Muir Woods from San Francisco: Easy Ways to Get There in 2023

Even though Muir Woods is very close to San Francisco, getting there can be a challenge if you are unprepared.

Luckily, we have spent most of our adult life exploring the region, and we are here to help you figure out how to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods. 

The easiest way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco is through this half-day Muir Woods & Sausalito tour.

This highly rated small group tour is the easiest and most hassle-free way to get to the best redwoods near San Francisco. 

You can head here to see why this is the number one choice for travelers.

In this guide, we have covered all the options for getting from San Francisco to Muir Woods, especially if you don’t have a car. 

We’ve included how to navigate the Muir Woods shuttle and the best options for using public transportation, such as taking the ferry and local bus service.

A trip to Muir Woods National Monument can be difficult if you don’t plan on driving, so this post will provide everything you need to know to visit this magical place. 

How Far is Muir Woods from San Francisco?

This distance from San Francisco to Muir Woods is 16.6 miles and about 35 minutes of drive time.

This stunning national monument is just a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. 

The idea that such a deeply forested area is this close to a major city center makes Muir Woods such a popular destination.

Even though Muir Woods National Monument is this close to SF, it remains a difficult destination to visit if you do not plan ahead and book early.

In this article, we cover everything you could need to know, from how to get to Muir Woods from SF using public transportation to what other things there are to do in Marin County.

• Downtown SF to Muir Woods Distance: 16.6 miles / 34 minutes
• San Francisco Airport to Muir Woods Distance: 29.6 miles / 48 minutes 

How to Get to Muir Woods from San Francisco

Transportation	Pros	Cons
Guided Tour	✅Most convenient ✅Hassle-free ✅No driving	👎No flexibility in the itinerary 👎Set amount of time in the park 👎Group setting
Muir Woods Shuttle	✅No parking reservation ✅Flexible time in the park  ✅No driving	👎Must pre-book shuttle 👎Extra step to get there 👎Limited schedule
Ferry + Shuttle	✅Sightseeing on the ferry ✅No car needed ✅Enviromentally friendly	👎Limited schedule 👎Less time in the park 👎Tight connections
Bus + Shuttle	✅Cheapest option ✅No driving ✅Environmentally friendly	👎The longest trip 👎Three connections 👎Tight connections
Uber/Lyft	✅2nd fastest option ✅Visit on your schedule ✅No large groups	👎Return trip is challenging 👎You can get stranded 👎Expensive
Car	✅Fastest option ✅No time limits ✅Flexibilty for other stops	👎Must pre-book parking 👎Expensive parking in SF 👎May require a rental
Hike-In	✅No reservations needed ✅Extra time in nature ✅No large groups	👎Time-consuming 👎Multiple connections 👎Can be physically demanding

As we mentioned, the most convenient and best way to visit Muir Woods from San Francisco is with this half-day tour. 

You will only need to reserve the tour, and you won’t have to worry about booking early parking or shuttle tickets that sell out fast. 

Plus, you are ensured that you will not have any trouble getting back to San Francisco, as there are no reservations for shuttle rides on the way back.

⭐ Book this tour, and enjoy a stress-free trip to walk amongst the giant Coastal Redwoods.

Best Way to Get to Muir Woods from San Francisco

If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to get to Muir Woods is by booking a Muir Woods tour.

You don’t have to go through the hassle of renting a car or taking a ride share to Larkspur to catch the Muir Woods shuttle or figuring out multiple transit schedules.

Not only can you avoid the hassle of booking advanced parking or a shuttle ticket, but you will also avoid having to return the car and paying for expensive parking when back in San Francisco.

Booking with a professional tour company takes out all the stress of planning and research so you can enjoy your trip from SF to Muir Woods.

How to get to Muir Woods without a car

1. Muir Woods Shuttle 

• Description: Public shuttle leaving from Sausalito Ferry Parking Lot, Across Larkspur Ferry Terminal
• Cost: $3.50 round trip for Adults (16 and older), children 15 and under are free

Taking the Muir Woods Shuttle is a decent but complicated option for those that want to explore Muir Woods at their own pace.

This is a good option if you do not mind doing your homework in advance, and you will need to be very organized to get your timing lined up. 

Taking the shuttle allows you to take in the scenery along the 30-minute one-way rides to Muir Woods. 

