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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 19 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Laura Kiniry

Part of California’s 82,116 acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area (which also includes Alcatraz and San Francisco’s Presidio), 558-acre Muir Woods is a forest of towering old-growth Redwood trees, some more than 150 years old.

Named after John Muir, ‘Father of the National Parks’, this Endor-like landscape became the country’s 10th national monument in 1908, and the first one to be created solely from land donated by an individual – in this case congressman William Kent.

Here you can stroll among giants in the forest’s Cathedral and Bohemian groves, where you can actually reach out and touch some of these ancient behemoths.

Outstanding walking trails and hiking paths wind through the forest. Trails range from an easy 0.8-mile Main Trail that follows along the park’s Redwood Creek (stroller and wheelchair accessible), to the Dipsea Trail, a strenuous 16.1 km out-and-back hike that climbs through redwood forest and offers sweeping views of the Pacific before descending onto its shores at Stinson Beach.

There’s plenty of wildlife too. Look out for black-tailed deer, bobcats and banana slugs.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

It’s located on a remote section of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, just north of San Francisco.

Many come by bicycle (though the roads are steep, narrow and winding and for serious cyclists only) or via car, a scenic 27km drive from the city. The latter requires an advanced parking reservation.

Another option is to access the monument via shuttle. Round-trip shuttles depart from Larkspur Landing in Marin County’s Larkspur on weekends as well as downtown Sausalito daily. Reservations for a specific departure time are required with each.

Maps of Muir Woods and its hiking trails are available to download on its National Park Service website, or you can also pick one up at the visitor centre. The centre also has informative displays and exhibits about old-growth coastal redwoods – worth a look before exploring.

There’s a small café at the entrance selling sandwiches and drinks.

When to do it

Muir Woods is open all year round, seven days a week. Midweek, early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded overall.

To get away from the crowds, access one of the longer hiking trails like the Dipsea or the Ben Johnson trail and start climbing. You’ll find relative solitude in no time.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Small Group Half Day Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour

Small Group Half Day Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour

San Francisco

Join us for a narrated and scenic drive from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the beauty of Giant Coastal Redwoods at Mu...

$79 | Rating 4.43 / 5 [264 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods (Entrance fee included)

Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods (Entrance fee included)

San Francisco

Venture north over the Golden Gate Bridge to an isolated canyon filled with ancient coastal redwood trees, also known as Muir Woods National...

$89 | Rating 4.52 / 5 [449 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)

San Francisco

Take time out from San Francisco on a half-day trip to Muir Woods National Park and Sausalito. This enthralling half-day trip takes you ac...

$96 | Rating 4.37 / 5 [3837 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour

Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour

San Francisco

This small-group tour will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge to walk among old-growth coast redwoods of the famous Muir Woods National ...

$99 | Rating 4.72 / 5 [225 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Cavallo Point Lodge

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[10.3 miles]

Well-rounded resort spectacularly set at the Golden Gate Bridge’s base, across the Bay from San Francisco – ideal for a quieter visit away from the crowds.

Official star rating:

Inn at Presidio

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[14.7 miles]

An exquisite right three-story boutique property in the heart of the beautiful Presidio Park, next to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Official star rating:

Hotel Kabuki

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[17.4 miles]

East meets West at this Japantown Hotel that offers a different view of San Francisco: one more neighbourhood-oriented than touristy. Expect clean lines and cosy aesthetics, as well as free internet.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[9.7 miles]

Bike it over the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and stop for lunch in this picturesque hamlet and artistic community. One of the world’s great scenic cycle rides.

Best for ages: 6+ | £20 | 3-4 hours

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Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[11.6 miles]

One of the world’s most famous bridges – a red-hued, 1.75-mile suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate Strait, where the Pacific Ocean meets San Francisco Bay. San Francisco’s most iconic landmark.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Sailing on San Francisco’s harbour

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[13.4 miles]

With spectacular scenery, a breathtaking Bridge, barking sea lions, and rich maritime history, the largest estuary in the U.S. already stands-out as a fine place for a sail.

Best for ages: 8+ | £50 | 1.5-3 hours

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Alcatraz

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[15.1 miles]

A mile-and-a-half offshore in the San Francisco Bay, the most notorious escape-proof prison still sends a shiver down the spine. Book in for a tour for fascinating insights into the inmates’ lives and legends.

Best for ages: 8+ | £35

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Interior of Legion of Honor Museum
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Legion of Honor

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Best for ages: 18+ | £10

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Best for ages: 6+ | £20

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lake, trees and temples in Japanese Tea Garden
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Japanese Tea Garden

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Best for ages: 13+ | £5

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Cheese School of San Francisco
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Cheese School of San Francisco

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[16.4 miles]

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Best for ages: 13+ | £100 | 2 hours

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