How to Plan a Trip to Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is a haven in the San Francisco Bay Area. You'll find redwoods, Douglas firs, maples, oaks and bay laurels in a peaceful setting about 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Watch butterflies and Steller's jays flying from tree to tree. Reconnect with nature at Muir Woods by following some easy steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Stay at a bed and breakfast or hotel in Sausalito. This little town across the bay from San Francisco is an attraction in itself.
2. Take the Muir Woods Shuttle instead of driving a car because parking is limited at the monument. The shuttle, which also runs on holidays, stops at the Sausalito Ferry from late May to early September. It can also pick you up in Marin City.
3. Walk one of the trails in Muir Woods. Choose a trail that takes a half hour, an hour and even 1-1/2 hours to walk.
4. Check out the calendar of events on the National Park Services website for the Muir Woods National Monument. Go for bird walks, hunt for ladybugs and see the woods by moonlight.
5. Take a relaxing walk on Muir Beach if you're bringing your dog along, because pets aren't allowed in the woods. Enjoy the atmosphere of an English pub at The Pelican Inn afterwards.
6. Ride the cable cars in downtown San Francisco, eat in Chinatown and take the ferry out to Alcatraz. Or you can enjoy a walk around Marin County towns like Sausalito and Point Reyes.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan some sightseeing in San Francisco and surrounding areas. Save your visit to Muir Woods National Monument for a holiday as it's one of the few attractions open.
• Don't miss the Muir Woods Café, which offers sandwiches, cold drinks and ice cream among the redwoods.
• Stay on the designated trails in the Muir Woods National Monument so you don't run into poison oak and stinging nettles.