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How to Visit Muir Woods from San Francisco: Reservations, Parking & Travel Tips
- Alyssa
- Aug 28, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the most popular nature destinations near San Francisco, known for its towering coastal redwood trees and easy-to-walk forest trails. Located just 30–45 minutes north of the city in Marin County, it’s an accessible day trip for visitors who want a break from the city without venturing far.
While you don’t need a reservation to enter Muir Woods, you do need one if you plan to park a car or take the shuttle. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before visiting, how to get there from San Francisco, parking and shuttle reservations, ticket costs, trail options, and nearby stops like Sausalito and Muir Beach, so you can plan your visit without confusion or last-minute surprises.
Disclaimer: This post does contain affiliate links, which if used we can earn commission from. These types of links help us continue to make honest reviews for our viewers.
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.
How to Get to Muir Woods (Parking, Shuttle, and Tours Explained)
Driving to Muir Woods (Parking Required)
Driving yourself offers the most flexibility, especially if you want to explore nearby spots like Sausalito or Mount Tamalpais before or after your visit. The drive from San Francisco typically takes 30–45 minutes, but the final stretch is narrow, winding, and often shared with cyclists.
Important tip: Do not rely on GPS alone near the park. Apple Maps directed us past the correct turn. Once you’re close, follow the official Muir Woods road signs, which are more reliable.
Parking details:
Parking reservation required
Cost: $9.50 per vehicle ($12.50 for electric vehicles with charging)
Must be booked in advance
Some lots require a short walk to the entrance
Parking reservations can usually be booked a week or two ahead, but they sell out faster on weekends and holidays.
Taking the Muir Woods Shuttle
If you’d rather avoid driving on winding roads, the Muir Woods Shuttle is the easiest option. All riders must have a reservation, including children riding for free.
Shuttle details:
Cost: $3.75 round-trip per person
Free for children 15 and under (reservation still required)
Runs weekends and holidays from spring through October
Select weekday service during summer (June–August)
Pickup locations:
Larkspur Landing (weekends & holidays)
Sausalito Ferry Terminal (select summer weekdays)
Tip: Adding a digital Clipper Card to your phone can save money if you’re using other Bay Area transit the same day.
ADA Shuttle Access
Visitors using wheelchairs or mobility devices can request a separate ADA-compliant shuttle van. This must be reserved in advance to ensure availability and proper accommodation.
Guided Tours to Muir Woods
Guided tours are the most hands-off way to visit Muir Woods. Many tours combine the park with stops in Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge, or wine country.
What to know about tours:
Cost: typically $90–$100 per person
No need to worry about parking or shuttle reservations
Time in the park is limited (usually 1.5–2 hours)
Tours are ideal if you don’t want to manage logistics, but they offer less flexibility than visiting independently.
We haven’t personally taken the tours listed below, but they’re among the highest-rated options available:
Muir Woods Entry Tickets (What You Actually Need)
While parking or shuttle reservations are required, you do not need a timed entry reservation to enter Muir Woods itself.
Entrance fees:
Adults (16+): $15 per person
Children 15 and under: Free
Tickets are valid for the entire day, regardless of arrival time. You can purchase them online in advance or at the entrance, but buying ahead saves time during busy periods.
What to See and Hike in Muir Woods
Muir Woods is best known for its towering coastal redwood trees, some reaching over 250 feet tall and more than 600 years old. The dense canopy creates soft light beams throughout the forest, giving the park its signature calm, almost cathedral-like atmosphere.
In addition to the redwoods, the park features a small visitor center, educational exhibits, and a network of trails that range from fully accessible boardwalks to steep hillside hikes that connect into Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Easy Loop Trails Near the Entrance
If you’re short on time, visiting with kids, or want a low-effort way to experience the redwoods, the easiest trails start right near the entrance. These loops are flat, well-maintained, and ideal for first-time visitors.