It’s also important to note that the shuttle runs seven days a week from June to August and then only on weekends and holidays the rest of the year. 

If you want to visit during the off-season during the mid-week, you will need to seek out a tour or rent a car and reserve parking. 

HOW TO TAKE THE SHUTTLE FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO MUIR WOODS

1. You will need to book reservations in advance for a set time slot for the shuttle, as it books out quickly. 

2. Download your reservations beforehand – There is no cell phone reception inside the park, and you will need to show your reservation to the shuttle driver for your return trip.

3. Next, you will either need to drive to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal or take the ferry from San Francisco Ferry Building. 

Taking a rideshare like Uber or Lyft is also an easy way to get to the shuttle location. 

This will take some planning to ensure the timing lines up as your time slot is set and cannot be adjusted if you are late. 

4. Lastly, ensure you don’t wait until the last shuttle back, as they fill up towards the end of the day, and there are no reservations for the return trip. 

❗NOTE: They will not come back for you, and there is no cell service at Muir Woods which means you can easily get stranded.

Muir Woods Shuttle from San Francisco: Practical Information

• Muir Woods Shuttle reservations MUST be made online in advance, up to 90 days ahead
• $3.50 Round-trip ticket for 16 years old and up
• 15 and under ride for free, but they will still NEED a reservation
• You don’t have to pre-book your shuttle seat back to SF
• Last buses leaving Muir Woods fill up quickly, if the bus is full and you get stranded, they will not come back for you

• There is no cell reception or WiFi at Muir Woods, so you won’t be able to call an Uber/Lyft if you get stranded
• There is no Muir Woods shuttle from San Francisco, see departure spots below.
• The shuttle reservation does not include the entrance ticket to Muir Woods ($15)
• The shuttle runs seven days a week from June to August and then only on weekends and holidays the rest of the year. 

• Departure Times from San Francisco: 8:30 AM (first bus), 1:30 PM (last bus)
• Frequency: Runs every 30 minutes, weekends and holidays only, except in the summer
• Reserve shuttle here | Shuttle Route 66 Schedule

Where do you catch the shuttle for Muir Woods?

Larkspur Ferry Terminal Parking Lot (Google Map)

• A 23-minute drive from Fisherman’s Wharf
• Free parking available
• Weekends and holidays only outside of the summer season
• Getting here without a car is discussed in detail in the next section

Sausalito Ferry Terminal Parking Lot (Google Map)

• Available on summer weekdays only
• Best for those taking the ferry from San Francisco
• No parking available

📍Local Tip: Make sure to download your park reservation beforehand since there is no cell service or WiFi at Muir Woods.

2. By Guided Tour

If you need to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco without a car, the most convenient way is to take a guided tour.

Not only do they take care of all the tickets and parking reservations, but you will not have to worry about renting a car or navigating the complicated shuttle system.

All you have to do is select the right tour for your group, which we have hand-selected for you to save you time. 

From there, the professional tour company and your guide will take care of all the details to ensure that your trip to Muir Woods goes off without a hitch.

Tour 1: Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Trip

⏰ Duration: 5 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 13 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No | 🎟️ Entrance Fee Included: Yes | VIEW RATES & AVAILABILITY

This Half Day Muir Woods & Sausalito tour is perfect for travelers that want to avoid the hassle of taking multiple different forms of transportation to the park. 

Not only do they provide you transportation from San Francisco, but you get a professional guide that will share insightful details about the region and Muir Woods’ history. 

When you arrive at the park, all the tickets and parking will be taken care of, so you can enjoy 1.5 hours exploring the trails and standing in awe of the majestic Redwoods in SF.

The tour starts with a bonus stop to take photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and finishes with some time to explore the bayside city of Sausalito . 

This Muir Woods tour is a great option for those that are short on time but want to experience one of California’s top natural treasures.

• ✅PROS: Entrance fee included, small group
• 👎CONS: No hotel pick-up

Tour 2: Small Group: San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz

⏰ Duration: 9 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 20 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No | 🎟️ Entrance Fee Included: No | VIEW RATES & AVAILABILITY

Get the most of your time in San Francisco with this small group tour, which includes several of the best Bay Area tourist attractions packed into a full-day nine-hour tour.

Not only will you get to explore the forest in Muir Woods, but you will start the trip with a tour of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods.

