The Ultimate Guide to a Day Trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods (2025)
Just a short drive from the bustling streets of San Francisco lies a world of ancient giants, where silence is broken only by the whisper of the wind through colossal trees. Welcome to Muir Woods National Monument, home to some of the last remaining old-growth coastal redwoods near San Francisco. Escaping the city for this serene, primeval forest is a must-do Bay Area experience, but it requires a little advance planning to be truly magical. Don’t worry, this 2025 guide will break down the entire process, making your day trip easy, stress-free, and absolutely unforgettable.
Muir Woods at a Glance: Quick Facts for Your Day Trip
Short on time? Here are the most important details you need to know for your Muir Woods adventure.
| Fact | Details for Your 2025 Visit |
|---|---|
| Distance from SF | Approx. 17 miles (27 km) north of the city |
| Travel Time | 30-90 minutes, depending on traffic & transport method |
| Entrance Fee | $15 per adult (16+); America the Beautiful National Parks Pass accepted |
| Parking / Shuttle Cost | ~$9.25 (Parking), ~$3.75 (Shuttle) – Reservations Required for Both! |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekday mornings (8 AM – 10 AM) to avoid the biggest crowds |
| Visit Duration | 1.5 – 2 hours is perfect for the main, accessible trails |
How to Get to Muir Woods from San Francisco (Your 4 Best Options)
Figuring out your transportation is the single most important step in planning your visit. Due to its popularity and remote location, you can’t just show up. Here’s a breakdown of every way to get there from the city.
Option 1: Driving to Muir Woods
Driving yourself offers the most flexibility, allowing you to explore the scenic route over the Golden Gate Bridge and through the Marin Headlands at your own pace. The drive from San Francisco to Muir Woods takes about 30-60 minutes without traffic, but be warned that weekend and commute-hour traffic can easily extend this to 90 minutes.
CRITICAL: You absolutely must book a parking reservation in advance. Spaces are extremely limited and often sell out weeks ahead of time, especially for weekends. Reservations can only be made online at GoMuirWoods.com. Do not drive to the park without one, as you will be turned away.
Option 2: The Muir Woods Shuttle (The Eco-Friendly Choice)
The Muir Woods Shuttle (Route 66) is the official, eco-friendly public transit option and a fantastic way to avoid the stress of driving and parking. The shuttle is seasonal, running daily in the summer and on weekends during the winter. You’ll need to make a reservation for your seat on the shuttle, which also guarantees your entry into the park for that time slot.
- Pickup Locations: Sausalito (near the Ferry Terminal at Bay & Bridgeway) and Pohono Street Park & Ride (just off Hwy 101).
- Getting There from SF: The most scenic way is to take the San Francisco Bay Ferry from the Ferry Building to Sausalito and then walk a few minutes to the shuttle stop.
- Reservations: Just like parking, shuttle reservations are mandatory and made through GoMuirWoods.com.
Option 3: Guided Tours (The Hassle-Free Option)
For visitors who prefer a completely hands-off experience, a guided bus tour from San Francisco to Muir Woods is the perfect solution. This is an excellent choice for international visitors or anyone without a car. Tours handle all the logistics, including transportation and park entrance, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the towering trees.
Most tours combine the visit with a stop in the charming bayside town of Sausalito, and some even package it with a trip to Alcatraz or Wine Country. When looking for a tour, check reviews and ensure it allows for at least 90 minutes inside the park itself.
Option 4: Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) – Proceed with Extreme Caution!
While you can easily get an Uber or Lyft *to* Muir Woods from San Francisco for around $40-$70, getting back is another story. There is absolutely NO cell service or Wi-Fi at the Muir Woods entrance. This makes it nearly impossible to book a return ride. We strongly advise against this option unless you have pre-arranged a pickup with a private car service for a specific time.
Transportation Comparison Table
| Method | Cost (per person) | Convenience | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | $ – $$ | Medium (Requires advance booking) | Families and those wanting schedule flexibility |
| Shuttle | $ | High | Budget travelers, eco-conscious visitors, and ferry lovers |
| Guided Tour | $$$ | Very High | First-time visitors and those without a car |
| Rideshare | $$ | Very Low (due to return trip) | Not Recommended |
Top 3 Things to Do in Muir Woods National Monument
Once you’ve arrived, the park’s magic takes over. While there are miles of trails, most visitors can have a fulfilling experience by focusing on these key areas.
- Walk the Main Trail Loop: The heart of the park is its accessible main trail, a 1.5-mile loop of boardwalk and paved path that follows the serene Redwood Creek. It’s flat, easy for strollers and wheelchairs, and takes you past some of the most impressive trees. Follow the path across Bridges 2, 3, and 4 to complete the full lower loop.
