muir forest tours from san francisco

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 .

Share This On Pinterest!

You May Also Like

How To Hike Ventura Botanical Gardens Trail In Ventura

15 Best Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Tours In 2024

10 Top Rated Vacation Rentals & Hotels In Felton, California

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The 5 Best Muir Woods Tours From San Francisco [2024 Reviews]

Muir Woods, located just 12 miles from San Francisco, is a United States National Monument and with good reason. With its majestic redwoods, Muir Woods is a must-see for those who have never had the opportunity to appreciate the enormity of these unique trees.

The fog that often envelopes the forest gives one the impression of walking in a magical place. Some of the wildlife you may encounter include black-tailed deer, foxes, mountain lions, and chipmunks. Over 50 species of birds make their home in Muir Woods.

This popular nature area is conveniently located just north of San Francisco. There are gobs of tour operators that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the woods, in combination with other activities, or just the woods alone.

Best Muir Woods Tours

Be sure to see our reviews of wine tours to Napa & Sonoma Valley , Yosemite tours and Alacatraz tours .

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Muir Woods Tours From San Francisco

• Best Combination Tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito and San Francisco Bay Cruise
• Best Private Tour: Private Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour From San Francisco
• Best Budget Tour: Muir Woods National Monument Tour
• Best Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Sausalito and Muir Woods Small Group Tour
• Best Full Day Tour: Muir Woods Wine Tour with Napa & Sonoma From San Francisco

We have reviewed the top rated Muir Woods tours, providing overviews and highlighting the details of each. We also make recommendations on staying in San Francisco in our guide section.

Muir Woods Tour Reviews

1. best combination tour: muir woods forest, sausalito & bay cruise from san francisco.

• Departure point : 478 Post Street or 2805 Leavenworth Street
• Departure time : 7:40 AM
• Duration : 6 hours
• Includes : Narrated tour to Muir Woods and Sausalito, Admission to Muir Woods with free time to explore , bay cruise

We recommend this tour for those who want the convenience of a coordinated Muir Woods day trip and boating adventure in San Francisco Bay. Viewing the San Francisco waterfront from the Bay provides allows voyagers to appreciate a different perspective of the area.

This well-organized tour includes a visit to the Muir Woods National Monument, a stop in the inviting town of Sausalito, and a boat cruise through San Francisco Bay. The unique vantage point from the Bay affords great photo ops of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Your enthusiastic and entertaining guide/driver takes advantage of the travel to Muir Woods to provide interesting information and to answer your questions about the San Francisco and Marin County. While in the woods, you’ll have time to explore some of the trails on your own.

There are plenty of options and levels of difficulty, so those who aren’t able to manage hillly trails will find one that suits them.

While in Sausalito, you’ll have about an hour to enjoy lunch on your own (or go shopping, if you prefer). Your tour guide will give you insider information about the best places in town to shop and eat.

After your trip to Muir Woods and Sausalito, you’ll return to the pier where you’ll board the cruise ship. Make sure to bring a windbreaker, as it can get chilly on the water. We love this addition to the tour. Getting out on the water isn’t only fun, but it offers unparalleled views of the bridge and coast.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best private tour: muir woods and sausalito private tour from san francisco.

• Departure point : Hotel pickup and drop off
• Departure time : 8:30 AM or 1:30 PM
• Duration : 4 hours
• Includes : Private transportation, guided tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito

We recommend this tour for those who want to squeeze in the sights of Saulsalito and experience Muir Woods in a half day. This is a private tour so it’s just the people you want to be with.

You will start your 4 hour tour with a short 30 minute ride to Muir Woods where your driver / guide will give you a private tour of the redwoods forest.

You will be stunned by the size and beauty of the trees, we can guarantee that! You will have about an hour and a half to wander around and soak in the splendor of the park through the network of trails.

Now it’s on to the quaint seaside town of Sausalito. Here you will have an hour to explore the town with your guide or just go off to wander the town and enjoy nice lunch or a drink while you soak in the best views of San Francisco.

Be sure to take lots of photos and your private guide will be happy to stop on the way home for some photos of the Golden Gate bridge or anywhere else you want.

After your private tour is over, your guide will drop you off anywhere in the city you want.

3. Best Budget Tour: Muir Woods National Monument Guided Tour

• Departure point : 288 Beach Street, (hotel pick-up available)
• Departure time : Various- 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
• Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
• Includes : Local guide, park admission, transport via luxury coach

We recommend this tour for those who want to focus exclusively on beautiful Muir Woods, but don’t want the hassle of driving on their own. It’s an excellent option for those who want to catch a glimpse of the redwood forest near San Francisco while reserving a portion of the day for other activities.

A large comfortable motor coach or van will transport you to the woods. This 3 ½ hour trip offers a relaxing and peaceful break from the more hectic vibe of the city.

Your friendly, fun driver/guide will entertain you during your trip to provide interesting information about the woods and the area in general. En route to Muir Woods, you’ll stop to get an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge where you can take advantage of getting some great shots.

The drive out is beautiful in its own right, with expansive views of the Bay and the green, hilly landscape that lies north of San Francisco.

Once you arrive at Muir Woods, you will have a good 1 ½ hours to explore on your own. There are plenty of areas where you can break from the group to enjoy some solitude under the impressive redwoods.

4. Best Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Sausalito and Muir Woods Small Group Tour

• Departure point : Fisherman’s Wharf, on the corner of Hyde and Beach Street
• Departure time :  9:30 a.m.
• Duration : 7 hours (approx.)
• Includes : Bottled water, local guide, transport in minibus, small-group tour

We recommend this tour for those who want have a closer look at the city, combined with an outing to Muir Woods. Because this tour is geared toward small groups, it’s a good option for those looking for a more intimate and personalized experience.

Your Ultimate Day in the Bay tour is a great way to start your stay in San Francisco for getting oriented with the city. You start off at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll board an air-conditioned minibus to explore the diverse neighborhoods and must-see attractions in San Francisco.

A few neighborhoods you’ll discover include Chinatown, Little Italy, and The Castro. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos of some of the Bay area’s most famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks.

Enjoy engaging commentary throughout the trip from your informed driver/guide, who will share interesting facts and stories about the area, including its history, architecture, and culture. Take advantage of his insider perspective to discover locals’ favorites that are worth checking out on your own.

After arriving at Muir Woods, you’ll have about an hour to explore. The park has a slew of trails with varying levels of difficulty, so any visitor should be able to enjoy a walk among its awe-inspiring redwoods.

On your trip between San Francisco and Muir Woods you’ll stop in picturesque Sausalito for lunch on your own.

5. Best Full Day Tour: Muir Woods Wine Tour with Napa & Sonoma From San Francisco

• Departure point : Hotel pick-up and drop off (some exclusions)
• Departure time : 8:00 AM
• Duration :  10 hours
• Includes : Guided Muir Woods tor, wine tasting at 2-3 wineries, hotel pickup and drop-off (check with operator for exclusions), gourmet lunch (upgrade), Free Wifi on vehicle

We recommend this tour for those who want a full day experience. Wine and nature-lovers alike will find this tour satisfying and comprehensive. A gourmet three-course meal is offered as an upgrade.

The bus that transports you to the redwoods near San Francisco and the wineries offers pickup and dropoff for most area hotels, so be sure to check with the operator to see if your hotel is eligible.

This tour packs in a lot of ground in a short period of time, but you won’t feel rushed. Someone else will do the driving while you relax and travel from San Francisco to wine country and Muir Woods. All you need to do is show up and enjoy the ride while taking in the Northern California countryside.

The first leg of your trip will take you to Muir Woods, where a guide will provide commentary about its world-renowned redwoods. You’ll have time to explore the parks nature trail where you may catch a glimpse of its abundant wildlife.

The wine-tasting portion of your tour will take you to both Napa and Sonoma valleys. You’ll visit three charming wineries selected by the tour operator where you’ll learn about winemaking and will have ample opportunity to try several varieties of wine.

Expand To See More See Less

On this tour, you choose your own lunch experience – either on your own (make sure to ask your tour guide for recommendations) or accompany the group for a sumptuous sit-down lunch. Choosing the gourmet lunch option is an upgrade, so is not included in the basic tour fee.

If you decide to enjoy the gourmet lunch, you’ll be treated to a delicious three-dish meal. We can vouch for this- the restaurant serving your three-course meal offers options for both vegetarians, pescatarians, and carnivores. Wine pairing is included, of course!

On this full day tour you won’t miss the opportunity to take amazing shots of the impressive Golden Gate Bridge. Your coach will make a quick stop, giving you to time to snap some photos.

