Muir Woods National Monument Tours and Activities

Muir Woods which includes a garden, forests and landscape views
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods which includes landscape views and forest scenes
Muir Woods which includes forests
Muir Woods which includes forest scenes, landscape views and a park


Walk among towering redwoods hundreds of years old at this National Park, less than an hour’s drive from downtown San Francisco.

Muir Woods is a 550-acre (223-hectare) redwood paradise, full of monumental trees that reach as high as 258 feet (79 meters) above the forest floor. Sit and watch as sunlight dances between the branches of these colossal giants that have survived for centuries. The oldest trees are estimated to be at least 1,200 years old.

The coastal valleys of Northern California used to be blanketed with redwoods, but many were lost to logging. In the early 1900s, the Muir Woods nearly suffered a similar fate. It was considered ideal territory for a dam, which would have flooded the trees. Luckily, Congressman William Kent and his wife bought the land and donated it to the federal government. 

In 1908 president Theodore Roosevelt declared this awe-inspiring area a national monument. It was named after naturalist John Muir whose work helped to establish the national park system.

You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy strolling the paths among these majestic trees. The six miles (10 kilometers) of wooded trails provide hiking trips that vary in length and difficulty. Some trails are paved and for the most part level and easy to navigate. About 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) of the trails are wheelchair accessible. Download a map from the National Parks website or pick one up from the Visitor Center at the entrance to the woods.

Spending time among the towering redwoods creates the peaceful sense of being in a wilderness retreat, even though you’re only a 17-mile (27-kilometer) drive from downtown San Francisco. The woods can be crowded during summer weekends, so the best time to enjoy the serenity is on a weekday, or early or late on weekends. 

The park is open every day, and throughout the year this shaded environment is cool and damp, so dress accordingly. Visitors aren’t allowed to picnic in the park because of concerns that litter and human food will harm the wildlife. However, a café near the entrance to the park sells beverages and healthy snacks.

Plan a trip to see Muir Woods National Monument

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Best Lodging Options Near Muir Woods National Monument

Enchanted Waterfall Sanctuary

Enchanted Waterfall Sanctuary

Mill Valley
Enchanted Waterfall Sanctuary
Mill Valley Inn

Mill Valley Inn

3 out of 5
165 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA
Mill Valley Inn
DETACHED GUEST HOUSE: Walk To Town, 1030 Sq Ft, 1 BR/1.5 BA, Mt. Tam Vie

DETACHED GUEST HOUSE: Walk To Town, 1030 Sq Ft, 1 BR/1.5 BA, Mt. Tam Vie

Mill Valley
DETACHED GUEST HOUSE: Walk To Town, 1030 Sq Ft, 1 BR/1.5 BA, Mt. Tam Vie
Spacious Serene Sanctuary-Minutes to SF / Muir Woods

Spacious Serene Sanctuary-Minutes to SF / Muir Woods

Mill Valley
Spacious Serene Sanctuary-Minutes to SF / Muir Woods
Haven in the trees, minutes from hiking trails

Haven in the trees, minutes from hiking trails

Mill Valley
Haven in the trees, minutes from hiking trails
Captivating Muir Beach Home With Sweeping Views and Fast/Stable Wireless Wifi

Captivating Muir Beach Home With Sweeping Views and Fast/Stable Wireless Wifi

Muir Beach
Captivating Muir Beach Home With Sweeping Views and Fast/Stable Wireless Wifi
Ocean front property, minutes from San Francisco in the middle of National Park.

Ocean front property, minutes from San Francisco in the middle of National Park.

Muir Beach
Ocean front property, minutes from San Francisco in the middle of National Park.
Modern Garden View Home w/ free parking, unique art & furniture: a Superhost

Modern Garden View Home w/ free parking, unique art & furniture: a Superhost

Mill Valley
Modern Garden View Home w/ free parking, unique art & furniture: a Superhost
Lovely and Quiet suite with GORGEOUS VIEWS-10 min to Golden Gate Bridge

Lovely and Quiet suite with GORGEOUS VIEWS-10 min to Golden Gate Bridge

Mill Valley
Lovely and Quiet suite with GORGEOUS VIEWS-10 min to Golden Gate Bridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument offers stunning sunsets, scenic walking paths, and a variety of shopping opportunities. Visitors can explore renowned hiking trails along marked paths, making it an ideal spot for a day trip. For those seeking adventure, seaplane tours provide a unique perspective of the majestic redwoods and surrounding landscapes. Enjoy the natural beauty and tranquillity that Muir Woods has to offer.

Shopping

For souvenirs, check out Stinson Beach Books, located 4.8km from Muir Woods. You can also visit the Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market, 12.9km away, for local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, Ghirardelli Square, 17.7km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience.

Recreation

At the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility just 3.2km from Muir Woods, perfect for rejuvenating hikes. Enjoy live music and vibrant energy at Sweetwater Music Hall, also 3.2km away, or indulge in soothing treatments at Stellar Spa, located 4.8km from the monument.

Adventure

The Tennessee Valley Trailhead offers a stunning hiking experience, located 4.8km from Muir Woods, with breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. Boardsports Marin, 6.4km away, provides exhilarating water sports amidst beautiful landscapes. For a more leisurely outing, explore Perimeter Road, 14.5km away, surrounded by nature's charm.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of Mill Valley’s nightlife at the Throckmorton Theater for a cozy film night or catch a captivating performance at the Marin Theatre Company. For a relaxed evening, enjoy a drink at the American Legion Log Cabin, where romance and entertainment blend perfectly.

Find the best attractions near Muir Woods National Monument

While visiting Muir Woods National Monument, you can explore stunning natural attractions like Muir Beach and the scenic trails within the park. This area offers a blend of culture and outdoor experiences perfect for families. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the jetty pier and enjoy the beauty of the urban parks nearby. Muir Woods Road provides easy access to these breathtaking sights and enriching activities.

  • Golden Gate Bridge: A marvel of engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge spans 12.9km from Muir Woods. Its iconic Art Deco design and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay create a cultural atmosphere that captivates visitors. You can walk or bike across the bridge for an unforgettable experience.
  • Pier 39: Located 17.7km away, Pier 39 is a vibrant jetty offering urban charm, scenic waterfront views, and art installations. Enjoy watching sea lions basking on the docks, explore shops, or dine at waterfront restaurants for a delightful day out.
  • Golden Gate Park: Also 17.7km away, Golden Gate Park is an expansive urban park perfect for families. Enjoy outdoor activities like picnicking, paddle boating, or visiting gardens and museums, all while soaking in the beauty of this lush green oasis in the city.

Best time to go to Muir Woods National Monument

Visitor numbers around Muir Woods National Monument is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Muir Woods National Monument can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Muir Woods National Monument falls in September, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Muir Woods National Monument falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.9°F (12.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May57.6°F (14.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
November55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Muir Woods National Monument

To save money on your trip to Muir Woods National Monument, consider visiting in the off-peak months of February and November to December, when accommodation prices are lower. Fridays are the least expensive days to stay, while Tuesdays tend to be pricier. Take advantage of free activities nearby, such as Pier 39 and Golden Gate Park. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, look for great deals, and combine your hotel with flights for added savings. Don't forget to check for free cancellations and resort fees to avoid unexpected costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Muir Woods National Monument are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Muir Woods National Monument is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Muir Woods National Monument is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation at Muir Woods National Monument with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.