Is Muir Woods worth visiting? Yes, it is! Muir Woods is a magnificent redwood forest that draws people from all over the world. It’s a place of natural beauty, tranquility, and wonder.
We loved hiking in Muir Woods and it reminded us of our hikes in Redwood National and State Parks. While that park is 6 hours from us, we loved that Muir Woods was just a 1.5 hour of drive from where we lived.
In this post, we’ll explore why it’s worth it, the best things to do in Muir Woods including the best hikes, and what you need to know before visiting Muir Woods.
Disclaimer: Bae Area and Beyond contains affiliate links so if you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. This also supports our content to be free. Read our disclaimer policy for more info.
Planning your trip to Muir Woods? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
📸 Best Tours In San Francisco:
- Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (private + half a day)
- 3-Hour Giant Redwoods Trees and Sausalito Tour (skip the crowds)
- San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito Tour (add on Alcatraz!)
😴 Best Hotels Near Muir Woods:
- Marin Lodge (💲)
- Mill Valley Inn (💲💲) (delicious breakfast!)
- Cavallo Point (💲💲💲) (free yoga classes)
🚘 Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting?
Muir Woods National Monument is a beautiful park located just north of San Francisco, that’s home to a grove of old-growth redwood trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old and tower up to 250 feet tall.
These trees, along with the lush ferns, mosses, and other flora, create a unique and enchanting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a different world.
Plus the park’s location is just a short distance from San Francisco making it easily accessible if you’re looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature.
The park offers a variety of activities for you, including hiking trails, guided tours, and educational programs.
There is also a cafe and a visitor center where you can learn more about the park’s history and ecology.
Map Of Muir Woods
Best Muir Woods Tours
If driving to and from Muir Woods isn’t for you but you really want to explore Muir Woods, booking a Muir Woods tour is a great option! It’s convenient and you get to learn more about the area with a local guide. Here are the best options:
😍 Private Jeep Tour to Muir Woods
If you’re looking for a private tour in a jeep, this is the best one. Take the time to ask all the questions you have about Muir Woods, Sausalito, and San Francisco. This jeep can take up to 6 people so if you’re traveling with family and looking for a hassle-free option, book this tour.
Check prices & availability for this private jeep tour
😍 All-In-One (San Francisco + Muir Woods + Sausalito) Tour
Experience the ultimate San Francisco adventure in just one day! Explore all the iconic sights in San Francisco, check out charming Sausalito, and end your day among the towering redwoods of Muir Woods.
Check prices & availability for this all-in-one tour
Things To Do In Muir Woods
While hiking is the most popular activity in Muir Woods, there are plenty of other things to do and see in the area:
⭐ Visit the Muir Woods Visitor Center: The visitor center is a great place to learn about the park’s history, ecology, and conservation efforts. There are also exhibits and displays that showcase the area’s flora and fauna.
⭐ Take a guided tour: The park offers a variety of guided tours that cater to different interests and activity levels.
⭐ Bird-watching: Muir Woods is home to a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, warblers, and hawks. Bring your binoculars and see how many you can spot.
⭐ Photography: Muir Woods is a photographer’s dream, with plenty of opportunities to capture stunning shots of the redwoods and other natural features.
⭐ Ranger talks: Park rangers offer a variety of talks and programs throughout the year that cover topics such as the park’s history, geology, and ecology.
⭐ Visit nearby attractions: Muir Woods is located near several other popular attractions, including Mount Tamalpais State Park, Stinson Beach, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Best Hikes In Muir Woods
There are a lot of hikes to choose from that offer stunning views of the redwood forest and beyond. Here’s the list of the best hikes in Muir Woods:
- Main Trail aka Redwood Creek Trail
- Fern Creek to Camp Alice Eastwood to Lost to Canopy Trail
- Ben Johnson Trail
- Muir Beach From Muir Woods
- Bootjack Loop Trail
- Stinson Beach From Muir Woods
- Mount Tamalpais Peak From Muir Woods
Is The Drive To Muir Woods Dangerous?
The drive to Muir Woods can be challenging, especially if you aren’t used to driving on winding mountain roads.
