Best Muir Woods Tours
Searching for the Best Muir Woods Tours?
We’ve got you covered! Check out our favorite tour options that provide amazing Muir Woods day trips to the redwoods from San Francisco.
Muir Woods National Monument is a must-see during your visit to the Bay Area. It’s located in Mill Valley, just a few miles north of San Francisco. Here you’ll see the magnificent redwoods, and have access to all levels of hiking paths. You’ll even have the opportunity to taste delicious, local cuisine!
However, getting to the park can be a bit of a hassle.
The great news is that there are several Muir Woods tours you can take. Additionally, they allow you to see the beauty of Muir Woods without all the stress! So we’ve put together this list of the best Muir Woods tours and San Francisco bus tours to help make your trip fun and stress-free.
- Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods
- 1-Day Alcatraz Experience with Muir Woods
- Bike The Golden Gate Bridge + Shuttle to Muir Woods
Did you know our very own Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir woods, is a top-rated San Francisco to Muir Woods tour?
Highlights include:
- Explore the top neighborhoods with your local guide and learn the stories, history, and diversity of San Francisco
- 15 locations, 7 amazing photo stops
- Enjoy lunch with a view in the beautiful waterfront town of Sausalito
- Spend over 75 minutes in Muir Woods and stand in awe of the famous redwood trees
Check Out Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods
Which Muir Woods Tour Should You Choose?
TripAdvisor lists hundreds of tour operators that offer tours to Muir Woods. So, choosing the best Muir Woods tour can definitely feel like an overwhelming task. From shuttle buses to day tours and San Francisco bike tours, there is a Muir Woods tour for everyone.
The good news for travelers and tourists is that TripAdvisor’s rating system does make the decision a little easier! Be sure to look at the tour ratings to help you determine which tour is right for you. (Here at Dylan’s, we’re considered a 5-star best Muir Woods tour from San Francisco provider.)
In fact, our full-day San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito tour is even listed as the #1 Outdoor Activity in San Francisco on TripAdvisor!
To help ease your decision of which tour to take, we’ve compiled this list. We’ll compare our San Francisco to Muir Woods tour, our Alcatraz tickets/tour and Muir Woods tours, and our unique bike the Golden Gate Bridge & Muir Woods tour.
Each of our three top-rated Muir Woods San Francisco tours includes more than an hour in the park and convenient transportation to and from San Francisco. Whichever Muir Woods tour option you choose, we’re sure you’ll enjoy exploring these woods!
Note: The Muir Woods entrance fee is $15 per adult. This is not included in the price of these tours.
Dylan’s – Muir Woods Tours
Best TripAdvisor Muir Woods Tour Options:
- Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods
- Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods + Alcatraz
- Bike the Bridge & Shuttle to Muir Woods Tour
#1. Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods
Firstly, this Muir Woods tour from San Francisco is a blast! The day flies by when you’re learning from our passionate, knowledgeable, and local guides.
While seven hours may seem like a long time for a tour, there’s really never a dull moment along the ride to Muir Woods! Our guides are entertaining and extremely knowledgeable about all things San Francisco. As you travel, you can be sure to learn all about the history and culture of the Bay Area. You’ll also hear some fun and unique stories that only a local would know!
Plus, we provide complimentary water bottles and snacks. So, don’t worry about getting hungry along the way to the John Muir redwoods!
How it Works
This redwood tour departs twice daily from San Francisco—at 8:00AM and 1:00PM. One of our local guides will meet you at Fisherman’s Wharf. Look for the person wearing one of our Dylan’s shirts. You can be sure to spot them easily! After a brief roll call, we’ll board the bus and travel to our first stop.
The following itinerary follows that of the 8:00AM tour.
Enjoy an Insider Look at San Francisco on a Top-Rated Tour
We’ll spend the morning exploring the iconic sights and landmarks of San Francisco. Over that time, you’ll be treated to stories about the neighborhoods, diversity, and geography of the area. Our guides are all well informed about the city, so be sure to ask any questions you may have along the way! You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus to take photos and explore.
Enjoy Lunch With a View in Beautiful Waterfront Sausalito
Around lunchtime, we’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head over to Sausalito. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the coastal town and enjoy lunch in Sausalito. We’ll then board our private Muir Woods shuttle from there.
Stand in Awe of the Redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument
Once we get to Muir Woods, you’ll have over an hour to spend exploring the magnificent redwoods at this national monument.
We’ll take care of the park reservations ahead of time. You don’t have to worry about reserving a spot in advance! However, you will have to pay the entrance fee for visiting Muir Woods, which is $15 for adults.
Once you get inside, you’ll be on your own for a little more than an hour. Don’t worry, we’ll give you an exact meeting time to rendezvous back at the bus!
We’ve found that 75 minutes is the perfect amount of time to take a self-guided woods tour. And check out some of the most popular Muir Woods hikes! Before you leave, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe. The cafe is located right in the center of the park. It has coffee as well as some fantastic eats!
