Children 
• Duration: 7 hours

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Ride + Muir Woods Tour

• $105 per person 
• Departs daily at 8:15 am
• Duration: 6 hours

Gray Line Tours

There are 3 different tours to Muir Woods National Monument offered by Gray Line Tours:

• (1) Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
• (2) San Francisco City Tour & Muir Woods
• (3) Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Bay Cruise.  

As each of these tours to Muir Woods includes a visit to a second location, time is inevitably limited at each stop.

You can expect the tour of San Francisco to include several stops in the Fisherman's Wharf area, Chinatown, and beyond!

The seaside town of Sausalito is a great place to visit if you want to find some of the best boutiques, cafes, and restaurants in the Bay Area.

All tours include admission to Muir Woods and hotel pick-up/drop-off during the morning tour.

The Gray Line Tour reviews are very positive, as many compliment the quality of the guides and the ease of transportation.

Some guests complain about the confusion regarding the hotel pick-up location, so be sure to check your confirmation email ahead of time. 

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour  

This tour brings guests to Muir Woods for 75 minutes and then to Sausalito for another hour.

Guests can choose to extend their stay and pay for their own ferry ride back if they wish.  (4-hour tour).  

This ticket includes the $10 adult admission fee to the park, so as it stands, it's a better value than Skyline Sightseeing's similar tour.

• Without Ferry Ticket: $89 Adult | $69 Child (5-11) | Free for under 5
• With Ferry Ticket: $105 Adult | $79 Child (5-11) | Free for under 5
• Departs daily at various times (4-hour tour)
• More info or to book . 

San Francisco City Tour & Muir Woods  

This tour spends a large majority of the tour in the city in neighborhoods such as Fisherman's Wharf rather than in Muir Woods.

In some instances, guests who chose to depart in the late afternoon were not able to visit the Muir Woods because of its early seasonal closure.  

• $139 - Adult | $96 Child (5-11) | Free for under 5
• Departs daily at 8:40 am

Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Bay Cruise

Finally, guests may take the Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Bay Cruise, which allows visitors to enjoy three sceneries: the woods, the water, and the quaint city of Sausalito.

• $110 Adult | $80 Child (5-11) | Free for under 5
• Departs daily at various times (5.5-hour tour)

Tower Tours

In addition to their many other tours, Tower Tours also offers a tour of Muir Woods, which departs 3x daily and can be combined with other attractions:

• (1) Muir Woods Tour
• (2) Muir Woods Tour + Sausalito Ferry
• (3) Muir Woods Tours + Aquarium of the Bay
• (4) and Muir Woods Tour + Golden Gate Bay Cruise.  

Like the CitySightseeing tour to Muir Woods, this tour is more of a transportation service than a guided tour.

Guests are allowed "up to 1.5 hours" in the forest, though traffic may affect the allotted time.  

They too offer complimentary hotel pick-up from most hotels.

The Muir Woods Tour by Tower Tours is a highly-rated tour with excellent reviews.

Though this company maintains a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor, most of the reviews for their Muir Woods Tour are 5 stars. 

Muir Woods Tour

• $85 - Adults | $55 - Child
• Departs daily at 9 am
• Duration: 3.5 hours

  Muir Woods Tours + Aquarium of the Bay

• $119 - Adults | $79 - Child
• Duration: 5 hours

Muir Woods Tour + Golden Gate Bay Cruise

• $125 - Adults | $85 - Child

Muir Woods Tour + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

• $145 - Adults | $105 - Child

Muir Woods Tour + Sausalito + Wine Country

• $175 - Adults | $105 - Child

Extranomical Tours

Extranomical has perhaps the largest selection of tours of any bus company in the San Francisco Bay Area.

They offer several trips to Muir Woods, most of which are combined with other tourist destinations such as Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Sausalito.

Guests are allowed up to 2 hours to explore Muir Woods on their own, during which time they can also buy lunch or hike a particular trail.

Their tours include free pick-up and drop-off at almost any hotel in San Francisco, making the door-to-door service very convenient. 

With a 4 ½ star rating on TripAdvisor and a 4-star rating on Yelp, it’s safe to say that most guests of Extranomical Tours have a great time. 

Most of the negative reviews seem to be centered around scheduling conflicts, but sometimes it’s impossible to foresee issues such as these.

If the only issues with this service are a few random, unforeseen problems with their schedule, that’s a pretty good sign.

Almost every other similar service has received complaints about the bus either being late or broken, so it’s worth noting that Extranomical does not appear to have these problems.

Muir Woods Expedition 

• $89 - Adult | $65 - Child (11 and under) 
• Departing daily @8:15 am and 1:20 pm

Muir Woods Expedition & San Francisco Ferry 

• $104 - Adult | $79 - Child (11 and under) 
• Departing daily @9:30 and 1:20 pm.

Muir Woods and Wine Country (Sonoma and Napa Valley)  

• $169 - Adult | $122 - Child (10 and under)
• Visit Muir Woods and 3 wineries. 
• Departing daily @8 am.

Tom Martell's Famous Muir Woods Tours

Tom Martell's Famous Muir Woods Tours is a small company owned and run by Tom Martell, a naturist and experienced Muir Woods guide.

Tom's tours are fully escorted and aim to inform guests about the flora and fauna of the area, the Redwoods themselves, Indian customs, park and local history, and folklore.

Tom promises that he is "here to give you a glimpse into the life of the forest, not to steer you to the gift shop or hurry you along."

The tour covers 2-4 miles and includes water, snacks, fruit juice, and complimentary pick-up at your San Francisco hotel and drop-off at the Sausalito Ferry.

NOTE: Tom is currently running private tours only . 

More information .

HOW TO SAVE ON TOURS

Gocity san francisco pass.

This company sells 2 different money-saving tourist attraction passes that sometimes include tours to Muir Woods:

• All-Inclusive Pass
• Explorer Pass

The All-Inclusive Pass is valid for a 7-day period during which guests are allowed to visit all attractions included on their list.

The Explorer Pass allows you to pick the specific activities you want rather than paying one flat price for everything.

The latter option is more expensive but does give guests access to many more sites.  

NOTE: As of May 2024, these passes no longer include a trip to Muir Woods, but that may change in the near future.

Groupon, Living Social, and GoldStar 

There are several other websites such as Groupon and   LivingSocial , that periodically offer discounted tours to Muir Woods.

These companies update their deals regularly, so be sure to check each website to learn more about what special discounts are on offer. 

CAMPING IN MUIR WOODS

Camping within the boundaries of Muir Woods National Park is not allowed, but there are two nearby camping locations.

Bootjack Campground

Bootjack Campground is located on the north side of Mount Tamalpais, just a short drive from Muir Woods.

The fee for a campsite is  $25 . These campgrounds are first-come first-serve, and they don’t accept reservations. As such, you might want to consider arriving early.

The campground is open year-round, but it can get crowded during the summer months.

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The campground features 49 sites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit, and a grill.

There are restrooms and drinking water available, but there are no showers.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park.

Good to know : Dogs are permitted on all trails past the Bootjack campground. Just keep in mind you won’t be able to take your dog into Muir Woods.

Steep Ravine Campground (Mount Tamalpais)

Steep Ravine Campground is located on the east side of Muir Woods, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

It is a secluded camping spot that offers stunning views of the coast. The campground features 9 sites

The fee for a campsite is $25 . They also have cabins for $100 per night.

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Reservations are required. Call (800) 444-PARK (7275) for more details.

Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring, and a food locker.

There are no showers or flush toilets, but there are vault toilets and drinking water available.

The campground is open year-round, but it can be challenging to reach during the rainy season.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and beachcombing in the nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park and Stinson Beach.

Good to know :

Dogs aren’t allowed on the Steep Ravine trail, so if you’re planning to visit with your pup, it will be important to consider staying at Bootjack Campground instead.

Tips for Camping Near Muir Woods

If you plan to go camping near Muir Woods, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Make reservations early. Steep Ravine Campground is very popular and fills up quickly, so it's essential to book your site in advance.
• Bring warm clothing. The temperature can drop significantly at night, even during the summer months.
• Store your food properly. There are bears and other wildlife in the park, so it's crucial to store your food in a secure food locker.
• Leave no trace. Muir Woods is a protected natural area, so it's important to pack out everything you pack in and leave no trace of your visit.
• If you are coming by RV, camping in the lower Pantoll parking lot between the hours of 6 pm - 9 am.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

Related posts.

• Guide to Visiting Sausalito  
• Alcatraz Island Tickets and Tours
• Reviews of the Best Tours of Yosemite from San Francisco
• Reviews of the Best Wine Tours of Sonoma
• Reviews of the Best Wine Tours of Napa

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 Best Way to Get to Muir Woods From San Francisco & Top Tips!

Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore a serene coastal redwood forest? If so, Muir Woods National Monument is the perfect day trip from San Francisco , and I promise it is worth the trip! Discover the best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco and top tips for planning your visit.

⏰ Don’t have time to read the whole article? Booking a tour is the best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco. ⭐️The Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Tour is a top rated tour with over 3,000 raving reviews , so you can’t go wrong!

How Far is Muir Woods From San Francisco

The distance between Muir Woods from San Francisco is approximately 16 miles, which is about a 40-minute drive without traffic. Traffic is extremely common in the San Francisco Bay Area, so be sure to give yourself extra time and avoid rush hour.

Muir Woods National Monument Address: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941.

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Best Way to Get to Muir Woods From San Francisco

Muir Woods is an incredible location to visit. If you are spending a couple of days in San Francisco, I highly recommend taking the time to see these unbelievable and historic redwood trees.

If you are visiting San Francisco from another state or country, you will most likely not have a car, which can make getting to Muir Woods a little tricky. However, the good news is that there are plenty of other ways of getting there.

Follow this guide, and I will provide you with all of the tips you need before visiting Muir Woods. Plus, you will learn the best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco for your itinerary and the group you are traveling with.

Drive to Muir Woods

First up, and the most obvious, is to drive to Muir Woods. If you have access to a car, then driving yourself is the best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco.

🚗 Or if you are thinking about renting a car for the day , you can find one here. Having a car is pretty nice if you want your independence and the opportunity to see more of the Bay Area at your own speed. 

The drive to Muir Woods from San Francisco is remarkable. You will drive along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to make time to stop and walk the bridge. Even on a cloudy day, the views from the bridge are gorgeous!

💡 Local Tip:  The toll for the Golden Gate is fully-automated. So you will need a Fastrak for your payment. Or if you do not have Fastrak, a photo will be taken of your license plate, and they will send you a bill for the toll.

It is a serpentine two-lane road to Muir Woods. To get to the entrance, you will have to drive up the mountain along a narrow and windy road. It is a beautiful drive as slowly reach the top. If you are one to get car sick, as I do, pack some nondrowsy Dramamine (this is the one I use & like) or water to help you get through the journey.

Does Muir Woods Have a Parking Lot?

A parking lot is available at Muir Woods within walking distance of the entrance. However, you must make a parking reservation in advance before your visit . Do not make the same mistake I have made in the past and show up without a reservation, because they will turn you away.

Also, there is no service at Muir Woods, so you would have to drive back down the mountain to look up the next open parking reservation. To reserve your parking at Muir Woods you can visit here.

How Do I Get to Muir Woods without a Car

If you do not have a car, don’t worry, there are numerous ways to get to Muir Woods without one. Such as by tour, shuttle, ferry, bus, and even hiking. Continue reading, and I will provide the details on your different options for getting to Muir Woods without a car.

• Drive to Muir Woods: If you have access to a car, this is the cheapest & easiest way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco
• Ride Share: Least reliable way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco (find out why below)

Muir Woods Shuttle

• ⭐️  Book a Tour: If you don’t have a car this is the best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco.
• Bike along the Golden Gate and Shuttle

Ferry & Shuttle to Muir Woods

Bus & shuttle to muir woods, ride sharing: can you get an uber to muir woods.

Yes, you technically can get an Uber to Muir Woods. However, if you are planning on requesting a shared car, read this first. Once you arrive at Muir Woods, you will not have any service or wifi to connect to. So getting back to the city and ordering an Uber or Lyft can be challenging.

What you can do instead is plan your pick-up in advance. Lyft and Uber allow you to schedule rides up to 30 days in advance. The downside is you will not have any service to be in touch with your driver. It could get canceled, and you would have no idea.

It is not the most reliable option of transportation to and from Muir Woods from San Francisco. I would not recommend it. I think too many things could go wrong, and personally, I would want a more secure plan to get back to the city.