Your Guide to Visiting the San Francisco Bay Area

Airports & entry, planning tips, restaurants & eating out, nightlife & entertainment, getting around, accommodations, attractions.

Located just 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, the San Francisco International Airport, receives flights from all over the world; making the city highly accessible to would-be visitors.

There are multiple options for transport from the airport to the city. BART is a rail system that offers service between the airport and the city, as well as to the surrounding Bay Area.

San Mateo County’s transit agency, SamTrans, provides bus service from the airport to Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco.

A taxi or other car-for-hire service such as Uber or Lyft are other options.

Consider what you’d like to do before packing your suitcase. Do you plan to head to the beach, expect to dine in an elegant restaurant, or attend the symphony while you’re in San Francisco?

Not only should your plans guide you in what to pack, you should also purchase tour tickets and make reservations in advance, for those things you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

The San Francisco food scene will please the picky eater and foodie alike. Whether you prefer basic American grub or are into international cuisine, there’s a huge selection to choose from.

For cheap eats you may consider a deli like the popular Molinari Delicatessen. For a slice of pie on the go, check out Golden Boy Pizza.

If you’d like to treat yourself to an evening of fine dining, Kokkari Estiatorio offers a delectable Mediterranean menu; and Seven Hills is superb for seafood.

As far as moderately-priced establishments go, give La Ciccia, an intimate Italian restaurant, a try. Other great mid-range places include Hog Island Oyster Company for delicious seafood or Roam Artisan Burgers for, well, burgers (vegan options available).

There is no lack of after-hours entertainment in this active city. The performances at the Marrakech Magic Theater combine magic, illusion, and comedy for a thoroughly entertaining experience.

A great place to relax with an adult beverage is the Cityscape Bar & Lounge, which has gorgeous nighttime views of the city.

If you plan to make room for some culture during your visit to San Francisco, both the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera give outstanding performances in their respective artforms.

San Francisco has an excellent public transport system, so there’s no reason to go the rental car route. Public transport options include buses, streetcars, cable cars, light rail, and trolley coaches. Of course, taxis and services like Lyft and Uber are available as well.

If you do plan to go with a rental car, rental agencies abound. Depending on the neighborhood and time of day though, you may find it challenging to find available, affordable parking.

San Francisco offers accommodations for all budgets- from basic camping sites in Angel Island and Samuel P Taylor State Parks for those who okay with roughing it, to ultra-exclusive hotels like Fairmont Heritage Place in Ghirardelli Square.

Economically-minded travelers might want to check out area hostels like the highly-rated Green Tortoise Hostel, or a mid-range option such as the chic Scarlet Huntington boutique hotel or the Victorian-styled Queen Anne Hotel.

As a general rule, the Bay Area doesn’t get much rain, with very little rainfall from May to September. The area’s average temperature remains moderate throughout the year, with highs in the 60’s and 70’s and lows ranging in the 40’s and 50’s, year round.

A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without snapping a selfie with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop. Other must-sees include the notorious Alcatraz prison; Fisherman’s Wharf for sightseeing and shopping; Lombard Street, known as the “crookedest street” in the world; and a ride on the city’s world-famous cable cars.

Other fun things to do include the San Francisco Zoo and the Sea Lion Center. There are loads of parks and gardens where you can meander or enjoy a picnic lunch, such as the unique Japanese Tea Garden and the seaside park Land’s End.

Final Thoughts

A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Muir Woods, especially if you’ve never witnessed the unfathomable magnitude of a redwood forest. They must be appreciated in person, as pictures just don’t do them justice.

There are a variety of tour experiences- from a simple trip to the woods or in combination with other fun and educational side trips. With a little research, you’ll be sure to find one that fits your needs and interests.

Tour Guides

The Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour plus Bay Cruise is our Editor's Choice for the best Muir Woods tour with its combination of sites seen, tour guides and value.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 7 best key west snorkeling tours [2024 reviews], the 8 best maui & molokini snorkel tours [2024 reviews], 🚁 the 7 best oahu helicopter tours [2024 reviews], top 15 things to do in maui.

Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour

*Tours offered twice daily, book a day that is convenient for you.

We offer a rest from the rush of rapid San Francisco and dive into one of the most beautiful places in North California – Muir Woods National Monument.

Muir Woods National Monument is

• – Relict coastal redwood trees;
• – Views of San Francisco bay and Pacific Ocean;
• – Forrest coddled with a thick layer of sea mist;

Muir Woods has several trails that have different difficulty levels. Their total length is around 10 km. Main trails are located in an extremely refined part of the park with wooden paths equipped with railings. 

You will be able to sneak into nature, walk down the beautiful trails of the woods, explore interesting plants and enjoy freshness of a real forest. 

Californian coastal redwoods trees are the biggest trees on planet Earth.  Their height reaches 400 feet or 130 meters, they are aged from 400 to 700 years, some of them are even 1200 years old.

Thus, this is the highest and one of the oldest forests on planet Earth. 

It’s highly likely that you will meet squirrels, chipmunks, turkeys and deer.

The main boardwalk lies along a stream that falls into the ocean that is just 3 miles away from the forest. 

When the winter rain comes, the stream turns into a deep river that washes out the beach and opens the way to spawning salmon and trout.

Before the tour through the woods, we will have a whole journey, where we will visit such significant places like:

• the Golden Gate Bridge which is one of the most recognized and beautiful bridges in the world, known by its bright color, light air-floating shape that links San Francisco with Marin County. 
• the City of Sausalito – fabulous nature, breath catching views and being close both to the Ocean and San Francisco made this town with a fancy name a capital of local Bohemia. 

Our way to the forest will start with meeting at a hotel in the center of town or at Fisherman’s Wharf. Next, we will go over the Golden Gate Bridge with marvelous views of San Francisco and the Presidio. 

Then we will stop at the northern viewpoint where we will have a chance to enjoy the views of the bridge and the bay plus and take some marvelous pictures to remember our small adventure. 

Further down the road we will meet beautiful Sausalito and parts of Golden Gate National recreation area and Mount Talampais national park that merge with Muir Woods. 

You will have the opportunity to walk down the fabulous woods trails and purchase souvenirs as well as take super photos or have a bite at a cafe with the view of that marvelous forest. 

After the great views of the forest, we will drop in on at Sausalito for an hour. Lots of tourists consider that town the most beautiful on Earth. 

A mountain covering it from the cold ocean winds this is why the weather here is always warmer than in the city.

Infrastructure of Sausalito is so diverse that any visitor can find whatever entertainment they are interested in: art galleries, gift shops lots of cafes with different types of dishes, restaurants and yacht piers.

By the end of such a saturated day, our driver, who hopefully becomes a friend to you by then, will take you back to town. 

But for the ones enchanted by the town there is an opportunity to stay, and come back home by any of type of transportation they like whether that will be ferry, taxi or Uber. 

What is not included in the price of the tour is

• Way back home in case you decided to stay in Sausalito.
• Park entrance fee – $15 for adult (over 16 years old). 
• Free of charge for kids younger than 16 years old.

  We offer quite low prices compared to competitors.  

Park Entrance Fee

• $15.00 per adult (16 years and older)
• Free – child (15 years and younger)
• Senior people can buy an annual pass to all parks nationwide for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80

We pick our customers up 

1. from Downtown

• for the morning shift: 8.00-8.15
• for the afternoon shift: 1.30-1.45

2.  from Fisherman’s Wharf 

• for the morning shift: 8.15-8.30
• for the afternoon shift: 1.45-2.00

*we don’t drive through Market street for pick up. 

Muir Woods Tours Review

Previous Next

• Morning Tour
• Afternoon Tour

Pick Up From Downtown Hotels

8:00 2 8:15

Pickup from Fisherman’s Wharf

8:15 3 9:15

Stop on the Northern Side of the Golden Gate Bridge

9:15 4 9:40 Arrival to Muir Woods National Monument 9:40 5 11:00

Departure from the Woods

11:00 6 11:20

Arrival to Sausalito

11:20 7 12:20

Departure from Sausalito

12:20 8 01:00 pm

Return to the City

Return to original departure point

Pickup from Downtown Hotels

01:00 pm 2 01:45 pm

01:45 pm 3 2:15 pm

2:15 pm 4 2:40 pm

Arrival to Muir Woods National Park

2:40 pm 5 4:00 pm

4:00 pm 6 4:20 pm

4:20 pm 7 5:30 pm

5:30 pm 8 6:00 pm

You can Find US

Tripadvisor Viator Get Your Guide

Additional Info

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Not wheelchair accessible

Stroller accessible

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

Custom Offers

Private option.

Option for large groups of 6 people to rent a 14-seater VAN or a 6-seater SAV to spend time in your own group.

From $999 More Details

Our clients also choose

Half-day wine tour.

Combine the Half Day Wine Tour with the Muir Woods Tour for an unforgettable all day excursion. We specialize in small group tours… $139 per Adult More Details

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

CHECK OUR OTHER TOURS

A Taste of SF Tours, Inc

• Tours in San Francisco
• Alcatraz Tours and….
• Tours from San Francisco
• Tours from Las Vegas
• Yosemite National Park Tours
• Hotels Rooms
• Private Tours
• Destination Guides
• Gift Certificates

Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Tour

• Pick Up Location(s) Hilton San Francisco Union Square (333 O’Farrell Street) Meet on the Mason Street side of the hotel.
• Duration Half Day (~ 5 hours)
• Transportation Biofueled mini-coach (generally 13 max, possibly up to 23)

On this half-day Muir Woods and Sausalito tour, you’ll wander through ancient groves of coastal redwoods at the Muir Woods National Monument and take a leisurely walk along the historic flower-lined sidewalks of Sausalito. If you’ve never seen an old-growth redwood forest, prepare for a full sensory experience.

Our redwood tours from San Francisco are just a quick 30 minutes from downtown, so before long you’ll see the trees of Muir Woods that are between 800 and 1,200 years old. You’ll take a full hour and a half to roam through this ‘living museum’ where you can walk among the towering trees that used to dominate the west coast from Santa Barbara to Washington.

After exploring Muir Woods, you’ll have a narrated tour through the beautiful seaside Mediterranean-style town of Sausalito, after which you’ll get a chance to explore the 2.5-mile waterfront (approx 45 minutes total) before returning to the city across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Have a full day to fill? You can also choose to skip the ride back in the mini-shuttle and opt for a picturesque ferry ride back to San Francisco!

TAKE THE FERRY BACK TO SAN FRANCISCO!

Taking one of our Sausalito tours means you can explore for longer and take the ferry across the Bay! For only $14 extra, explore this beautiful town at your leisure and take the scenic ride to Fisherman’s Wharf or the San Francisco Ferry Building.

From there, enjoy some more sightseeing and easily reach your hotel via cable car or public transportation. The ferry from Sausalito departs at various times depending on the season.

Daily departures at 7:15am & 1:30pm

• Cruise over the famous Golden Gate Bridge
• Stop for photos of the iconic bridge and San Francisco skyline
• Explore the towering coastal redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument
• Enjoy beautiful bay views from Sausalito
• Add an optional ferry ride across the bay!

Price Includes

• Complimentary pickup/dropoff from Hilton Union Square
• Full-time professional, knowledgeable guide
• Muir Woods entrance fee
• Free time to explore Sausalito (45 min + more with ferry option!)
• Transportation to/from Muir Woods & Sausalito by minicoach

Price Excludes

• Meals (stops will be made to purchase food)
• Sausalito-to-SF ferry ticket (unless booked as inclusion)
• Guide Gratuity (customary 15-20% of tour cost as per TripAdvisor tipping guide)

Why We Love This Tour

“This half-day tour is a great way to spend some time in nature among the ancient redwoods of coastal California, while still being so close to San Francisco. The redwood forest is an amazing site, and there’s plenty of time to stroll around the ancient groves. Grabbing a coffee or pastry in the coastal community of Sausalito is the perfect addition to this trip before you head back to the city.”

*These are sample itineraries for tours of Muir Woods and Sausalito. Please note that due to conditions outside of our control, your itinerary may be altered to best suit the groups’ needs.

While we guarantee that we’ll do our best to provide you with all of our Muir Woods and Sausalito tour highlights (conditions permitting), we do not guarantee them in this specific order.

Depending on passenger numbers and guest needs, your tour may be moved to a larger vehicle or operated by a preferred partner company. In this case, there may be slight differences in the itinerary and times. We will communicate the exact details to you in your confirmation.

7:15am & 1:30pm:

Our Muir Woods and Sausalito tour begins as you make your way to the pre-arranged pick-up spot at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square (333 O’Farrell St).

Make sure to be on the Mason Street side of the hotel to meet your Incredible Adventures guide and vehicle.

Cross the Bridge:

From the cozy vantage of the mini-coach, take in panoramic scenes that span the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the boat-speckled bay.

We’ll next take the winding coastal mountain path through the Marin Headlands where you’ll see the base of Mt. Tamalpais (the highest point in the North Bay region) before we arrive in the cool shaded canyon home to these special coastal redwoods.

See the Trees:

Are you ready to feel small beside a redwood? You’ll step off the mini-coach into a wonderland of greenery. On our redwood tours from San Francisco, you’ll have an hour to 90 minutes to wander along the wooden boardwalks through the tallest species of tree in the world.

Due to the thick fog that blankets the west coast in the summer, redwoods only thrive in Northern California and Oregon. In 1908, Senator William Kent and his wife donated their land to the state and President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as a federally protected area.

Muir Woods is the only surviving stand of old-growth forest in the Bay Area. Wandering amongst these towering giants is sure to reconnect you with a natural world that was almost lost forever.

Free Time in Sausalito:

From Muir Woods, it’s a short drive to Sausalito, a picturesque town that starts with hilltop mansions and spills down to boutique shops and cafes along the waterfront.

The pier offers a panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and Angel Island. Take it all in on our Sausalito tours with an in-coach narrated tour and 45 minutes to explore. Then, loop around for the return trip to San Francisco.

You can also choose to hop off the coach and linger at one of the sidewalk cafes, shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, or sample freshly caught seafood before taking the ferry back to the city on our Sausalito tours. Just choose the PLUS FERRY option at checkout.

Home Again:

We’ll drop you back off at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square just in time for lunch or dinner, depending on the tour you’ve chosen.

Taking the Ferry

Take the ferry back to san francisco* and spend more time exploring sausalito at your own pace.

Sausalito is located to the north of the Golden Gate Bridge and began as a hub for car, ferry, and rail traffic to reach the city. After World War II, its industry focus shifted, transforming it into a wealthy and artistic residential and tourist area.

You can add the ferry tickets to your tour, and the driver will drop you off before heading back to the city. Simply choose the PLUS FERRY tour option during the check-out process, and the tickets will be provided to you on the tour.

Taking the ferry back from Sausalito will afford you amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco city skyline from the north. Don’t forget your jacket, though – it can get chilly out on the bay!

You’ll disembark the ferry in the Fisherman’s Wharf/Embarcadero area where you can easily hail a cab or take the cable car back to your hotel.

* Tickets are an additional $14 for all ages and are not included in the base tour price. Ferry return is subject to availability.

Book Our Muir Woods with Sausalito Half-Day tour as a private tour

We understand how important quality time with your friends and family is. We also understand the hesitation some customers may have in sharing a vehicle with people they don’t know.

While we love the ease of travel and the new friendships that shared tours provide, we have adapted our tours of Muir Woods and Sausalito to give customers more options when booking.

This tour is now available to book as a private excursion for up to 22 guests. You’ll receive the same itinerary and inclusions that our typical tour would provide, plus personal one-on-one attention from your guide and the ability to choose who you’ll bring with you.

Feeling like making some changes or additions to the itinerary? Contact us and we can create a quote for a custom experience across any of the 50 states.

Reserve your Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour as a private excursion now!

Our rates are based on group size. After clicking below and choosing an available date, select how many travelers will be in your group.

Private tour for 1-13 guests: $989 total Private tour for 14-22 guests: $1,489 total

Already A Member?

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account.

SF & International: (415) 642-7378 US & Canada toll free: 1 (800) 777-8464 [email protected]

Related Tours

Alcatraz Night Tour and Aquarium + Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine Country

Alcatraz Day Tour and Aquarium + Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour with Ferry

Alcatraz Day Tour and Aquarium + Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Country

7 Best Muir Woods Tours From San Francisco For 2024

Enjoy the incredible natural beauty of muir woods while visiting san francisco.

San Francisco is known for many things, with their enormous redwoods being one of them.

Muir Woods is one of the best places to experience them, as it’s covered in the beautiful trees known for their aromatic red bark, incredible height, and old age. Sure, you can go on your own, but we really recommend taking a tour of them.

We’ve come up with the best San Francisco tours that will take you through Muir Woods, Sausalito, on the ferry, and much more. By the time you’re done, you’ll surely feel like you’ve experienced San Franciso to its fullest!

Top Tours of Muir Woods

The best rated muir woods tours from san francisco.

