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How to Visit Muir Woods from San Francisco: Reservations, Tours & Tips
- Alyssa
- Aug 28
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 7
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the most beautiful and serene nature escapes near San Francisco. Located just 30–45 minutes north of the city in Marin County, this protected forest is famous for its massive coastal redwood trees and the magical light rays that shine through the canopy.
Visiting Muir Woods doesn’t require an entry reservation, but you do need one if you plan to park or take the shuttle bus. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, how to get there, the best trails to explore, and nearby spots like Sausalito and Muir Beach.
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Where Is Muir Woods National Monument Located?
Muir Woods National Monument is located in Marin County, California, about 12 miles north of San Francisco. It is situated within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a protected region that spans across Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties.
From downtown San Francisco, the drive to Muir Woods takes about 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic and whether you’re crossing the Golden Gate Bridge during peak commute times. The monument is tucked into a canyon along Muir Woods Road, just west of Mill Valley and Mount Tamalpais.
For many visitors, the trip to Muir Woods is part of a day trip to San Francisco. Popular stops nearby include:
Sausalito – a waterfront town with shops and restaurants (about 15 minutes away).
Muir Beach – a quiet cove on the Pacific Ocean (about 10 minutes away).
Battery Spencer – a Golden Gate Bridge overlook (about 20 minutes away).
How to Get to Muir Woods from San Francisco
Quick takeaway: Driving is the most flexible way to reach Muir Woods, the shuttle is the cheapest, and tours are the easiest but most expensive.
Visiting Muir Woods from San Francisco can be done in several ways: by car, shuttle, or tour. Each option has its pros and cons depending on your budget, flexibility, and comfort level.
Driving Yourself
Driving gives you the most freedom; you control how long you stay and what else you see before or after. The drive takes about 30–45 minutes, but be prepared: the road is narrow, winding, and often shared with cyclists, which can make it feel tight.
Important tip: Do not follow your GPS all the way to the park. Apple Maps directed us past the correct turn. Follow the official road signs to Muir Woods instead; they are more reliable than GPS once you’re close.
Parking Reservation: $9.50 per vehicle (must be booked in advance).
Taking the Muir Woods Shuttle
If you’d rather not drive, the Muir Woods Shuttle is a great alternative. Tickets cost $3.75 round-trip per person (free for children 15 and under). Reservations are required for all riders, including free ones.
Seasonal Schedule: Runs weekends and holidays from spring through October, plus select summer weekdays (June–August).
Pickup Locations:
Larkspur Landing (weekends & holidays).
Sausalito Ferry Terminal (select summer weekdays).
Ferry Connection:
From downtown San Francisco, you can take the Golden Gate Ferry from the Ferry Building to Larkspur, then transfer directly to the shuttle. Ferry tickets are $14 for adults, $9 with a Clipper Card, $7 for youth (5–18) and seniors (65+), and children under 2 are free (limit 2 per adult).
Tip: Add a digital Clipper Card to your phone wallet for discounted fares across Bay Area transit, including ferries, buses, and trains.
Shuttle Price: $3.75 per person round-trip.
ADA Shuttle
For visitors using wheelchairs or mobility devices, a separate ADA-compliant van is available. Reservations must be made in advance to guarantee availability.
Guided Tours to Muir Woods
Tour companies in San Francisco offer half-day and full-day trips to Muir Woods, often combined with stops in Sausalito, wine country, or the Golden Gate Bridge. These are the most expensive option ($90–$100 per person) but also the least hassle; you don’t have to worry about parking, shuttles, or driving on winding roads.
The downside is flexibility: tours limit the amount of time you can spend in the park, usually 1.5–2 hours.
Here are some tour links to help if you are interested:
We have not taken the listed tours, but they are the highest-rated on Viator, linked for your convenience!
Do You Need a Reservation for Muir Woods?
Quick takeaway: You don’t need a reservation to enter Muir Woods, but you do need one for parking and the shuttle.
Parking Reservations
If you’re driving to Muir Woods, you must have a parking reservation. Reservations are booked online in 30-minute arrival windows, and if you miss your window, you can be turned away.
Cost: $9.50 per car, $12.50 for electric vehicles with charging.
Availability: Usually easy to book a week or two in advance, except on holidays or peak weekends.
Lots: There are multiple lots, and some are a short walk from the entrance; plan for a bit of walking.
Shuttle Reservations
All passengers riding the shuttle must have a reservation, including children under 15 who ride free. This ensures a guaranteed seat both to and from the park.
Park Entry Reservations
You do not need a timed reservation to enter Muir Woods itself. However, all visitors age 16 and older must purchase an entrance ticket ($15 per person). Kids 15 and under are free. Tickets can be bought online in advance or at the entrance. Purchasing ahead of time saves time when you arrive, but it is not required.
Muir Woods Tickets and Pricing
While you need a reservation for parking or the shuttle, you do not need a timed reservation to enter Muir Woods itself. Instead, every visitor age 16 and older must have an entrance ticket. Tickets are sold by date, but they are valid for any time of day, so you don’t need to worry about arrival slots once you’ve purchased. We recommend buying your tickets online in advance to save time at the entrance, especially during busy weekends and holidays.
Adult Tickets
Tickets for adults (ages 16 and older) are $15 per person. Your ticket grants access to all trails, exhibits, and visitor facilities inside Muir Woods National Monument.
