Muir Woods And Point Reyes: Beautiful Views, Epic Hikes

Looking for the ultimate day trip from San Francisco? Muir Woods National Monument and Point Reyes National Seashore offer an unforgettable blend of towering old-growth redwoods and breathtaking coastal views. From the majestic serenity of Muir Woods’ ancient trees to the expansive shoreline of Point Reyes, these parks promise awe-inspiring natural beauty.

In this guide, I’ll share highlights from our adventure and practical tips for planning your own Muir Woods and Point Reyes day trip. Whether you’re exploring San Francisco or its surrounding areas, be sure to add this easy itinerary to your list. Packed with stunning hikes, scenic stops, and unforgettable views, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!

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Muir Woods National Monument & Point Reyes National Seashore Day Trip Itinerary: Epic Views and Hikes

Golden Gate Bridge Views at Battery Spencer

After you get breakfast in San Francisco, you’ll want to cross the Golden Gate Bridge to get across the Bay and start your Muir Woods and Point Reyes adventure. I highly recommend you take some time and stop at Battery Spencer for epic views of the most iconic San Francisco scene, The Golden Gate Bridge. Once you cross the bridge into Sausalito, you’ll want to follow your directions to Battery Spencer. Depending on the time, it could be very busy as it’s one of the most popular destinations to view the bridge. You may witness photoshoots and tons of selfies as these panoramic views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge are worth remembering.

Explore Historic Coastal Defense at Battery Spencer

Behind this iconic view are the remnants that started here shortly after the Civil War. This gave the army a birds eye view allowing them to protect San Francisco and the United States from potential incoming attacks. Starting with 15-inch cannonball shooting guns and in the late 1800s were replaced with newer 12-inch rifled guns. As you explore, you’ll come across fort-like structures that have stood the test of time. These remnants allow you to imagine what it might have been like over 100 years ago, when they were crucial in defending the California coast.

Explore Ancient Redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument

Seeing old-growth redwood trees has been on our bucket list and Muir Woods National Monument did not disappoint. As a federally protected National Monument since 1908, thousands visit this primeval forest yearly. What we loved the most about this park is how easy it was to customize our hike with its versatile trails and options. Oh, and the amazing, giant redwood trees, too!

Located just 30 minutes north of San Francisco and only about a 10-minute drive from Muir Beach Overlook—the next stop on your day trip adventure—this densely wooded forest, covered in old-growth coastal redwoods, moss, and lush ferns, makes for a perfect and easy day trip.

There is so much to experience in Muir Woods, but you are on an adventure to see two incredible parks in one day so I will lay out how we were able to visit and still have time to experience Point Reyes below.

How To Visit Muir Woods National Monument

This is the first official stop on your Muir Woods and Point Reyes day trip and there are a few things to be aware of before visiting this beloved park. From parking passes to entry fees, this is what you need to know before visiting Muir Woods National Monument.

Entry To Muir Woods National Monument

Hours & Days of Operation
Muir Woods is open 8 am to 8 pm and the visitor center is open 8 am to 30 minutes before the park closes. The park is usually open 365 days, however, there may be unforeseen circumstances that cause park closure. Be sure to check the NPS Before You Go info for the most up-to-date information

Entry Fee for Muir Woods National Monument
$15 per adult (16+) and free per child (15-). Fourth graders, Veterans, and Gold Star Families can visit for free. Muir Woods Annual Pass and America the Beautiful National Park Annual Passes are both accepted but do not include parking.

Trip Planning in Muir Woods National Monument

Reservations for parking at Muir Woods National Monument
It is now required to make a reservation to enter Muir Woods. To do so, book your reservation at GoMuirWoods.com or call 1-800-410-2419. You will want to download your reservation as there is no cell phone or WIFI service in and near the park. Standard vehicles cost $9, and medium to large vehicles cost $30+. You can also utilize shuttle services by reservation starting at $3.50 for adults (16+), children 15- are free. You must have a parking reservation for a specific time or you will be turned away at the entrance. Even if you have an annual parks pass, you will need to make a reservation.