The road leading to Muir Woods, Muir Woods Road, is narrow and has many sharp turns and blind curves. Plus, the road can be congested with traffic, especially during the peak tourist season.
Take caution and drive defensively when traveling to Muir Woods. The National Park Service recommends that drivers use extra caution, stay alert, and obey traffic laws. Speed limits are strictly enforced, and it’s recommended to stay within the posted limits.
It’s not considered to be dangerous as long as you exercise caution and follow traffic laws. But, it is always a good idea to be prepared and stay focused when driving in unfamiliar areas with challenging road conditions.
How To Get To Muir Woods
If you don’t have a car, you can rent one with DiscoverCars. They have a wide selection of cars and you can save up to 70% with them.
🚘 Car – Driving From San Francisco
- Head north on US-101 across the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Take the exit for CA-1 toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach.
- Stay on CA-1, then turn right onto Panoramic Highway.
- Follow Panoramic Highway until you reach Muir Woods Road.
- Look for signs for Muir Woods National Monument.
Renting a car in San Francisco can be tricky so here’s all you need to know about the process.
🅿️ Muir Woods Parking Information
To park at Muir Woods, you need to reserve a spot at GoMuirWoods. Both standard and accessible parking costs $9 for cars under 17 feet in length.
If it’s longer than 17 feet, the cost of parking can be from $30-$45. Since there aren’t many parking spots for oversized vehicles, it’s best to take the shuttle instead. There are also 2 electric vehicle charging stations and parking for EV cars costs $12.
Make sure to arrive within the 30-minute parking reservation or you might not be able to enter the parking spot.
🚍 Muir Woods Shuttle
If you choose to take the shuttle, you’ll need to reserve a shuttle instead of a parking reservation. The shuttle only runs on the weekends and holidays only.
The shuttle picks up and drops you at Larkspur Ferry Terminal. Only service dogs are allowed on the shuttle.
Plan to arrive as early as possible as the last shuttle is usually the busiest. Here’s more information about the shuttle service.
🚖 Taxi
A taxi is another option if you’d like to be dropped off and picked up at the same spot. Uber or Lyft wouldn’t be a good option due to poor cell service.
Best Time To Visit Muir Woods
The best time to visit Muir Woods National Monument depends on what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some factors to consider when planning your trip:
☀️ Weather
The weather in Muir Woods is generally mild year-round, but there are some variations in temperature and precipitation.
The summer months (June to August) are usually the driest and warmest, with temperatures averaging in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22 Celsius).
Fall (September to November) can be a good time to visit for cooler temperatures and some fall foliage.
Winter (December to February) can be rainy and chilly, with temperatures in the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (7-12 Celsius). It’ll be muddy too so wear your hiking boots.
Spring (March to May) can be a beautiful time to visit, with wildflowers blooming and the forest coming to life.
⭐ Packing for a trip and not sure what to pack? Check out this packing guide.
👪 Crowds
Muir Woods can be crowded during peak tourist season (June to August) and on weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall).
🌧️ Trail Conditions
The trails in Muir Woods can be muddy and slippery after heavy rain, so it’s a good idea to check the trail conditions before you go. The park’s website provides up-to-date information on trail closures and conditions.
Best Places To Stay Near Muir Woods
🏨 Budget-Friendly: Marin Lodge
Located in San Rafael, the Marin Lodge is a good option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable stay near Muir Woods. The hotel is surrounded by a forested atmosphere with palm trees in the front.
Check rates & availability for Marin Lodge
🏨 Mid-Scale: Mill Valley Inn
Located in the charming town of Mill Valley, this boutique hotel features spacious rooms, and certain rooms have a balcony or fireplace. The complimentary breakfast has both hot and cold options every day. Plus, there’s a complimentary evening spread of wine and cheese daily.
Check rates & availability for Mill Valley Inn
🏨 Lux: Cavallo Point
Located in Sausalito, this luxury hotel offers panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The hotel features historic rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and a bar.
Check rates & availability for Cavallo Point
Things To Know About Muir Woods
💲 Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for Muir Woods National Monument is $15 per adult (ages 16 and up). Children 15 and under are admitted for free.
If you have America the Beautiful National Park pass, you can enter for free! We visited with my sister-in-law’s family and all 4 of us & 1 kid went in for free!
