Cathedral canopy overhead, Redwood Creek below.
Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 5 experiences from 240 reviewed.
Verified partners for Muir Woods tours, free cancellation where available, and instant confirmation on every booking.
6 hr
Six hours exploring iconic SF landmarks, ancient redwoods, and the charming Sausalito waterfront.
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5 hr
Wander ancient redwood forests and explore a sun-drenched coastal village — all in one unforgettable morning or afternoon.
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7 hr
Ancient redwoods, a notorious island prison, and a charming bayside town — all in one unforgettable day.
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4 hr
Escape SF in a private open-air Jeep — redwoods, coastal views & Sausalito in 3–4 hrs.
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
Some coast redwoods in Muir Woods were already centuries old when the Roman Empire fell. Sheltered in a fog-fed canyon along Redwood Creek, the grove escaped the logging that cleared most of the region, saved when William Kent bought the land and donated it to the federal government in 1908.
President Theodore Roosevelt named it for naturalist John Muir.
Today the National Monument protects 240 acres of Sequoia sempervirens, some rising past 250 feet. Day-trippers reach it on a Muir Woods and wine country tour, a Muir Woods napa tour, or a focused muir woods wine tour pairing redwoods with Sonoma tasting rooms. Set in the Marin headlands, this old-growth sanctuary remains the closest accessible ancient forest to the Bay Area, a quiet counterweight to the city it neighbors.
"Some of these trees were already centuries old when the Roman Empire fell."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Muir Woods tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You arrive at the entrance for 08:00, before the parking fills, and step from open coastal scrub into sudden green dark. The boardwalk leads you along Redwood Creek, past Cathedral Grove, where talking drops to a whisper and the canopy closes 200 feet overhead.
You pause at the Pinchot Tree, run a hand over fibrous bark a foot thick, then climb the Hillside Trail for a view back across the canyon. Sword ferns crowd the path; the air stays cool even in June. Many visitors fold the grove into a muir woods and sausalito half day tour, riding on to the waterfront town for lunch by the bay. Two unhurried hours in Muir Woods, and the city feels much further than twelve miles away.
Pick up a free trail map at the visitor center, check restrooms, and download the Junior Ranger booklet if visiting with children. Review the posted conditions board for any trail closures.
Follow the flat, paved Main Trail along Redwood Creek to Bridge 3 and Bohemian Grove, passing the Pinchot Tree and interpretive signs explaining old-growth redwood ecology. A hollow redwood near Bridge 1 is a favorite stop for children.
Continue past Bridge 3 into Cathedral Grove, the monument's designated silent zone, where the tallest trees reach 250–260 feet and several specimens are estimated at 600–800 years old. No talking zones encourage mindful observation.
From just past Cathedral Grove, the Fern Creek Trail branches off along a lush side canyon through dense ferns. The path passes the former site of William Kent's favorite Douglas-fir and offers a quieter alternative to the main loop.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Muir Woods tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
This quiet-zone grove between Bridges 2 and 3 contains some of the monument's oldest trees, with several specimens estimated at 600–800 years old and heights reaching 250–260 feet — roughly the height of a 25-story building.
Roughly one mile from the entrance, Bohemian Grove features a hollow redwood large enough to walk inside, offering a visceral sense of the trees' girth — coast redwoods here exceed 14 feet in diameter.
Near Bridge 4, Founders Grove honors William Kent and George Pardee, whose land donation created the monument in 1908; interpretive panels explain how the grove narrowly escaped logging in the early twentieth century.
This side-canyon path branches off just past Cathedral Grove and winds through a dense green understory of five-finger ferns along a tributary of Redwood Creek, offering a quieter alternative to the main paved loop.
Four wooden bridges cross Redwood Creek along the main trail, with Bridge 2 providing the primary water-refill station; the creek was substantially reengineered in 2023 to restore coho salmon spawning habitat.
Every Muir Woods tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skip-the-line Most popular
San Francisco, Muir Woods & Sausalito Day Tour
|
— | 6 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €94 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour from San Francisco
|
San Francisco | 5 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €86 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
San Francisco: Alcatraz, Muir Woods & Sausalito Small-Group Day Tour
|
— | 7 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €138 | Book → |
|
Premium Combo
Private Jeep Tour: Golden Gate, Muir Woods & Sausalito
|
— | 4 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €399 | Book → |
All prices from verified partners. Availability and exact terms confirmed at checkout.