The tour includes a trip out on the ferry to the historic former prison island of Alcatraz and a stop to check out the charming seaside town of Sausalito.

The biggest benefit of this tour is not having to try to line up reservations for Alcatraz and Muir Woods on the same day, as time slots sell out fast. 

A second benefit is that you can visit several destinations in one day, which leaves plenty of time to explore the highlights of San Francisco.

Book this tour and leave the logistics to the professionals so you can relax and enjoy your trip to the Bay Area.

• ✅PROS: Includes reservations for Alcatraz and Muir Woods, includes SF city tour
• 👎CONS: No hotel pick-up, It’s a long 9-hour tour

Tour 3: Full-Day Muir Woods & Wine Country Tour

⏰ Duration: 10 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 37 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: Yes | 🎟️ Entrance Fee Included: No | VIEW RATES & AVAILABILITY

This full-day Muir Woods & wine country tour offers up the perfect combination of exploring the Giant Coastal Redwoods with a trip to do some wine tasting in the Sonoma and Napa valleys.

The guide takes care of all the details, including the tasting fees and parking reservations, so you can relax, take in the forest, and sip some wine.

The only detail you will need to take care of is paying for your park entrance ticket ($15) at the kiosk in Muir Woods when you arrive.

This popular tour includes tasting at three top wineries and a stop in the historic Sonoma Plaza, where you can get some lunch or enjoy shopping at the boutique stores.

This is a perfect combination for those who love nature and want to experience the amazing wine produced in the region.

• ✅PROS: hotel pick up and tasting fees are included
• 👎CONS: Lunch is not included

📍NOTE: There is a maximum of 1:30 hours for all tours at Muir Woods if you want to spend more time at the park, you can book this private tour.

3. By Ferry + Shuttle

• Description: Ferry ride to Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal, then onto a Muir Woods shuttle

Do you want to take the ferry from San Francisco to Muir Woods? 

This option takes just over an hour to get to Muir Woods from SF if you line up the timing perfectly.

You will board the ferry from the Ferry Building in San Francisco and get off at Larkspur Landing.

The trip will realistically take longer, as you do not want to risk making your connections. 

You should give yourself plenty of spare time if the ferry runs late or you have trouble finding the shuttle pickup location. 

✅ The first upside is that you can spend more time exploring the trails in the park and taking in the majestic trees if you visit during summer, as you will not be on a schedule set by a tour.

✅ The second upside is that you can enjoy the views of San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge during the 30-minute ferry ride.

👎 The downside is that you can get stranded in the park if you miss the last shuttle, and the ferry schedule to and from San Francisco is very limited on weekends.

During the summer months, when the shuttle runs during the week, you will have more ferry departure options.

• Duration: 30 mins (ferry), 30 mins (shuttle)
• COST:
• 🚢Ferry: $13.50 one way for Adults (18 and up), $6.75 youth (5 to 18), kids ages 5 and under are free
• 🚌Shuttle: $3.50 round trip for Adults (16 and older), children aged 15 and under are free
• 💲Combined price for both roundtrip adult tickets: $30.50 
• Ferry Schedule | Reserve shuttle here | Shuttle Schedule

FERRY TO MUIR WOODS

If you visit Muir Woods outside of the summer, the shuttle only operates on weekends and holidays. 

This means that the earliest ferry leaving San Francisco Ferry Building is at 12:20 PM, arriving at 1:20 PM. 

If you catch the 1:30 PM Muir Bus Shuttle, you will arrive at 2:00 PM at the earliest. 

The last ferry departing Larkspur Landing is at 5:20 PM, so you will need to leave Muir Woods no later than 4:30 PM to make sure you catch the ferry back to the city.

4. By Bus + Shuttle

• Description: Bus ride to Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal, then onto a Muir Woods shuttle
• Cost: $8 (Route 101 Bus), $2 (Route 228 Bus), Muir Woods Shuttle $3.50 roundtrip
  • Adult roundtrip total = $23.50
  • Kids roundtrip total under 16 years = $10.00

Taking the bus to Muir Woods from SF is, without a doubt, the most convoluted and difficult way to plan your trip to Muir Woods. 

For those traveling outside of the summer season, this is the only option for arriving at the park before 2:00 pm outside of driving or paying for a rideshare like Uber or Lyft.