Children Under 16
Children 15 and under can enter for free and do not need a ticket. This makes Muir Woods a budget-friendly activity for families, since only adults are charged admission.
What to See and Hike in Muir Woods
Quick takeaway: Muir Woods offers everything from flat boardwalk loops under the redwoods to challenging hillside climbs like the Canopy View Trail.
Muir Woods is best known for its towering coastal redwood trees, some reaching over 250 feet tall and more than 600 years old. The forest canopy creates dramatic beams of light and a serene atmosphere that makes this monument unforgettable. Beyond the redwoods, you’ll also find a visitor center, small exhibits, and access to trails that range from flat, family-friendly loops to more strenuous hillside climbs.
Easy Loops Near the Entrance
Several short loop trails start right at the park entrance, making it easy to enjoy the redwoods without venturing far.
Main Trail to Bridge 2 Loop (0.5 miles): Flat, boardwalk-style trail that’s accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Main Trail to Bridge 3 Loop (1 mile): A slightly longer extension, still considered easy.
We did the 0.5-mile Bridge 2 loop and found it breathtaking, even without hiking deep into the park; the redwoods felt massive and peaceful.
Moderate to Difficult Trails
If you want to get away from the crowds on the boardwalk, Muir Woods connects to several hillside trails that climb into the surrounding slopes of Mount Tamalpais State Park.
One example is the Canopy View Trail, marked as difficult due to its:
600-foot elevation gain
2-hour hiking time
Uneven terrain and no cell service
These trails provide a more secluded forest experience, but they require preparation, bringing water, good shoes, and letting someone know your plan before heading out.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Muir Woods?
Muir Woods is open year-round, and each season offers a different experience. Because the monument is in a shaded canyon, expect cooler temperatures than in San Francisco and frequent fog or mist in the mornings.
Spring (March–May):
Wildflowers begin to bloom, and the forest feels especially lush. Temperatures are mild (50s–60s°F), and crowds are moderate compared to summer.
Summer (June–August):
The busiest season, with peak crowds and sold-out parking/shuttle reservations. Expect temperatures in the 60s–70s°F, but bring layers; the shade keeps the forest cooler.
Fall (September–November):
One of the best times to visit. Crowds taper off, the weather stays mild, and the forest is peaceful.
Winter (December–February):
The quietest season, with fewer visitors and plenty of rain. Trails may be muddy, but the redwoods look dramatic in the mist.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning (before 9 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3 PM) to avoid the biggest crowds, especially in summer.
What to Wear and Bring to Muir Woods
The weather at Muir Woods changes quickly, especially in the mornings and evenings when fog is common. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable year-round.
What to Wear to Muir Woods
Summer (June–August):
Foggy mornings/evenings, warmer afternoons. Shorts with a light jacket usually work.
Temps: 63–82°F.
Spring (March–May):
Mix of cool and warm days, foggy mornings possible.
Temps: 54–79°F.
Fall (September–November):
Mild early fall, cooler by October. Chance of rain.
Temps: 54–82°F.
Winter (December–February):
The coldest season, with fog and rain common.
Temps: 40–50°F.
What to Bring With You to Muir Woods
Water
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat
Sunscreen
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Other Places to Visit Near Muir Woods
One of the best things about a trip to Muir Woods is that it’s easy to combine with other stops in Marin County or San Francisco. Here are a few popular places nearby:
Sausalito
Just a 15-minute drive from Muir Woods, Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its restaurants, art galleries, and views back across the bay toward San Francisco. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch or dinner after your hike.
Muir Beach
About 10 minutes from Muir Woods, Muir Beach is a small cove on the Pacific Ocean. It’s less crowded than many Bay Area beaches, with tide pools and scenic bluffs nearby. If you’re visiting in the evening, it’s also a great sunset spot.
Battery Spencer
Located above the Golden Gate Bridge, Battery Spencer is one of the most iconic overlooks of the Bay Area. It’s only a short detour on the drive back to San Francisco from Muir Woods, and it’s a must for photography.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Muir Woods sits on the lower slopes of Mount Tamalpais, and many of its longer trails connect to the larger state park. If you’re up for a challenge, you can hike all the way to the summit for panoramic views of the Bay Area.
Other San Francisco Sights
If you’re heading back into the city, a few popular spots that often get paired with Muir Woods include:
Lands End – coastal trails with Golden Gate views.
Chinatown – one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in the U.S.
Palace of Fine Arts – a striking architectural landmark near the Marina District.
Important Facts Before Your Visit to Muir Woods
Before you go, here are a few important things to know:
No pets allowed inside the park.
Parking reservations are required, no exceptions. If you show up without one, you will be turned away.
Download or screenshot your reservation and tickets before heading into the hills. Cell service is unreliable, and you’ll need proof to enter.
No trash cans in parking lots, follow the pack it in, pack it out rule.
Stay on the trails and boardwalks to help protect the redwoods and the surrounding habitat.
Muir Woods is absolutely worth the winding drive and reservation system. Walking under a canopy of massive coastal redwoods just 45 minutes from San Francisco is an unforgettable experience and a must for any Bay Area bucket list.
If you are looking for something close in the city to do, we have a whole list of free things to do in the city!