Marin Transit offers a shuttle bus to the Muir Woods National Monument from off-site locations. It is a great option because public transportation allows you to access the shuttle stop locations.

Is the Muir Woods Shuttle Operating? 

The Muir Woods Shuttle is open and operating on the weekends, holidays, and select days during the summer months. The only drawback of the Muir Woods Shuttle would be if you were planning to visit midweek outside of the summer months. Check the  schedule  before your visit and book your shuttle ticket in advance.

There are two bus stop locations: Larkspur Landing and Sausalito. Larkspur is the temporary location from the Pohono Parking Lot 

Larkspur Landing 101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939

• Only available on the weekends
• $3.50 per adult. 15 and younger ride free
• Free parking is available on site, reservation is not needed
• Reachable by ferry, bus, SMART (the Marin rail transit)

Sausalito Bay & Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965

• Available during the week on select days in the summer
• No parking available
• Reachable by ferry and bus.

Guided Muir Woods Tour

Booking a guided tour is my recommendation for the best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco. A tour will help you avoid the hassle and stress of booking parking reservations and figuring out public transportation.

Also, a tour will allow you to fully experience Muir Woods and provide you the opportunity to see more of the bay area outside of San Francisco. I have recommended two amazing Muir Woods guided tours below.

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars |⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours |  BOOK NOW

The Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Tour is the perfect way to spend your morning and afternoon away from the city! Book this tour that leaves from San Francisco and will shuttle you to the coastal redwood forests and the seaside town of Sausalito.

“ Everything from the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the drivers helpful narration, the breathtaking hike in Muir Woods, lunch in Sausalito, and the exhilarating ferry ride back was perfection. ” – Rebecca S. (read more reviews )

Experience Muir Woods with your professional tour guide and then wander the streets of downtown Sausalito.

Downtown Sausalito is perfect for grabbing lunch and admiring the gorgeous views of the Bay and San Francisco’s cityscape. Our favorite restaurant is Barrel House Tavern for some delicious seafood and drinks, and they have the best views from their outdoor deck. Or for some quick service and a cheaper option, Venice Pizzeria serves great pies across from the waterfront.

This is an awesome option for a combo tour, especially if you are limited on time because it is only 4 hours long. You get 90 minutes with an informative guide touring the redwood forest but also get independent time to relax and explore Sausalito.

✅ Book the Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Tour here

Muir Woods & Wine Country

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars |⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours |  BOOK NOW

To maximize your time in San Francisco book a tour to Muir Woods and Wine Country . What is great about this tour is that you have the opportunity to visit two very popular Bay Area locations in one day .

And an additional perk is that the tour company will pick you up from your hotel in San Francisco. So no time wasted using public transportation to get to your meeting spot.

The Muir Woods & Wine Country tour includes a morning walk among the massive redwoods at Muir Woods. Afterward, your shuttle will whisk you away to the beautiful wine country. With your expert guide, you will visit and wine taste at 3 different wineries in Sonoma & Napa Valley.

“ Kimmy was an awesome driver & guide, she made a wonderful trip to Muir Woods and Vineyards even better. We had the best day, tasted so beautiful wines, saw some great redwoods and enjoyed every minute. Definitely recommend ” – Allison R. (read more reviews )

For an additional fee, you can add on a 3-course gourmet lunch with your wine tasting. I suggest adding on the lunch because most wineries do not serve food. And that’s a lot of tastings to do with an empty stomach.

🍷 Book your tour to Muir Woods and Wine Country here

Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars |⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours |  BOOK NOW

This tour offers the best of the Bay Area with a small group tour of San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz.

Start your tour at the infamous Fisherman’s Wharf. From there, you will explore San Francisco’s best neighborhoods with your tour guide.

After your time in the city, you will cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and begin your journey to Muir Woods. Experience and admire the tallest tree on earth, the Sequoia sempervirens, also known as California redwoods. Entering Muir Woods feels like you are strolling through a woodland cathedral

Next, you will stroll the charming coastal town of Sausalito. Downtown Sausalito has multiple shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Enjoy lunch with views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline.

If you choose to add on Alcatraz , which I highly recommend you do, you will be dropped off at the Alcatraz terminal where you will catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island.

“ This was an excellent tour! Our tour guide Ro was very very informative! All the stops were wonderful it’s hard to pick one! Sausalito was such a cute little town. Would love to explore it more. And Alcatraz…wow! Super cool! We thoroughly enjoyed everything about this tour! ” -Cindy W. (read more reviews )

The audio-guided tour will take you back into history as you learn about notorious criminals like Al “Scarface” Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly to ’70s Boston mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger who was incarcerated here.

✅   Book the Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz here

For the scenic route, you can enjoy a ferry across the bay and shuttle your way to Muir Woods. Catching a ferry and cruising along the bay is actually a really fun experience. I live in Oakland, and often when I have friends visiting, we take the ferry to San Francisco. It’s affordable and a unique way to see the bay area.

From San Francisco, you will need to depart from the Ferry Building. The Ferry Building is located off Market Street on Embarcadero Street. It is a 30-minute ferry to Sausalito, an adorable and quaint town across the bay from San Francisco. 

Once you reach Sausalito, you will catch the Marin Shuttle to Muir Woods. The shuttle location is only one block from the ferry drop-off. You must make your reservations for the Muir Woods Shuttle in advance.

Side Note: If you haven’t been to the Ferry Building before, it is definitely worth checking out. Arrive early before your departure and explore the historic building and the artisan marketplace. It’s the perfect spot to grab a pastry and coffee and check out the small shops.

💡 Local Tip: If you plan on using public transportation in San Francisco, aka the BART system, I highly suggest you get a  clipper card.   You can easily load cash onto your Clipper card and get discounts for all bus, rail, ferry, and train rides in the San Francisco Bay Area.

• Golden Gate Ferry Schedule (make sure you are looking at the correct schedule. It’s either set to the weekday or weekend schedule). You purchase your tickets on the ferry.
• Marin Shuttle to Muir Woods Schedule & Reservations

Important Note: Check the Marin Shuttle schedule to Muir Woods before planning your trip. It is only available on the weekends, holidays, and some weekdays during the summer months.

Another option to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco would be by bus and shuttle. You can catch the bus from either the Salesforce Transit Center or the SF Civic Center to Sausalito.

The bus stop is the same as the ferry drop-off in Sausalito. From there, it would be a short walk to the Marin Shuttle location in Muir Woods. You must make your reservations for the Muir Woods Shuttle in advance.

This bus route also stops at the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza. So either on your way back or to Muir Woods, you can take some time to walk the bridge and get some Golden Gate Bridge pictures.

• Golden Gate Transit Route 130 Bus Schedule

Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting

Exploring the incredible redwood forest at Muir Woods National Monument is one of the best things to do near San Francisco. Walking among the soaring and historic coastal redwoods is a memorable experience.

Besides the stunning redwood forest, Muir Woods is also worth visiting because of its unique and amazing coastal views. Some of the hiking trails go up the canyon and feature views of Mount Tamalpais, San Francisco, and the Pacific Ocean.

Additional Tips for Visiting Muir Woods

Muir Woods is typically open 365 days of the year from 8 am to 8 pm. Remember, you will not have any service of wifi when visiting the national monument. Be sure to have your transportation and reservations planned in advance.

How Much is The Muir Woods Entrance Fee

The entrance fee at Muir Woods is $15 per person 16 and older. Children 15 and below are free to visit. If you have an America the Beautiful or other national parks pass, it will include yourself and three adults free entry into Muir Woods.

On certain holidays throughout the year, it is free entry. However, I am sure those days are also extremely busy, so plan way in advance. You can purchase your tickets online or buy them at the park entrance.

How Much Time Do You Need at Muir Woods

How much time you need at Muir Woods varies on the amount of hiking that you plan to do. The first time I was there, we did a fair amount of hiking and spent about 5 hours there.

The next time I visited, we did no hiking and only stuck to the main paved trail. You can easily walk that in under an hour, but if you want to take your time to explore and visit the Muir Woods amenities I would give yourself 1.5 hours to 2 hours.

Muir Woods Amenities

After you are done visiting the majestic redwoods and the miles of trails, take some time and enjoy the Muir Woods Cafe and gift shop. The cafe has a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, baked goods, grab-and-go snacks, and coffee. Other amenities include restrooms, a visitor center, and parking.

What to Wear Visiting Muir Woods

When planning your trip to Muir Woods, you will want to be comfortable and wear layers. Under the canopy of the redwood trees, the temperature will be cool, ranging from 40 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit also, there could be some wind.

For shoes, I suggest something sturdy and comfortable. If you do not plan on hiking on the canyon walls and will just be walking the main paved trail, then flat and sturdy shoes should be fine. You do not need to wear hiking shoes because the trails in Muir Woods are asphalted or on a boardwalk.

Other Things To Do Near Muir Woods

Looking for more to explore after your time at Muir Woods? There are some serious hidden gems located right next to Muir Woods that are an absolute must-visit! Especially if you have rented a car for the trip, you are going to want to see as much as you can of this gorgeous area.

Muir Beach is one of my favorite local beaches to visit in Marin County. Tucked away in a secluded cove, Muir Beach’s picturesque landscape of rock formations, crashing waves, and sandy beach are some of the many reasons why this beach is a hidden gem.

Muir Beach Overlook

Another unique find is Muir Beach Overlook. Just a two-minute drive from Muir Beach is the jaw-dropping views at Muir Beach Overlook. This vista provides panoramic views of the Pacific Coast and the Point Reyes Peninsula. 

There is so much to do and see in this adorable city. I love Sausalito for its small-town charm, beautiful views of the bay, and delicious seafood at the waterfront.

Our favorite spot for a great meal, awesome drinks, and the best view is Barrel House Tavern. And don’t forget dessert! Lappert’s Ice Cream serves the best ice cream in town with its fun Hawaiin-inspired flavors.

If you want to see Sausalito, but do not have a car, you can book a tour and see Muir Woods with a stop in Sausalito.

Mt. Tamalpais State Park

If you are interested in doing some hiking in the area, Mt. Tamalpais offers miles and miles of trails among the redwood groves featuring some of the best views in the area. On a clear day, you will experience views of San Francisco and the Bay, Marin County hills, and Mount Diablo.

Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is a small local beach town located in Marin County about a 20-minute drive from Muir Woods. A visit to Stinson is great for lounging on the beach or walking along the water.

Right next store to the beach is Parkside Cafe, they have a huge selection of food. For quick service, they have a snack bar. The snack bar serves burgers, sandwiches, shakes, fries, and ice cream. Or order a wood-fired pizza, espresso, and some baked goods to go. It is also a great spot to sit down for lunch on their outdoor (dog-friendly) patio.

Does Muir Woods Allow Dogs

Unfortunately, no Muir Woods National Monument does not allow dogs. However, if you are looking for other dog-friendly locations nearby, I’ve got you covered with some awesome spots.

• Muir Beach: Gorgeous cove and dog friendly beach located a 8-minute drive from Muir Woods
• Muir Beach Overlook: Stunning views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Stinson Beach: Has a dog friendly section of the beach.
• Sausalito: A quaint and charming town in Marin. Perfect for grabbing lunch outside with spectacular views of the Bay and San Francisco Skyline.

You can find a full dog friendly guide for Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, and Muir Beach Overlook here.

Other Days Trips From San Francisco

Looking for o ther ways to get out of the city or for things to do near San Franciso? Some of my favorites are:

🌙 Half Moon Bay: Enjoy gorgeous coastal views at Half Moon Bay. Only 45 minutes outside of the city is this charming town of white sandy beaches, delicious seafood restaurants, unique tide-pooling, and a downtown full of cafes and shopping. ⛴ Jack London Square: You can easily take the Ferry from San Francisco to Jack London Square, Oaklands waterfront. Jack London has numerous waterfront restaurants, festivals, the oldest bar in Oakland, and more. 🍷 Napa Valley: Beautiful wine country is only an hour or so outside of the city! Book a tour or plan a day trip of wine tasting at some the best wineries around the globe. 🍷 Thinking about wine tasting in Sonoma? Here are the best ways to get from San Francisco to Sonoma

Alcatraz Island

Visit the iconic Alcatraz Island! Alcatraz use to be a federal prison that was home to some of the most dangerous prisoners of that time. Today you can book a tour and explore the empty prison cells and learn about the interesting history of Alcatraz and the various attempted escapes by the prisoners.