BUS TO MUIR WOODS FROM SAN FRANCISCO

This option requires taking the route 101 bus from the Salesforce Transit Center in the Soma neighborhood and getting off at San Rafael Transit Center in Sonoma County. 

The next step is to transfer to the Route 228 bus that will drop off at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, where you can catch the shuttle to the park.

Lining up the schedule going both directions for two buses and the Muir Woods shuttle can be difficult and will ensure that you will spend far more time transiting than in the park.

This is a viable option even though it is difficult, but remember to plan every step in advance and have a backup plan as there is no cell reception or wifi in Muir Woods. 

• Route 101 Schedule | Route 228 Schedule
• Reserve Muir Woods shuttle here | Shuttle Schedule

5. By Uber or Lyft

• Description: Rideshare or taxi straight to Muir Woods
• Cost: $35-$70+ (Lyft Fare Estimator)

Taking an Uber to Muir Woods may seem like a good idea, but there can be some challenges that can easily leave you stranded in the park.

Getting back can be challenging, as you would have to schedule a ride back in advance as there is no cell reception in the park. 

You would have no way of knowing who your driver is, and they will have no way of contacting you.

The second option for getting back is to be a standby passenger to ride the Muir Woods shuttle back to the Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal, where you can book a ride on Uber or Lyft back to the city.

There is no guarantee that seats will be available, and you will need to have the exact fare of $3.50 in cash, as the driver does not carry change. 

Go with this option at your own risk, as you don’t want to get stuck in Muir Woods.

📍Local Tip: Book a time slot on the shuttle in advance, and then take an Uber or Lyft to the Larkspur Landing shuttle pick-up location. You can ride the shuttle back from Muir Woods and then book an Uber or Lyft back to the city when you arrive at Larkspur Landing. 

6. By Car

• Parking Fee: $9
• Reserve Parking Here

If you have a car or are planning to rent one for your trip, you can drive directly to Muir Woods, but you will need to reserve parking in advance with the National Park Service. 

Muir Woods National Monument only has two small parking lots, which means that reservations for parking are required, and spots book out fast.

With some advanced planning, you can easily drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to the North Bay and visit the park on your own. 

Rental cars can be expensive, and you will also have to pay a toll to cross the bridge to get back into San Francisco, along with costly parking at your accommodation.

This is a great option if you plan on visiting other destinations in the Bay Area, like the Napa wine country for some wine tasting or if you want to stay the night in the neighboring Mill Valley.

Muir Woods National Monument Address:

1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Driving to Muir Woods from San Francisco

If your top option for getting to Muir Woods is to drive, there are a couple of things you should consider when planning your trip.

Take advantage of your ability to get to the park before 9:00 am when the tour groups arrive or in the afternoon after 3:00 pm when they are already gone for the day. 

This will allow you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the coastal redwoods when the park is relatively tranquil.

The other thing to remember is to bring along some Dramamine as the drive to the park is windy, and nothing will ruin a trip to Muir Woods like motion sickness.

Muir Woods Parking Reservation Information

• You need to book a parking spot in advance, online only
• Reserve ahead of time, especially during the summer season, up to 90 days in advance
• There is a specified time slot that you must arrive based on your parking reservation
• There are no other parking areas outside of the lots

🛑HOT TIP: Although it’s not required, we recommend that you buy your Muir Woods Entrance ticket together with your parking pass so you can skip the lines when you arrive.

Make sure to download your parking reservation ahead of time since Muir Woods has no cell service or WiFi.

Muir Woods Parking Sold Out: What To Do

• Join a Muir Woods Tour
• Take the Muir Woods shuttle (weekends only, outside of summer)
• Take Lyft or Uber
• Hike in

7. Bus + Hike In

For the adventurous types that are physically fit, you can take one bus to Sausalito, and then another to the trailhead, then hike into Muir Woods. 

The trail is only 1.5 miles, but it does have a significant incline, and the trail can be technical with roots and plenty of rocks.

From San Francisco, you will need to get on Bus Route 130 and get off Bay St & Bridgeway in Sausalito. 

Next, you will take Bus Route 61 and get off Panoramic Hwy & Edgewood Av. next to Mountain Home Inn. 

From there, you can take the Panoramic Trail to Canopy trail View to Muir Woods. 

Although you will not enter the park through the main entrance, you will still need to pay your $15 entrance ticket when you arrive.

