Discover Muir Woods: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to California's Coastal Redwoods
One of the very best things to do in Marin County is to Immerse in the Coastal Redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument, a crown jewel of our National Park System and an only-in-Marin experience. This comprehensive guide provides our Marin Hotels guests with everything you need to know to have a spectacular visit.
Muir Woods: What To Know Before You Go
You need to reserve your spot in advance, no exceptions! The reservation is actually for your parking space, or your seat on the shuttle (weekends and holidays only). Parking is limited and strictly enforced, so plan ahead with the information provided below:
The parking reservation cost is determined by the size of your vehicle. You are guaranteed a spot within walking distance to the entrance to Muir Woods.
Your parking reservation is designated 30-minute arrival window, and if you have a standard, EV, or ADA vehicle you can stay all day. Larger vehicles are limited to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Park hours are 8am to Sunset, 365 days a year (barring emergencies), with some seasonal variations on hours.
The drive to Muir Woods from our Marin Hotels is about 10 minutes (Mill Valley Inn), 15 minutes (Acqua Hotel), and 25 minutes (Waters Edge Hotel). Close proximity to our hotels means you may choose to select a less-crowded reservation time at the beginning or the end of the day.
There is a park entry fee for everyone over 16, available for purchase in advance with your shuttle or parking pass or at the entrance.
The weekend and holiday shuttle will take you round trip from Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal Parking, located about 10-15 minutes from any of our hotels. You will park your car at Larkspur Landing while you leave the Muir Woods journey to the shuttle driver.
There is no internet access at Muir Woods! Download directions, parking and shuttle tickets before you go!
Reserve your spot to Muir Woods here
Getting to Muir Woods
Expect some steep roads and sharp turns during your drive to Muir Woods! Here are maps to Muir Woods from each of our hotels, just click the link to preview your trip (give the map a second to load):
Getting to Muir Woods from Mill Valley Inn
Getting to Muir Woods from Waters Edge Hotel
Getting to Muir Woods from Acqua Hotel
It’s worth saying again, there is either no or spotty cell phone service at Muir Woods, so download your directions in advance.
How To Have the Best Muir Woods Experience
John Muir said "In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks." That means every walk from an amble to a strenuous hike. Muir Woods offers both and everything in between in this patch of rare Coastal Redwoods. Below is practical information to enhance your Muir Woods experience:
Get Oriented: There is a visitor center, a good place to get oriented if you feel like you want a lay of the land before you start your visit. The National Park has lots of information for you to read in advance
Ranger Talks: Rangers do 15-minute talks at Founders Grove every day. Typically at 10:15 and 11:15, with a 3:15 added May-September. These talks are free and inspirational!
Ranger Walks: Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday Rangers host a free 1-hour guided tour starting at 11am at the Entry Archway. No registration required for this leisurely half-mile stroll on an accessible trail
Muir Woods at Night: For night owls, there is a monthly night tour! Every month January - October on the last Friday of the month you can learn about what is awake in the woods after dark. Advance registration required, limited capacity. You will be driving back to the hotel on dark and windy roads so keep that in mind!
Check out the full Muir Woods Calendar here
Learn more about Muir Woods National Monument here
Walk The Woods: During your time in Muir Woods you will walk at your own pace, look up, and breathe deep. The typical visit is around 90-minutes, but if you are an enthusiastic hiker you can easily spend all day.
Here are the most popular walks and hikes in Muir Woods
Lunch and Snacks: Muir Woods Cafe has some good lunch options. Please note, picnicking is not allowed in the Park
Final tip for your best Muir Woods experience is bring a jacket. Even in the summer. The woods can be chilly!
Attractions Near Muir Woods
While you’re in the area we suggest a couple of only-in-Marin excursions to create a peak nature day on Mt. Tamalpais:
A quiet local’s beach just 3 miles from Muir Woods, this spot is a contrast to the woods in the best way possible.
Driving Directions from Muir Woods to Muir Beach
Walk the stairs down to the edge of the cliff for expansive Pacific Ocean views (warning to those with a fear of heights!).
Driving Directions From Muir Beach to Muir Beach Overlook
Learn more about Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook here
Download the maps before you head out!
See you out there!