🅿️ Muir Woods Reservations
The park has implemented a reservation system for parking and shuttle service due to high visitation levels and limited parking capacity.
You need to reserve a parking spot or shuttle ticket in advance to enter the park. Reserve on GoMuirWoods for parking or shuttle service.
⏰ Operating Hours
Muir Woods is open every day unless there are closures due to weather, power outages, air quality, or construction. The park is open from 8:00 am to sunset. The visitor center closes 30 minutes before the park so make sure to visit it before hiking in Muir Woods.
🐕 Pets
Pets are not allowed on any of the trails in Muir Woods. The park has a strict policy to protect the natural environment and wildlife and to ensure visitor safety. But service animals are allowed.
🥪 Food & Beverages ☕
There is a cafe, Muir Woods Trading Company that offers a variety of food and drinks, including coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soups.
You can either dine inside the cafe or outside on the patio while enjoying the natural surroundings. The cafe is operated by the park and is open daily, but hours may vary depending on the season.
♿ Accessibility
The Main Trail is a flat and paved boardwalk that is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The park also provides designated accessible parking spaces and accessible restrooms.
🚻 Restrooms
Muir Woods has restrooms available near the park entrance and near the cafe area. These restrooms include flush toilets and running water.
📶 Phone Reception
There’s no phone reception in Muir Woods because of the dense tree canopy, which can interfere with cell phone signals.
Make sure to download an offline version of Muir Woods on Google Maps and download the parking reservation or shuttle ticket before heading to Muir Woods.
🚯Leave No Trace
As with all natural areas, it’s important to practice “Leave No Trace” principles when visiting Muir Woods to help preserve and protect the natural environment:
➡️ Pack out all trash and litter: Bring a trash bag with you and pack out your trash to throw out in the nearest trash can. Do not leave any garbage or litter behind in the park.
➡️ Stay on designated trails: Stick to designated trails and boardwalks to avoid trampling on delicate vegetation or disturbing wildlife habitats.
➡️ Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and do not approach or feed them. Keep your distance and use binoculars or a camera to get a closer look.
➡️ Keep noise levels low: Be respectful of other visitors and keep noise levels low, especially in quiet areas of the park.
⏳ Time To Spend In Muir Woods
The amount of time to spend in Muir Woods depends on what you plan to do there. If you’re planning on just walking on the main trail, you can easily spend 2-3 hours in the park.
If you plan to hike some of the park’s more challenging trails, you’ll need to allow for more time like 4+ hours on the trails.
When we visited, we spent almost the whole day exploring all that Muir Woods has to offer. But we were also traveling in a group of 5 including our 2-year-old niece so we took more time.
Muir Woods can get busy during weekends and holidays which may impact how much time you plan to spend in the park. We visited during Labor Day weekend and it was crowded especially near the cafe. It took us a while to get a table for ourselves.
💡 Tip: To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit the park early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Muir Woods is home to a grove of old-growth redwood trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old and tower up to 250 feet tall. Plus the park is less than an hour away from San Francisco making it easily accessible to locals and tourists.
The best time of day to visit Muir Woods is during the weekdays and early mornings. As June to August is the busiest, visiting in the spring or fall is the best time to visit.
No, you can’t drive through Muir Woods. It doesn’t allow any private vehicles and you must park your cars in the parking lot outside the park or take the Muir Woods shuttle to the park’s entrance.
Muir Woods is 16 miles north of San Francisco and can take around 45 minutes to get there.
You can easily spend 2-3 hours at the park but if it’s your first time, plan to spend half a day.
Final Thoughts
Muir Woods is a breathtaking destination that is definitely worth visiting. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or need a break from city life, this magical forest has something to offer everyone.
From its towering redwood trees to its peaceful hiking trails, Muir Woods provides a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
If you enjoyed Muir Woods, Trees of Mystery is another redwoods park that’s known for its unique trees and fun attractions.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
7 Best Hikes In Muir Woods: Travel Tips and Info
Is Trees Of Mystery Worth It? 19 Things To Do
Need help planning a trip? We can help plan your dream road trip in California!
Follow our California experiences: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