You can add Alcatraz Island to your visit of Muir Woods by doing a combo tour of Muir Woods, Sausalito, Alcatraz in the same day. ✅ Book the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz . Or to view other top tours to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco you can go here.

In Conclusion: Best Way to Get to Muir Woods From San Francisco

The best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco varies on your budget, time frame, and the time of year you are planning on visiting. However, if you do not have a car, I think the all-around best way to get to Muir Woods would be by booking a tour.

A tour will allow you to fully experience Muir Woods without the stress of relying on public transportation. It will also provide you the opportunity to see more of the bay area outside of San Francisco.

I hope this post has provided you with all of the information you need on planning your visit to Muir Woods. Muir Woods is truly a special place in northern California . I promise you will not regret getting outside of the city for the day and experiencing all of the natural beauty of this magical redwood forest.

🌉 San Francisco Guides

• Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting: Why You Should Or Should Not Visit
• Sutro Baths Hike: Ultimate Guide & What To Do Nearby
• 10 Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco: Tips & Ultimate Guide
• Is The Alcatraz Tour Worth It: Review & Tips to Visiting the Prison

Alisha Rose is the founder of TTWT and has lived in California since 2016. She is a Registered Nurse, but loves exploring her beautiful home of California every chance she gets with her family and two Golden Retrievers. Also a world traveler, she has traveled to over 21 countries, a total of 5 continents, and 27 states in the US.

Getting to Muir Woods from San Francisco for an epic day trip

By: Author Ginny Vail

Posted on Published: 9 Jun 2022  - Last updated: 3 Jan 2024

Looking for a wonderful outdoorsy outing? Take a Day trip to Muir Woods from San Francisco and wander among the old-growth redwood trees. They are the tallest of all living things and are centuries old.

Muir Woods is among the top sights in the San Francisco Bay Area, and people come from all over the world to see this ancient redwood forest. Take a day trip to Muir Woods from San Francisco and wander through one of the last old-growth coastal redwood forests on the planet.

A visit to Muir Woods is always an uplifting experience. Many of these trees were already hundreds of years old when Columbus sailed to America. They’ve survived fires and floods and droughts.

For more places to visit, check out our  San Francisco Itinerary  and  Visit Alcatraz  articles.

Here’s what’s in this article:

• Google map with the route from San Francisco plotted and locations pinned
• Three ways to get to Muir Woods : drive and park , take the Muir Woods shuttle , or take a tour
• Getting park entry tickets and parking reservations or shuttle tickets
• Details about the park’s main trail : length, difficulty, and accessibility
• Images with descriptions and maps for the Canopy View and Fern Creek trails
• Links to the park’s brochure and trail map
• Do kids enjoy Muir Woods ?
• Muir Woods Weather and Best Time of Day to Visit
• The John Muir connection

Where is Muir Woods?

Muir woods is located 12 miles (19.3 km) north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. The 560-acre park is in a canyon on the slope of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County. The trip (or ride) to the woods is really nice because it includes going over the Golden Gate Bridge (or taking a ferry to Sausalito) and travels on part of the winding, scenic Panoramic Highway.

Muir Woods National Monument is open from 8am until sunset all year long, even on major holidays.

San Francisco to Muir Woods Map

Click the map image below to go to the expandable, interactive Google Map with the San Francisco to Muir Woods route plotted and locations pinned. The pins have brief descriptions.

How do you get to Muir Woods from San Francisco?

The three best ways to get to Muir woods from San Francisco are: drive, take a ferry to Sausalito and the shuttle to Muir Woods, or take one of the commercial tours from San Francisco.

The Muir Woods shuttles are currently running on weekends and holidays only

The following sections provide details about reservations and tickets and about the three ways to get to Muir Woods.

Muir Woods Reservations and Tickets

If you drive or take the shuttle you need to make and pay for reservations in advance . You must reserve and pay for parking if you drive, and you must reserve and pay for a shuttle ticket if you take the shuttle.

You can also purchase your park entry ticket(s) online at the same time you purchase/reserve parking or the shuttle. The entry tickets are $15 p/p for ages 16 and older.

Tip: Download or print your reservations and tickets. There is  no cell service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods . Your reservations and tickets won’t work if they are only stored in the cloud.

Driving to Muir Woods and Parking Reservations

Reserve and pay for parking at gomuirwoods . The reservation is for a specific date and time. The parking fee is $8.50 per car. You can also purchase your entry ticket(s) to the park at the same time, or buy them at the entrance.

The time it takes to drive from San Francisco to Muir Woods depends on traffic and current conditions, but allow at least 45-minutes or, better yet, check with Google maps.

Shuttle to Muir Woods

Big Change: Effective June 4, 2022, the Muir Woods shuttle pickup location at Sausalito’s Pohono Park and Ride has moved to Larkspur Landing (Larkspur’s Ferry Terminal).

Taking the shuttle to Muir Woods is a great option . It’s fast, inexpensive and helps relieve traffic congestion in the communities along the route. It takes about 35-40 minutes and travels through some really scenic areas in Mount Tamalpais State Park.

On a recent visit with my adult granddaughter, we drove to Larkspur Landing and took the shuttle up the narrow, windy road to Muir Woods. Later she said: “The shuttle was super convenient, and I truly would not want to drive there.”

There are now two shuttle locations operating. You can catch a shuttle in either Sausalito or Larkspur. The shuttles are currently available on weekends and holidays only .

The round-trip shuttle tickets are $3.50 per person; children 15 and younger ride free. The shuttle ticket is for a specific date and time. Purchase your shuttle ticket(s) in advance at gomuirwoods . You can also purchase your park entry ticket(s) at the same time, or buy them at the park entrance.

Shuttle Pickup Locations

• In Sausalito: The shuttle picks up near the ferry terminal on Bay Street between Humboldt and Bridgeway (there are parking lots nearby, although they are not free). The shuttle ride from Sausalito takes about 35 minutes.
• In Larkspur: The shuttle picks up in the Larkspur Landing parking lot (parking is free on weekends). The shuttle ride from Larkspur takes about 42 minutes.

San Francisco to Muir Woods by Ferry and Shuttle

You can definitely get to Muir Woods from San Francisco without a car, and it adds a 30-minute ferry ride to the day’s adventure. Take a ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito. Once in Sausalito, walk two blocks to the bus stop on Bay Street (between Humboldt and Bridgeway) to take the Muir Woods Shuttle. The Sausalito Ferry Terminal and the shuttle bus stop are both pinned on our google map .

Ferries between San Francisco and Sausalito

Two ferry lines operate between San Francisco and Sausalito. Take whichever has the most convenient location and schedule for you.

• Take a Blue and Gold Fleet Ferry from Pier 41
• Take a Golden Gate Ferry from Gate B at the Ferry Building

You can take a ferry from San Francisco to Larkspur, but it’s not as easy. The ferry takes about an hour (each way) and the weekend schedule is limited.

Maps of Muir Woods

Download the official Muir Woods National Monument map and/or view the official NPS Muir Woods Trail map.

Muir Woods Trails

Everyone who visits Muir Woods likely takes the Redwood Creek Trail, but it’s not the only trail in the park. There are 6-miles of trails including Canopy View, Fern Creek, and Hillside.

Redwood Creek Trail

The main trail follows along Redwood Creek and passes amazingly close to the trees. It’s a gorgeous, peaceful walk. There are interpretive signs along the trail with details about the park’s history and special areas like Bohemian Grove, and Cathedral Grove.

The Redwood Creek Trail is a level, easy walk. A lot of it is on a wooden boardwalk designed to protect the trees and forest floor; the rest of it is paved. For much of the trail’s 1-mile length there are trails on both sides of the creek, so you can switch sides at the bridges and/or loop back for a shorter walk.

More Muir Woods Trails

Because a picture is worth a thousand words, I took the photos above on my recent visit to Muir Woods. These signs provide great information about the Canopy View and Fern Creek trails.

Sizing up the Redwood Trees

The coastal redwoods are  Sequoia sempervirens  and are the tallest living things on the planet. Some in Muir Woods are about 250 feet (76 m) high; the biggest tree is 12 feet wide (3.7 m). According to the National Park Service, many of the trees are 500 to 800 years-old and some are as much as 1000-years-old.

On the trail near the first bridge, checkout the redwood tree cross-section on display. It’s from a tree that fell in 1930. Its rings begin in 909 A.D., so the tree was 1021 years old when it fell. It’s rings are marked with significant events.

Family Circles

When a redwood dies, it’s massive root system often survives and sprouts new trees. The new trees grow in a circle around the old and are called family circles.

Is Muir Woods Great for Kids?

Yes! It’s especially fun for kids participating in the National Park System’s Junior Ranger Program. On a recent visit, my 9-year-old granddaughter said: “I wasn’t really interested in going until I learned they had a Jr. Ranger Program and once there, I really liked it a lot, and I’m glad we came.”

Sources for More Information:

• There are 15-minute Tree-Talks scheduled throughout the day, when staffing permits. The schedule is posted at the Visitor Center. The Tree Talks are held in the Founders Grove on the main trail just beyond the Visitor Center.
• Purchase a self-guided program at the Visitor Center for $1.
• Inquire about Ranger-Led 1-hour tours.
• Read the really nice Interpretive signs along the main trail with details about the trees, the wildlife, and historical events.
• Visit the NPS Muir Woods website .

Is Muir Woods a National Park?

Muir Woods is a National Monument managed by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area . The GGNRA is part of the National Park System and operates 37 park sites around the Bay Area, including Alcatraz, Lands End, and the Presidio of San Francisco.

Muir Woods Weather

Muir Woods is open from 8am until sunset every day of the year (including major holidays), and people visit throughout the year. Fall is generally the best weather (less fog, not much rain), but there are many gorgeous days throughout the year.

The temperature range in Muir Woods is 40°–70° F (4°–21° C). Fog is heaviest in summer. Our rainy season should be from October to April, but lately (unfortunately) we haven’t had much of a rainy season.

The National Park Service recommends visiting on a rainy day. They claim the trees provide great cover and are beautiful in the rain. If rain is in the forecast, bring a waterproof jacket and/or umbrella.

If it’s foggy, put on those extra layers and remember, fog is fantastic for the trees. They drink fog. Without fog there would be no coastal redwoods.

When is the Best time of Day to Visit Muir Woods?

Early morning is best if you prefer smaller crowds. Midday is best if you prefer a warmer day and sunny skies. It can be overcast and chilly in the morning and again in late afternoon.

Is there Food at Muir Woods?

Muir Woods Café has a selection of snacks and hot and cold drinks and sandwiches. It has tables and seating outside. The Café is inside the Muir Woods Trading Company (gift shop), which is near the park entrance inside the park.

Good Things to Know

• There is  no cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods.  Your parking reservation or shuttle tickets won’t work if they are only stored in the cloud.
• Bring extra layers. Fog is fantastic for the trees, but for us visitors, it gets chilly when the fog rolls in.
• Watch out for poison oak. Check out the National Parks Poison Oak Guide if you’re not sure what it looks like.

The Connection to John Muir

John Muir loved nature and wanted to preserve and protect America’s wild and beautiful places. He was a naturalist and conservationist and worked tirelessly to get the Federal Government to create the National Park System.

Muir is known as the father of our National Parks because he fought to get places like Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Mt. Rainier set aside as National Parks. He is also the cofounder of the Sierra Club.

In 1905, businessman William Kent and his wife Elizabeth purchased the redwood filled canyon that is now Muir Woods. They did so to save the area from being flooded by a proposed dam project. They donated the land to the Federal Government with a request that it become a protected monument.

William Kent also specifically asked to have the monument named after John Muir to acknowledge and honor Muir’s work and influence toward getting our National Park System created. Muir Woods became a national monument in 1909. The National Park System was signed into law in 1916.

When he learned that the park had been named after him, John Muir said, “This is the best tree-lover’s monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world.” I hope you find Muir Woods as wonderful as John Muir did, and as I do. It really is a one-of-a kind place and the National Park Service has created a trail system through the trees that makes it assessable to almost everyone.

If you like trails with great views, you might like Best Urban Hikes in San Francisco and if you’re looking for more things to do in San Francisco, check out San Francisco Attractions .

About the Author

Ginny Vail is a travel writer who loves travel planning, sightseeing, photography, and videography. She’s visited all 50 states and traveled around the world. Her articles focus on discovering places to go, sights to see, and details about when and how to visit them.

