Muir Woods National Monument San Francisco
Walk among ancient giants in Muir Woods, a serene redwood forest sanctuary just north of San Francisco. A must-visit natural wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace.
Muir Woods National Monument San Francisco
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among ancient giants in Muir Woods, a serene redwood forest sanctuary just north of San Francisco. A must-visit natural wonder.
"The towering coastal redwoods are simply awe-inspiring — walking beneath them feels like stepping into a cathedral made by nature."
🎯 Book Parking/Shuttle ASAP
Reservations are mandatory and sell out fast! Book online well in advance. :ticket:
🚢 Ferry & Shuttle Combo
A scenic and convenient way to reach Muir Woods from SF. :ferry:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Redwood Cathedral
Main Valley Floor
Walk among ancient, towering coastal redwoods, some over 1,000 years old. A truly awe-inspiring natural cathedral.
Hillside Trail Views
Hillside Trail
Gain a unique perspective of the forest from above on this moderately elevated, scenic trail.
Serene Boardwalks
Main Loop Trails
Easy, accessible boardwalks and paved paths wind through the heart of the ancient forest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations Are Essential
Getting There: Plan Your Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Parking/Shuttle ASAP
Reservations are mandatory and sell out fast! Book online well in advance. :ticket:
🚢 Ferry & Shuttle Combo
A scenic and convenient way to reach Muir Woods from SF. :ferry:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are mostly flat, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Bring a Jacket
It's often cooler and shadier under the redwoods, even on sunny days. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Parking/Shuttle ASAP
Reservations are mandatory and sell out fast! Book online well in advance. :ticket:
🚢 Ferry & Shuttle Combo
A scenic and convenient way to reach Muir Woods from SF. :ferry:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are mostly flat, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Bring a Jacket
It's often cooler and shadier under the redwoods, even on sunny days. :cloud:
📵 No Cell Service
Download maps and information beforehand; service is unreliable inside the monument. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Muir Woods for its breathtaking beauty, serene atmosphere, and awe-inspiring giant redwoods. The accessible trails and proximity to San Francisco make it a highly recommended natural escape. Some note that the gift shop and cafe can be busy, and emphasize the critical need for advance reservations.
"I cannot recommend a visit to Muir Woods enough! Make sure to reserve your parking! And please be respectful of other visitors by keeping your voices low. Muir Woods is gorgeous, peaceful, and spectacular. I love the smell of redwoods - it’s sweet and distinctive. There are shorter and longer loops available for different time/ability levels, and the trails are well-maintained."
Andee Bowden
"Muir Woods is an absolute gem! Just a short drive from San Francisco, this redwood sanctuary instantly transports you to a peaceful, almost otherworldly environment. The towering coastal redwoods are simply awe-inspiring — walking beneath them feels like stepping into a cathedral made by nature.
One of the standout moments of our visit was hiking the Hillside Trail. It’s a bit more elevated than the main boardwalk and offers breathtaking views of the forest from above. The trail winds along the side of the hill, giving you a unique perspective of the majestic trees and the valley below. It’s not too strenuous, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a bit of adventure without a serious climb.
The park is well-maintained, with helpful rangers, clean facilities, and plenty of signage to guide you. Make sure to go early to avoid crowds and enjoy the serenity.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, Muir Woods is a must-see. Don’t skip the Hillside Trail — it truly adds an extra layer of magic to the experience!"
Kunal Jaggi
"Muir Woods was an amazing place to spend the morning! We hiked about 1 hour and were able to see all of the main area. There are deeper trails to make a day of it. The drive into the park is so beautiful, the park itself is well maintained. Flat/clear walking paths. Cheap entry and great parking. Ancient, breathtaking surroundings. The gift shop and coffee shop were extremely busy with only 1 cashier each, so expect to spend some time in line. Maybe they were just working short that day though. All together, Loved this part of our trip!"
Tsan Diltz-Rydel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way is to take the ferry from San Francisco to Larkspur, then catch the Muir Woods shuttle. This avoids parking hassles and offers scenic views. Alternatively, you can drive, but parking reservations are essential and sell out quickly.
Yes, you can use public transportation by taking the ferry to Larkspur and then the Muir Woods shuttle, which operates on weekends and through October. Another option is to take a Marin Transit bus (like Route 61), but this requires a significant hike (about 1.5 miles) into the park.
Yes, a shuttle service operates from Larkspur Ferry Terminal and other locations, but it typically runs on weekends and seasonally. Reservations for the shuttle are also required. Check the official Muir Woods website for current schedules and booking information.
Driving directly can take about 40 minutes without traffic. However, with traffic and the need for parking, it can take longer. The ferry and shuttle combination can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on connections.
Yes, you can hike into Muir Woods from surrounding trailheads on Mount Tamalpais without a parking reservation. This often involves longer hikes (5-8 miles round trip) and requires good planning and navigation. Popular starting points include Mill Valley or parking near the Mountain Home Inn.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Parking reservations are mandatory for all vehicles, and shuttle reservations are required if you plan to use that service. These must be booked in advance online. Without a reservation, you will not be able to enter.
There is a small entrance fee per person, typically around $15, which covers access to the monument. Parking reservations also have a fee, usually around $9 per vehicle.
Muir Woods National Monument is generally open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check the official NPS website for any seasonal changes or unexpected closures.
No, you cannot purchase parking reservations or shuttle tickets upon arrival. All reservations must be made online in advance.
While there isn't a specific discount for Muir Woods, America the Beautiful Pass holders may have their parking fee covered. Check the official NPS website for details on pass inclusions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours to explore the main boardwalks and some of the shorter trails. If you plan to do longer hikes, you could easily spend half a day or more.
The main loop on the valley floor is the most popular and accessible. For more elevated views, the Hillside Trail is highly recommended. Longer trails like Bootjack or Ben Johnson connect to Mount Tamalpais State Park for more strenuous hikes.
The main boardwalks and paved paths are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it easy for most visitors to enjoy the forest.
You might spot banana slugs, various bird species, and if you're lucky, deer. Remember to observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them.
No, there is very limited to no cell service or Wi-Fi within Muir Woods National Monument. It's best to download any necessary information or maps before you arrive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small cafe and gift shop near the main entrance that offers snacks, drinks, and light meals. However, options are limited, and it can get busy.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in designated areas. Remember to pack out all your trash.
The charming town of Sausalito, a short drive away, offers numerous restaurants with bay views. The Pelican Inn near Muir Beach also offers food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere among the giant redwoods! The main valley floor offers iconic shots. The Hillside Trail provides elevated perspectives. Look for sunbeams filtering through the canopy for dramatic effect.
Yes, photography is allowed, but please be mindful of other visitors and stay on marked trails. Drones are prohibited.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light, with soft, diffused rays filtering through the trees.
No, drone usage is strictly prohibited in Muir Woods National Monument to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Transportation to Muir Woods
For those who prefer to drive, parking reservations are absolutely essential and must be secured online well in advance. These reservations are time-specific and sell out rapidly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Without a reservation, you will be turned away. An alternative for the adventurous is to hike in from surrounding trailheads on Mount Tamalpais, which bypasses the need for a parking reservation but requires significant physical effort and planning. Experiencing the Majesty of the Redwoods
Beyond the main loop, trails like the Hillside Trail offer a slightly more elevated perspective, allowing you to gaze down upon the forest canopy and appreciate the sheer scale of these ancient giants.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
It's also wise to prepare for cooler temperatures under the dense canopy, even on warm days, by bringing a jacket. When it comes to timing your visit, arriving early in the morning is consistently advised to avoid the largest crowds and experience the most serene atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit