San Francisco: Muir Woods Redwoods Tour & Sausalito Drive

Summary

Walk ancient redwoods from San Francisco with a local guide

You’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge into cool redwood forests at Muir Woods, guided by a local who knows all the quirks. Wander among ancient trees, then relax in Sausalito’s seaside air before heading back to Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s quiet moments and salty breezes that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small under those redwoods — not in a bad way, just sort of quieted. We left San Francisco early, our driver weaving us through the city fog and over the Golden Gate Bridge (which is actually more orange than gold, by the way). The bridge was busy with cyclists and runners even on a weekday morning. I caught myself staring out at the bay, half-awake, thinking about how many people have crossed that thing before me.

Our guide, Marcus, had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to point out something random — like a coyote he once saw near Muir Woods or which side of the bus gets the best view. When we finally stepped into Muir Woods National Monument, it was chilly and smelled like wet earth and pine needles. It’s hard to describe how tall these trees are until you’re right there. I leaned against one (gently — you’re not really supposed to) just to feel how rough the bark was. There were families whispering, some older folks taking it slow on the boardwalks. Nobody seemed in a rush.

After about an hour wandering those trails (I lost track of time), we drove down to Sausalito. I’d heard it called “Mediterranean,” but honestly it felt more like California trying on a fancy hat. The air tasted salty and there were seagulls everywhere — one nearly stole my sandwich when I sat by the water. The shops are cute but what stuck with me was just sitting on a bench with coffee, watching people come off their bikes or ferries looking sunburned and happy.

I still think about that moment under the tallest tree, when everything went quiet except for someone’s laughter echoing down the path. If you want something peaceful but not too far from San Francisco (and you don’t mind a little dirt on your shoes), this day trip is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Muir Woods and Sausalito tour

• Drive north over Golden Gate Bridge
• Walk among ancient redwoods in Muir Woods
• Drive through Sausalito seaside town
• Tour ends at Fisherman's Wharf

Top questions

How long is the Muir Woods tour from San Francisco?

The tour lasts approximately 6 to 6.5 hours including stops at Muir Woods and Sausalito.

Is entrance to Muir Woods included in the price?

Yes, your entrance fee to Muir Woods National Monument is included in the tour price.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes pickup options; check booking details for specific locations.

How much time do we spend inside Muir Woods?

You’ll have up to 1.5 hours to explore inside Muir Woods itself.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the tour.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; notify when booking if assistance is needed.

What happens if Muir Woods is closed?

If Muir Woods is closed due to government shutdowns, tours visit Armstrong Redwoods instead plus Sausalito stop.

Can I return from Sausalito by ferry?

You can add an optional ferry ticket to return from Sausalito at your own pace if you prefer.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport across the Golden Gate Bridge with commentary from a local guide, entrance tickets for Muir Woods National Monument (no extra fees needed), time exploring Sausalito’s waterfront boardwalk, and drop-off at Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch or shopping before heading home.