15 Best Muir Woods Tours From San Francisco (2023)
Looking for the best Muir Woods Tours from San Francisco to take on your trip? You’ve come to the right place!
As a California local, I love visiting redwoods. There is just something magical about walking through an ancient forest filled with towering trees that have endured for centuries.
If visiting California redwoods is on your bucket list, Muir Woods is hands down the best place to see redwoods in the Bay Area!
Our top pick for a Muir Woods Tour from San Francisco: Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Sausalito Day Trip (with over 1000 reviews!)
Muir Woods is home to a stunning old-growth forest with redwood trees that are 600 to 1000 years old and up to 250 feet tall. Visiting Muir Woods is a great activity year-round as the weather stays temperate in redwood forests throughout the seasons.
The easiest way to visit Muir Woods is by taking a guided tour. This is a very busy location with limited parking so driving there yourself can be a huge hassle.
For the ultimate experience, book a tour that also includes a trip to the famous Alcatraz Island and the charming seaside town of Sausalito so you can visit multiple incredible San Francisco attractions in one day!
If you’re wondering which Muir Woods tour is best for you, read on to find out.
In this post, I have vetted all the highest-rated Muir Woods tours from San Francisco so you can book a tour that best fits your travel needs and have a wonderful time. Let’s get started!
Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, may I earn a small commission when you book through these links for which I am very thankful!
15 Best Tours To Muir Woods From San Francisco:
1. Alcatraz Tour, Muir Woods And Sausalito Day Trip
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 7.5 hours
- Tour rating: 4/5 stars
- Includes: transportation in a luxurious air-conditioned coach, admission tickets, ferry ride & cellhouse audio tour
This Alcatraz Muir Woods tour starts at 8 AM and kicks off with a trip to Alcatraz Island, the ultimate federal security prison during its heyday. To get to Alcatraz, tourists will board a ferry at Embarcadero’s Pier 33. The scenic drive passing through Union Square, Van Ness Avenue, Cow Hollow, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County is an excellent way to begin a day full of excitement.
While in Alcatraz—also called The Rock—you can listen to an audio-guided walking tour of the Cell Blocks of the famous site and then move on to Muir Woods National Monument. The tour agency will take care of the admission ticket for Muir Woods.
Before heading back, your group will spend time in the quaint and picturesque village of Sausalito, a Mediterranean-like village with waterfront restaurants and shops.
“Fabulous day trip from San Francisco. Muir Woods are beautiful together with the Sausalito trip, topped off with the trip to Alcatraz. A trip not to be missed.”
-Leanne H. (read more reviews)
2. Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito With Optional Alcatraz
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 9 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars
- Includes: local guide, Alcatraz entry ticket, ferry ride
This small group San Francisco tour meets at 8 AM at the Fisherman’s Wharf and then heads out to explore the city’s best neighborhoods. You’ll hear many stories and the history of the community thanks to the knowledgeable bus drivers and tour guides. There are several stops where you can explore a bit and take some pictures.
From 9 AM until about 10:30, you can reconnect with nature by exploring and hiking through the Muir Woods. Take your time and enjoy the rare sight—it is one of the few remaining coastal redwood forests in the world!
At lunchtime, you will enjoy a meal in the beautiful village of Sausalito and indulge in some shopping afterward. After lunch, the optional Alcatraz tour will commence. Those heading to the prison island will be dropped off at Pier 33, while those who won’t avail of this tour will be brought back to Fisherman’s Wharf.
“What a great way to see San Francisco and surrounding areas! Muir Woods are beautiful, lunch in Sausalito was delicious (and what a cute place), views of neighbourhoods were fantastic, tour of Alcatraz was very interesting”
-Lorraine L. (read more reviews)
3. Small Group Muir Woods With Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 10 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Includes: transportation, guide, wine tasting
A great option for families or traveling friend groups is this Muir Woods And Wine Country Tour which is such a fun day excursion!