Maps & Planning Tools: Download the free NPS app for offline map access to every National Park. Do not expect reliable phone or WIFI service while exploring Muir Woods.

Hiking in Muir Woods National Monument

After parking, we entered Muir Woods National Monument and were greeted by the Visitor Center. Here is where you pay your entrance fee and a wooded arch sign welcoming us to the park. This is a great photo-op! The trail starts as a plank surface and takes you past the Muir Woods Trading Company, a small gift shop. If you need the bathroom this is your only chance as there are no restrooms throughout the park. You’ll also encounter the Redwood Cross-Section from a tree that fell in 1930. The concentric rings reveal that they started to grow a little over 1000 years ago. Did you know if left uninterrupted, Redwoods can live and grow for over 2000 years?

As you continue your hike, you’ll notice a bridge nearby the gift shop. You will want to continue along the Main Trail passing Bridge 1. Why? What is really cool about this park is that you can customize your trail experience. You’ll encounter multiple trailheads connected to the Main Trail including 4 bridges that cross Redwood Creek. These bridges help make your Muir Woods Main Trail hike versatile in length and time.

This allows you to be in control of your Muir Woods experience and how long you want to spend exploring. Reference this NPS map for a visual. Here is a rundown of the four bridges:

Trail Bridges of Muir Woods National Monument

• Bridge 1: You’ll encounter Bridge 1 right away, don’t cross this bridge just yet. You will cross this bridge later in your hike unless you choose to stick to the Main Trail only.
• Bridge 2: For a short 1/2-hour long, 1/2-mile loop trail, cross Bridge 2 and return taking the Bohemian Grove Trail. You will cross Bridge 1 on your return.
• Bridge 3: If you continue on the Main Trail, cross Bridge 3 for a 1-hour long, 1-mile loop. You’ll return along the Bohemian Grove Trail and could cross Bridges 1 and 2 to return to the main trail.
  Bridge 4: For the full 1.5-hour, 2-mile loop trail experience, hike out on the Main Trail to Bridge 4. You will return along the Hillside and Bohemian Grove Trails.

Note: You could cross the bridges at any point on your trip to modify your experience. Times are average assumptions, you may hike faster or take longer depending on what you do. If you stop to take in the scenery or take photos, your trip may be longer.

We took the Main Trail all the way through to Bridge 4. This made our trip a 2-mile loop returning back to the Hillside Trail and Bohemian Grove Trail. Along the trail, we encountered three notable groves of trees.

Notable Tree Groves in Muir Woods National Monument

• Founders Grove: Home to one of the biggest trees on the trail. The Pinchot Redwood is dedicated to a man known for his conservancy efforts, Gifford Pinchot. This tree is also the centerpiece of a small rest area where you can also experience Ranger-led programs. The Pinchot Redwood has a girth of 28.5 feet (from 4.5 feet up), and is 245 feet tall. Wow.
• Cathedral Grove: The tallest tree in this grove is 249 feet tall! Tree 76 was recently discovered to be 777 years old, half as old as originally believed (source). So interesting! This is a silent grove, it is asked you enjoy this part of the hike as quietly as possible. We were near a loud group that ruined it for us, so please be respectful of this.
• Bohemian Grove: This grove is great for learning about the health and ecology of Redwood trees. A fire from many years ago left scars on many surviving trees, including the Selfie Tree. This tree has a burn scar so large one can stand inside for a photo-op. You can also see a nurse log, a fallen tree other trees have grown from.

Visit Muir Beach Overlook For Panoramic Views

After visiting Muir Woods, head over to Muir Beach Overlook for more panoramic views of the Pacific. You can also see the Point Reyes Peninsula to your right and San Francisco to the left. This is a nice spot to visit before making the trek up north to Point Reyes National Seashore. Take a moment, relax, and enjoy these expansive, breathtaking views. More adventure and hiking lay ahead of you!