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How to plan a day trip from san francisco to muir woods.

Muir Woods has always been a popular day trip destination from San Francisco because it’s just a short, and beautiful, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the famous Redwoods Forest. Pre-2020, Muir Woods National Monument would be incredibly crowded with visitors, making the visit somewhat unenjoyable. However, right now is the perfect time to plan a Muir Woods day trip because tours are not running, keeping the crowds to a minimum. 

I recently visited Muir Woods on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon. Initially, I was hesitant to visit such a tourist hot spot on a weekend afternoon, but my friend had never been and that was the only time that worked for both of us. So I sucked it up (so dramatic) and went to this beautiful place. 

To my surprise, I found the entire process incredibly seamless and simple. Muir Woods requires advance parking reservations, so I didn’t have to struggle to find a parking spot, scoring one in the main lot. While there were a fair amount of people visiting, since tour buses aren’t running, we didn’t have to contend with a sudden influx of people.

Based on my recent experience, I want to share with you how to plan the perfect Muir Woods day trip for your San Francisco itinerary .

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking. For more, check out my disclosure . 

San Francisco Travel Resources

• Not sure when to visit? Find out the best time of year to visit San Francisco
• Book your flight to San Francisco with Skyscanner
• Get reliable travel insurance with World Nomads
• Find awesome accommodation with booking.com or Hostelworld
• Want a guided San Francisco tour? Here's a fun hop on hop off tour
• Rent a car for awesome San Francisco day trips with rentalcars.com
• Must haves for your trip to San Francisco packing list : my favorite waterproof booties, this power bank to stay connected, and a reusable water bottle

Tips for Visiting Muir Woods

Before we get into how to visit this popular destination, a few quick tips.

• Plan transportation in advance: There is no cell phone service in Muir Woods, so if you think you can call an Uber, think again. See below for public transportation options and the best way to get to Muir Woods.
• Download maps offline: Since there is no cell phone service, be sure to download maps offline using Google or AllTrails.
• Pack snacks: Muir Woods Trading Company has a cafe with a pretty decent menu of sandwiches and snacks. But I always like to bring my own to save time and money!
• Dress for cool temperatures: The temperature under the shade of the Redwoods rarely gets over 70 degrees.
• Leave no trace: Anything you bring with you, bring back home. And don’t have anything home (except for trash) that you find here.

Best Way to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods

Muir Woods is located in Mill Valley, CA within Mt. Tamalpais State Park, another popular getaway in the San Francisco Bay Area for hiking and cycling. 

The best way to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods is to drive. From Union Square in downtown San Francisco, it’s an approximately 35-minute drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods.

On the weekends, expect traffic as you drive through Tamalpais Homestead, especially in the early afternoon as people are heading this direction for the variety of outdoor activities in the area.

It’s a gorgeous, yet windy, road through Mount Tamalpais State Park. Prepare for lots of twists and turns and take your time.

If you don’t have a car, I highly recommend renting one for the day. Sure, an Uber could get you to Muir Woods, but there is no cell phone service, so you will likely not be able to call one to return you to the city.

Muir Woods Reservations

To ensure a seamless visit to Muir Woods, you need to make parking and ticket reservations in advance. Parking spots are released in 30-minute increments. The earliest parking reservation is at 9:00 am and the last is at 4:30 pm.

However, once you park, you can park there all day long. There is no time limit for parking. 

To reserve your parking spot go to gomuirwoods.com

Also on that website, you can purchase your park tickets in advance. This will save you time waiting in line when you arrive.

Remember that if you have an Annual National Park Pass, the entrance fee to Muir Woods is included. The Annual Park Pass allows entry for you and up to three other adults. 

Here is the cost of visiting Muir Woods via car:

• Parking Reservation: $8.50
• Entrance fee: $15/adult 16 years or older

Catching the Muir Woods Shuttle

Muir Woods shuttles are up and running (weekends and holidays only) after a hiatus due to COVID. Taking the shuttle is a great alternative to driving due to parking lot limitations and especially if you don’t have a car.

Shuttle Locations

• Pohono Park & Ride : This is recommended for those with cars, parking reservations are not required. Reservations are for a 30-minute departure window
• Sausalito : Parking is not available here, which is why it’s recommended for visitors without a car. Simply take the ferry over to Sausalito from San Francisco. Reservations are booked for an exact departure time
• Marin City Hub : There is no parking available here either and reservations are made for an exact departure time. 

Please Note: There is no shuttle service directly from San Francisco (unless you take an organized tour which I’ll cover shortly). To get to the shuttle stop, take the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito and catch the shuttle from the Sausalito stop. Check the ferry schedule here.

All shuttle reservations are location-specific, tickets are round trip, and you don’t need a parking reservation. 

The shuttles run all weekends and holidays and during peak season (June – August).

Book your Muir Woods shuttle reservation here .

Best Time of Year to Visit Muir Woods

There is no bad time of year to visit Muir Woods. The weather in this part of California is pretty consistent year-round. However, the one season you should know about is the rainy season during the winter months from November to March.

October is usually our warmest month of the year, which is a great time to visit Muir Woods as you’ll remain cool under the shade of the Redwood Forest.

What to Wear to Muir Woods

The first thing you need to know about visiting Muir Woods is the temperature underneath the Redwoods is much cooler than what your phone might say. As with the rest of what to wear in San Francisco , layers are key. They will keep you warm on the main trails and should you decide to explore a bit further you can shed layers as you warm up!

If you’re planning on staying on the main trails a good pair of sneakers and comfortable activewear is suitable.

If you’re planning on leaving the main trail to explore the variety of Muir Woods trails I highly recommend wearing hiking boots instead of sneakers as you’ll be contending with multiple tree roots! In this case, I also suggest wearing sunscreen and packing a hat to protect your skin from the sun!

If the forecast calls for rain, I love these Sorel rain boots . They’re cute, waterproof, and suitable for longer, easy walks.

If you’re planning a serious hike, I suggest these Keen hiking boots . They are what I wear rain or shine along with Darn Tough socks to prevent blisters. Also, bring a rain jacket and umbrella. 

For more information on what to bring to Muir Woods check out this short hike packing list .

Things to Do in Muir Woods

The two main things to do in Muir Woods are to admire the Redwood Trees and hike Muir Woods’ miles of trails.

The beauty of these two Muir Woods activities is that you can easily do both at the same time.

Admire the Redwoods

Muir Woods is home to old growth coastal Redwoods. The most popular location to see the giant Redwoods is at Cathedral Grove. The Redwoods here are the tallest and oldest trees in Muir Woods. The trees anywhere from 600 to 800 years old, with some of the oldest trees being 1,200 years old!

There are signs in Cathedral Grove recommending silence as this is a great place to disconnect from the hustle of city life and reconnect to yourself and the natural world.

I highly recommend spending some time enjoying the quiet sounds of nature as you walk through the grove.

Muir Woods Hiking Trails

Multiple hiking trails start from the Muir Woods visitor center from a flat. 05-mile loop to a multiple-mile adventure. There are 3 loops you can do on the main trail which is a flat, boardwalk trail that meanders through Cathedral Grove and next to Redwood Creek.

This is the shortest and easiest trail in Muir Woods. You’ll simply follow the main trail to Bridge 2 for a total of 0.5 miles. It should take you about 30 minutes. This is great if you just want to see the Redwoods and move on with your day or head down to Muir Beach.

This trail is still on the flat and paved main trail, however, you’ll walk to Bridge 3 to extend your time with the Redwood Forest. This is a 1-mile hike and will take about 1 hour at a leisurely pace.

This Loop is a bit more challenging than the other two mentioned above. You’ll start on the main trail, following the Creek until you reach Bridge 4. Once you get here, the trail is no longer paved and leads uphill. It will connect to Hillside Trail which loops you back along a dirt path to Bridge 2. This Loop is a nice mix of challenging and pretty, offering a different vantage point to Loops 1 and 2.

Canopy View Trail

Surrounding Muir Woods is Mount Tamalpais State Park so there are some interconnecting trails, including Dipsea Trail if you’re looking for something more challenging.

However, one of my favorites moderate hikes is the Canopy View Trail. Just before Bridge 2 is the Canopy View Trail which takes you gradually uphill to a view of above the tops of the Redwood Trees to the Pacific Ocean.

Once you reach the top, head back down for the Lost Trail that connects to Fern Creek Trail and will loop you back to the Muir Woods Main Trail. The Canopy View Trail is 3 miles and will take about 2 hours. 

I highly recommend this trail if you’re looking for something more challenging and a way to escape any crowds on the Main Trail.

Muir Woods Tours

While this post is geared towards creating a DIY Muir Woods day trip, several tour companies run tours to Muir Woods. Due to COVID-19, they are not currently running at the time of this writing. 

However, they may be running again when you’re able to visit and it may be the only way you can see Muir Woods. If that’s the case, then I suggest checking out these Muir Woods Tours (some even include other stops that will help you check off your San Francisco bucket list !)

• Muir Woods with Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour : Where are my wine lovers at?! This one is for you! You’ll start your day with an hour-long hike at Muir Woods and end it by tasting local wines from Napa and Sonoma. On your way back to the city, you’ll have time for Golden Gate Bridge photos! What I love about this tour is that it’s a small group on an eco-friendly bus!
• Muir Woods Sausalito & Alcatraz : Check two items off of your San Francisco bucket list with this tour. The tour provides transportation to Muir Woods and the ferry for Alcatraz. After your time on Alcatraz take a ferry back to the city at your leisure. I like this tour because it’s the perfect combination of an organized tour and DIY since you’re left to your own devices at Alcatraz . You don’t need to rush through!

Where to Stay Nearby

You may consider extending your stay for a night or two in Sausalito or Tiburon. This part of the Bay Area is filled with a variety of fun activities, good restaurants, and gorgeous views. Both of the hotels below are treat-yo-self-style hotels. And totally worth it IMHO.

• Cavallo Point : This gorgeous hotel overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Baker! 
• Water’s Edge : This hotel is located on the Tiburon waterfront, just a few minutes away from the ferry which can take you to Angel Island or back to San Francisco.

Things to Do Nearby

• Muir Beach: If you’re only planning to spend an hour or so at Muir Woods, consider adding on Muir Beach. This small cove beach is about 3 miles down the road. You can hike there or drive. The parking lot is very small and fills up fast, especially on a nice weekend, so be prepared to walk a bit. 
• Mt. Tamalpais: as mentioned above, Mt. Tam has awesome hiking trails and views! If you’re up for a good, long hike check out the Dipsea Trail or Cataract Falls.
• Sausalito: After your day exploring Muir Woods, head into Sausalito for dinner. There are many excellent restaurants to choose from and epic views across the Bay to the city.
• Angel Island : If you’re spending some time on this side of the bridge, check out Angel Island . Angel Island is referred to as the Ellis Island of the west. You can go to learn about the immigration process here, walk the perimeter trail with epic San Francisco views, or chill out at a gorgeous beach.
• Battery Spencer: On your way back to San Francisco, consider stopping at Battery Spencer for sunset. Battery Spencer offers awesome views of the Golden Gate Bridge , the Bay, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. It does tend to get windy here, though so layer up!

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How To Plan A DIY Muir Woods Tour From San Francisco

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Categories California , Family Travel

One of the top things I wanted to do on our trip to San Francisco was to get to Muir Woods to see the giant redwoods.

When I saw the cost for a Muir Woods tour (which started at $95 per person!), I knew there had to be a way to DIY a Muir Woods and Sausalito tour on the cheap.

In this post, I’ll show you how to plan a self-guided Muir Woods tour from San Francisco .

You’ll get to experience a gorgeous ferry ride across the bay, grab some lunch in famous Sausalito, and soak up the beauty of the largest living things on the planet, the giant redwoods. 

This day trip ended up being my favorite thing we did on our visit to San Francisco, so I’m excited to share how you can do it yourself – here’s how!

How To Get To Muir Woods From San Francisco 

To get to Muir Woods, I suggest taking a scenic ferry ride across the bay to Sausalito, then grabbing the shuttle bus to Muir Woods.

You’ll get great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and get to explore the lovely town of Sausalito. I will show you have to arrange this on the cheap and share a hack for saving money on your ferry tickets!

If you have a car on your trip to San Francisco (which I don’t recommend if you are staying in the city – parking is $50 per night on average), then you can drive to Muir Woods via the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Muir Woods Tour: Ferry to Sausalito

We took the Golden Gate Ferry from the Ferry Building at Embarcadero. Check out the view from the ferry!

