The Ultimate Muir Woods Day Trip Itinerary for Nature Lovers

The Muir woods area is full of things to do and beautiful nature to explore! Only 1 hour from the bay area, this makes for the perfect day trip. This Muir woods day trip is a nature lovers dream! Explore the coast, take in the magic of the red woods and see sweeping views of the bay area from above. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable escape, this Muir Woods day trip promises an unforgettable experience. Continue reading for everything you need to know before beginning your adventure.

Muir Beach Overlook

Start your day early at the Muir Beach Overlook. The drive there is quite windy so be sure to take your time. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself at a small parking lot. There are lots of signs posted warning that this is a high theft area and not to leave anything valuable in your car. At the parking lot, you’ll find a bathroom and a picnic area. This area is free to visit and if you visit early, you’ll likely have the area to yourself.
To see the view, follow the short, 0.1 mile path to the overlook where you can see the ocean for miles on a clear day.

Sometimes clouds can hang low, giving you low visibility and making you feel like you’re above the clouds. I’ve seen it on both occasions and they are both pretty neat to experience.

Muir Woods National Monument

Your next stop is just 10 minutes away from the Muir Beach Overlook. Muir Woods National Monument is home to some of the tallest and oldest coastal redwood trees on Earth, some of which are over 1,000 years old and over 250 feet tall!

You’ll need to plan what time you’re going to visit in advance, because you are required to purchase tickets online ahead of time. Parking for a standard vehicle is $9.50 and entrance to the woods is $15 per person. You’ll need to buy both of these online as they will turn you away if you try to just show up and buy tickets. Be sure you download or screen shot your tickets before you come because there’s very little to no cell service.
There are two large parking lots, if the main one is full, they will direct you to the overflow lot.

Make your way through the parking lots to the main entrance, where you’ll find a visitor center and information stand, which is useful if it’s your first time visiting. A little further down is another visitor center with a cafe on the inside. Cross under the famous Muir Woods National Monument sign then you’re on your way. The trail starts off on a boardwalk then changes to dirt paths. There are six miles of trails that wind through the forest, including a 1/2-mile loop, a 1-hour loop, and a 1 1/2-hour loop.
If you’re looking to beat the crowds, try to visit on weekdays or early in the morning. Avoid holidays, as those are going to be the busiest times.

Gardner Fire Lookout Trail

After you’ve soaked up the magic of the Redwoods, head over to Mt Tamalpais State Park from some incredible views of the bay. The drive between these two is going to take around 45 minutes because it is all winding roads where you’re not going to be driving very fast. Since you’ll likely not have service on your cell phone, I suggest downloading a map of the area the day before so you can still get directions.
Once in Mt Tam, you’re going to do a short, but steep trail to the Gardner Fire Lookout Tower. I recommend packing a picnic lunch and eating it from the picnic tables before starting your hike! The trail is only 0.6miles around trip and will take you approx. 30-45 minutes to complete. The views from the top of the trail are absolutely stunning, giving you views of the Bay and surrounding area.

For more information about Gardner Fire Lookout Trail, checkout this article for everything you need to know!

Muir Woods Day Trip

The Muir Woods area has so much to offer, making it the perfect adventure from the Bay area. A few things you should bring on your adventure:

• A picnic lunch! While there is a cafe in at Muir Woods, its on the pricey side. I recommend bring a lunch and some snacks to enjoy along throughout the day.
• Water! Even though the hike to Gardner Fire tower isn’t long, it can be pretty warm so you’ll need to stay hydrated
• A jacket for Muir Woods. Under the shade of those massive trees, it can get quite chilly. It’s also a good idea to pack a rain coat or umbrella incase you encounter rain.
• Printed or screenshot for tickets for Muir Woods.

Overall, enjoy your day trip and take in the beauty of the Muir area!