Safe and Comfortable Travels Back to the City!
At the appointed meeting time, we’ll all board the bus again. After a brief roll call, we’ll head back across the bridge from Muir Woods to San Francisco. We will drop you off at the same location where you boarded the bus.
Ready to plan your trip? This is our most popular tour and tickets sell out quickly, so don’t wait to reserve your seats!
Book Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods
#2. 1-Day Alcatraz Experience
Looking for a tour option that will let you see even more? We’ve got you covered!
Undoubtedly, Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods + Alcatraz, and is a one-of-a-kind adventure. So if you want a complete San Francisco tour experience, this is definitely one of the best Bay Area tours for you.
The tour covers the iconic landmarks and historic neighborhoods of San Francisco. It also provides the chance to have lunch and visit Sausalito. You’ll get over an hour to explore the redwoods near San Francisco. Even tickets on the official Alcatraz Island tour are included!
When planning your San Francisco trip, remember that tickets to Alcatraz sell out incredibly fast. This tour is a great way to make sure you have a reservation to see the island.
We’ll spend pretty much the full day together on this ten-hour tour. So you can be sure to come away with a lot of fun memories and interesting facts about Muir Redwoods, San Francisco, and the Bay Area!
How it Works
We’ll start the day bright and early at 8:00AM outside of Fisherman’s Wharf. One of our local guides, wearing a Dylan’s shirt, will meet you there and conduct a brief roll call.
Enjoy an Insider Look at San Francisco on a Top-Rated City Tour
Then we’ll board the bus and start exploring! We’ll spend the morning visiting some of San Francisco’s most famous sights and neighborhoods. See the sights of Chinatown, Haight Ashbury, the Presidio, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you’ll hear interesting stories about the city’s history. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to step off the bus, take photos, and even wander around a bit!
Enjoy a Lunch Break in Sausalito
After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy the coastal town of Sausalito. We encourage you to grab a bite to eat at one of the local delis! While also spending some time taking in the beautiful waterfront views.
Marvel at the Redwoods on a Walk Through Muir Woods National Monument
Then we’ll board the bus again and head over from Sausalito to Muir Woods. Once we get to the park, you’ll have over an hour on this Muir Woods tour of the California coastal redwoods! Wondering what to do in the park? There are some amazing Muir Woods hikes in the park for all levels of walkers. The Bohemian Grove trail is one of the most popular Muir Woods walks. It is mostly flat and well maintained with boardwalks. This route also leads right alongside some of the most famous trees and groves in the park!
The Bohemian Grove Trail is lined with informational signs and key location markers. So, this is a great way to learn more about the historical and environmental significance of Muir Woods National Park Site.
If you need a break after all that walking, stop by the Muir Woods Trading Co. for some locally inspired snacks. Like the Marin Melt sandwich or the Local Wild Berry Scone! Or, head over to the gift shop to pick up a souvenir for your trip.
Escape to Alcatraz Island
After exploring the Muir Woods forest, we’ll cruise back across the bridge. Our minibus will drop you at Pier 33, the Alcatraz departure point. We’ll have taken care of your Alcatraz reservations. You can just hop on the ferry for the official tour of the island!
See two of the Bay Area’s most famous national park sites, Muir Woods and Alcatraz Island, in one day! Don’t wait—tickets sell out quickly.
#3. Bike the Bridge + Shuttle to Muir Woods
Looking for a more adventurous Muir Woods tour from San Francisco?
Lastly, we offer a unique San Francisco to redwoods tour. In fact, it’s the only tour of its kind in the Bay Area! Our Bike the Bridge and Shuttle to Muir Woods Tour is a combination bike rental and private Muir Woods shuttle.
This San Francisco Muir Woods tour includes a self-guided bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and down into Sausalito. Followed by a private shuttle to John Muir National Forest! After exploring the redwoods, simply hop back on our guided shuttle bus to San Francisco.
It’s the perfect option for adventurous travelers. Or just for anyone who wants to make the most of San Francisco’s mild weather!
How it Works
Explore Muir Woods
Our tour kicks off when you board the bus and head toward Muir Woods. Upon arrival, we’ll spend 75 minutes where you’ll have a chance to explore on your own. You’ll be marveling at the amazing old-growth redwood forest.
Enjoy Lunch in the Beautiful Town of Sausalito
After touring Muir Woods, we’ll head back towards the city, stopping to enjoy visiting Sausalito. Here, you’ll get enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes or delis. You’re also welcome to pack your own lunch. Then just spend your time exploring the beautiful waterfront town!
Bike and Explore the Rest of San Francisco
After lunch, you’ll pick up your bike rental to make your way back to the city. Here you can enjoy your self-guided tour. When you’re choosing which bike to rent, just keep in mind that there are some decent hills around San Francisco. So, if you’re concerned about the ride being too strenuous, we’d recommend choosing an e-bike. You don’t even have to pedal with our powerful E-bikes. And they’ll make the trip much more relaxing and fun! In our opinion, the best way to see San Francisco is on an e-bike.
