Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Monument protects one of the last old-growth coast redwood forests near the city, with trees more than six hundred years old. Combined with the harbor town of Sausalito, it makes one of the best day trips from San Francisco.

Muir Woods

Since 2018, visitors must reserve a parking space or a seat on the seasonal shuttle in advance; you cannot simply drive up. Book as soon as you know your date. The main trail is a flat boardwalk along Redwood Creek through the tall trees, about an hour's gentle walk. Longer trails climb the canyon sides for those with more time. Go early in the day for quiet. Phones lose signal in the canyon, so download your ticket first.

Sausalito

Sausalito is a small waterfront town of hillside houses and a long harbor promenade, with galleries, cafés and views back across the bay to the city. Walk the waterfront, look at the colorful houseboat community at the north end of town, and have a late lunch by the water.

Getting there and back

The easiest plan is to drive or take a tour to Muir Woods in the morning, continue to Sausalito, then take the ferry back to San Francisco in the late afternoon. The ferry lands at the Ferry Building after passing close to Alcatraz and the city skyline. Cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and returning by ferry is another popular option, without Muir Woods.

For a wine-country day instead, see Napa and Sonoma in a day.

About the redwoods

Coast redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth, some growing well over three hundred feet. They need the fog that rolls in from the Pacific, which keeps them moist through the dry summers. Most of California's old-growth redwood forest was logged in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In 1905, the businessman and politician William Kent bought Redwood Canyon to save it and gave it to the federal government; President Theodore Roosevelt declared it a national monument in 1908, named after the naturalist John Muir. The tallest trees in Muir Woods are around 250 feet.

Longer walks

  • The main trail loop: flat and paved or boardwalked, from half a mile to about two miles.
  • The Ben Johnson and Dipsea trails: climbing out of the canyon through redwoods to open hillsides.
  • Trails to Mount Tamalpais: for strong hikers, connecting with the state park above the monument.

More in Sausalito

  • The Bay Model Visitor Center, a huge working hydraulic model of the bay built by the Army Corps of Engineers.
  • The houseboats on Richardson Bay, a colorful floating community.
  • Bridgeway, the waterfront street, with galleries and cafés.
  • Kayak rentals on the bay.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation for Muir Woods?

Yes, for parking or for the shuttle. Book online in advance.

Can I visit Muir Woods by public transit?

A seasonal shuttle runs from Sausalito and Marin City; it needs a reservation.

How long should I spend?

About two hours in Muir Woods and three or four in Sausalito, including lunch.