Located just a dozen miles north of the iconic and world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Park is home to some of California’s most majestic coastal redwood trees, many of which tower nearly 300 feet over the forest floor.
They’re the larges trees in the world, and due to their splendor and importance to the area’s ecosystem, given national monument status in 1908.
Because of its convenient proximity to San Francisco, trips to Muir Woods are easily combined with other area attractions which makes it possible to see some of the west coast’s most amazing sites in a relatively short amount of time.
1. Muir Woods Expedition Tour
Source: viator.comNorth-central California’s coastal redwoods are a natural wonder that really should be experienced if you’re anywhere in the area.
You’ll feel like your much farther away from one of the west coast’s largest urban centers than you really are, and this expedition-style tour to Muir Woods typically lasts between 4 and 5 hours and includes at least 1 ½ – hours amongst the majestic trees.
The tour also includes a stop in Sausalito for lunch, a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, and a stop at historic and ever-popular Fisherman’s Wharf.
All the little details have been prearranged, and transportation from San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf area hotels is included.
2. Muir Woods Tour from San Francisco
Source: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / shutterstockNearby San Francisco is chock-full of iconic sites, activities, and neighborhoods that all deserve to be experienced, but for those looking to leave civilization behind, Muir Woods is the place to do it.
This half-day tour lasts about 3 ½ -hours, 1 ½ of which will be spent inside the park.
The park is full of well-marked paths that lead guests through one of the world’s most remarkable forests, and after you’ve had your fill of nature you’ll head to the scenic coastal town of Sausalito.
While there you’ll have time to look around and if it seems like a place you’d like to explore further on your own, you can say adios to the tour and take a ferry back to San Francisco later in the afternoon.
3. Muir Woods and San Francisco Day-Tour
Source: randy andy / shutterstockQuirky and eclectic San Francisco is full of unique neighborhoods, famous landmarks and eating and drinking establishments that are known for their tasty fare and inviting atmospheres.
And in case you didn’t know, San Francisco’s traffic problems are some of the worst in the country, and this tour includes transportation to and from Muir Woods so that guests can relax and take in the scenery while a local fights the crazy traffic.
Both portions of the tour are guided, and after Muir Woods the tour will hit The Castro District, Haight-Ashbury District, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf as well.
4. Redwoods and Wine Country Full-Day Tour
Source: getyourguide.comCalifornia’s Napa Valley and Sonoma County are some of the state’s premier wine destinations and are home to an amazing number of award-winning wineries.
This full-day tour includes a portion walking among the serene coastal redwoods at Muir Woods, and from there guests will head to wine country and get an amazing guided insight into the growing of grapes, and the art and science behind turning them into wine.
The tour includes three tastings, and you’ll get an idea how to distinguish the subtle nuances between wines and how to pair them correctly with food so that they complement one another.
5. San Francisco, Sausalito and Muir Woods Small Group Tour
Source: ben bryant / shutterstockThis value-packed combo tour includes portions in San Francisco, Sausalito, and Muir Woods.
It’s a great way to get an overview of the area’s highlights in an efficient way, and you may discover things that you’d like to explore more on your own on another day.
The tour begins at Fisherman’s Wharf and includes Chinatown, The Mission – which is known for its amazing murals and street food – and the Castro District, one of the first predominately gay neighborhoods in the country.
The Sausalito portion of the tour includes strolling along the city’s scenic waterfront and snapping a few pictures of the view across the bay.
6. Morning Tour to Muir Woods and Sausalito
Source: BorisVetshev / shutterstockFor those who like to get an early start and make the most of their limited vacation time, this 4-hour morning tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito would be a great choice.
You’ll drive through the Presidio and across the Golden Gate Bridge, which due to the early hour may be partially obscured by fog.
At Muir Woods you’ll have time to walk among the trees with your guide who’ll tell you lots of interesting facts about the area and its colossal inhabitants.
From there you’ll head to Sausalito and enjoy its scenic waterfront which is home to coffee shops, restaurants, and chic little boutiques.
7. Full-Day Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine Tour
Source: Michael Warwick / shutterstockWith all its chaotic traffic, masses of quirky and colorful people, and urban attractions, taking a day to get out of the city and into the country may help you keep your sanity.
Muir Woods and nearby Sonoma County are just a hop, skip, and a jump away, and offer some decidedly beautiful and relaxing entertainment that you won’t soon forget.
Wear comfy shoes because you’ll do a bit of moderately-difficult hiking at Muir Woods, and once you’ve soaked up the natural serenity it’ll be time to head off the tour’s wine country portion.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, the guide’s fee, and 2 wine tastings.
8. Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Night Tour
Source: Jeff Whyte / shutterstockAnother tour that’s super-efficient is this combo-tour that includes stops at Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz by night.
It makes for a whirlwind day, after which you’ll probably be exhausted and pleasantly content.
The tour kicks off in Muir Woods which is surprisingly close San Francisco, just across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Hotel pickup is included and after Muir Woods it’s off to Sausalito for a little strolling, dining and shopping.
Consider an espresso or cappuccino to give you an extra bit of pep before your night tour of Alcatraz Island.
9. Muir Woods Bus Tour
Source: R Scapinello / shutterstockFor those uninitiated visitors, driving in San Francisco’s chaotic traffic isn’t a good idea.
Some things are best left up to locals and professionals, and this Muir Woods bus tour will allow guests to appreciate the California scenery instead of succumbing to hypertension and road-rage.
The drive is slightly less than an hour, and the cost of entry into Muir Woods is included in the tour’s cost.
You’ll spend nearly 1 ½ -hours inside the park among the monstrous trees, after which you and your travel mates will head to the Marin Headwaters.
The tour is available in the morning or afternoon, so you’ll still have a large portion of your day left to dedicate to other adventures.
10. 5-Hour Muir Woods and Aquarium Tour
Source: Gang Liu / shutterstockSan Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay is the region’s premier destination for those looking to get up close and personal with lots of amazing marine life.
Combined with a trip to Muir Woods, this tour lasts about 5 hours and is a great to appreciate the beauty of both land and sea.
The tour offers start times at three times throughout the day so regardless of your schedule, it won’t be a problem finding an option that’s convenient.
Entry to both sites are included, the only thing you’ll need is a few extra bucks for food, drinks, and gratuities.
11. Bike the Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods
Source: Lucky-photographer / shutterstockThe Golden Gate Bridge has been an American icon for generations, and riding across it on a bike is truly a one of a kind experience.
This tour kicks-off in Sausalito and offers guests a bunch of options so they can spend their time doing what they want without worrying about the rest of the group.
Your unguided exploration of Muir Woods will last about an hour, and from there the tour will proceed back to San Francisco which offers convenient access to some of the area’s most popular hotspots like Fisherman’s Wharf and the Haight-Ashbury District.
Before booking check out the available options and decide what’s best for you.
12. Muir Woods, Sausalito Tour and Bay Cruise
Source: f11photo / shutterstockThe bay area is known for its conveniently located attractions that allow visitors to see many sites in the same day in a fun and efficient manner.
Majestic Muir Woods, with its towering coastal redwoods, scenic and quaint Sausalito, and a stunning cruise of San Francisco Bay are all on this tour’s itinerary.
You’ll get to see the Golden Gate Bridge from multiple viewpoints and experience a pleasant mix of urban and rural attractions.
Sausalito is known for its chic waterfront, cool restaurants, and nifty shops.
The cruise portion includes a trip around Alcatraz Island as well.
13. Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour in a Hippy Van
Source: viator.comIf VW vans are your idea of far-out transportation, then grab your Birkenstocks and get ready for a fun-filled day in Muir Woods and Sausalito.
Guests in this small group tour will be whisked to Muir Woods via a VW microbus where they’ll enjoy a guided tour of this one of a kind forest.
Everything is included in the cost of the tour except an individual parking fee at Muir Woods.
Sausalito is the tour’s next stop, and it’s a great place for a few photos and a relaxing bite to eat or drink if time allows.
Snacks, light refreshments and water are included.
14. Muir Woods Tour with San Francisco Zoo Ticket
Source: Jeff Whyte / shutterstockCombining the Muir Woods experience with a ticket to the San Francisco is a great way to enjoy the natural world to its fullest.
The Muir Woods National Monument portion of the tour includes a professional guide and hotel pickup and drop-off as well.
After the Muir Woods portion the tour will head to the zoo where guests will have free and unguided time to see the things they want to see at their own pace.
The tour is available with two different start times and all taxes and entrance fees are included.
Bring a few extra bucks for food and snacks.
15. Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Sausalito from San Francisco
Source: Zeljko Radojko / shutterstockCombining three of the bay area’s most popular attractions into one tour makes a lot of sense.
This combo tour includes a trip to view the redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument, admission to the island prison at Alcatraz, and a visit to nearby Sausalito as well.
The trip to Alcatraz includes an exciting ferry ride across the often-windy bay, and once inside, guests will have the option of using an individual audio guide which will tell them the historic significance of the things they’re seeing.
It’s a great way to get the most of your day in the San Francisco area.