Muir Woods Visitor Center - Mill Valley, California

Laura H.

For my first visit to San Francisco, I knew that I HAD to see some Redwood Trees. So, I bought 2 tickets to Muir Woods National Monument AND I reserved a 10:30-11:00 am parking slot.
(This is extremely important, folks! If you're going to drive a car to Muir Woods, you have to reserve your parking spot. In fact, this is so important that there are (at least) two digital signs along the highway reminding you to have this reservation before you arrive.)

Anyway, my boyfriend and I arrived right on time in our rented car and had no trouble finding the place (thank you Google Maps) and no trouble parking either. (Make sure you have a copy of your parking voucher with you.)

The weather was stunningly perfect (we were there in early May 2025) with the sun shining through the trees like magical spotlights. Each beam of light just highlighted the woods so beautifully.

Much of the park is paved with a very well-maintained boardwalk, making it possible for wheelchair-bound visitors to enjoy the Woods as easily as anyone else.

I encourage you to be quiet while you're there. It's nice for YOU to enjoy everything more fully, and it allows others to hear the birds, the wind in the leaves, the babbling creek, and all the sounds an ancient forest might make. I also encourage you to read all the signs, sit on several benches (just to savor the majestic scenery), and look up a LOT. Some of those sequoias are 500-800 years old.

There are several routes through the Woods all varying in length. Most are perfectly flat and the only difference in difficulty is distance. Make sure you get a map when you check-in - it's really easy to follow.

For me, this visit was not only a chance to explore nature, but it also felt like an act of worship walking among those giants. I cannot recommend a place more enthusiastically than this one. I wish, oh how I wish, I lived closer so I could go there every week!

R A. M.

Wonderfully preserved California Redwoods accessible within 15 minutes of Bay Area city life. Entrance and first part of park highly accessible for all ages, wheel chairs, etc. Further into the woods are well marked forest trails sure to give the adventurous a great hike workout with significant grades up and down. You don’t want to miss this local wonder all within a short drive. It can get busy so highly recommend getting early morning parking passes and hit the trails before the local school kids arrive with teachers in tow.

Rosanna M.

Hiked in from the panoramic trail down to the Muir Woods National Monument & it was steep but gorgeous views. Came on a weekday & had the trail to myself until i got on the fern creek trail then more ppl. Stopped at the cafe/ gift shop for a peek & it was busy but not packed. Beautiful place

Dawn S.

Great day at Muir Woods. But lots of winding roads to get there. Not the best for anyone who gets carsick. Worth it once there for a quick redwood emergence and short hike. Well maintained paths. My go-to for out of town visitors.

Dave G.

Amazing place and peaceful. The trees are amazing. While the biggest sequoia trees are further south, these are still massive and amazing to be around. Drive is is nice also. Bring a jacket, it is cooler down there.

Lydia T.

I love the woods. This was a great close space to explore and has some great hikes. I definitely recommend staying near the valley walks/hikes to see the largest red woods. Up in the edges the hills are bare. But most of this middle of the inclining trails have a fair number of very tall Redwoods.

KM

Muir Woods has many great trails. Go early and enjoy the day. They also have food and coffee available.

Kevin M.

You MUST buy a parking pass in advance. You can purchase your entry ticket online at the same time.

Muir Woods is about a 30 minute drive North of San Francisco. The road down to the grove is crazy curvy. The woods themselves are nice to walk through, with plenty of redwood trees, sacred groves, and walking paths. It is reasonably accessible and has a flat walking path. My ~70's parents were able to conquer one of the side trails that had a bit of incline.

There is a gift store was a cafe but it was all kind of pricey.