• San Francisco, Sausalito and Muir Woods Small Group Tour
• Muir Woods National Monument Guided Tour From San Francisco
• Muir Woods: Redwood Forest with Ferry Morning Tour
• Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods, & Sausalito Tour From San Francisco
• Muir Woods Trip and Golden Gate Bridge Cruise From San Francisco
• San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Experience
• Muir Woods with Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour From San Francisco

Now lets take a closer look at the Muir Woods tours so you can find the right one for you!

Muir Woods Tour Reviews

1. san francisco, sausalito and muir woods small group tour.

Tour Highlights :

• Duration: 7 hours
• Includes:  2800 Hyde Street in Fisherman’s Wharf. Meet underneath the white gazebo, next to the cable car turnaround, on the corner of Hyde and Beach Street, (Inside SF Maritime Historic Park
• Departure Point: Local guide, bottled water, granola bars, SF recommendations of things to do
• Other: Stops by legendary SF locations, stories on bus, real-world exploration

This fully comprehensive tour is one that will take you through just about every major destination spot in San Francisco, and much more. You’ll get to explore the most popular neighborhoods, take some quick photo stops, and spend some time in the gorgeous Muir Woods National Monument.

The San Francisco, Sausalito, and Muir Woods small group tour is great if you don’t like large groups.

The 7-hour tour is laid out well, offering just the right amount and nicely-timed breaks so that you aren’t overwhelmed and can take in everything you’re experiencing. The tour starts out on the right foot, with smell of the ocean in the air at Fisherman’s Wharf.

After boarding the bus, you’ll head to your first stop. At certain stops, you’ll get off the bus for a few minutes just to take some photos, while others will offer you a bit more time to really explore the area. The entire time, your guide will offer some interesting stories and history about the neighborhoods and local geography.

• We recommend bringing a light jacket, depending on the time of year, though SF can end up being windy or rainy suddenly.

Aside from Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll experience many other destinations, including Chinatown, North Beach, City Hall, Haight Ashbury, The Castro, Pacific Heights, Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods, Fort Point, Tenderloin District, Sausalito, Lombard Street, and the Marin Headlands.

SF’s Chinatown is the biggest Chinatown in all of the country, consisting of a whopping 24 blocks full of business! The beautiful traditional Chinese architecture melds with glass skyscrapers and more modern-styled buildings, offering a unique scene and vibe that is difficult to reproduce anywhere else.

Not to mention, you’ll find some of the absolute best, most delicious food (particularly dumplings!) and fun little shops.

North Beach is home to Little Italy, which as you can imagine, offers incredible cafes, bakeries, and other delights. It’s certainly charming, though is more ideal for a quick look. City Hall is host to many interesting events, such as Joe Dimaggio and Marilyn Monroe’s marriage!

Haight Ashbury is simply iconic as it’s known as the birthplace of the hippy movement and “Summer of Love”. Here, you’ll notice that it never really left. Next up, is The Castro, which is may be a fun place to go dancing now, but as one of the first gay neighborhoods in North America, it also has a strained history.

Pacific Heights is known for its panoramic views and is fittingly home to Billionaire’s Row. This row consists of countless estates owned by Silicon Valley’s powerhouses, celebrities, various politicians, sports stars, and more.

Presidio is very close to the Golden Gate Bridge (which you’ll also go on), and is known as a former WWII military base. Nowadays, it’s used as Lucasfilm’s headquarters and the Walt Disney Museum. Fort Point has a similar vibe and is located nearby, offering a nice photo op of the bay.

We already talked about Muir Woods up above, and on this tour, you’ll get to explore for around an hour here. Trust us, that hour will go by fast when you’re surrounded by these red giants and fresh air.

The Tenderloin district gets a bad rap for safety issues, though you can tell that it’s gotten much better. Tucked in near downtown, it is culturally-diverse and offers quite a few delicious food options and a great local arts movement.

• You’ll want to save your hunger for when you get to Sausalito.

Sausalito is located across the Golden Gate, and was modeled after Italian villages. Here, you’ll get to relax and enjoy lunch right on the bay.

Check Availability & Book Tour

2. muir woods national monument guided tour from san francisco.

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Includes:  Pickup service from Hilton Union Square or local partner’s office in Fisherman’s Wharf, t ransportation by bus, e xperienced guide, e ntry fee to Muir Wood,  Golden Gate Bridge toll
• Departure Point:  Hilton Union Square or local partner’s office in Fisherman’s Wharf
• Other: Combines fresh air and nature with Sausalito’s mediterranean homey atmosphere

If the last tour was a bit too lengthy for you and you want something just for the afternoon, then check out this Muir Woods National Monument Guided Tour. This 3.5-hour tour starts off with a pickup service from the Hilton Union Square or local partner’s office in Fisherman’s Wharf. This will depend on your group and what will work best for you.

This sightseeing bus tour will head out to the Muir Woods National Monument first. This is an incredible sight to see, and even the route on the way up to it is breathtaking.

Once inside, you’ll spend 1.5 hours being around the gentle giants and even get a peek at its wildlife! Having been federally protected as a National Monument for over 100 years now, you’ll have the chance to learn all about the interesting history and stories of events that took place here.

If you want to see beauty outside of downtown, then this is the right way to do it. Hiking trails are not in short supply, and help to get that blood pumping! When you’re done, your stomach is sure to start growling. That’s when it’s time to head to Sausalito, the coastal Mediterranean-influenced city that sits right on the bay.

• Here is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat. Rated as one of the top 10 neighborhoods in the US, you may not want to leave!

You can choose to get off the bus at this point and check out the city on your own. You’ll have to head back by ferry, and tickets are not included. However, your entry fee to Muir Woods and the Golden Gate toll are covered.

3. Muir Woods: Redwood Forest with Ferry Morning Tour

• Includes:  Professional local driver and guide, f erry ticket, p ick-up available at Hilton Union Square or Zephyr Hotel,  Muir Woods entry fee
• Departure Point:  Hilton Union Square or Hotel Zephyr in Fisherman’s Wharf
• Other: Ferry experience as well as exploring Muir Woods and Saualito

Some of the most endearing parts of San Francisco are the redwood forests, the bay, and the ferries which travel through it. You’ll get to experience all that and more on the Muir Woods Redwood Forest with Ferry Morning Tour.

Located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument is just the right distance away from the city to feel that tranquility that’s difficult to attain in a bustling downtown.

The tour includes a pickup at the majority of downtown SF hotels as well as Fisherman’s Wharf, and this will be determined beforehand. However, it usually takes place anywhere from 9am to 9:30am. This is a morning tour, after all and the early bird gets the worm!

While it is a bit lengthy at 7 hours, this tour really takes things slow so you get the full experience. So many times, tours rush through everything just to check boxes rather than to let travelers take it all in.

Board the bus, and you’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge (toll is included) on your way to the monument and learn more about its history.

Once you arrive, you’ll be let to do your own thing and just explore this gem. There are countless trails to choose from, though each one takes you through the towering redwoods.

Redwoods aren’t the only interesting foliage here; Muir Woods is home to over a dozen species of fern, which dates back millions of years.

Not only that, but you’ll likely get the chance to encounter northern spotted owl, deer, and other animals who are native to this area.

After your forest adventure, you’ll get back on the bus and head to Sausalito where you’ll eat some lunch on the bay and check out some of the unique little shops.

• If you’d like, this is one of the most photo-friendly spots with the San Francisco skyline sitting across the bay.

To wrap things up, you’ll board a ferry to the cruise which sails by Angel Island and the infamous Alcatraz.

4. Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods, & Sausalito Tour From San Francisco

• Duration: 4 – 5 hours
• Includes: H alf-day tour, a dmission to Muir Woods, tr ansportation by air-conditioned bus,  WiFi and restroom on board, 1 -way ferry ticket from Sausalito to San Francisco (if option selected),  4-hour bike rental (if option selected)
• Departure Point: Downtown San Francisco
• Other: Option to explore by bike

If you’re someone who enjoys being active instead of just taking a passive role in a tour, then this is the one for you.

The Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods, and Sausalito Tour is a scenic adventure that will take you through nature and cityscapes, filling your noggin with all kinds of knowledge along the way!

You’ll start out your tour by meeting your guide in San Francisco (meeting spot will be determined and agreed upon beforehand). Once you board the bus, your tour will start out by crossing over the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’ve never been on it before, it’s a bit surreal: the view of the bay, the sheer length and height of the bridge itself – everything.

Once you cross, you’ll get to pass through the Rainbow Tunnels on Highway 101 located between San Francisco and Marin. At one time, they were one of the city’s first landmarks, over 50 years ago. You may not be able to catch a photo, but they look pretty cool regardless.