• Golden Gate Transit Route 130 Schedule (Departure Point, Drop Off)
• Marin Transit Route 61 Schedule (Departure Point, Drop Off)
• Hiking Trail to Muir Woods

📍Local Tip: Download the trail map beforehand, as there is no cell service or WiFi at Muir Woods

San Francisco Airport to Muir Woods

There is only one reasonable option for going directly from San Francisco International Airport to Muir Woods.

This option is to take a tour, where they will pick you up directly from the airport or at a specific destination in the city. 

You can also take a very expensive Uber or Lyft, but you might have a tough time getting back to the city, and you will have to explore the park with your luggage.

Option 1: SFO to Muir Woods Private Tour

With this private tour, you get to experience both Muir Woods and the seaside town of Sausalito, with the added benefit of not having to arrange transportation from the airport. 

The tour guide with pick you up at San Francisco International Airport and then drive you and your group through the city with a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge. 

You will then arrive at Muir Woods, where you can explore the park’s trails and take in the majestic giant Coastal Redwoods.

Next, you will be swept away to the charming bayside town of Sausalito, where you can explore the shops and restaurants along the waterfront.

This is the perfect way to start your trip to San Francisco with a bang, and you will also get a ride back to your accommodation in the city. You can see more private tours in SF here.

👉BOOK THIS PRIVATE TOUR HERE

Option 2: Half Day Muir Woods Tour

This Half-Day Muir Woods tour is another option that will not only solve your transportation needs from the airport but also take you to Muir Woods to start your trip.

The BART train runs right from the airport’s terminal, which means you can catch a 35-minute train ride to the Powell Street station near Union Square. 

You would then walk to the pickup location for the tour, which is a seven-minute walk, and the meet-up is at 1:30 pm. 

From there, you will be whisked across the Golden Gate to Muir Woods and Sausalito for a fun start to your trip.

This is only an option if you pack light, as the tour van will not have room for large luggage.

👉BOOK THIS HALF-DAY MUIR WOODS TOUR HERE

Option 3: Uber/Lyft or Taxi

Taking rideshare like Lyft or Uber from SFO to Muir Woods is an option, but not without its challenges.

The first hurdle is what to do with your luggage. You will have to carry it with you at the park, or you will have to store it at the airport. 

The second challenge is getting back to San Francisco, as your only options are to try to ride standby on the Muir Woods Shuttle or schedule a ride back with Uber or Lyft.

The problem is that there is no guarantee that there will be seats available on the shuttle, and there is no cell reception for your Uber or Lyft driver to contact you when they arrive.

This is a big gamble that can leave you stuck in the park.

Option 4: Public Transportation to Muir Woods

If these other options do not work for you, you can always take public transportation to Muir Woods from SF. 

The process will be fairly convoluted, with a 45-minute ride on the BART train to the Salesforce Transit center, followed by two bus rides and a shuttle to Muir Woods. 

You will need to pre-book your Muir Woods Shuttle tickets with a set departure time, which means you will have to time your connection, so you don’t miss your departure time.

Can you go to Muir Woods without a reservation?

Yes, you can still go to Muir Woods without a reservation. 

To be clear, you don’t need to reserve your ticket beforehand to enter Muir Woods, as there is no cap on entrance tickets. 

However, if you plan on getting there by driving or riding the shuttle, you need to book your tickets ahead of time. 

How to get to Muir Woods without a reservation

• Join a Muir Woods tour
• Take a Lyft or Uber
• Hike in

Visiting Muir Woods Guide

• 💸Muir Woods Entrance Fee: $15 for 16 years old and up
• ⏰Muir Woods National Monument Hours: 365 days a year, 8 AM until sunset
• 🌳Facilities Available: Muir Woods cafe & gift shop, visitor center
• 📵NO CELL SERVICE or WIFI

Muir Woods National Monument Entrance Fee

A purchase of a day pass is required for entry into Muir Woods for Adults aged 16 and older, while kids that are 15 and under can enter for free.

• Adults (16 years and older): $15 per person
• Kids (15 years and younger): Free admission

If you plan ahead, you can purchase an America the Beautiful Pass, which comes with free entry for you and three guests to Muir Woods and all the other National Parks for just $80.

Another option is to purchase an annual pass which grants free entry for you and three guests to Muir Woods for the low price of $45. 