There’s lots of comfortable seating on the ferry, wi-fi, plus food and drink for sale (complete with a full bar!) The trip to Sausalito take about 30 minutes. 

You can get the schedule for the ferry to Sausalito from the Ferry Building here  but be sure to come back for my hack to save on tickets!

If you have never been to the historic Ferry Building, it is a destination in and of itself. There’s incredible food for sale there with lots of options. We had empanadas that I’m still thinking about. 

There is another ferry to Sausalito that departs from Pier 41, which is close to Fisherman’s Wharf.

I haven’t taken that ferry myself so I can’t share any tips, but you can get the schedule and info for the Blue & Gold Fleet ferry here.

How To Buy Your Ferry Tickets At A Discount

I suggest buying your ferry tickets from the machines that are located at the entrance to the ferry dock (they take all major credit cards).  Plan to arrive about 20-30 minutes before your departure time to get tickets.

The regular cost for an adult round-trip ferry ticket is $25. But here’s how to get them for $18, saving you $7 per ticket (almost 30% off):

If you are buying tickets for youth ages 5-18 (or Seniors 65 and older), select “Tickets To & From Sausalito” and select a Youth/Senior Roundtrip ticket which will cost $12.50. Children 4 and under are free!

Muir Woods Tour: Shuttle To/From Muir Woods

Before you plan your ferry trip, you should first purchase your tickets for the Muir Woods shuttle bus. 

The shuttle is run by Ace Parking, a private company that works with Muir Woods National Monument to handle the very limited parking. 

The shuttle is SUPER affordable – kids 18 and under are free and adults are only $3 roundtrip.

NOTE: The Sausalito shuttle i scheduled to resume regular operations in March of 2024! Click here to go to their website for updates and to purchase tickets . 

There is a shuttle stop right in Sausalito at the intersection of Bay and Bridgeway streets, less than a 5-minute walk from the Ferry dock. The shuttle ride took 40 minutes are was very scenic – check out the video below for a glimpse of the views!

You can make your shuttle reservation online here . Be sure to pick a time that will work with the ferry schedule. For example, on the weekends the first ferry arrives in Sausalito at 11:10 am. So the earliest shuttle you could get to Muir Woods is 11:30.

We opted for the 12:30 shuttle so we would have time to explore Sausalito and grab some lunch there. 

You’ll also have the option to purchase your entry to Muir Woods along with your shuttle ticket. I suggest doing that so you don’t have to wait in line to purchase your ticket once you get to Muir Woods!

Also be sure to save your tickets to your phone right after you buy them. There is NO cell service at Muir Woods so you won’t be able to access your tickets once you are there. 

Muir Woods Tour: Sausalito

Sausalito is a gorgeous town that has a very European look and feel to it. There’s a small downtown area right off of the Ferry dock with lots of options for grabbing lunch or a snack. 

We grabbed sandwiches at the Venice Gourmet Deli for under $10. The view from our little table was great as was the people watching!

California Club from The Venice Deli

We had some ice cream while we were waiting for our return ferry from one of the many ice cream shops in Sausalito. It’s a lovely stop on your Muir Woods tour and shouldn’t be missed!

Muir Woods Tour: The Giant Redwoods

And of course, the main attraction on this DIY Muir Woods Tour are the giant redwoods themselves. The cost to enter Muir Woods National Monument is $10 for adults and kids 15 and under are free. 

These redwoods top out at around 250 feet tall, which means they aren’t the tallest redwoods in California (those are over 350 feet tall). But they are majestic nonetheless!

We spent about an hour and a half in Muir Woods and stayed on the main trail that weaves back into the grove. There are other longer trails if you have more time (which you might if you visit during the week). 

There is a tiny visitor’s center and a cafe (with crazily priced items – like $5 for a bottle of Coke, etc.) but not much else to see and do here except walk among the trees. 

I’ve been to the redwood grove in Yosemite National Park, and these trees in Muir Woods aren’t quite as impressive. But the whole experience was amazing and well worth the trip from San Francisco!

Plan your shuttle time back to Sausalito carefully so you can catch your ferry back to San Francisco. 

DIY Muir Woods Tour Cost

Here is the breakdown of the cost involved in this self-guided Muir Woods tour:

ADULT Roundtrip Discount Ferry Ticket: $18 Shuttle to Muir Woods: $3 Entry to Muir Woods: $10 TOTAL: $31

YOUTH (Under 16) Roundtrip Ferry Ticket: $13 Shuttle to Muir Woods: Free Entry to Muir Woods: Free TOTAL: $13

So your grand total for a family of four with two kids under 16 would be $88 – less than the cost of ONE adult ticket if you purchase this all from a tour company!

While it was some work to coordinate the ferry and shuttle bus times, I would gladly do that to save over $60 per person. 

After our Muir Woods adventure

For another great day trip from San Francisco, check out this post about taking a Napa Valley Wine Tour in a limo . 

Any questions about planning your trip to Muir Woods and Sausalito? Please leave a comment below or send me a message on The Frugal South’s Facebook page!

If you like this post you may also like: 

• 10 Things You Need to Know About Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains
• How to Get to Flamenco Beach Culebra Puerto Rico
• How to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls By Train

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Saturday 8th of April 2023

There is no more shuttle from Sausalito to Muir Woods :(

Sunday 9th of April 2023

Ugh thanks for letting me know. The site says it is only running on special days and is not available regularly so I updated the post to reflect that. Hopefully it returns to full operation at some point in the future!

Jasmine Katie

Thursday 4th of July 2019

I enjoy Muir Woods tours with my family. that's was the best tours for me, because I fall in love by seeing the beautiful places of Muir Woods.

Friday 31st of May 2019

This is amazing!! Thank you for spelling the steps out. I'm going to San Francisco this year and wanted to see if there was an option to go to Muir Woods without breaking the bank. This saved me so much in researching.

Family Travel To San Francisco On A Budget? Yes, It's Possible - Here's How! - The Frugal South

Saturday 2nd of March 2019

[…] We took an affordable day trip to see the giant redwoods in Muir Woods. […]

Affordable Things To Do With Kids In San Francisco - The Frugal South

[…] Our DIY trip saved us $60 compared to what a tour company would charge for the exact same trip. Learn how to put your own day trip to Muir Woods together in this post! […]

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Muir Woods National Monument: Top Tips & What to Expect During Your Visit

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: January 29, 2024

Founded in 1908, Muir Woods National Monument is a popular attraction about 30 minutes north of San Francisco. Most people don't realize this, but it's one of the few places in the world where you can still see indigenous Coastal Redwood trees.

The park is open 365 days a year, so it's the perfect item to add to your San Francisco itinerary. It opens at 8 am each day, but closing times differ depending on the season. Parking and ticket reservations are required for your visit.

How long should you spend in Muir Woods? If you plan to explore the central area, I recommend setting aside a couple of hours for your visit. If you plan to take one of the longer trails, you could spend up to 3 to 5 hours hiking around it.

From my experience visiting this park many times over the years, the best time to visit is early in the morning as the fog is still hanging around the park. It gives it a mystical and peaceful feel to it.

If you plan to stay for a couple of hours, the fog will sometimes burn off, and you can see its beauty in the sun, too!

Discover more here about some of the best tours to take if you want to avoid driving and the new rules for Muir Woods parking if you do plan to drive.

What You Will See in Muir Woods National Monument

This species of redwoods is a close relative to the Giant Sequoias (which you can find a few hours away from SF). The Coastal Redwoods thrive in this area due to its cool, foggy climate all year long.

The average age of the trees here is between 600 to 800 years old. They originally thought the oldest tree was around 1,200 years old, but recently found out it's around 800 years old.

Even though this seems quite ancient, this forest is actually relatively young, as redwood trees can live for up to 2,200 years.

One of the best things about visiting this park is that the redwoods are easy to access. Instead of having to trek miles into it, you will see the trees the minute you enter the park. 

Muir Woods National Monument is easy to explore for almost everyone since the main wooden walking paths are flat, wide, and well-maintained. It is wheelchair-accessible, and service dogs are allowed in, but they must always be on a leash.

Along the main wooden trails, you will also get the chance to learn more about these rare trees. I love that you will find educational signs and displays every few feet.

One of my favorites is this display that shows the growth pattern for a 1,000+ year-old redwood.

The inner circle shows that it started growing around 909 A.D.

The outer circle shows important dates in US history, so you get a sense for the types for events that happened during this tree's life. The final marking shows the date when the tree fell.

How tall are these trees? According to the National Park Service, the tallest redwood currently in Muir Woods National Monument is around an amazing 258 feet tall.

These pictures give you a sense of their height. 

You will find about two miles of flat trails in the canyon area of the park. This includes four bridges that allow you to easily loop around the park and see a number of these gorgeous trees.

Most people follow one of the three main trails mentioned below. The estimated times listed include time to stop along the way to read the signs and take pictures. I also included the total distance so you get a sense of how long your walk will be on each loop.

Bridge 2 Loop : On this walk, you will go all the way to Bridge 2. After you cross the bridge, head to your left. This takes you back to Bridge 1 and puts you on the main trail where you started. This walk is about a half mile and takes 30 minutes.

Bridge 3 Loop : Take the main trail all the way to Bridge 3. Cross the bridge and head to your left. You will again walk all the way to the end, cross Bridge 1, and return to the main trail. This loop is about 1 mile and takes about an hour. 

Bridge 4 Loop : Walk the main trail to the end, where you will find Bridge 4. Walk across the bridge and take a left to head back to the entrance. After that, you will go along this second path and continue to Bridge 1. After you cross this bridge, you will be back on the main trail near the park entrance. This loop is about 2 miles and takes about one and a half hours. 

>> Additional National Parks to visit in Northern California

Great Guided Tours from San Francisco

Other Redwoods Near SF : Are you looking for additional options to check out the redwoods during your visit? Check out my list of other options nearby , including what to expect from your visit, and how far away they are from SF.

Longer Hiking Options

In addition to the flat, wooden walking paths, there are also several great hiking paths within the park. The 560-acre park has a total of six miles worth of trails. There are four additional miles with unpaved routes that take you up and down hills.

Once you reach the park's edges, many of these trails link up with longer trails on Mount Tamalpais. If you want to learn more about these routes, you can pick up a hiking map at the Muir Woods National Monument entrance.

NOTE : Bikes are not allowed in the park.

Restrooms, Gift Shop, and Cafe

On the eastern side of the main trail, which is near to Bridge 1, you will find the restrooms, a gift shop, and a small café. It's the perfect place to relax or fuel up either before or after your hikes.

There is another set of restrooms and a small gift shop at the park entrance. 

The café is open from 10 am and runs until 1 hour before the park closes. There are picnic tables outside of it. The retail store hours are from 9 am to 1 hour before the park closes.

Admission & Visiting Hours

• Admission to the park is $15 for adults 16 years and older. Everyone 15 and under gets in free.
• America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is accepted here for the pass holder and up to three other adults.
• Veterans and Gold Star Families can visit for free.
• The Muir Woods Pass is $45 and is good for 12 months. You and 3 others (16 and older) can visit using it. It is available on the Muir Woods website or in person.

Visiting Hours

The park is open every day of the year, including holidays. The park's hours change based on the season and when the sun goes down. Here are their typical hours by season.

• Winter: 8 am to 5 pm
• Early Spring: 8 am to 6 pm
• Late Spring: 8 am to 7 pm
• Summer from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day: 8 am to 8 pm
• September After Labor Day: 8 am to 7 pm
• Fall: 8 am to 6 pm

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Muir Woods National Monument Tours

Many people choose to take a tour to get to Muir Woods National Monument. This option saves you the hassle of renting a car for the day and dealing with Bay Area traffic. It also means you don't have to fight for parking, which is really difficult here on the weekends and during the busy summer months.

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Tour

Since Muir Woods is pretty close to SF, most people stop in  Sausalito  either before or after their visit. This tour combines a trip to both. This is the one that I usually take when I visit. I love taking these tours so I can learn all about them and help you decide on the one that is right for your visit! 