Further on the route to Muir Woods, you’ll travel over all kinds of hills, with a top-notch view of Mount Tamalpais in the distance.

Once at Muir Woods, you’ll get almost an hour-and-a-half to check it out. There is a lot to go through, other than just strolling through and appreciating the sequoias (though this on its own is also beautiful). There is a lot of history here, and centuries ago, the Coast Miwok Native American tribe called it home.

As you can imagine, the redwoods are just as old, if not older, ranging from 500-800 years old in some areas.

Travel the nature trail along Redwood Creek, all the way through Cathedral and Bohemian Groves.

• Each one is a bit different, and when you stop at the Visitor Center and gift shop make sure to grab something for those who weren’t able to come with your group!

Once you’ve made it through, you’ll hop back on the bus to Sausalito where you’ll be charmed by the stunning homes and tidiness seen here. You’ll have a 1-hour stop here to allow you time to explore the area. Thanks to the incredible views this neighborhood offers, you’ll have some great snaps to share with others.

There are a couple of different options to choose from, too. You can select the Sausalito ferry, which is a 1-way ferry trip back to SF. You can also choose to upgrade with a 4-hour bike rental to pedal around Sausalito and return to the city at your convenience.

5. Muir Woods Trip and Golden Gate Bridge Cruise From San Francisco

• Duration: 5 hours
• Includes:  Round-trip bus transportation from San Francisco, e ntrance fee to Muir Woods National Monument,  1-hour Golden Gate Bay cruise ticket, a udio guide available in 16 languages during cruise
• Departure Point: Fisherman’s Wharf or downtown
• Other:  Comprehensive half-day trip

Put on your hiking shoes, because this 5-hour tour is going to take you all over California’s redwood forest!  Yes, this is yet another trip to Muir Woods National Monument, however, if you find the others too long then this is a nice alternative.

If you are bringing children along, a 7-hour trip may be too extensive for them.

Your meet-up point will be determined beforehand, but usually the tours are good about being able to meet you around downtown San Francisco or Fisherman’s Wharf. Once you get on board, you will set off towards the “outskirts” of the city.

You’ll have to cross the famed Golden Gate Bridge, which to the shock of many, isn’t even gold!

The towering bridge is certainly thrill-inducing and just beautiful to look at – especially if you’ve never gone over it before.

After you cross, you’ll head even further north to the canyon that holds trees that date back hundreds, possibly even thousands of years.

Finding forests like this in America is not easy to come by, as many have been destroyed by fire or mankind. However, the Muir Woods National Monument has stood the test of time.

• You’ll spend a little over an hour here, browsing around the natural walkways through the redwoods.

Afterward, you’ll journey back to the city, stopping through the little seaside village of Sausalito. Sausalito is reason enough to voyage to the bay area, due to its unique feel, crafty boutiques, and quaint cafes.

After you’ve gotten your fill of bayside views, fresh-brewed coffee, and fun gifts, you’ll have a 1-hour cruise on the bay. Here, you’ll be able to catch sight of Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. As the audio commentary is available in 16 languages, you’ll be able to learn about the city’s interesting (to say the least) history and landmarks.

6. San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Experience

• Duration:  4 hours
• Includes:  English-speaking guide, e ntrance to Muir Woods
• Departure Point:  Fisherman’s Wharf
• Other:  Luxury minibus tour

While the vast majority of forests in California have been used for commercial gain and purposes, Muir Woods National Monument remains very well-preserved.

This creates an aesthetic and climate rarely seen in this area of the world, and is so beautiful it’s really worth checking out.

The Muir Woods and Sausalito Experience Tour fits right into this. The 4-hour tour is a nice way to pass some spare time, and as it’s limited to a mere 10 participants, it’s easy to get around and a fun way to travel in small groups.

3You get to choose between either a morning or afternoon departure from Fisherman’s Wharf, so if you are busy during the afternoon or night it’s still feasible to participate in.

The bus you’ll be taking isn’t your old school bus or city bus. Instead, you’ll be riding in style in a luxury minibus. The comfy seats are plush and won’t leave you wiggling around trying to avoid discomfort – even later in the tour.

• Your live tour guide will be right there to fill you in on fun stories and other info about San Francisco, and is there to answer any questions you may have, as well.

Along the route to Muir Woods, you’ll get to pass the Palace of Fine arts and the former military base, the Presidio before you cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

Once you get to North Vista point, they’ll make a stop to let you snap some shots of the amazing bay views. This is particularly special during the morning tours, as you still have some fog (depending on the weather and time of year, of course).

You’ll keep going along the Pacific Coast Highway, which offers some of the prettiest oceanside views in the world. Finally, you’ll arrive at Muir Woods and will get off the bus. While many like to compare Muir Woods and the Redwood Forest, the former is the only surviving stand of Old Growth forest in the bay.

After spending an hour of exploring, you’ll board the bus again and head to Sausalito. It offers a different feel, as you’re heading back into civilization, but it is still quaint and feels like “the olden days” almost. Locals tend to be friendly, food is delicious, and it’s filled with boutiques and art galleries.

7. Muir Woods with Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour From San Francisco

• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes: Pick-up and drop off at most San Francisco hotels, k nowledgeable professional guide,  2 flights of wine tasting, c omfortable transportation by petroleum-free, biofueled mini-coach
• Departure Point:  Pickup is available from most San Francisco hotels. Please call the local partner at least 72 hours before your tour to confirm all details and pickup times
• Other: Wine country and San Francisco, Muir Woods tour

Our guide of the best San Francisco and Muir Woods tours wouldn’t be complete without this one: the Muir Woods with Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour!

If you’re a wine lover, then you need to do yourself a favor and hop on board! The 10-hour tour is longer than the others but that’s because you’re going all the way to Napa and Sonoma.

Just like the others, your pickup will be in the city and will start out with you crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and to the Muir Woods National Monument.

Once there, you’ll get off and have an hour to hike along countless different paths, reveling in the stunning nature, huge sequoias, and more.

Once back on the bus, you’ll begin your trip to the wine country and stop in historic Sonoma Plaza. Here, you’ll stop for some lunch, and take a bit of a break after your hiking.

You’re sure to have worked up an appetite!

• Afterward, you’ll stop in both Napa and Sonoma Valley to taste various wines: red, white, and dessert wines totaling to 2 flights!

The wines come from reputable producers such as the Larson Family, Cline Cellars, and Robledo Family wineries.

To wrap up the day, you’ll stop at the Golden Gate Bridge for photos if the weather is right!

San Francisco Travel Guide

Getting there –.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the main hubs in North America, and almost every airline (national or international) has routes that serve it. This can make it very easy to get to SF, albeit the ticket prices do tend to fluctuate quite a bit. The best time to get your tickets will be anywhere from October to January, where it can get pretty chilly with wind and rain.

If you want a cheaper option, San Jose airport (SJO) is about an hour away from San Francisco. Many times, you’ll be able to find a significantly more affordable flight to SJO, so we recommend looking at both options. So, how exactly are you going to get from San Jose from San Francisco? The BART services the East Bay and South Bay (i.e. San Jose), offering quick, efficient, and relatively comfy transportation to SF. We’ll go ahead and go more into detail later on in our guide regarding local transportation, however.

While it may not be as quick as a plane, trains are another way of getting to San Francisco from within the United States. In fact, SF is currently accessible by train from an impressive 358 other cities within the country.

Amtrak is the most popular company, with the most trains on just about any given day. These are comfortable, relaxing, and you’d be surprised at how affordable they are. We’ve actually found cross-country ticket prices for under 100 bucks before! The Salesforce Plaza train station is the station located closest to the city center, so if you’re staying downtown, this is the station you’ll want to arrive to.

If you’re coming from the east coast, you’ll most likely use I-80, which connects New Jersey with San Francisco. However, that’s going to be a long drive! Many Southern California residents like driving up to the bay for the weekend, which is a very easy, direct drive via the I-5. However, there’s also the “scenic route” which tacks on 3 hours to the already 6-hour drive via Highway 1.

If you really have no other option, then you can take a Greyhound. Greyhounds are absolutely cheap, but in this case, you get what you pay for. They’re uncomfortable, always seem to be either too hot or too cold, are noisy, and take a long time to get wherever you’re going due to all the stops made along the way.

Getting Around –

Getting around San Francisco is actually pretty easy – that is, if you’re not driving. Driving your own car is probably the most inconvenient way of moving around. First, traffic can get pretty crazy in the morning and around 5 o’clock. Not only that, but the city is filled with 1-way streets, Trolleys that you have to avoid – not to mention the absolutely insane hills that make up a large part of the streets in San Francisco.

