Tips for a Wonderful Muir Woods Visit

San Francisco is full of surprises, that is something no one will ever question. But what I would love for people to know when visiting San Francisco with their family is there is so much to do and see in San Francisco but you can create such a unique vacation for your family by incorporating some of the local surroundings to your itinerary as well. I think this is the only true way to fall in love with San Francisco. Anytime I am headed to San Fran I include a Muir Woods visit.

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Visiting Muir Woods National Monument

One of those unique experiences is doing a day or half-day trip to Muir Woods National Monument. This is a stop for everyone in the family. What I absolutely love about Muir Woods is that it is very accessible so multi-generational families love to come here together. There is no better addition to spending some time in San Francisco then to actually escape the city and breathe in some fresh air and just enjoy the natural beauty of the redwoods. 

Redwood National Park is on many people’s bucket list but the truth is it’s not the easiest park to cross of your list. But you can visit Muir Woods National Monument which is less than an hour away from the city of San Francisco and it’s worth the trip. 

Muir Woods National Monument is run by the National Parks Department. There is quite a bit of history in this humble and secluded forest. It’s named after the famed conservationist John Muir who spent a good deal of his life advocating and exploring the natural areas of Northern California. When President Franklin Roosevelt passed away many United Nations delegates came to this special place to dedicate a sacred grove of redwoods in memorial. These are just a few examples some interesting historical events that happened here.

Muir Woods Parking

Parking needs to be purchased and reserved beforehand. This was new to us. It used to be back in the day you would show up, enjoy a walk and take in the quiet sights and be on your way. Well as the years have gone by word has gotten out and Muir Woods Monument has become a must see for many visitors in the area. In order to limit traffic and conserve the natural environment you must reserve your parking space ahead of time. I would suggest to do this as soon as you have an idea of when you would like to go because parking slots and times can sell out quickly. 

Should you forget and need to purchase a parking pass while on the road (if there happen to be any available) you will lose cell service before you reach the park. There are a few turnouts with signs that warn visitors when they will lose cell service. Your best bet is to try and plan ahead of time if possible and book parking before you leave. They are fairly strict about this and have attendants who will turn you away.

Decide before you go how much time you would like to spend there. Unless you plan on going on any of the extra hikes or trails other than the main ones, I would say 2-3 hours would be just about the right amount of time. 

Dress Appropriately

Depending on the time of year you go, you will likely want to dress in layers as the Muir Woods weather can be a little unpredictable at times. It can also start out cool and warm up a bit as the day progresses. Remember, even if it is sunny, you’ll be in the middle of the forest and mostly in shade. This is one of the best Muir Woods hiking tips I have.

Food and Drink

Bring snacks and water but they prefer you not to eat on the trails. Instead there is a designated picnic area that they would like you to confine your eating to. There are a few snacks and drinks for purchase as well.

Muir Woods Accessibility

There are also restrooms located near the visitors center and near the start of the trails on the right side near the picnic tables.

The park has handicap accessible trails. Most people who visit stick with the loop that is based off of three bridges that cross over the creek in the middle. On the right side the path is more easily accessible and the left side is still an easy walk it’s just a little more “rough” with roots here and there poking through on the trail. You could bring a stroller here if you have babies. Toddlers will likely want to walk on their own and explore at their own leisurely place. Ours didn’t want anything to do with a stroller.

Muir Woods Junior Ranger Program

Kids will love the Muir Woods Junior Ranger program. Similar to that of other parks and monuments run by the National Parks, kids can earn junior ranger badges by picking up a pamphlet from the ranger’s desk in the visitors center and answering the appropriate amount of questions for their age groups. This is by far a favorite among our children.

Bring Your Indoor Voice

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Bring your indoor voice. I know this may sound a little strange being that you are outdoors, but Muir Woods has a more reverent tone than your average forest. It is a place set aside for quiet observation. You will especially want to observe the quiet tones as you wander through Cathedral Grove. Sometimes this is harder

See Sights Along the Way

Make the most out of your day. To get to Muir Woods National Monument you will cross over the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a great opportunity to stop and take some pictures either before or after you cross the bridge since exploring Muir Woods will not take an entire day. Another great stop for pictures that not everyone knows about is the first exit before you get back on the Golden Gate on the Sausalito side is Hawk Hill.

It offers beautiful panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. If you drive further up there are World War II bunkers, a beautiful garden, and viewing area and if you keep continuing on there is a lighthouse.

Have you ever visited Muir Woods? What tips do you have to share?

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