• Leaves at 7:15 am or 1:30 pm
• First stop at Vista Point, where you will get fantastic Golden Gate Bridge photos
• The Second stop is in Muir Woods, where you will spend about 90 minutes inside the park (entrance fee is included in your ticket price)
• You will then head over to Sausalito, where you will get a quick 15 to 20 minute tour. You can then either stay and explore more (and take the ferry back -- ferry ticket not included in your ticket price) or stay on the bus and head back to San Francisco
• This tour runs all year long and includes an expert guide with commentary
• The price per person starts at $89 per person
• Grab your seats for this tour today

Muir Woods & Wine Country Full Day Tour

If you want to visit both Muir Woods and California's Wine Country, then this is the tour that I'd recommend for you. This full-day tour lasts around 9 - 10 hours and is packed with activities.

• Leaves around 7:30 am
• Starts in Muir Woods, where you will spend about an hour (park admission fee not included, which is $15 per person or you can use your America the Beautiful National Parks Pass for entry)
• Drive to Sonoma  or  Napa
• Wine tasting at 3 wineries (tasting fees included; up to 45 minutes at each of these wineries)
• Lunch in the gorgeous Sonoma Plaza (on your own) or you can pay extra for a one hour lunch and wine tasting with the group during your stop
• The tour runs all year long and includes an expert guide
• Price per person starts at $179
• Book this tour online today !

NOTE : You can also book this as a private tour if your group has up to 20 people.

Below are a few other top Muir Woods tours.

More Top Day Trips from SF

• Angel Island  
• Wine Tours from SF
• Carmel-by-t he-Sea

Other Ways to Get Here

By car & muir woods parking tips.

The next best option (aside from the tours) to get to Muir Woods National Monument is to drive. It's an easy drive across the Golden Gate Bridge through Marin County. From most places in San Francisco, it's about a 45-minute drive.

The drive is gorgeous. After you leave Hwy 101, you will drive along a curvy road that weaves back and forth through part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area . You will see some great views of the forest, and in some spots, you can see the Pacific Ocean.

Reservations for Parking

All personal cars will need to have a parking pass, which must be reserved in advance, to visit Muir Woods. This new policy helps relieve parking issues and makes it safer for everyone.

The cost to park is $9.50 for a standard-sized car. They have two electric vehicle spots and they cost $12.50. If you have a medium-sized vehicle (17 to 22 feet), it will cost $30. For all large-sized vehicles (22 to 35 feet), the price is $45.

You will also pay the normal admission price to enter the park.

>> Visit the GoMuirWoods site to book your spot

Muir Woods National Monument Shuttle

The shuttles run on different schedules, but both typically only run on during the busier times around the summer. Reservations are required for a specific departure time; no walk-ups are accepted.

There are two shuttle stop locations, both in Marin:

• Bay & Bridgeway , Sausalito, CA 94965. A small amount of paid parking, a excellent option for those coming over from SF on the Sausalito ferry
• Larkspur Landing : Near the Larkspur ferry, where free parking is available

The shuttle costs $3.75 per person for a round-trip ticket. Passengers ages 15 and younger ride free but still require a reservation.

The shuttle allows for up to two wheelchairs at a time, so if you are bringing one, you probably want to book as far as possible in advance. The only animals allowed on the shuttle are service dogs.

The registration system is now open.

Visit the GoMuirWoods site to book your spot on a shuttle .

What to Wear During Your Visit

I recommend wearing layers during your visit here. It's often cool, foggy, and moist in the mornings and warmer in the afternoons. 

However, even if it is sunny before you arrive at the park, don't let the weather forecast fool you. The tall trees block the sun, so it might still be cool in the forest, even on a warm day.

Here are some average Muir Woods temperatures to help you plan for your visit:

• July, August & September are the warmest, with high temps in the low 80s
• April, May, June & October are mild, with highs in the mid-70s
• February, March & November have highs in the mid-60s
• January & December are the coolest months, with highs in the mid to upper 50s

You will also want to prepare for rain between late October and late March.

I recommend wearing comfortable, flat shoes or tennis shoes. Even though the walkways are wooden, the parking lots are dirt. 

You will be happy with comfortable shoes if you end up having to walk down the gravel roads to get to the park entrance.

Here are some additional tips for what to wear each month when visiting SF.

More SF Attractions You Will Enjoy

Top Attractions in the Presidio

Golden Gate Park Activities

Tips to Visit Chinatown

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Muir Woods

• What is Muir Woods?

Benefits of Visiting Muir Woods with Dylan’s

Why visit muir woods, know before you visit muir woods, getting to muir woods, what you’ll see visiting muir woods, what to do in muir woods, common mistakes people make visiting muir woods.

• What to Do After Visiting Muir Woods

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco, visiting Muir Woods should be at the top of your bucket list. 

Experiencing the energetic buzz of our big city is always a blast but fitting in one of California’s most memorable nature escapes just may be the highlight of your San Francisco experience.

There is a reason Muir Woods is one of the most popular day trips from San Francisco – this small national monument packs a powerful punch. From experiencing breathtaking coastal and forest views to wandering through the famous redwood forest, Muir Woods is easily one of our favorite places in the Bay Area. 

But there’s the catch: Muir Woods can be tricky to visit. Knowing just a few insider tips for visiting Muir Woods can make or break your trip, so planning ahead is crucial. Lucky for you, we’ve gathered all of the info and tips you’ll need to visit Muir Woods like a local!

Ready to plan your forest adventure? Here is everything you need to know before visiting Muir Woods!

What Is Muir Woods?

While the city of San Francisco offers endless opportunities for new experiences and social engagements, visiting Muir Woods provides tranquility, private reflection, and a connection with nature.

Muir Woods is a National Monument just a stone’s throw away from the heart of San Francisco in the Golden Gate Recreation Area. One of few national parks or monuments where you can find redwoods, visitors can walk among towering trees thousands of years their senior. 

If you have a limited amount of time to spend in our beautiful city, managing your time wisely is the key to an amazing trip. Our San Francisco adventures cover all of the well-known spots on your bucket list and offer a seamless shuttle service to Muir Woods, so you don’t waste any time getting to know our beautiful city.

We offer two amazing tours that include visiting Muir Woods:

• You can explore the city neighborhoods before heading to Muir Woods on Dylan’s Famous San Francisco Tour with Muir Woods . Consider this tour your introduction to the city! This is the best tour for a fantastic overview of the famous San Francisco spots and landmarks you should see. And after all of that, you will still have time for more activities after the tour (we recommend adding on the Alcatraz excursion!).
• Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge on an e-bike and visit Muir Woods on our Bike the Golden Gate Bridge and Visit Muir Woods tour. This tour is great for people who want to get their blood pumping before the shuttle to Muir Woods. Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a unique experience that we highly recommend!

In just a handful of hours, you will have a lay of the land and a good understanding of the San Francisco areas and activities you want to explore further.  

Maximize Your Time Exploring San Francisco

Most tour companies only combine visiting Muir Woods with a small break in Sausalito. We know that you want more out of your San Francisco experience, especially if you are only in the city for a short time. 

On Dylan’s Famous San Francisco Tour with Muir Woods , we combine our Muir Woods tours with an exploration of San Francisco neighborhoods and a lunch stop in Sausalito, so there is no need to take three separate tours to experience the best of our city. 

Dylan’s Takes Care of the Planning for You

Creating a list of the things to do and see in San Francisco can be overwhelming, especially if you are juggling the interests of both kids and adults in a small window of time. Having a tour expert to make the tough decisions for you can be a lifesaver.

After 15 years of running the San Francisco streets, you could say our tour guides are experts in all things Golden City. We have curated the perfect San Francisco tour from start to finish so you can hit all of your San Francisco bucket list items on a single outing. 

Transportation is a Breeze

As people quickly find out when trying to plan a Muir Woods excursion, getting there is not as simple as you think . There is no direct shuttle from San Francisco, and advance parking reservations, limited shuttle space, and zero cell service can make transportation difficult for locals and tourists alike.

When visiting Muir Woods with Dylan’s tours, you don’t need to give any of these details a second thought. All you need to do is book the tour of your choice, and we will do the rest. 

Our Muir Woods allot about 75 minutes to visit the park, which is more than enough time to explore this small national monument. You can even go on many of the recommended hikes while still making it back for our shuttle back into the city. 

You can Bike the Golden Gate Bridge and Visit Muir Woods in One Tour

For those who want to have a seamless experience visiting Muir Woods and also explore San Francisco by bike, you can have the best of both worlds with our Bike the Woods tour . You get to switch up your mode of transportation by biking the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and then hopping on our shuttle to Muir Woods the moment the road gets difficult!

This tour is perfect for those who want to fit multiple highly recommended San Francisco activities into one day without the headache that goes with planning your own transportation. 

Select Your Tour To Visit Muir Woods

There are endless reasons to explore Muir Woods – here are just a few of our favorites!

Muir Woods is the Perfect Complement to the “Big City” Activity

After exploring vibrant and energetic San Francisco neighborhoods, you may crave some quiet, natural beauty. Muir Woods is a convenient escape for a few precious moments to appreciate the majesty of towering Redwoods and lush green forest views. From smelling the fresh evergreen-scented air to feeling the soft dirt under your feet to listening to the music of the wilderness around you, Muir Woods will remind you that you are a small part of something much bigger. 

After an hour or so of connecting with nature, you will feel grounded, refreshed, and ready to dive back into the buzz of the city.

It is One of Few Redwood Forests You Can Explore in the San Francisco Area

Due to deforestation and a specific ecosystem in which this giant species can thrive, Muir Woods is home to some of the only redwood groves in the world.

Coast Redwoods, a close cousin of the colossal Sequoias, are towering evergreens with deep roots in the area’s history. Some of these trees are well over 1,000 years old, and can grow up to 250 feet tall. A cornerstone of the natural ecosystem, these trees house diverse and thriving wildlife. 

When you walk among these trees, you feel as if you have traveled back to a time untouched by mankind. Thanks to their proximity to the coast, it is common to experience a thick marine layer that only adds to the drama and mystery of the Redwoods grove.

It’s An Easy Day Trip from San Francisco

While it may feel like you are stepping into a completely different world when visiting Muir Woods, it is only a short drive from the city. If you are touring San Francisco and curious if visiting Muir Woods is worth your time, you only need a few hours to get the most out of your San Francisco trip and experience this one-of-a-kind national monument. 

Muir Woods is Incredibly Kid-Friendly

Traveling with kids? This is the perfect addition to your trip! Visiting Muir Woods is always a great option for families who want to get some wiggles out and expose their kids to nature. Many of the hikes and strolls are very kid-friendly – even the longer trails are doable for most ages. Your kids will get to wander, learn, and gain a new appreciation for the great outdoors – and even become a Muir Woods Junior Park Ranger!

You can Explore and Learn About this Unique National Monument

For almost 100 years, people have been advocating for the protection of and respect for this national monument. There are many ways for you to become an advocate as well. Hikers can learn historic and scientific facts from plaques posted along the way as well as chat with knowledgeable and passionate park rangers. You have every opportunity to understand just why people have dedicated their lives to preserving the area. And if you are a local, you can even join the community by becoming a regular volunteer! 

Where is Muir Woods? How do you get to Muir Woods?

Muir Woods is a short 30-minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. Located in Marin County, a small area about 12 miles from San Francisco, Muir Woods is a great half-day trip to consider if you want a quick and quiet escape.

Getting to Muir Woods may seem simple on paper, and it is for those traveling on a public or private Muir Woods Tour . But getting there on your own will require planning and preparation. 

What is the history of Muir Woods?

Purchased and protected by US congressman William Kent in the early 1900s, Kent donated the land to the government, and this redwood forest was quickly designated a national monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Originally known as Redwood Canyon, it was later dedicated to the father of national parks, John Muir , to honor his advocacy for the protection and admiration of our nation’s most unique places. There are many John Muir quotes about Muir Woods .

How much time should you schedule for visiting Muir Woods?

Many people think they need an entire day to experience Muir Woods, but most people find they are satisfied after an introductory stroll, a small hike or two, and a quick bite at the Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe. This national monument is not large, so it doesn’t take a full day of hiking to get a great feel and appreciation for the area. 

When visiting Muir Woods with Dylan’s, we take care of the schedule for you! You will have about 75 minutes to explore Muir Woods, which is more than enough time to finish many of the hikes at an easy pace, with time to stop and take photos along the way!

What are Muir Woods Hours?

Here’s the great news – you can visit Muir Woods 365 days a year! While transportation to the national monument is not as flexible, you can rest assured that once you get to Muir Woods the entrance will generally be open from 8 am to 6 pm daily, but always make sure to check the National Park Service website for updates or seasonal hours!