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Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for Muir Woods tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Primary meeting point at the visitor center and ticket area; clearly signposted from the parking lot
Open in Google MapsTake the seasonal Muir Woods Shuttle from Sausalito Ferry Terminal (weekends and holidays); reserve at GoMuirWoods.com
Drive north from San Francisco via US-101, exit at Highway 1/Stinson Beach, follow Panoramic Highway and Muir Woods Road
From Mill Valley, follow the Dipsea Trail through town and up to the monument entrance
Rideshares drop off at the main entrance without a parking reservation; arrange return pickup before losing cell service
Muir Woods trails are shaded but temperatures can shift — layer with a light jacket even in summer, as fog frequently rolls through the canyon. Wear closed-toe shoes with grip; the paved main trail is smooth but upper dirt trails have roots and uneven surfaces. Sun protection is less critical under the canopy but advisable for open ridge hikes.
There is no bag check or security screening at Muir Woods. Daypacks and backpacks are welcome on all trails. Keep packs close on the main trail plaza, which can be crowded during peak hours. The visitor center has limited storage space; no large luggage storage is available on-site.
Personal photography and video for non-commercial use is freely permitted throughout Muir Woods. Commercial photography, filming, or drone operation requires a separate Special Use Permit from the National Park Service — contact the park at +1-415-561-2850 for permit details. Cathedral Grove is a designated quiet zone; silence cameras and keep interactions low-key.
The paved and boardwalk Main Trail through Muir Woods is fully accessible for wheelchairs, electric scooters, and strollers, running flat through both Bohemian Grove and Cathedral Grove. Accessible parking spaces are available near the visitor center, along with accessible restrooms. The visitor center provides Braille trail maps, an audio brochure recording, and assistive listening devices for ranger-led programs. Upper canyon trails (Hillside Trail, Bootjack Trail) are unpaved, steep, and not recommended for wheelchair users.
There is no cell phone service or WiFi at Muir Woods or along the access road. The visitor center entrance area has limited WiFi and a pay phone for contacting rideshare services for return trips. Download your parking reservation, trail maps, and any navigation apps before leaving home.
Muir Woods is an ideal destination for families — children 15 and under enter free, and the flat, paved main loop is safe for strollers and young walkers. Kids ages 4 and up can earn a Muir Woods Junior Ranger badge by completing an activity booklet available at the visitor center. The one-mile loop to Bridge 3 and Bohemian Grove takes about 45–60 minutes at a child's pace and passes a hollow redwood large enough to walk inside.
The Muir Woods Trading Company café inside the monument serves hot food from 11:00 a.m. and snacks and drinks from 9:00 a.m., closing approximately one hour before the park. Eating is only permitted in the entrance plaza or on the café patio — no picnicking is allowed inside the forest. No bottled water is sold on-site; bring a reusable bottle and fill it at water stations near Bridge 2 and the visitor center restrooms.
Pets are not permitted anywhere in Muir Woods National Monument, including the parking area and trails. Only ADA-recognized service animals trained to perform a specific task are allowed. Nearby pet-friendly alternatives include sections of the Coastal Trail at Muir Beach and select trails in the Marin Headlands.
Parking reservations are mandatory for all vehicles and must be booked in advance at GoMuirWoods.com; reservations come with a 30-minute arrival window and frequently sell out on weekends and holidays. The seasonal Muir Woods Shuttle runs from local ferry terminals on weekends and holidays — a $4 round-trip fare for adults (16+), free for children 15 and under. Annual National Parks passes (America the Beautiful) cover the entrance fee.
1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Primary meeting point at the visitor center and ticket area; clearly signposted from the parking lot
Get directionsSausalito Ferry Terminal, Sausalito, CA
Seasonal shuttle departs from the Sausalito ferry terminal on weekends and holidays; reserve at GoMuirWoods.com
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Wildflowers bloom along Redwood Creek and crowds are moderate on weekdays; mild temperatures ideal for hiking.
Peak visitation season with fog keeping temperatures cool under the canopy; arrive by 08:00 to secure parking.
Foliage changes on canyon slopes and visitor numbers drop sharply after Labor Day; weekday visits are nearly crowd-free.
Lowest crowds of the year and winter rains bring lush green understory; some upper trails may be muddy.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Weekend and holiday parking at Muir Woods sells out weeks in advance; visit GoMuirWoods.com immediately after deciding on a date rather than days before.
The 08:00–10:00 window offers the lightest trail traffic and the best light for photography through the redwood canopy; by mid-morning on weekends the main loop is heavily congested.