It begins with a refreshing hike through Muir Woods. You will spend half of the morning surrounded by the towering 1,000-year-old redwood trees and walk around the trails of this preserved area.
Breathe in the fresh air and take photos of the San Francisco Bay and Marin Headlands as you explore Muir Woods. You may also see a glimpse of Alcatraz Island, which can entice you to visit the place.
In the afternoon, indulge in wine tasting in Sonoma and Napa Valley. Sipping on top-notch wine and nibbling on cheese while enjoying the California sun is as good as it gets!
“We had a great time on our tour. We went to the Muir Woods, Sonoma, and Napa wine tasting. Each tour was unique and the vineyards were beautiful.”
-Patricia G. (read more reviews)
4. Alcatraz With Muir Woods And Sausalito Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 7-8 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Includes: luxury transportation, ferry ride, admission ticket to Alcatraz, cellhouse audio tour
Another very interesting day tour is a well-coordinated visit to the three big attractions: Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito. You can have a preview of what San Francisco has to offer aboard a comfortable and luxurious tour van as you drive by the scenic views of the city.
Heading to Alcatraz Island means taking the ferry and seeing the 360-degree view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Once you are on Rock Island, you can take in the extraordinary sights and learn from the audio tour included in your admission ticket. Then, you’ll head out to explore Muir Woods to your heart’s content.
At the end of the trip, you will have some time to chill out in Sausalito—sample their food and enjoy your meal as you take in the sights of this quaint and beautiful village.
“This was the best tour we took in San Fran. Muir Woods was beautiful & Sausalito was a really nice quaint little town.”
-Laura N. (read more reviews)
5. Small Group Tour: San Francisco And Muir Woods With Lunch In Sausalito
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 5.5 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars
- Includes: local guide, snacks, water
This small group Muir Woods tour begins with a trip across the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. It then goes into the Muir Woods for hours of communing with nature and some of the oldest redwoods in the world.
After this, you will enjoy a tour around the city aboard a bus—you will surely have your fill of the city’s geography and culture. There are several pitstops for picture-taking opportunities.
Chinatown and San Francisco’s Little Italy are fun excursions, along with a quick visit to the impressive homes in Pacific Heights. Then, your group will head to the small town of Sausalito while enjoying a meal. You can simply breathe in and enjoy the relaxed and beautiful village.
“Our tour guide/driver (Jake) was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The SF stops were great and Muir Woods was fantastic. Really appreciated the water and snacks provided.”
-Tracy A. (read more reviews)
Book Small Group San Francisco & Muir Woods Tour Here!
6. Muir Woods And Sausalito Tour Plus Bay Cruise
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 6 hours
- Tour rating: 4/5 stars
- Includes: transportation in an air-conditioned bus, guide, admission to Muir Woods, bay cruise
Get lost in the beauty as you look at the redwood trees in all their majestic grandeur at the Muir Woods National Monument. This visit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—these trees are hundreds of years old and are witness to so much history. Go on a hike and follow the trails as you take in your surroundings.
You’ll see impressive angles of the Golden Gate Bridge from above and below as you drive across and glide underneath. This dual Muir Woods and Sausalio excursion is an excellent way to spend your morning in the Bay Area.
And finally, enjoy a trip to the charming little village of Sausalito, where you can make the most of being a tourist. Stroll along its waterfront pavements, pop in and out of the local shops and galleries, and have lunch in one of the outdoor cafes.
“This was a great experience! Highly recommend it. Seeing the giant redwoods has been on my bucket list for a very long time and I was not disappointed.”
-Sandra O. (read more reviews)
Book Muir Woods And Sausalito Tour Here!
7. Muir Woods, Sausalito, SF, All In One Day!
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 6 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars
- Includes: transportation, local guide, water
This Muir Woods adventure is your best tour option if you want to see the highlights of San Francisco and all it can offer in just one day. It is great for small families and friend groups.
Explore the city on foot and find yourself in Chinatown, North Beach, and Haight Street. After the busy hustle and bustle of the city, escape to the Muir Woods National Monument and chill under the impressive, towering, and mighty redwood trees.