* However, keep in mind that some of the stops inside the park have varying hours. The visitor center hours are 8 am – 30 minutes before close daily. The gift shop opens at 9 am to an hour before the park closes, while the cafe doesn’t open until 10 am and closes an hour before the park does. It’s also important to note, especially if you’re visiting in the winter, that the beaches accessible from Muir Woods (Muir Beach, Muir Beach Overlook, and Stinson Beach) will always close an hour after sunset. 

You won’t have any cell service in the park.

Don’t expect to be able to Facetime your buddies or post videos on your Insta story while visiting Muir Woods. 

The redwood groves are great for many things, but cell reception is not one of them. It’s important to have your affairs in order (letting people know you’ll be out of service, having a confirmed way to get back into the city, downloading any maps or podcasts you want) before entering the Muir Woods. Once you get in the park, you’ll be back in the stone age before cell service was a thing.

This may seem like an inconvenience, but consider it a gentle nudge from the redwoods to stop looking at life through a screen and focus on the endless beauty at your fingertips! 

You have to reserve parking at Muir Woods.

Muir woods is unique in many ways – one of which is the limited number of parking spots for a very well-traveled area. Though Muir Woods has over 1 million visitors every year, there are only 232 parking spaces for private vehicles in the Muir Woods parking lot. 

Muir Woods uses a reservation system for people hoping to park at the national monument. Many people reserve their spot months in advance to confirm their ideal trip date. The Muir Woods parking reservation costs $9 per car. Because reservations can be competitive on popular days, most people opt for alternate, more convenient forms of transportation to the park.

* And make sure to download your  parking reservation in advance, because you won’t have cell service once you arrive!

How much does it cost to get into Muir Woods?

The Muir Woods entrance fee is $15 per person over the age of 16 regardless of the mode of transportation you use to get there. However, if you have a national parks pass, you can get in for free. If you intend on visiting multiple national parks within the year, we recommend this option. You can enter several national parks across the country for an annual purchase of about $80. 

If you don’t have a national parks pass, you can purchase one at the Muir Woods entrance!

How accessible is Muir Woods?

Muir Woods is very accessible for people with limited mobility. With a good amount of boardwalks and paved trails that are mostly flat, and many benches along the way for a scenic rest. The cafe, gift shop, and restroom amenities are all up to ADA standards. There are also six accessible parking spots reserved for those with disabled parking placards. 

Best time of year to visit Muir Woods?

The best time to visit Muir Woods depends on whether you want to experience fewer crowds or have nice weather. Peak visitation happens between May through October, but thanks to mild weather year-round, you can enjoy the park any month out of the year. But if you’re visiting in the winter (or any time of year, really), just be sure to wear layers and bring a raincoat! 

How to beat the Muir Woods crowds?

As with any recreational activity, the weekends see the largest crowds visiting Muir Woods. On top of that, the Muir Woods Shuttle only runs holidays and weekends, adding to the weekend trip popularity. If you really want to beat the crowds and have more of the trails to yourself, visiting during the week would be your best bet. 

Due to the lack of a public shuttle, using a tour company is hands-down the most convenient way to get to Muir Woods during the week. 

How to prepare for your Muir woods tour?

We may sound like a broken record, but the most important way to prepare for your trip is to reserve and confirm your transportation to and from Muir Woods. Regardless of how you travel, there are necessary prior arrangements to make! Make sure you reserve a parking spot, a seat on the public shuttle, or a spot on a private tour company. 

Other ways to prepare are prioritizing the hikes you want to take and the sights you hope to see! Especially when you’re on a public tour like ours and have limited time in the park, doing some research before will help you maximize your time visiting Muir Woods. But if you don’t have a game plan when you get there, our awesome guides will give you some great recommendations!

What to bring on your visit to Muir Woods?

Here is our list of items that will come in handy for a great time visiting Muir Woods!

• A raincoat – from surprise showers to constant mist, you’ll want to stay dry.
• Layers – the weather can change drastically throughout the day, so have some options.
• National Parks Pass – have one? You can get in the park for free!
• Spending money – from the entrance fee to a delicious snack at the cafe to a cute souvenir, you’ll want a bit of pocket money to make visiting Muir Woods that much more memorable!
• A bottle of water – while there are amenities at Muir Woods, having your own water bottle will help stay hydrated on some of the longer hikes.

Want to learn even more about trip details? Here is a full list of Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Muir Woods.

The biggest challenge of visiting Muir Woods is the transportation to and from the national monument. You wouldn’t think twice about simply driving your car to many national parks. Thanks to winding roads, poor cell service, and competitive parking reservations, driving to Muir Woods can be tricky. But these extra obstacles shouldn’t scare you! There are several options for transportation at your fingertips – some more convenient than others. 

Transportation We Recommend:

Dylan’s famous tour with muir woods (add-on alcatraz tickets).

Fit three tours in one by joining us for a bus tour of San Francisco, a shuttle to Muir Woods, and a drop-off at the Alcatraz ferry, all in one day! We love this tour for visiting Muir Woods because there is built-in transportation and parking for the park. You can enjoy the best of Muir Woods without spending any mental energy on getting there. 

Tour includes:

• A top-rated bus tour of San Francisco’s coolest neighborhoods. Learn about the history and nuances of San Francisco that make the city so unique.
• A lunch break in Sausalito where you can take in the views of this sweet little town. (Available on the 8:00 AM tour only.)
• A minibus shuttle up to Muir Woods, where you can spend over an hour enjoying the national monument without worrying about transportation.
• A shuttle back to Fisherman’s Wharf area, perfect for continuing your San Francisco exploration.

Ride the Woods: Bike the Golden Gate Bridge and Visit Muir Woods

On this tour, you have the opportunity to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and then hop right on a shuttle to Muir Woods. This tour is great because you get the best transportation of both worlds – an exhilarating bike ride that switches to a shuttle for when the roads get steep, narrow, and dangerous for bikers.

Tour Includes:

• A top-tier bike or e-bike to take the self-guided trek across the Golden Gate Bridge and around the small town of Sausalito.
• Detailed directions and recommendations for awesome stops and views to experience on your bike tour.
• An easy and convenient spot to drop off your bikes right next to where the shuttle will leave for Muir Woods. 
• A shuttle to visit Muir Woods, and recommendations of hikes, views, and trails to see.
• A shuttle back to either the bike shop or a convenient stop in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Other Ways of Getting to Muir Woods:

Driving to muir woods.

While it’s possible to drive to Muir Woods from San Francisco, you need to work on your game plan ahead of time and many decide driving to Muir Woods is not worth the trouble . 

You can’t drive through Muir Woods, so taking a private car does not offer any advantage. Because there is a limited number of parking spaces at the entrance of Muir Woods, you need to reserve and pay for a parking spot in advance. Especially if you are trying to visit during the busy season or on a weekend, there is no assurance that you will land a parking spot on your proposed trip day. 

Reservations can be made 90 days in advance, and the National Park Service suggests reserving your spot as far out as possible. The sooner your trip is, the less likely you’ll be able to reserve a spot. 

Taking an Uber/Lyft/taxi to Muir Woods

You can use a ridesharing app or taxi service to get to Muir Woods (though it can be super expensive), but you’ll run into issues trying to get back into the city. Thanks to the little to no cell service in the Muir Woods area, you won’t have a way to find a ride back. While ordering a taxi via landline is possible, most do not consider the instability worth the trouble. 

Biking to Muir Woods

Renting a bike and cycling the 12+ miles to Mount Tamalpais is possible, but many people opt out of this option. The long trek and steep hills will leave you quite tired and not equipped to hike around Muir Woods once you get there. The road is narrow, curved, and there are no bike lanes, so it isn’t an incredibly safe road to bike on. And on top of that, you have to bike the 16+ miles back to San Francisco. 

Muir Woods Shuttle

The Muir Woods public shuttle is a popular, cheap, and convenient way to visit Muir Woods. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes and offers shuttles both to and from Muir Woods. 

However, this is another mode of transportation you should plan in advance. Reservations are required for a seat on the shuttle, and spaces can run out during peak hours. 

Shuttle rides only run on weekends and holidays! If you hope to miss the crowds and visit the park during the week, plan alternative transportation. 

Private Car

Looking for a splurge? Other than using a tour service, visiting Muir Woods by private car is the second most convenient option for getting to Muir Woods. While this option is the most expensive by quite a bit, you will have a confirmed way to get to and from the national monument. Most companies require a minimum of 4 hours for a private car service and can take you all around the city and the surrounding areas. 

We’ve mentioned the Redwood groves that call Muir Woods home so much because we know they will be one of the most memorable aspects of visiting the national monument. Craning your neck to examine the entirety of the towering Redwoods is an extremely rare experience you can only gain in this specific area of the West Coast. 

Plant and Animal Life

Thanks to the crucial role that the Redwoods play in supporting nutrient, carbon, and water cycling in the forest, there is an abundance of thriving plant and animal life to explore while visiting Muir Woods. 

While much of the wildlife in the area hides from the crowds of tourists, if you are patient, quiet, and lucky, you may be able to get a quick look at some of the animals that call Muir Woods their home . Some bucket-list animal views to get are black-tailed deer, chipmunks, salmon, and (if you’re really lucky) spotted owls!

Karl the fog makes frequent, if not daily, visits to Muir Woods as well. (With those beautiful views, can we blame him?) 

While the fog may obstruct some views, we think you’ll actually find that the fog matches the feel of the area perfectly and adds some magic and mystique to the surroundings. 

Muir Woods Views

From seeing the forest meet the coast to spotting Muir Woods’ oldest tree, chasing the most noteworthy sights in Muir Woods will astound you. 

We Recommend Seeing:

• Canopy View Trail for romantic pathways, emptier trails, and lush green forest views. Just remember to look up!
• For a well-earned view on a more difficult trail, try the Lost Trail .
• For an easier hike with equally gorgeous Muir Woods views, try the Panoramic Trail .
• To view a breathtaking valley crest and an amazing coastal and forest vantage point, try our favorite – the Dipsea Trail . 

Help your Kid Achieve Muir Woods Junior Ranger Status

Did you know your little adventurer can come home with a brand new title after visiting Muir Woods? 

Children under the age of 12 can fill out this junior ranger activity book that will teach them about the trees, plants, and animals found in Muir Woods, as well as the best ways to protect them. Once they finish, they can be sworn in as a Muir Woods Junior Ranger and have their certificate signed by a real park ranger! 

While you can get a book during your park admission, we recommend printing the book in advance.

Listen to Ranger-led Talks

If learning while listening is more your speed, you may be able to sit in on interesting ranger-led talks. When staffing allows, Muir Woods rangers and volunteers host 15-minute talks that teach you about the trees, conservation efforts, and many other interesting topics. Reservations are not necessary for these free programs, you just need to find them when they happen!

Grab Something to Eat Near Muir Woods

You can work up an appetite exploring Muir Woods, so good thing Muir Woods Trading Co is right there to save the day! This cafe is available to anyone visiting Muir Woods, and the quality of the food will surprise you – this little cafe was featured on the Food Network’s TV Show “Best Food I Ever Had”! From the infamous Marin Melt grilled cheese to sweet local snacks you can only find in the Muir Woods area, this spot will satiate any empty belly. 

Set Off on Muir Woods Hiking Trails

Did you know that the San Francisco area is a fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts?  

The main thing you’ll be doing when visiting Muir Woods is exploring the several beautiful trails at your disposal. There are hikes great for all ages and levels of ability, so you’ll be able to find the perfect hikes for you and your group. 

Here are the top Muir Woods hikes we love the most!

• Muir Woods Bridge 3 Loop – This is the perfect trail to take on if you want something flat, beautiful, and will leave you with time to enjoy the Muir Woods cafe and gift shop before shuttling home. Don’t miss the hollowed-out redwood tree photo op!
• Muir Woods Bridge 2 Loop – This loop is similar to the Bridge 3 loop and is great for those who want to stay on a flat trail. This trail gives you a chance to spot salmon in the creek and gives you time to relax at the cafe and your kids time to work on their junior ranger workbook!
• Muir Woods Bridge 4 Loop – This loop takes about an hour to hike and offers a taste of Mt. Tam and a gorgeous view looking down onto redwood groves. This adventurous and rigorous route is one of our favorite hikes in the park!
• Muir Woods Dipsea Trail – this 4-mile hike has a little bit of everything. You can get coastal views, a great vantage point of Mt. Tamalpais, and a peek of San Francisco.
• Muir Woods Bookjack Trail – this 6-mile loop is a great Muir Woods hike for those looking for a longer adventure, steeper trails, canyon views, and historical importance.

