Muir Woods & Wine Country: Redwoods Walk & Napa Sonoma Tastings

Summary

Redwoods, wine and laughter from San Francisco to Sonoma

You’ll walk beneath ancient redwoods at Muir Woods, share laughs over lunch in Sonoma Square, and taste California wines in both Napa and Sonoma Valleys—with a local guide handling all the details. Expect quiet moments under towering trees and lively ones around tasting tables before heading back to San Francisco as dusk settles in.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it’s like to stand under trees older than your grandparents’ grandparents? The drive out of San Francisco was all fog and the kind of anticipation that makes you check your phone for no reason. Our guide, Mike, had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice—like how the light shifts through the Marin Headlands, or why the air smells sharper near Muir Woods. When we finally stepped onto the boardwalk, it was quiet enough to hear water moving over stones. I tried to spot a banana slug (no luck), but there were kids nearby who kept squealing every time they thought they saw one. That made me smile.

I didn’t expect to feel so small among those redwoods—like being in a cathedral but softer somehow. We wandered for about an hour, just breathing it in. After that, Sonoma Square felt almost too sunny and open by comparison. Lunch was picnic-style on the grass (I still think about that cheese from Sonoma Jack’s), and someone’s dog kept trying to sneak bites when nobody was looking. There was time to peek inside Mission San Francisco de Solano—cool shadows, creaky floorboards, old photos on the walls—and then we headed out for what everyone secretly waits for: wine.

The first winery in Sonoma Valley had this porch where you could see rows of vines stretching off forever. Our host poured a white that tasted like pears and sunshine—I’m not great at wine talk but it really did. Someone asked about how long it takes to grow grapes here; turns out it’s years longer than I thought. Napa Valley was next, with reds that made my mouth pucker in a good way. By then people were chatting more freely, swapping stories about other trips or just laughing at nothing much in particular. On the way back across the Golden Gate Bridge, sun slipping behind us, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour

• Cross Golden Gate Bridge
• Pass through Marin Headlands
• Walk in Muir Woods National Monument
• Lunch in Sonoma Square or picnic
• Explore Mission San Francisco de Solano
• Sample cheeses at Sonoma Jack’s Cheese Factory
• Shop in Sonoma town square
• Wine tasting in Sonoma Valley winery
• Wine tasting in Napa Valley winery
• Drive back across Golden Gate Bridge

Top questions

How long is the Muir Woods & Wine Tour from San Francisco?

The tour lasts a full day and returns to San Francisco in time for dinner.

Are wine tastings included on this day trip?

Yes, wine tastings at two wineries are included in both Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

You’ll stop for lunch in Sonoma Square or have a picnic among the vines; food is not specifically included.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes pickup but does not pick up from airport hotels or airports themselves.

Can children join this Muir Woods & Wine Country tour?

Children can join; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller with specialized seats available.

How much time do we spend at Muir Woods?

You’ll have over an hour to stroll among the redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument.

What wineries do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit selected wineries such as Bouchaine, Kieu Hoang, Homewood, Larson, Peter Cellars, or Robledo; selections may vary by day.

Is public transportation available near departure points?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for convenience before and after your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from San Francisco with pickup (except airports), entry into Muir Woods National Monument, guided walks among redwoods, stops for lunch in Sonoma Square or vineyard picnic spots, plus wine tastings at two selected wineries across both Napa and Sonoma Valleys before returning by evening.