Before you hit the road, we’ll go through some basic safety precautions. This is to ensure that you’re familiar with the bike, the helmet, and the lock. We’ll also tell you about our recommended route. And offer suggestions about some key places you may want to see along the way!
Want to split this tour up into two days?
There is so much to do in San Francisco and we want to give you the chance to experience it all. We have the option for you to take our Famous Tour with Muir Woods one day. And then rent our E-bikes on another day of your choosing! This gives you the opportunity to spend more time with the E-bikes to explore this beautiful city. We will provide you with a helmet, lock, map and tips on how to navigate the streets of San Francisco. Book our two-day experience!
See the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and Muir Woods on our redwood forest San Francisco tour!
Book Bike the Bridge with Shuttle to Muir Woods Tour
There you have it, our four favorite tours of the Muir Woods forests near San Francisco. Still have questions about how to visit Muir Woods? Check out our FAQ section below to learn all you need to know about tours in Muir Redwood Forest!
MUIR NATIONAL MONUMENT FAQ’S
What is the best Muir Woods tour?
Whether it is a self guided shuttle tour, a combination bike and minibus tour, or even a city and Muir Woods tour – you can visit Muir Woods how you like! Specifically, there is a tour for everyone.
How long does it take to tour Muir Woods?
Though it is a National Park, it is quite small. However, you can still spend an entire day hiking Muir Woods, or you can spend just an hour or two and get a sense of the park in all of its beauty.
How do you tour Muir Woods?
Make sure to book with a Muir Woods tour company ahead of time. Remember, even if you go to Muir Woods on your own you have to request parking in advance.
How far is Muir Woods from San Francisco?
The distance from Muir Woods to San Francisco is 16.4 miles and usually takes about 45 minutes by car or tour bus.
Where is Muir Woods?
Muir Woods National Monument is in Mill Valley CA.
What is the Muir Woods admission fee?
To enter the park, Muir Woods costs $15 for adults (16 or older). Additionally, a parking reservation costs $9 per vehicle, and the shuttles to the park are $3.50 per person.
Is there a public Muir Woods Shuttle from San Francisco?
Presently there is a shuttle that runs from Sausalito and Mill Valley to Muir Woods. While there is no direct bus to Muir Woods from San Francisco, you can take public transportation to one of these towns and hop on the shuttle to Muir Woods from there! Or, you could just take the easy route and book a spot on our direct shuttle from San Francisco.
How can I get to Muir Woods without a Car?
We’d recommend booking one of the many redwood forest tours from San Francisco that are available. Surely these tours will take care of all your transportation to Muir Woods, so you can just focus on enjoying the forest!
Can I drive to Muir Woods?
Yes, you can drive directly into Muir Woods Redwood Forest. You should be aware that cell service is limited, so your phone or GPS may not work on the roads to the park. Also, remember to make an advanced parking reservation if you plan on driving to Muir Woods!
Is there a ferry to Muir Woods from San Francisco?
There is no ferry that goes directly to Muir Woods from San Francisco. However, if taking a ferry is your preferred way for how to get to Muir Woods, you can take a ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito. From then board the Muir Woods shuttle bus to complete your trip.
Is there a bus from Sausalito to Muir Woods?
Yes! There is a Muir Woods shuttle stop in both Mill Valley and Sausalito. The bus to Muir Woods price is $3.50 per person.
What is the best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco?
We think the best way to see Muir Woods is by booking a San Francisco to Muir Woods tour. Our San Francisco, Sausalito, and Muir Woods tour is a great option!
How big is Muir Woods?
The protected area of Muir Redwood Park covers 554 acres, and 240 of those acres of land are covered in ancient growths of coastal redwoods.
Is there a Muir Woods free day?
You can visit Muir Woods on a budget by heading to the park on a free day.
2023 Free Days: January 16th – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, April 22nd – First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day, August 4th – One Year Anniversary of Great American Outdoors Act, September 23rd – National Public Lands Day, Monday, November 11 – Veterans Day
What are Muir Woods hours?
Muir Redwood Park is open every day of the year, including all holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
What is the best time to go to Muir Woods?
Muir Redwood Park generally experiences mildly chilly weather year round. Winter and spring months tend to be somewhat cold and wet, while summer and autumn often have warmer temperatures and a drier climate. If you choose to make your Muir Woods visit during the peak seasons, try to get to the park as early as possible as this will help you avoid crowds!
Can you bike to Muir Woods?
Technically, yes. However, the roads are steep, winding, and crowded with drivers—so it’s not the safest option!
Need more Muir Woods Inspiration for your upcoming trip? Read our related posts below!
What to Do if the Muir Woods Shuttle is Full
10 Ways to Get from San Francisco to Muir Woods
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