After letting your eyes and spirit indulge in the scenery, make the most of your Sausalito stop and treat yourself to some souvenir shopping from the many shops and upscale boutiques in the area. Spend your lunch hour enjoying this peaceful pocket of the city and admire and savor the waterfront community.
“Loved seeing all the neighborhoods, great stops for picture opportunities, and Muir Woods was worth the drive. Definitely go on this trip if you only have a day or two in the city.”
-Erin E. (read more reviews)
Book Muir Woods, Sausalito & SF Tour Here!
8. Muir Woods And Sausalito Small Group Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 4-5 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Includes: transportation in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van, entrance fee
On this San Francisco redwoods tour to Muir Woods you have four to six hours to have your fill of Muir Woods and Sausalito. Most San Francisco visitors would say that this is the perfect amount of time for a small group tour!
You will have the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge in your van on the way to Muir Woods. The views are just fantastic at this redwood haven, and you will have the opportunity to take dozens of amazing photos that you will treasure forever. The pictures will make you smile and reminisce every time you look back at them.
You can also spend hours lazing around the quaint village of Sausalito and take your time to browse through its art galleries, shops, and waterfront restaurants.
“Our tour guide was excellent. Walking through the woods and taking in the breathtaking beauty of the redwoods was the highlight of the trip.”
-Lenora D. (read more reviews)
Book Muir Woods & Sausalito Small Group Tour Here!
9. Muir Woods Tour Of California Coastal Redwoods
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3.5 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Includes: transportation, local guide, entrance fee to Muir Woods
Over three hours dedicated to exploring the Northern California redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument is time well spent. You don’t want to skip these impressive redwoods when you visit San Francisco – and this San Francisco tour to Muir Woods will ensure you don’t miss a thing!
From Fisherman’s Wharf, you will be driven to Muir Woods, and you will have your fill of the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge along the way. From here on, look up at the sky and see how tall the redwoods are after being on this earth for centuries.
“This was an excellent tour and our tour guide was absolutely wonderful! It was the perfect amount of time to spend at Muir Woods, and it was so informative.”
-Donna P. (read more reviews)
Book Muir Woods Redwood Tour Here!
10. Muir Woods And Sausalito Half-Day Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 5 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Includes: transportation, tour guide, entrance fee to Muir Woods
This tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito is five hours long and begins early in the morning. After the excursion, you’ll still have most of the afternoon to explore the vibrant San Francisco city on your own.
The tour consists of a half-day trip to the impressive Muir Woods National Monument. All the necessary transportation and entrance fees are already included, so all you need to do is enjoy the preserved land where redwood trees stand in their full grandeur.
For the rest of the morning, you can take leisurely walks in Sausalito and take pictures along the Bridgeway Promenade and Sausalito Boardwalks. After this, you’ll head back to San Francisco by ferry.
“We loved Muir Woods. It was a nice little hike and so beautiful! Sausalito was such a cute little town too! Our guide was very knowledgeable.”
-Kathryn S. (read more reviews)
Book Muir Woods And Sausalito Half-Day Tour Here!
11. Small Group Half-Day Muir Woods And Sausalito Morning Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 4 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Includes: transportation, guide
Nothing can beat mornings spent in Muir Woods and then heading out for an early brunch in Sausalito. This Muir Woods National Monument and Sausalito tour ensures you enjoy a very memorable morning in two of San Francisco’s best spots and give your time back in the afternoon for anything else you want to do in the city.
This little adventure is only four hours long and begins in the morning, so you will surely enjoy the scenery as your van heads to Muir Woods. The tight curves going to this redwood paradise are a fun initial thrill, and once you are there, you’ll be amazed at the height of the redwoods.
Cap this short morning adventure with a brunch in Sausalito and spend your remaining morning walking along the boardwalks and visiting the galleries.
