Muir Woods National Monument Tours and Activities

Muir Woods which includes forests, a garden and landscape views
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods showing forest scenes and landscape views
Muir Woods featuring forests
Muir Woods showing forest scenes, landscape views and a garden


Walk among the magnificent giant redwood trees that are native to this region, in these beautiful woods, located just outside the city.

Muir Woods are only an hour’s drive downtown San Francisco it’s the perfect place to get close to nature and breathe in the clean woodland air.

Muir woods comprises 222 hectares of stunning woodland that is perfect for walking and trekking. As you wander through the woods, look upwards at the gargantuan redwood trees towering over you, some believed to be over 1200 years old. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight.

There are 10 kilometres of trails here that are perfect for a stroll, or a more strenuous hike. Some are also suitable for wheelchair users. A map of the trails can be downloaded from the National Parks website or you can pick one up from the on-site visitors centre. All you need to do then is plan your route!

Once upon a time, redwoods were a common sight throughout Northern California, but the logging industry put an end to that. At one time, Muir Woods almost befell the same fate, as the site was considered an ideal location for a dam. Thankfully, William Kent, a Congressman at that time and his wife bought the land and donated it to the federal government in order to preserve it.

Theodore Roosevelt declared the area a national monument which has ensured that the woods have remained protected ever since. The woods derive their name from naturalist John Muir, who was responsible for establishing the national park system. Thanks to John Muir, California and its throngs of visitors alike are still able to enjoy this stunning wilderness retreat today.

The park is open every day. The best time to visit though is during the week, or early and late in the day at weekends. Muir Woods can only be reached easily by car.

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Top Muir Woods National Monument Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Enchanted Waterfall Sanctuary

Enchanted Waterfall Sanctuary

Mill Valley
Enchanted Waterfall Sanctuary
Mill Valley Inn

Mill Valley Inn

3 out of 5
165 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA
Mill Valley Inn
Spacious Serene Sanctuary-Minutes to SF / Muir Woods

Spacious Serene Sanctuary-Minutes to SF / Muir Woods

Mill Valley
Spacious Serene Sanctuary-Minutes to SF / Muir Woods
Captivating Muir Beach Home With Sweeping Views and Fast/Stable Wireless Wifi

Captivating Muir Beach Home With Sweeping Views and Fast/Stable Wireless Wifi

Muir Beach
Captivating Muir Beach Home With Sweeping Views and Fast/Stable Wireless Wifi
Lovely bungalow in Mill Valley

Lovely bungalow in Mill Valley

Mill Valley
Lovely bungalow in Mill Valley
Lovely and Quiet suite with GORGEOUS VIEWS-10 min to Golden Gate Bridge

Lovely and Quiet suite with GORGEOUS VIEWS-10 min to Golden Gate Bridge

Mill Valley
Lovely and Quiet suite with GORGEOUS VIEWS-10 min to Golden Gate Bridge
"R" House Beach Villa

"R" House Beach Villa

Stinson Beach
"R" House Beach Villa
Surf Lodge

Surf Lodge

2 out of 5
3416 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, CA
Surf Lodge
Hillside Cottage with Expansive Ocean Views

Hillside Cottage with Expansive Ocean Views

Stinson Beach
Hillside Cottage with Expansive Ocean Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Muir Woods National Monument

At Muir Woods National Monument, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets and leisurely walks amidst towering redwoods. A highlight of your visit will be exploring the various hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. While shopping options are limited within the park, nearby Mill Valley offers charming boutiques and local shops to explore after a day of hiking.

Shopping

While visiting Muir Woods National Monument, don’t miss Stinson Beach Books, only 4.8km away for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Ghirardelli Square and Chestnut Street, both approximately 10-17.7km away, offer vibrant shopping experiences with plenty of entertainment and dining options.

Recreation

Enjoy a concert at Sweetwater Music Hall, just 3.2km from Muir Woods, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. For a round of golf, head to Presidio Golf Course, 16.1km away, where you can enjoy the outdoors and sporting spirit. Don’t miss Bill Graham Civic Auditorium for more live music, 13.2km away.

Adventure

Embark on an adventurous hike at Tennessee Valley Trailhead, located 4.8km from Muir Woods, where stunning scenery awaits. Experience thrilling water sports at Boardsports Marin, a mere 6.4km away, or explore the outdoor beauty along Perimeter Road, situated 14.5km from the monument.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Muir Woods National Monument with a visit to Club Fugazi for captivating theatre shows, or catch a film at Throckmorton Theater. For a laid-back evening, the American Legion Log Cabin offers a cosy pub atmosphere perfect for drinks and conversation.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Muir Woods National Monument

When visiting Muir Woods National Monument, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to all tastes, including urban parks, beautiful beaches, and even nudist beaches. Explore the stunning Muir Beach and the serene Muir Woods Lodge, or take a leisurely stroll through the majestic redwoods. This area is perfect for cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal spot for tourists from Australia seeking a memorable getaway.

  • Golden Gate Bridge: An iconic symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge spans 12.9km from Muir Woods. Its stunning Art Deco design and vibrant international orange hue create a striking contrast against the bay and surrounding hills. Enjoy breathtaking views and the cultural significance of this engineering marvel.
  • Pier 39: Located 17.7km away, Pier 39 offers a lively atmosphere with waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment. Experience the playful sea lions, street performers, and scenic views of the bay and city skyline, making it a perfect spot for families and friends.
  • Golden Gate Park: This expansive urban park, also 17.7km from Muir Woods, is a sanctuary of gardens, museums, and recreational areas. Perfect for families, it offers outdoor activities like picnicking, walking trails, and stunning landscapes to explore.

Best time to go to Muir Woods National Monument

The best time to visit Muir Woods National Monument is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.9°F (12.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.6°F (14.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
November55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Muir Woods National Monument

For a budget-friendly visit to Muir Woods National Monument, consider travelling in February or from November to December when accommodation prices drop. Sundays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and sort options by price to snag the best deals. You can save even more by booking a package deal that combines accommodation, flights, and activities. Don’t forget to look for rewards programs and special offers for Mill Valley hotels to maximise your savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Muir Woods National Monument are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Muir Woods National Monument is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Muir Woods National Monument is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your hotel accommodation at Muir Woods National Monument with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.