If you plan to visit Muir Woods with four adults, you will save $15 on the first visit.

You can also visit Muir Woods on the five days listed below when park admission is free. You will still need to reserve parking or prebook the shuttle.

Fee Free Days

• January 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 22: First day of National Park Week
• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 23: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

Do I need reservations to visit Muir Woods?

No reservations are required to enter Muir Woods, but you will need to reserve a parking space if you plan to drive to the park. 

If you plan on taking the Muir Woods Shuttle, you will need to reserve a timeslot for the specific time you want a ride to the park. 

How far is San Francisco to Muir Woods?

Muir Woods is located only 16 miles north of San Francisco, but the drive takes a minimum of 30 minutes.

The drive can take much longer if there is traffic in the city or crossing the bridge, which can easily add 30 minutes to the trip. 

Best Time to Visit Muir Woods National Monument

The best time to visit Muir Woods is during the shoulder seasons in the late Spring or early Fall.

The crowds will be minimal as the tourist season is during the summer, and the weather is usually very nice during the shoulder months.

If you are feeling adventurous and don’t mind being out in the elements, the winter months can be a great way to see Muir Woods when it is near empty, but it can be wet and cold.

Is it better to visit Muir Woods in the morning or afternoon?

If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Muir Woods is in the morning when the park first opens at 8:00 am. 

The afternoon after 3:00 pm is also good, but there will be more stragglers still in the park from the remaining tour groups and late arrivals by tourists.

How long does it take to walk through Muir Woods?

Muir Woods features six miles of trails that will take around three hours for most people to complete. 

The park has three trail loops which are of various lengths and take different amounts of time to complete.

All the trails are relatively flat and well-maintained.

Trail Loop	Distance	Time to Complete
Bridge 2	.5 miles	+/- 30 mins
Bridge 3	1 mile	+/- 1 hour
Bridge 4	1.5 miles	+/- 1.5 hours

There are also countless trails in the neighboring Mount Tamalpais State Park and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area for any serious hikers that want a longer trek.

How much time should I allow for Muir Woods?

You will want to allocate a minimum of 1.5 hours in Muir Woods to see a good amount of the park and have enough time to enjoy the majestic Coastal Redwoods.

If you have more time, you can easily spend half a day walking the trails and having a picnic under the canopy of the giant trees. 

How to dress for Muir Woods

When visiting Muir Woods, it is best to dress in layers that can easily be peeled off or added, as the weather can go from warm to cold and foggy in a matter of minutes. 

Bring a jacket, as the park is mostly covered with a canopy of Coastal Redwoods, which means that there is little sunlight to warm you up.

Although the trails and wood boardwalks in the park are well maintained, it’s a good idea to wear closed shoes with good stability and traction. 

Are dogs allowed in Muir Woods National Monument?

Dogs and any other pets are not allowed in Muir Woods National Monument. 

The trails get too crowded during the busy season, and the park is too small for humans and dogs.

There are plenty of other trails and beaches in the region that are dog friendly.

Are there giant sequoias at Muir Woods?

No, Giant Sequoias only exist farther inland in areas including Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. 

A visit to Muir Woods will get you up close and personal with the Coastal Redwoods that can be taller than giant Sequoia trees.

Things to do near Muir Woods, CA

For those that have rented a car or driven to San Francisco, there are a lot of great things to do near Muir Woods. 

These options below are great add-ons for a day trip out of San Francisco, where you can get your fill of time spent in nature.

• Muir Beach 

Located just three miles from Muir Woods is this gorgeous stretch of beach and the Muir Beach overlook. 

You can relax on the sand, catch some rays, or take in the panoramic coastal views.

• Stinson Beach

This beach town is located right at the base of where Mount Talampais meets the sea. 

This is a great place for a beach day when the sun is out or a good stopover for lunch by the coast at one of the charming cafes.

• Sausalito

Located just across the Bay from San Francisco, Sausalito offers bayside shopping and dining with views of the city’s skyline and the Bay Bridge. 

This small town is also home to many unique houseboats that act as a floating neighborhood.

• Bolinas  

The surfing town of Bolinas is as quiet as it is secret, as the locals do not want the word to get out that this is one of the best-kept secrets in Northern California. 

Come for the quaint beach town vibe, and stay for a quiet stretch of beach away from the crowds.