Popular easy trails include:
Main Trail to Bridge 2 Loop (0.5 miles):A flat, boardwalk-style path that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
Main Trail to Bridge 3 Loop (1 mile):A slightly longer extension of the main trail that remains easy and accessible.
These trails allow you to experience some of the tallest and oldest trees in the park without hiking uphill or venturing far from facilities.
Moderate to Difficult Trails Into the Hills
For visitors looking to escape the crowds, Muir Woods connects to several moderate to difficult trails that climb into the surrounding hills of Mount Tamalpais. These routes offer quieter paths and elevated viewpoints but require more preparation.
One example is the Canopy View Trail, which is considered difficult due to:
Approximately 600 feet of elevation gain
Around 2 hours of hiking time
Uneven terrain and limited or no cell service
These trails are best for experienced hikers. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and let someone know your plans before heading out.
Know Before You Go: Best Time to Visit Muir Woods & What to Bring
Muir Woods is open year-round, but conditions can feel very different depending on the season. Because the monument sits in a shaded canyon, it’s typically cooler than San Francisco, with fog or mist common in the mornings. Planning ahead makes a big difference in comfort and crowd levels.
Important Facts Before Your Visit to Muir Woods
Before heading out, keep these key rules and limitations in mind:
No pets are allowed inside Muir Woods National Monument.
Parking reservations are required, no exceptions. Visitors without a reservation will be turned away at the entrance.
Download or screenshot your reservations and tickets before arriving. Cell service is unreliable once you reach the hills.
No trash cans are available in parking lots. Follow the pack it in, pack it out policy.
Stay on marked trails and boardwalks to protect the redwoods and surrounding habitat.
These rules are strictly enforced and are part of preserving one of the Bay Area’s most fragile natural landmarks.
Best Time of Year to Visit Muir Woods
Each season offers a slightly different experience:
Spring (March–May) Wildflowers begin to bloom and the forest feels especially lush. Temperatures are mild (generally in the 50s–60s°F), and crowds are lighter than in summer.
Summer (June–August) The busiest time to visit. Parking and shuttle reservations often sell out well in advance. Expect daytime temperatures in the 60s–70s°F, but the shaded forest stays cool, layers are essential.
Fall (September–November) One of the best times to visit. Crowds thin out, the weather remains comfortable, and the forest feels quieter and more relaxed.
Winter (December–February) The least crowded season. Rain and fog are common, and trails can be muddy, but the redwoods look especially dramatic in the mist. Temperatures typically range from the 40s–50s°F.
What to Wear at Muir Woods
Weather can shift quickly throughout the day, so layers are key no matter when you visit.
Spring & Fall: Light jacket, long pants, and comfortable shoes
Summer: Shorts or light pants with a jacket for foggy mornings
Winter: Warm layers and a waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended year-round, especially if you plan to leave the main boardwalk trails.
What to Bring With You
To stay comfortable and prepared during your visit, consider bringing:
Water
Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket or layers
Sunscreen (even in foggy weather)
Hat or sunglasses
Camera or phone for photos
Hand sanitizer
Easy Add-On Stops 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.
Final Verdict: Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting from San Francisco?
Yes, Muir Woods is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want an easy, accessible nature escape just outside San Francisco. Walking beneath towering coastal redwoods in a quiet, protected canyon is a rare experience, and the park’s well-maintained boardwalks make it approachable for all ages and fitness levels.
That said, Muir Woods does require planning. You’ll need a parking or shuttle reservation, and visits during peak summer months can feel busy. If you plan ahead, arrive early, or visit in the fall or winter, the experience feels far more peaceful and rewarding.
For first-time visitors to the Bay Area, Muir Woods is a must-see. For locals, it’s still a worthwhile trip when you want a short hike, cooler temperatures, and a reminder of just how unique Northern California’s landscapes are. Pair it with a stop in Sausalito, Muir Beach, or Mount Tamalpais, and it easily becomes one of the best half-day trips from San Francisco.
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!
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