Muir Woods National Monument is a stunning and serene park just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city of San Francisco. If you’re looking to escape the urban jungle and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of nature and massive old-growth redwood trees, then you’ve come to the right place.
Taking a Muir Woods tour is by far the easiest way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco. You can leave the driving to a professional, avoid dealing with reservations, and get door to door service directly to the park.
Most tours are self-guided once you arrive, so you can enjoy the majesty of the trees in peace, without a ton of other travelers.
I’ve lived in the Bay Area for 10 years, and have been to Muir Woods at least a dozen times. For this list, we looked at the top Muir Woods tours according to travelers, and sent some of our own reviewers on Muir Woods tours to try out the top ones.
Here’s our list of the top Muir Woods tour options for travelers departing from San Francisco.
Our Picks:
Top Rated: Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour
This luxury tour gets fantastic reviews from travelers–people love it!
Discover the beauty of the Bay Area with this small-group tour, which takes you from downtown San Francisco to the stunning Muir Woods and picturesque Sausalito in a single day. Travel across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in a luxury Meredes tour van, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking views without worrying about driving.
With ample free time to explore both Muir Woods and Sausalito, this tour is perfect for independent travelers seeking an organized yet flexible experience.
Highlights of this tour include crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in a luxury vehicle, entry to Muir Woods National Monument, and guided commentary about Marin. The tour package includes the entrance fee to Muir Woods National Monument ($15 USD) and free time to explore both Muir Woods and Sausalito (1 hour and 15 minutes).
Book this highly-rated tour today.
Best Budget Option: Big Bus Muir Woods Tour
Take the hassle out of car rental and navigation with this round-trip bus transit from San Francisco to Muir Woods. Enjoy live commentary during the 45-minute drive to the national forest, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the park without worrying about transportation.
With entrance included, you’ll have 1.5 hours to explore Muir Woods at your own pace. Afterward, sit back and relax on the return journey through the stunning Marin Headlands.
Choose a convenient morning or afternoon departure time, and experience the ease of round-trip transportation from the city. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy Muir Woods without the challenges of parking and navigating on their own.
Why choose this tour? Save time and effort by taking advantage of the included park entrance and hassle-free transportation, allowing you to start exploring Muir Woods right away.
Book this inexpensive and popular tour today.
Best for Wine Lovers: Small Group Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour
Experience the best of both worlds on this Muir Woods Wine Country day trip, where you’ll hike through majestic redwood forests and indulge in world-class wines.
Led by an experienced guide, you’ll start your journey with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands, and even Alcatraz. Arriving at Muir Woods, you’ll be awestruck by the towering California redwoods as you explore the trails and visitor center.
After immersing yourself in nature, it’s time to savor the flavors of Sonoma and Napa Valley. Spend the afternoon visiting a select few wineries, sampling exquisite wines, and nibbling on cheese pairings. This small-group tour ensures a personalized experience and includes complimentary hotel pickup and return from most San Francisco hotels.
Why choose this tour? Enjoy tastings at top wineries, stunning views, and a safe ride in a small-group setting. The tour package includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and wine tastings at two wineries.
Discover more about the Small Group Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour and book your tour today.
Most Comprehensive: Alcatraz Tour Plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Bay Area with this all-encompassing Alcatraz and Muir Woods tour, which also includes a delightful stop in Sausalito.
At Muir Woods National Monument, marvel at the awe-inspiring coastal redwoods that tower above you, some of the tallest trees on Earth. Enjoy the charming atmosphere of seaside Sausalito, and experience Alcatraz with admission to the prison, including the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and an engaging audio tour.
This comprehensive tour offers a rare combination of attractions, allowing you to explore Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and Sausalito all in one package. Highlights include an audio-guided walking tour of Alcatraz’s ‘Cell Block’, luxury air-conditioned coach transportation, a professional tour guide, and free Wi-Fi on board the tour vehicle.
Why choose this tour? This unique combination of Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and Sausalito offers an unbeatable experience.
The tour includes transport across the Golden Gate Bridge, 90 minutes of free time in Muir Woods, 60 minutes in Sausalito, Alcatraz Admission Ticket with Ferry Ride and Cellhouse Audio Tour ($41.00 USD value), and admission to Muir Woods National Monument ($15 Admission included).
Book this 7+ hour whirlwind of a Bay Area tour and see three amazing sights in a single day.
Best for Veterans: Small Group Half Day Muir Woods and Sausalito Afternoon Tour
Discover the best of the Bay Area with this San Francisco day trip by bus, offering a narrated and scenic drive that covers the city’s iconic neighborhoods and attractions.
While walking the streets of San Francisco lets you explore each neighborhood intimately, this bus tour allows you to cover more ground and experience breathtaking sights. Starting from the Legion of Honor, you’ll travel across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, visit the charming bayside village of Sausalito, and spend time at Muir Woods National Monument (entry at own expense).
Most tours wrap the cost of Muir Woods into the tour price. If you already have free admission to the monument, though, this tour will save you some money. Veterans, Gold Star families, and 4th Graders all get in for free.
Why choose this tour? Hotel pickup and an afternoon option make it easy to fit Muir Woods and Sausalito into a day of city sightseeing, without missing out on the must-see attractions. The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a professional guide to enhance your experience.
Learn more about the Small Group Half Day Muir Woods and Sausalito Afternoon Tour and book your memorable adventure today.
Best Full Area Tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito AND San Francisco, All in One Day
Experience the best of San Francisco and its surroundings on this small-group tour that takes you through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, as well as to Muir Woods National Monument and Sausalito.
Wander the bustling streets of Chinatown and North Beach, and embrace the unique atmosphere of Haight Street. Leave the city behind and find tranquility under the towering redwood trees in Muir Woods. Then, enjoy free time in Sausalito to admire waterfront views, shop in upscale boutiques, and grab lunch at your own expense.
This all-in-one day tour offers a perfect blend of city exploration and natural beauty, while saving you the hassle of driving and navigating public transportation. With round-trip transportation from Fisherman’s Wharf, you can focus on experiencing the diverse attractions of the Bay Area.
What’s included? The tour package comes with bottled water and a local guide to enrich your experience.
Learn more about Muir Woods, Sausalito, and San Francisco All in One Day, and book your unforgettable adventure today.
Best for Boat Lovers: Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)
Immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient redwood forests and the artistic charm of Sausalito on this half-day tour from San Francisco.
Venture across the Golden Gate Bridge and visit the majestic Muir Woods, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees on Earth. Afterward, enjoy stunning views of the San Francisco skyline while strolling along the Sausalito waterfront and browsing art galleries.
At the end of your tour, choose between being dropped off at either of the two departure points or taking the Sausalito ferry back to San Francisco (Pier 41). This tour offers the perfect blend of nature and culture, and includes Muir Woods entry, ensuring a more extended visit compared to other tours.
If you love the water, this is an awesome tour. You’ll get to see the Golden Gate Bridge up close and personal from a ferry boat.
Why choose this tour? Explore Muir Woods and Sausalito with the convenience of luxury air-conditioned coach transportation and a professional tour guide.
The tour package includes a 4-hour tour, admission to Muir Woods National Monument ($15 value included), a guaranteed 90-minute stop in Muir Woods, a 60-minute stop in Sausalito, and options for a return ferry to San Francisco or a 4-hour bike rental in San Francisco (if tour options are purchased).
Conclusion
Muir Woods is an amazing place. These tours make it easy to visit Muir Woods–and see several other Bay Area sights–in a single day.