• Battery Spencer 

Located just north of Golden Gate Bridge, is one of the best views in the city. 

The old gun placements that were first built in 1897 are now a popular destination for sightseeing in the Bay Area.

And if you’re up for a hike, you can even check out this secluded beach close by.

FAQs: Getting to Muir Woods from San Francisco

How far are the redwoods from San Francisco?

The closest redwoods from San Francisco are in the Muir Woods National Monument, which is about 16 miles from the heart of the city.

Another close option for seeing the redwoods near San Francisco is Purisma Creek Redwoods, which is only 29 miles away.

If you hope to see the Sequoia Redwoods, the closest option is 156 miles away at the Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

How far is Muir Woods from Sausalito?

Muir Woods is located just eight miles away from the bayside town of Sausalito. 

The drive will only take 20 minutes in clear conditions, but the time can be much longer on weekends when there is traffic getting to the National Monument.

It’s important to note that reservations for parking are required at Muir Woods, and there is no drive-up availability for parking in the area.

Is Muir Woods worth the trip?

Yes, Muir Woods is definitely worth the trip for those who love nature and want a chance to get close to the gigantic Coastal Redwoods.

In fact, this National Monument is so popular that you will need to book in advance to get parking or a shuttle ride to visit the park.

Muir Woods gets an average of just under one million visitors per year to experience this majestic park.

Is Muir Woods an easy hike?

Yes, hiking in Muir Woods is relatively easy for those with no disabilities or mobility issues, as the six miles of trails in the park are fairly flat. 

The trails range from just a half mile to two miles in length and are on well-maintained and non-technical surfaces that are easy to traverse.

Surrounding the park are some of the best and most challenging trails in California that stretch from the jagged coastline through the forested areas on Mount Tamalpais.

Can I just drive through to Muir Woods?

No, there is no driving route through the forests in Muir Woods. 

After you park at Muir Woods with a pre-reserved parking spot, you will need to hike into the park to see the Coastal Redwoods.

If you want a drive-through experience where you can see the redwoods, you can drive four hours north to the Avenue of the Giants in the Humboldt Redwoods.

Can I take an Uber to Muir Woods?

Yes, you can take an Uber to Muir Woods for about $35-$70. 

However, you need to arrange your transportation back to the city beforehand since there is no WIFI or cellphone reception in Muir Woods to request your ride back.

This will be challenging as there is no way for the driver to contact you.

Wrap-Up: Getting to Muir Woods from San Francisco

Now that you know how far is Muir Woods from San Francisco, all you have to do is reserve your tour or transportation.

Now sit back and enjoy your trip to San Francisco, and prepare for your trip to explore the Coastal Redwoods in the Muir Woods National Monument.

Other Redwoods Close to San Francisco

Muir Woods isn’t your only option if you come to California with the hope of experiencing the Giant Coastal Redwoods and the massive Sequoias.

Here is a list of some state parks and national parks where you can get close to these magnificent trees near San Francisco.

Some of these areas can be accessed by taking a tour, while others require driving up to four hours to get to the tree groves.

• Samuel P. Taylor State Park

This stunningly beautiful Coastal Redwood forest is located just 20 miles by car north of Muir Woods off Highway 1. 

The park offers a perfect opportunity for camping, hiking, picnics, and enjoying the redwoods without the overwhelming crowds.

• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

This state park is located 75 miles south of San Francisco in the Santa Cruz Mountains and offers 40 acres of old-growth Coastal Redwoods to explore. 

The only reasonable way to visit the park is by driving, but if you take Highway 1, there will be plenty of stops along the coast for an epic road trip.

• Humboldt Redwoods State Park

This state park, located four hours north of San Francisco, is home to an impressive 163 Coastal Redwood groves. 

Any visit to the Humboldt Redwoods must include a drive down the Avenue of the Giants, where the massive trees block out the sun and line the sides of the road.  

• Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park

A trip to California should include a trip to Mariposa Grove to see the biggest trees in Yosemite, which sits just about three miles from the park’s southern entrance.

You can either drive and do a road trip or take a tour from San Francisco to visit some of the largest trees in the world.

• Giant Forest, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

If you want to see the Sequoias, plan a visit to these National Parks that are home to the two largest trees in the world.

The best way to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is to drive, as you will need a car to get around the park to see the different groves of trees