- Stand in Awe in Cathedral Grove: This is the park’s most famous and hallowed area. As its name suggests, it feels like a natural cathedral. The grove is known for its incredibly tall trees and a profound sense of quiet. It’s a designated quiet zone, making it the perfect spot for reflection and photography.
- Hike a Hillside Trail (For the Adventurous): If you have extra time and energy, venture off the main path. Trails like the Canopy View Trail or the Dipsea Trail climb the canyon walls, offering a more strenuous workout and breathtaking perspectives looking down on the redwood canopy.
Sample Itinerary: A Perfect Day Trip to Muir Woods & Sausalito
Want a ready-made plan? Here’s a schedule for a perfect, relaxed day trip combining the best of nature and seaside charm.
- 8:00 AM: Leave San Francisco to beat the bridge traffic. Grab a coffee and pastry for the road.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at Muir Woods with your pre-booked reservation. The park is at its most peaceful in the early morning.
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Spend two hours exploring the main trails. Wander through Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove, and enjoy the magical morning light filtering through the trees.
- 11:30 AM: Drive or take the shuttle down the hill to the beautiful waterfront town of Sausalito.
- 12:30 PM: Enjoy a delicious lunch in Sausalito. Find a spot with waterfront views to watch the sailboats go by.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Stroll along the main street of Sausalito, browsing its unique art galleries, boutiques, and shops.
- 4:30 PM: For an unforgettable return, drop your car (if you drove) and take the Sausalito Ferry back to San Francisco. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline are spectacular.
7 Insider Tips for Visiting Muir Woods
Make your visit smoother and more enjoyable with these pro tips.
- Book Everything in Advance: We can’t say it enough. Your parking or shuttle reservation is your ticket to enter. Book it on GoMuirWoods.com as soon as you know your date.
- Arrive Early or Late: The best experience is right at opening (8:00 AM) before the tour buses arrive, or in the late afternoon when the crowds have thinned.
- Download Everything: With no cell service, you need to have your digital reservation ticket (and any maps) saved or screenshotted on your phone beforehand.
- Dress in Layers: The redwood canyon creates its own microclimate. It’s often cool, damp, and shady even on a warm San Francisco day. A jacket or fleece is essential.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: While the main path is paved, you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must.
- Stay on the Path: The ecosystem is incredibly fragile. Please protect the shallow roots of these ancient trees by always staying on the designated boardwalks and trails.
- Check Park Hours: The park opens at 8:00 AM year-round but closing times change with the sunset, ranging from 5:00 PM in winter to 8:00 PM in summer. Check the official NPS website for the hours on your specific day.
Estimated Day Trip Budget Breakdown (Per Person) for 2025
Curious about costs? Here’s a realistic look at what you might spend.
| Expense Item | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $3.75 (Shuttle) | $15-$25 (Gas & Parking/person) |
| Park Entrance | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Food | $20 (Packed Lunch & Snacks) | $40-$60 (Lunch in Sausalito) |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$40 | ~$70 – $100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a shuttle to Muir Woods from San Francisco?
There is no direct shuttle from San Francisco proper. However, the official Muir Woods Shuttle runs from Sausalito and the Pohono Street Park & Ride in Marin County. The easiest way to connect is to take the beautiful ferry ride from SF to Sausalito and catch the shuttle from there.
Which is better: Muir Woods or Armstrong Redwoods?
It depends on your priorities! Muir Woods is incredibly convenient to San Francisco, famous worldwide, and has excellent accessible boardwalks, but it’s also very crowded. Armstrong Redwoods (further north near Guerneville) is larger, has a more “wild” feel with fewer crowds, but requires a much longer drive (about 1.5-2 hours from SF).
How long does it take to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco?
The drive itself typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes without traffic. However, during peak Bay Area traffic on weekday mornings or on a weekend, the journey can easily take up to 90 minutes. Always budget extra time!
In a Rush? Here’s the TL;DR
- Muir Woods is a magnificent redwood forest just 30-60 minutes from San Francisco.
- YOU MUST BOOK A RESERVATION ONLINE IN ADVANCE for either parking or the shuttle at GoMuirWoods.com. You cannot enter without one.
- The easiest and most eco-friendly option is taking the ferry to Sausalito and catching the reserved shuttle.
- There is NO CELL SERVICE at the park entrance. Download your tickets and maps beforehand.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. It’s always cooler under the trees.
Standing beneath trees that have lived for over a thousand years is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. A day trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods is a journey back in time and a powerful reminder of nature’s grandeur. Just remember the golden rule for a perfect visit: Book your reservations in advance!