We recommend you take advantage of the Muni and BART systems when you can. BART seems to be faster during rush hour and overall operates more smoothly and efficiently. There are 4 BART lines throughout the bay, along with 48 stations. If you have to choose between the two, we say go BART.

No matter where you’re staying, you’re going to feasibly be within walking distance of a Muni bus, light rail Metro train, streetcar, or cable car. All are budget-friendly, convenient, and eco-friendly. The cable cars are iconic and are one of the easiest ways to get up steep hills. Each ride is $7, though, which can get expensive quickly.

Alternatively, you can also bike or walk, which is a better choice in the daytime depending on where you are. Lyfts, taxis, and other rides are a possibility as well and are great for shorter distances, like at night. However, just remember that they may also get stuck in traffic.

Where to Stay –

You’re probably wondering about the best area to stay in SF, and the truth is, there’s something great in just about every area of the city.

SoMA – If you love food (and who doesn’t?) you need to just make home base SoMA. Standing for “South of Market”, it comes backed with both older and brand-new restaurants. You’ll find everything from just about every price point here.

Fisherman’s Wharf – While SoMa is definitely designated as the foodie area, if you want fresh seafood, Fisherman’s Wharf can’t be beat. In fact, if you don’t eat here at least once, you’re really doing yourself a disservice. From fish and chips, to calamari, to iconic clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, it’ll change your life.

While it is busy with tourists most days, you are right on the water. With these views, you’ll get to see fishing fleets and walk along the pier to see cute (at a distance!) sea lions and breathe in that fresh sea breeze.

• The Argonaut Hotel – Absolutely beautiful, stunning historic hotel located right on the water. The entire hotel is nautical-themed in a non-cheesy way. Views can’t be beat, with the bay, Alcatraz, and Golden Gate Bridge located right outside your window. They even offer complimentary cruisers if you’d like to pedal around the area!
• Hotel Zephyr – This is a fun, youthful hotel with around 8,000 sq. feet of outdoor play area to enjoy with friends, family, or a significant other. The Instagram-worthy hotel also features a large indoor game room, and beautiful outdoor views as well.

Noe Valley – If you’re going with the entire family, then you’ll love the homey, charming feel of Noe Valley. It’s located right in the city center, featuring wide sidewalks, and is known to be very easy to walk around. The iconic SF townhomes are here as well, which make for beautiful snapshots.

• Dolores Place – These studio apartments come in a Victorian row house built in the early 1900’s. It’s currently in one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, with a gorgeous sunny deck.
• Noe’s Nest Bed and Breakfast – Once again, expect charm and comfort here with fantastically friendly staff. A hearty breakfast buffet comes included, along with spa tubs, green garden areas, and excellent views of the city.

Castro – For wonderful new restaurants and high-energy locals and guests, this is an excellent place to stay.

Chinatown – Chinatown is simply iconic and for the obvious: it’s the best for Chinese food. With over 24 blocks filled with restaurants, food markets, street food vendors, and cool little shops. If Chinatown isn’t an option for you, Richmond is a close second.  

  Whiteswan Inn – With a Cotswolds, 60’s influence, it has that old-school British feel to it. Complimentary breakfast baskets and wine will give you all the fuel you need to check out the area!

Union Square – If you’re looking to shop, or simply want a pretty central location so you can explore all of the city with ease, Union Square is the best area. Offering all the major retail brands, you’ll be able to find just about anything here.  Hotel Triton is one of our favorites: it’s relatively budget-friendly, elegant, comfortable, and cozy. The rooms aren’t super spacious, but if you love that feeling of being in the middle of a bustling city, then this is it.

Restaurants and Eating Out –

Even if you spend the rest of your life in San Francisco, it would be practically impossible to try everything the city has to offer. Many eateries have been around for decades, while many others are sprouting up constantly. Known as a foodie city, there’s nothing you can’t find here, regardless of budget.

• ONE65 – Sitting just a block from Union Square, if you are looking for a French dining experience to take a date (or yourself), ONE65 is a great option. Consisting of 6 stories, each floor offers something different. The ground floor is an all-day café so if you’re one of those people who needs a nice latte at 9PM, you’re in luck. Not only that, but they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, chocolates, ice cream, and fine pastries! The bistro boasts a chef’s counter where you can watch as your dishes are prepared!
• Lilolilo Yacht Club – Craving Hawaii but can’t get to the island? Check out Lilolilo Yacht Club! Temporarily located at 18 th and Mission, this place manages to brighten up an often-foggy city. We highly recommend their house-made spam with kimchi friend rice!
• Phill’s Phire Phoods – Started by Chef Phill Quinones from Miami, he brought his hometown’s flavor over to San Francisco. Known for years now as one of the best food trucks in the city, they offer a Latin take on things and offer virtual cooking classes.
• Curry Up Now – Since their success back with their original food truck in 2009, they’ve since expanded to 4 trucks and various restaurants and cocktail bars! However, we still recommend the trucks the most. Get traditional Indian flavors in a modern take, quickly!
• Sowl Bowls – For delicious, healthy Thai street food, there’s Sowl Bowls. Tamarind, garlic, and many other sauces garnish traditional bowls filled with tofu, dumplings, chicken, and more.
• Buena Vista – Did you know San Francisco has world-famous Irish coffee? Well, the Buena Vista is, we should say. Their recipe has been around since the 60’s and is definitely the most delicious we’ve had. Served in a crystalline, 6-ounce, heat-treated goblet, you’ll be transported back in time with the mouth-watering mixture. The place has been featured on just about every food/travel show out there, for good reason!
• Boudin Sourdough – We told you before that if you want the iconic SF clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, to head to Fisherman’s Wharf. There are various restaurants which offer it, but the best to do it is Boudin’s.

Nightlife and Entertainment –

We’ll be honest: nightlife and entertainment aren’t quite what they were 10 years ago in San Francisco. However, there’s still a lot to be explored with famous bars, lounges, and dance clubs. Not only that, but they have plenty of night tours, dinner cruises, late-night museums, and more.

One of the things SF does well is exotic cocktails and excellently-brewed beers. The Alchemist Bar & Lounge is certainly one-of-a-kind, with their steampunk theme and Victorian-esque décor. Their bar bites are tasty, but their unique cocktail flavor profiles and colors are what’s worth coming for. Our personal favorite is the “Camping with Hipsters”, consisting of mezcal, Benedictine, vetiver, pineapple, lemon, and yuzu soda.

The Alembic Bar is another awesome choice with classic, handcrafted cocktails and a rather interesting bar food menu. The dimly-lit space is most well-known for its famous Sazerac in a “glass rinsed with a green bitter liquid that shall remain nameless”.

Temple will have all the top mainstream DJs and artists here in electronic music, and is aimed more towards very young crowds. 1015 Folsom is also all about electronic music, though tends to lean more towards the underground side with techno, tech house, and even some trance. Audio is very similar to 1015 regarding their lineups, with everything from light and airy melodic sets to banging 140 BPM hard techno.

If you’re not much of a club person, there’s still a lot to do at night. We recommend checking out the Alcatraz Night Tour , which includes roundtrip ferries, a guided tour, live boat narration, and much more. It’s great for those history buffs or people who are attracted to the spooky side of things. The tour goes from the dock to the main prison building, though there are various other programs and presentations as well.

If night tours are your thing, there are 3 different bus companies that offer tours of the city. Gray Line Tours is the most affordable, but also the shortest at just 1.5 hours long. We really like the Big Bus Tours which are 2 hours long.

If you want somewhere to watch the sun set, you have to check out the Coit Tower. Open until 5 or 6, it’s quite possibly the best place to catch the sun going down over the skyline. There are other great spots to catch it too, like at the top of Lombard Street by cable car or Mark Hopkins Hotel at the rooftop bar.

Weather –

While San Francisco gets about 259 days of sun per year, it also gets a lot of rain and wind! As it’s literally right on the bay, there’s not a lot blocking the wind and rain from getting to you. During winter, you may even see some hail or sleet! The city’s coldest month is definitely January, and September is actually their warmest month, with an average daytime temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit.

We’ve seen the city even in the summertime, turn from a perfectly warm, sunny day, to windy and rainy in the matter of a couple hours. It’s always a smart idea, no matter when you visit, to bring at least one pair of pants and a jacket. In the winter, bring some boots and something to cover your ears, too.