“Wonderful experience with a friendly guide, Muir woods and Sausalito were awesome! In the morning is the way to go!“
-Olga P. (read more reviews)
Book Small Group Half-Day Muir Woods Tour Here!
12. Big Bus Muir Woods Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3.5 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Includes: Bus tours to Muir Woods
When you visit San Francisco, you must indulge in the best sights in the city. There is no better way to do this than spending three hours exploring the beautiful redwoods on a Muir Woods self guided tour!
Hop into this Muir Woods bus tour for a hassle-free trip. This tour is for everybody, so you can expect your ride to be wheelchair-accessible with lifts to make sure that everyone can enjoy this quick escapade.
As you drive to Muir Woods, you will pass by the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County headlands, and on the way back to the city, you’ll pass through the picturesque seaside of Sausalito.
Being surrounded by these towering redwood trees and the impressive flora and fauna of the area is an incredible experience of a lifetime!
“Our bus tour guide was wonderful! The weather was perfect with beautiful sunshine streaming through the giant trees. It felt like we were in a magical place.”
-Jill F. (read more reviews)
Book Muir Woods Tour Bus Here!
13. San Francisco To Muir Woods Shuttle
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 4 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars
- Includes: guide, water
A direct round trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods and back without hassle, haggling, or stress—perfect, right? This Muir Woods shuttle tour provides you with transportation that departs from Fisherman’s Wharf, and from then on, you can expect the next four hours to be enjoyable and all pre-arranged.
Upon your arrival at Muir Woods, you can explore this expansive preserve at your own pace. You can follow the walking trails, hike, or spend some time at the visitor center. Of course, you can take advantage of the view of the Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean from above.
The redwoods have been there for more than 1,000 years, and this area is also home to some of the oldest living things in the world. If you have any questions, you can ask your knowledgeable guide.
Book Muir Woods Shuttle Tour Here!
14. Bike The Golden Gate Bridge And Shuttle Tour To Muir Woods
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 8 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars
- Includes: bike, helmet, shuttle to Muir Woods
This is a whole-day event that promises exciting adventures. The Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods tour begins by meeting your guide at Fisherman’s Wharf. You will board the minibus shuttle as the group heads to Muir Woods for an hour of exploring picturesque redwood trees.
You will have lunch in Sausalito afterward—you will surely enjoy the impressive background of the San Francisco bay area. After these two main activities, you will be driven back to San Francisco to explore the rest of the city, take in the views, and cruise on all-day rented e-bikes to your heart’s content until 6 PM.
“We really enjoyed the Muir Woods Tour and other stops with Sully as our guide. Biking the Golden Gate with the E-Bikes was an experience we will have forever, and NEVER forget.”
-Barbara A. (read more reviews)
Book Golden Gate Bridge And Muir Woods Tour Here!
15. Alcatraz And Muir Woods Express Tour With Golden Gate Bridge Visit
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 5-7 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars
- Includes: Alcatraz entry ticket, ferry tickets, bus to Muir Woods
Touring three of San Francisco’s best locations in seven hours makes for a fantastic day in the city. This Muir Woods and Alcatraz tour includes the Muir Woods, where you can feel, touch, and be surrounded by 1,000-year-old redwoods.
A visit to the Bay Area is incomplete without a walk and a photo shoot along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure that you take snaps from different angles! You can always ask your tour guide about the best vantage points on the bridge.
Finally, you will head to Alcatraz or the infamous Prison Island, where you can walk around and learn all about the Cell Block. A comprehensive audio tour is included in the tour package.
“Arriving at Muir Woods before the park opened provided a quiet experience. The visit to the Golden Gate Bridge visitors center was a nice addition that I wasn’t expecting.”
-Timothy T. (read more reviews)
Book Alcatraz And Muir Woods Express Tour Here!
I hope this list has helped you find just the right Muir Woods tour for your trip to San Francisco!
Looking for more things to do in California? Here are a few other popular posts that you may enjoy:
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This post is written by Laura. Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 30,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here.
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