Learn everything you need to know about hiking Muir Woods here!

Trying to Drive Yourself to Muir Woods

Trying to make the drive without a plan (and especially without a reservation) will likely leave you pretty disappointed – you may even make the trek up for nothing. That’s why we’ll always recommend taking one of our Muir Woods tours!

Trying To Do It Alone

Some people think that the strict schedule of a tour group will hold you back. Especially when visiting the Muir Woods, traveling with a tour company will only simplify and elevate your experience. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it – we promise you’ll become a believer!

Not Bringing Enough Snacks/Water/Layers

Don’t get stuck feeling too cold or damp or thirsty to enjoy the mind-blowing views!

If you’re visiting Muir woods with Dylan’s tours, there are multiple snack stop opportunities throughout the tour. There is also water and snacks on the bus to keep you energized and avoid empty stomach grumpiness!

Not Scheduling Enough Time for Transportation To and From Muir Woods

While the drive itself is around 45 minutes, don’t fall for thinking that’s what your transportation time is from start to finish. You need to account for getting to the shuttle site, slower public transportation, different pickup times, traffic, and other time-suckers you should expect. If you’re only budgeting a couple of hours altogether for visiting Muir Woods into your schedule, you will probably feel rushed. 

If you visit Muir Woods through Dylan’s, you can depend on the itinerary. Things will stay as streamlined as possible so you can make plans for before and after your tour. 

Not Having a Game Plan for Getting Back To The City

So, you took a taxi or Uber to visit Muir Woods and had the time of your life. You grab your phone to order a returning ride and see that you have zero services. Now what?

Muir Woods is gorgeous – but still, you don’t want to get stuck there! Skip feeling stranded by confirming your mode of transportation back to San Francisco in advance. Whether that’s a shuttle reservation, private car service, or traveling with Dylan’s, a confirmed ride back will put you at ease so you can enjoy the redwoods in peace. 

What to do after visiting Muir Woods

Visit alcatraz.

Easily one of the most iconic spots you can visit in San Francisco, this tour will enthrall history buffs, supernatural believers, and adventurers alike. Planning your Alcatraz tour in advance will ensure you get to visit when you want. Adding Alcatraz to your itinerary with Dylan’s will also get you a convenient drop-off right at the ferry at the end of your tour – one less logistic to plan!

Learn all about visiting Alcatraz here.

Enjoy a Post-tour Snack near Fisherman’s Wharf

When you finish your Muir Woods tour with Dylan’s, you can be dropped off right in the thick of San Francisco fun. Fisherman’s Wharf is home to a long list of restaurants, snack shops, and photo ops. Grab an ice cream cone and find a spot overlooking the lounging seals, and toast yourself to a day well-spent. 

Explore Lombard Street

Still have some sight-seeing gas left in the tank? Walk a couple of blocks to Lombard Street and view the “most crookedest street in San Francisco”! This charming (albeit bizarre) street is one of the most iconic photo ops in the city. From checking out the famous houses to walking the zigzags of this famous street, it’s a quick way to get yet another great photo and better memory. 

Explore Golden Gate Park

You may have driven across Golden Gate Bridge to get visit Muir Woods, but to get the full experience of this emblematic structure, you should experience it from all angles. Renting e-bikes to ride through golden gate park is the perfect way to stretch your legs after the shuttle ride and gain a new appreciation for this towering bridge. On the e-bikes, you’ll get to see much more of the park than if you were walking while also reserving energy for your San Francisco nightlife plans . Happy cycling!

Book Your Tour & Transportation Muir Woods

Ready to have a one-of-a-kind experience visiting Muir Woods? Check out our Bike the Golden Gate Bridge + Shuttle to Muir Woods offering or our Famous San Francisco Tour with Muir Woods to have a full, seamless day of adventuring and exploring our favorite national monument!

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11 Bucket-List-Worthy Destinations For Families In Northern California

• Northern California offers a variety of family-friendly destinations, from the stunning Muir Woods National Monument to the beautiful city of San Francisco.
• Berkeley is a booming city with a downtown area filled with family-friendly attractions, such as the Bay Area Children's Theater and Berkeley Art Museum.
• Santa Cruz is a must-visit city with its famous boardwalk and beautiful stretches of sand, offering thrilling experiences for families, along with great shopping and dining options.

Northern California is one of the most beautiful places in the US for family getaways, thanks to having a stunning coastline, gorgeous nature, beautiful towns and cities, and some of the best family-friendly attractions. Every destination in this list offers something unique for everyone, and regardless of how many times one visits, they are always full of surprises.

Whether looking for a perfect day trip, weekend getaway, or planning to stick around for a longer period, this region never disappoints. Here are the bucket-list-worthy destinations for families in Northern California.

UPDATE: 2023/08/25 13:54 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Northern California Is The Perfect Vacation Destination For Families!

This article has been updated with a new stop in Northern California, as well as additional insight on each previously added section. Whether families want to spend time outdoors, inside a museum, on the road, or camping under the stars: NorCal is the spot to be this fall and beyond. Have so much fun!

Related: 10 Amazing Weekend Trips To Take In The Fall In California

Muir Woods National Monument

• This is a National Monument outside of San Francisco.
• Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908.

Something to see with the family in Northern California is the Muir Woods National Monument. Here, people can witness a part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, north of San Francisco. It's known for its historic redwood trees, scenery, hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational seminars, all of which are accessible to guests free of charge. Admission to the entire National Monument is only $15, making this incredibly affordable for families.

The Ben Johnson and Dipsea trails climb a hillside for views of the treetops, the Pacific Ocean, and Mount Tamalpais in adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park, which may be perfect for those wanting a clear view of the area.

San Francisco

• San Francisco boasts countless museums, parks, and places for children.
• The city overlooks the stunning San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and is full of iconic attractions for both kids and adults, making it one of the bucket-list-worthy destinations for families in Northern California. One of the top spots to not miss is the Aquarium of the Bay, which is positioned right in the middle of Pier 39, where families can reach it from any place in the city.

Adults and kids will enjoy seeing different animals and even have a chance to touch starfish or a stingray. Exploratorium is another family hotspot that offers educational experiences for children of all ages. Other places to check include the California Academy of Sciences, USS Pampanito, and Cable Cars & Museum.

Related: Safety In San Francisco: Tips For First-Time Visitors

• Located north of San Francisco.
• There is a booming downtown area and many family-friendly attractions.

Located just north of San Francisco, Berkeley is one of the top spots to visit with kids in Northern California. In the downtown area, families can spend time at the Bay Area Children’s Theater, where families can enjoy live kid-friendly shows. The Berkely Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is another top spot to see in downtown Berkely.

The Tiden Botanical Garden is home to impressive waterfalls, bridges, and trails that a whole family would fall in love with. The Berkely University Campus is also brimming with family-friendly attractions, including the Campanile Bell Tower and the Lawrence Hall of Science.

• The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is one of the main draws to this city.
• There is great shopping, food, and lodging in this coastal city.

Famous for its gorgeous boardwalk, Santa Cruz is one of the most amazing cities to explore in Northern California. Its boardwalk alone entices over three million visitors, thanks to its vintage rollercoasters that guarantee thrilling experiences to families seeking such kinds of adventures.

The boardwalk also boasts delicious restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful shops that vacationers can experience. Founded by the Spanish in 1791, Santa Cruz is home to some of the most stunning stretches of sand. Nature lovers can head to Yosemite National Park, which features unique rock formations.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

• This National Park is a great way to educate young kids and even adults.
• There is a junior ranger program hosted at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is among the underrated national parks in the US but is among the best places one can explore with kids on the West Coast. There is nothing as fun as witnessing a geothermal activity and actually strolling on a real volcano. Families make use of the park's campsites as they take time to see the park's natural beauty. Children can take part in Lassen Volcanic National Park’s junior ranger program. If you are looking for a perfect hidden gem that guarantees unforgettable family adventures in Northern California, this is it.

Related: Here's Why Lassen Volcanic National Park Is Worth Visiting In The Winter

Angel Island

• Angel Island makes for a nice day trip while in Northern California.
• Ferry rides are constant here, giving guests a new perspective of the area.

Angel Island is one of the top spots in Northern California to visit with kids. It is an excellent option for a day trip or a weekend getaway for families, guaranteed a fun-filled adventure for everyone. It offers outdoor activities, an incredible food scene, fascinating history, a perfect beach vacation, and of course, stunning scenery. A ferry ride offers a memorable experience for kids on their way to Angel Island.

One can choose to board from either San Francisco or Tiburon – and it's important to arrive early to not miss parking. Angel Island is home to hiking, camping, and plenty of sightseeing . So, a visit to this beautiful California place is always worth it.

• San Jose is known to be charming and incredibly family-friendly.
• There are historic sites, museums, parks, and even a zoo.

San Jose is one of the most charming cities in Northern California and is an excellent spot to explore as a family. Whether visiting the city with a toddler, an infant, a kid, or a teenager, this city has something that would suit the interests of everyone. There are plenty of magnificent parks, incredible historic sites, and numerous outdoor adventures. Kids can enjoy thrilling rides and other beautiful kid-friendly attractions in the amusement parks. Some of the top spots to visit include Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, Tech Interactive, and Winchester Mystery House.

• This is one of the more-visited Northern California cities and is the state capital.
• There is a zoo, countless parks, shopping, great food, and beautiful scenery.

Sacramento is one of the top tourist destinations in Northern California and a place no one would want to miss when visiting with kids. California’s capital is home to impressive museums, such as the California State Railroad Museum. Old Sacramento is another top spot to not miss in the city, thanks to having plenty of kid-friendly things to do, including strolling the wooden sidewalks, window-shopping at the candy and toy shops, and exploring the Gold Rush-era underground city. William Land Park, home to Sacramento Zoo, is also among the truly fun things to do in Sacramento with kids.

Related: The Ultimate Guide To Seeing Sacramento Like A Local

• Santa Rosa is well-regarded for its wineries and family-friendly attractions.
• There are children's museums, state parks, hiking trails, and endless scenery here.

Famous for its incredible wineries, Santa Rosa makes an excellent family getaway in Northern California. Families will enjoy the numerous exhibits that kids would enjoy, especially in museums like the Children's Museum of Sonoma County and the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Families with older kids who are interested in exploring the area's wine scene can stroll through the nature trails in Annadel State Park. Families can also enjoy picnicking in the park. There are numerous walking tours that families can take to explore the hiking trails or the wine country. Kids will also enjoy perusing the Santa Rosa Plaza Mall during their visit.

• Water sports are especially fun here.
• Hiking, boating, swimming, and picnicking can all be at Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best ski resorts in California , making it a popular spot for skiing in winter. There is plenty to enjoy around this place, including the beautiful scenery, perfect ski conditions, numerous kid-friendly activities, and delicious restaurants that serve some of the tastiest food in Northern California. Lake Tahoe is also located not far from the San Francisco Bay Area, making it one of the best day trips to not miss. Families can explore the scenery of Lake Tahoe through boating, swimming, or floating. Travelers can also explore Lake Tahoe hikes that will take them to the most scenic views .

Book a Lake Tahoe cruise to enjoy the area's scenery and some of the most beautiful sunsets while having a delicious dinner meal and listening to music.

Related: This Is What To Expect When Visiting Lake Tahoe In November (And Why You Should)

Yosemite Valley

• Yosemite is one of the nation's premier outdoor attractions.
• Children and families can learn about California's various ecosystems inside the park.

Yosemite Valley is one of the top spots in California to experience nature at its best. The valley features meadows, gorgeous cliffs, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in California. It's also one of the best places in Northern California for a family vacation; there are several family-friendly things to do in Yosemite (besides hiking) , including biking, climbing, wildlife watching, and floating.

The only drawback of visiting Yosemite Valley is crowded, especially during weekends. Whether taking kids to learn how to rock climb, chase the stunning falls, or watch impressive sunsets, Yosemite is one of the top US spring vacation destinations for nature lovers , but other seasons are also good to visit.

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Ultimate 7-Day San Francisco to Portland Road Trip Itinerary

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Alcatraz and bay cruises, muir woods and sausalito escape, cultural and culinary delights, wine country excursion, outdoor adventures, welcome to portland, adjacent cities.