Attractions –

The main attractions in San Francisco are obviously the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. We do recommend seeing each one, and if you head to Fisherman’s Wharf or Alcatraz, you’re going to pass by Golden Gate, regardless. It’s right there. The Bay Bridge also looks pretty cool, and will get you to Oakland, should you need to head that way.

A little further NorthWest is the amazing Yosemite National Park. There are numerous tours of Yosemite Park that will hit all the highlights. To really see the park you will need to spend a few days there.

Alcatraz is one of the most famous prisons throughout the world, and has been open as a tourist attraction since the early 70’s. Al Capone and the Birdman are just some of the better-known criminals who were jailed here.

If you stop by Fisherman’s Wharf, aside from the beautiful views, nautical experiences, and sea lions, you have to stop by Ghirardelli Square and try some chocolate! It’s the perfect dessert after indulging in some fresh seafood!

Make sure to check out the USS Pampanito, if you’re into WWII submarines. Oh, and to grab some cool souvenirs, head to Pier 39 which has over 50 stores and various eateries.

Chinatown is a must-see for us. It’s the oldest Chinatown in North America, and is the biggest Chinese population outside of China. It has incredibly authentic food, and the fogginess of the bay always seems to make it look more ethereal and like something from a movie. It’s fun to walk around whether day or night.

Introduced all the way in 1873, the cable cars are iconic to this area and even if you don’t need to, just ride them at least once. The Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde routes are the most beautiful, though they’re also convenient for taking you to the Wharf, Nob Hill, and other spots.

Golden Gate Park is a place to relax and just breathe. After all, it’s considered the “lungs” of the dense city. With over 5,000 types of plants and a ton of walking and cycling trails, you’ll pass by the Japanese Tea Garden, SF Botanical Garden, de Young Museum, and more. The latter features art and period interiors from North America, along with various exhibits from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and more.

For a truly upscale experience, check out the Palace Hotel, which was built in 1875 near Market Street. Just the Garden Court reception area alone is stunning. Here, you have to have at least one cup of tea. Traditional afternoon tea is served here with fine china, sterling silver, and more.

Tour Guides

The San Francisco, Sausalito and Muir Woods Small Group Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best Muir Woods tour.

Olivia Watson

Related articles.

🤿 7 Best Maui Snorkeling Tours in 2024

🌅 4 Best Maui Sunset Dinner Cruises in 2024

5 Best NYC Dinner Cruises For 2024

🌅 5 Best Oahu Sunset Dinner Cruises For 2024

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

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

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

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

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?!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

Did you know that …

When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same) ! Win-win! If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Thanks for your support! 

• Book a hotel
• Best place to find tours
• Second favorite place for tours
• Favorite travel insurance
• Book a rental car
• My favorite packing items on Amazon
• Start your very own blog!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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!

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

12 Best Muir Woods Tours from San Francisco

M any people come to California to see the magnificent redwoods. While Redwoods National Park & Sequoia National Park are both gorgeous places that should be on any visitor’s bucket list, there are redwoods much closer to San Francisco that are easy to see. Muir Woods National Monument is a gorgeous redwood forest located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. It’s one of my favorite places in the Bay Area. There are several great Muir Woods Tours from San Francisco, many of which combine the redwood forest with other nearby highlights such as Sausalito or Napa & Sonoma Wine Country .

How far is Muir Woods from San Francisco?

Muir Woods is only about 15 miles away from San Francisco. Depending on traffic and where in the city you are starting from, the drive from San Francisco to Muir Woods takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

However, given the popularity of the redwoods, Muir Woods parking reservations are now necessary. Muir Woods shuttles also run from Larkspur & Sausalito depending on the season & the day of the week. These too require reservations ( latest info ). If these reservations are all booked for the day you want to go, then Muir Woods tours are solid alternatives.

Many San Francisco visitors forget to consider that if they rent a car as soon as they arrive at SFO, they will also have to pay for expensive parking at their hotel. If you’re only planning to go on a short day trip from San Francisco before taking a longer road trip around California, then a Muir Woods tour can actually be cheaper than several days of parking.

Muir Woods & Sausalito Tours from San Francisco

Many Muir Woods tours also include Sausalito, a pretty town located just across the bay from San Francisco. Sausalito has shops, restaurants, bars, and of course, excellent city views (as long as the fog cooperates!). Some tours return by bus, while others offer other options such as the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco.

San Francisco: Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour with Ferry Option

This Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour by Gray Line San Francisco offers several options.

First, the tour visits Muir Woods, with plenty of time for hiking through the redwoods. Next, there is a stop in Sausalito.

From there, you have a few different options. One ticket includes a ferry ride back to San Francisco. The ferry ride from Sausalito to San Francisco is a fantastic way to get out on the water and see the city skyline. This option also allows you to spend as long as you want in Sausalito, so you can have lunch, go shopping, or go for a drink. If you have the time, this tour option would be my personal preference thanks to its flexibility.

Another option is to take the tour bus back to San Francisco from Sausalito. Along with this option, you can also add a 4-hour bike rental if you want to further explore San Francisco.

Gray Line also offers a similar tour that includes a San Francisco Bay cruise after the tour of Muir Woods & Sausalito.

Book a Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour with Ferry Option

From San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip

This San Francisco to Muir Woods tour from Incredible Adventures offers plenty of time to explore the redwoods & Sausalito.

After heading across the Golden Gate Bridge, you will have a generous 90 minutes to visit Muir Woods before being driven to Sausalito. This is the longest you’ll see from most of these tours. A few others also offer 90 minutes of hiking, while others tend to have 60-75 minutes. Click each tour’s full description for details.

You then have the option to either stay longer in Sausalito and take the ferry back to San Francisco, or return as scheduled on the bus.

Book a Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip from San Francisco

From San Francisco: Muir Woods Guided Bus Tour

For those who are looking for a Muir Woods tour & care less about Sausalito or for those who want to stay in the seaside destination longer, this tour from Big Bus Sightseeing is a good option.

The visit to Muir Woods lasts 90 minutes, then the bus passes through Sausalito but does not include time in the town. Instead, you have the option to get off the bus if you want & can return from Sausalito to San Francisco by ferry on your own schedule, or you can stay on enjoy the ride back to SF.

Book a Muir Woods Guided Bus Tour from San Francisco

San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour

This Muir Woods and Sausalito small-group tour from A Taste of SF Tours is a similar tour to the ones above.

The tour includes a visit to Muir Woods as well as a stop in Sausalito. You are then welcome to either return to the city in the vehicle, or you can stay longer in Sausalito and return by ferry or Uber.

Book a Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour from San Francisco

San Francisco: Muir Woods and Marin by Land, Air and Sea

For the most unique way of going on a Muir Woods day trip, check out this tour from Fogcutter Tours .

First, the tour heads from San Francisco to Muir Woods. After time to hike through the woods, the tour then continues around the Marin Headlands, with stops at some of the most picturesque sights.

Here’s where the tour becomes a special experience. There’s a seaplane harbor in Sausalito. Board a plane & then retrace your steps, seeing glorious views of Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais, and the Marin Headlands from above.

The seaplane flight then continues around San Francisco Bay, taking in other views such as downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, and Angel Island before returning to Sausalito.

Back on the ground in Sausalito, you will be greeted with sparkling wine & a locally sourced organic lunch. Following lunch, you will have plenty of time to explore Sausalito before returning to San Francisco by ferry.

Needless to say, this isn’t a tour for anyone who is afraid of heights, but it’s a fantastic option for anyone who will enjoy the thrill & the unique views.

Book a Muir Woods and Marin by Land, Air and Sea tour from San Francisco

Muir Woods & San Francisco City Tours

There are several Muir Woods tours from San Francisco that also include full tours of the city, which are perfect for people who don’t have much time in SF but also want to get out to see the redwoods while seeing as much as possible. Most of these Muir Woods San Francisco tours also include Sausalito.

San Francisco: 6-Hour City and Muir Woods Tour

San Francisco Excursions offers an excellently-reviewed tour that includes San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito. Visitors love how fun, knowledgeable, and informative tour guides Brendan and Alex are as they head to beloved SF spots by minibus.

The San Francisco portion of the tour visits Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, the Tenderloin, Haight-Ashbury, Alamo Square, the Presidio, and more, with several photo stops along the way.

The tour then includes a lunch stop in Sausalito and a visit to Muir Woods.

Book a San Francisco: 6-Hour City and Muir Woods Tour

San Francisco, Sausalito and Muir Woods Small Group Tour

This small-group tour by Dylan’s Tours offers a great overview of San Francisco along with Muir Woods and Sausalito. The tour has fantastic reviews .

The city tour heads to Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach, Pacific Heights, the Presidio, and Fort Point before heading across the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you’ll see some of the most famous highlights of San Francisco, including movie filming locations.