There is zero cell service at the monument and on the access road; save your parking confirmation, trail map, and any navigation instructions to your device before leaving your accommodation.
Coastal fog can drop temperatures to 50°F even on warm summer days; the enclosed canyon holds moisture, so a packable jacket prevents discomfort on longer hikes.
Ride the shuttle in and hike the Dipsea Trail out to Stinson Beach or down to Mill Valley for a point-to-point experience that avoids retracing steps on the main loop.
Cathedral Grove is an official quiet zone — park rangers ask visitors to refrain from loud conversation and phone calls; the silence amplifies the acoustic scale of the 600-year-old trees.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
Surrounds Muir Woods with 60+ miles of trails and panoramic Bay views from the 2,571-foot East Peak summit
A sheltered cove at the mouth of Redwood Creek where coho salmon return seasonally; pet-friendly coastal trails nearby
A 3.5-mile Pacific Ocean beach popular for walking and picnicking; one of the few swimmable Bay Area beaches
Bayside village with galleries, houseboats, and direct ferry service to San Francisco's Ferry Building
UNESCO-recognized headland with lighthouse, elephant seal colonies, and 150 miles of hiking trails
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Parking and shuttle reservations booked through GoMuirWoods.com may be modified or cancelled in advance; check GoMuirWoods.com for current cancellation windows. The $15 entrance fee is separate from parking and may be purchased at the gate; pre-purchased entrance fees should be reviewed for refund eligibility at point of sale.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Historic inn at 1,100 ft on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais with panoramic views; seasonal shuttle stop nearby
Comfortable downtown Mill Valley hotel with easy highway access to the park entrance road
Boutique waterfront hotel on Richardson Bay with spa services and complimentary bikes
Historic and contemporary lodge at Fort Baker, Sausalito, with Golden Gate Bridge views and a full-service spa
Simple, clean motel with free parking and complimentary breakfast; convenient for early-morning departures
Muir Woods is open every day from 08:00 to 20:00. The visitor center opens at 08:00 and closes 30 minutes before the park does.
Parking and shuttle reservations are required and must be booked in advance at GoMuirWoods.com; they sell out quickly on weekends and holidays. The $15 entrance fee can be purchased separately at the gate on arrival or pre-purchased online.
Entrance costs $15 per person for visitors aged 16 and older; children 15 and under enter free. Annual America the Beautiful passes cover the entrance fee for all passengers in a vehicle.
Arriving at opening between 08:00 and 10:00 on weekdays offers the lightest crowds. Weekday mornings from November through March are the quietest overall; summer weekends fill the main trail by mid-morning.
The paved and boardwalk Main Trail through the old-growth redwood forest is fully accessible for wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers, running flat through Bohemian Grove and Cathedral Grove. Accessible parking and restrooms are available near the visitor center.
Pets are not permitted anywhere in Muir Woods National Monument. Only ADA service animals trained for a specific task are allowed. The Coastal Trail at Muir Beach, a short drive away, does welcome leashed dogs.
Personal photography and video for non-commercial use is welcome throughout the monument. Commercial filming and drone use require a Special Use Permit from the NPS — call +1-415-561-2850 for details. Cathedral Grove is a quiet zone, so minimize disruptive behavior there.
The Muir Woods Trading Company café serves hot food from 11:00 a.m. and snacks and drinks from 9:00 a.m., closing about an hour before the park. Eating is restricted to the entrance plaza and café patio; picnicking inside the forest is not allowed. Bring a reusable water bottle as bottled water is not sold on-site.
The seasonal Muir Woods Shuttle runs from Sausalito Ferry Terminal on weekends and holidays for $4 round trip per adult (16+), free for children; reserve at GoMuirWoods.com. Rideshares can drop off at the entrance, but note there is no cell service on-site to arrange a return pickup.
Ranger-led walks and interpretive programs are offered seasonally — check the park events calendar at nps.gov/muwo for current schedules. Private Muir Woods tour operators also run guided redwood forest experiences departing from San Francisco, typically combining the monument with a Sausalito stop.
Children ages 4 and up can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing an activity booklet from the visitor center. The flat main loop to Bohemian Grove is stroller-friendly, and a hollow redwood near Bridge 1 is a highlight for young visitors. Entrance is free for all children 15 and under.
Parking and shuttle reservations made through GoMuirWoods.com can generally be modified or cancelled before the visit date; check GoMuirWoods.com for the current cancellation window and any fees. The $15 entrance fee is handled separately and its refund terms depend on the point of purchase.