After a lunch break in Sausalito, the tour heads to Muir Woods National Monument for hiking & spectacular forest views.

Book a San Francisco, Sausalito and Muir Woods Small Group Tour

Muir Woods & Wine Tours from San Francisco to Napa & Sonoma

Several Muir Woods tours also include wine tasting in Sonoma & Napa. While these Napa wine tours don’t offer as much time to explore Muir Woods, they are great options for those who are looking to experience the redwoods while also making it up to Wine Country.

San Francisco: Redwood & Wine Country Tour with Lunch & Wine

This Muir Woods wine tour from San Francisco to Napa and Sonoma by Extranomical Tours is an especially good choice for foodies. The tour includes a gourmet lunch & wine pairings on Sonoma Plaza. For those who prefer to choose their own lunch, they also offer the same tour without it .

Prior to lunch, the tour heads from San Francisco to Muir Woods. While there are many tours that focus on Muir Woods & Sausalito, there are also tours such as this one that combine a visit to Muir Woods with wine tasting in Napa & Sonoma.

In addition to Muir Woods & a wine lunch, there are also visits to 3 local wineries, including wine tastings.

Book a Redwood & Wine Country Tour with Lunch & Wine from San Francisco

San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Wine Country Tour

This Wine Country tour from Tower Tours also includes stops in the beautiful Muir Woods & Sausalito.

The tour starts by heading across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods to see the coastal redwoods. This is followed by a lunch break in Sausalito.

Following lunch, the tour heads north for wine tasting at two wineries in Napa & Sonoma.

Book a Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Wine Country Tour from San Francisco

From San Francisco: Muir Woods Wine Tour with Napa & Sonoma

For those looking to enjoy some of the natural beauty of the Bay Area, look no further than this Muir Woods tour from Incredible Adventures . Their small group wine tours from San Francisco include Muir Woods in addition to two wineries.

The tour has a maximum of 13 passengers. After being picked up at a San Francisco hotel, the tour starts out by heading to Muir Woods for an hour of hiking. This is followed by a break for lunch at Sonoma Plaza. The afternoon continues with wine tasting in Napa & Sonoma .

Book a Muir Woods Wine Tour with Napa & Sonoma from San Francisco

Private Muir Woods Tours from San Francisco

If you are looking for a more intimate hiking experience, I recommend one of these private Muir Woods tours. Private tours let you set your own schedule without having to be rushed or having to wait for a busload of people. You get more time to explore the redwoods, especially on some of the trails towards the coast & Mt. Tamalpais which are much less crowded. If you are traveling with enough people, these private Muir Woods tours can potentially be cheaper than booking tickets on a larger tour!

San Francisco: Private Muir Woods, Sausalito Half-Day Trip

This private Muir Woods tour from Dingo Tours offers a guide & driver who will take you wherever you want to go in Marin by car, including Sausalito.

The highlight is Muir Woods, of course, including a hike along Redwood Creek.

There are also plenty of other potential stops in the beautiful Marin Headlands, including views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge from Point Bonita Lighthouse, Ridge Battery, Hawk Hill/Battery 129, and Fort Baker.

The trip also includes plenty of time to explore the quiet town of Sausalito, including its shops & restaurants.

Book a Private Muir Woods, Sausalito Half-Day Trip from San Francisco

San Francisco: Private Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

This private Muir Woods & Sausalito tour from San Francisco by Edge of the World Tours includes similar stops as other tours, though you can also customize based on your preferences.

After picking you up at your chosen location, the van (which holds up to 13 passengers, so this is a great option for larger private groups) heads across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods.

You then have about 90 minutes to hike amidst the towering coastal redwoods. The tour then heads to Sausalito, where you will have time to explore the quaint town.

Book a Private Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour from San Francisco

As you can see, there are plenty of great tours to Muir Woods from San Francisco. Click here for even more Muir Woods tour options .

Here are some  great San Francisco tours  &  other things to see & do in SF .

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out these  San Francisco hotels .

The post 12 Best Muir Woods Tours from San Francisco appeared first on Everybody Hates A Tourist .

• San Francisco
• Wine & Redwoods
• Escapade Adventure
• Alcatraz Island Tour
• Point Reyes
• Horseback Ride
• Napa Balloon Ride
• Safari Adventure
• Redwood National Park

Redwood & Wine Rendezvous: A Tailored Journey through Muir Woods & Wine Country Magic

The perfect getaway – an epic day trip to muir woods & california wine country entrance fees & wine tasting included, trip highlights.

• Free pick-up and drop-off at your in San Francisco downtown
• 100% customized private tour
• Venture over the Golden Gate Bridge with many of photo stops
• Wine tasting fees and Muir Woods parking reservation included
• Journey through Tennessee and Mill Valleys in Marin County
• Check out Muir Woods National Monument
• Be amazed by Muir Woods’ giant redwoods from the ancient past
• Cruise on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway 1 and explore Muir Beach overlook
• See California wine country, including the laid-back Sonoma Valley
• Explore Sonoma’s historic downtown—the Birthplace of California statehood
• Enjoy a private seated wine tasting experience (up to five wines included)
• Savor delicious red and white wine while taking in the majestic scenery of Sonoma Valley
• Check out Carneros wine region—the land of chardonnay and pinot noir
• Partake in Sonoma Plaza’s international cuisine, a four-seasons culinary destination
• Discover Sonoma Plaza’s olive oil, cheese, and chocolate tasting rooms and saloons
• Shop at Sonoma Downtown Plaza, a Spanish-style premier shopping destination
• Side trip to Sausalito, a one-of-a-kind Mediterranean-style coastal town, and take the ferry back to San Francisco (optional)
• Conclude this exciting adventure with a drop-off right at your hotel!

What are the top reasons why booking this exclusive full-day combo tour is an excellent choice?

Private tour description.

Embark on a tailored adventure blending nature's marvels and wine country enchantment! Our Redwood Rendezvous is your key to an epic day trip. Picture this: a seamless start with hotel pickup, cruising over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and exploring Muir Woods' ancient redwoods. Discover Muir Woods' ancient giants—trees over 1,200 years old! Amidst this verdant paradise, Bridge 1 awaits, guiding your exploration. Your private guide ensures a treasure trove of stories and tips, uncovering Muir Woods' history and trails. Prepare to be amazed, as the magic of these ancient woods captivates you. But that's just the beginning! This exclusive journey seamlessly transitions to California's celebrated wine country. Discover Sonoma Valley's laid-back charm and historic downtown, the Birthplace of California Statehood. Sip on exquisite wines during a private tasting, taking in the breathtaking valley views. Indulge in international cuisine at Sonoma Plaza, a culinary haven. Explore tasting rooms offering olive oil, cheese, and chocolate delights. A shopping spree at Spanish-style Plaza is the perfect finale! We've got you covered—all-inclusive with pickup, Muir Woods reservations, wine tasting, and tax. Experience this tailored journey, ensuring a relaxed, guided tour at every stop. Say goodbye to the hassle of crowded tours. Join us on this unforgettable day adventure, ending with a drop-off right at your hotel, making memories that last a lifetime!

Trip Itinerary

--> --> Exclusive Experience: Enjoy a private and personalized journey tailored specifically to your preferences, ensuring an exclusive and intimate exploration. --> Worry-Free Arrangements: Leave the logistics to us! We handle all reservations, including Muir Woods permits, wine tasting fees, and parking, saving you time and eliminating stress. --> Expert Guidance: Benefit from a knowledgeable guide providing insights and anecdotes about Muir Woods' history, winemaking, and local culture, enhancing your overall experience. --> Customizable Itinerary: Tailor the tour to your liking. Whether it's spending more time among the ancient redwoods or indulging in specific wineries, it's your day, your way. --> Hassle-Free Transportation: Sit back and relax as we take care of driving through scenic routes, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey. --> #5c8b3b;"> Value for Money: Despite the initial cost, the tour covers Muir Woods and wine tasting fees—expenses that have risen considerably—making it a cost-effective option. --> Exclusive Attention: Unlike shared tours, this private experience grants undivided attention from your guide, providing in-depth information and answering all your queries. --> No Crowds, No Rush: Enjoy the freedom to explore at your pace, avoiding crowded buses or rushed schedules, maximizing your enjoyment of each stop. --> Memorable and Unique: Create lasting memories with a tailored adventure combining the awe-inspiring nature of Muir Woods with the elegance of California's wine country. --> Absolute Privacy: Travel only with your group, ensuring privacy and a more intimate experience ideal for families, couples, or close friends. --> -->