Discover Scenic Wonders at Point Reyes National Seashore

The last stop on your Muir Woods to Point Reyes day trip adventure is one of the most beautiful. The first thing I noticed about Point Reyes was how it felt like I was exploring the European countryside. These sweeping coastal views dotted with farmland and wide-open spaces are insanely breathtaking. You’ll find rocky headlands, brushy hillsides, forested ridges, grassland, and beaches, a little something for everyone. It’s serene, otherworldly, and beautiful.

There is a lot to see in Point Reyes National Seashore. Since this is half of your day, I am pointing out just a few experiences. Don’t worry, these are some of the most beautiful and possibly some of the most photographed destinations in Point Reyes. You’ll have time to see a lot!

How To Visit Point Reyes National Seashore

This is the second official stop on your Muir Woods and Point Reyes day. Here are a few things to be aware of before visiting this huge, coastal park. From parking passes to entry fees, this is what you need to know before visiting Point Reyes National Seashore

Entry To Point Reyes National Seashore

Hours & Days of Operation
Point Reyes is open 6 am-12 am and the visitor center is open 9:30 am-5 pm daily. The park is open 365 days, some hours may differ during official holidays.

Entry Fee for Point Reyes National Seashore
No entrance fee for this park

Trip Planning in Point Reyes National Seashore

Parking
Parking will vary depending on the point you are visiting. The destinations and trailheads mentioned in this itinerary all had free parking lots with ample space.

Maps & Planning Tools: Download the free NPS app for offline map access to every national park. Do not expect reliable phone or WIFI service while exploring Point Reyes.

The Iconic Point Reyes Shipwreck

This 100+-year-old decaying shipwreck on the shore of Tomales Bay is a top destination for photographers and travelers alike. As you drive into this part of Inverness, California, you’ll find this shipwreck behind the Inverness Store. There is parking nearby and some picnic benches in the back of the store if you want to make this a quick stop to grab a bite to eat.

This shipwreck is also known as the Tomales Bay Shipwreck, the SS. Point Reyes or the Inverness Shipwreck survives due to the intense interest of photographers and visitors alike. This is a fun, quick stop on your journey through Point Reyes and will give you a great photo-op.

Cypress Tree Tunnel & Historic KPH Maritime Radio Station at Point Reyes

One of the most popular destinations in Point Reyes is the Cypress Tree Tunnel. This tunnel created out of Monterey Cypress trees planted in 1930 is iconic. At the end of the tunnel, you’ll see the historic KPH Maritime Radio Station, a cool Art Deco building that was once a communication hub for this area.

South Beach Overlook and The Point Reyes Lighthouse

This secluded area features sweeping views of the Point Reyes Headlands and South Beach meets the Pacific Ocean. When we visited, the Point Reyes Lighthouse was still undergoing renovations. We were unable to check it out, however, we utilized the parking area which has ample spaces. On the drive, you’ll pass through several ranches and might witness some happy California cows running to get their meal. (I’ve never seen cows run before, cute!)

South Beach Overlook gives expansive views of the headlands and feels like you are exploring land never explored before. It’s so incredibly beautiful and feels endless as you look out to the sea.

Whale Watching at Sea Lion Overlook

It’s tiny, but if you look in the center of the image you’ll see a small black speck. This was a pod of whales! I did not have a telephoto lens with me so I did the best I could with what I had. It was so awesome to see!

South Beach Overlook is easily accessed from a narrow dirt path with a slight incline. Sea Lion Overlook can be seen from the opposite side of the parking lot along a dirt path. The actual overlook is a bit down the road, however, we felt this view was similar enough. If you visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse, expect a steep downhill walk to the edge of the cliff.

Chimney Rock Hike at Point Reyes

Our last hike of the day, and most taxing and exhausting was Chimney Rock. This 1.75-mile out-and-back trail takes you through a narrow peninsula. You will have vast views of Drakes Bay and the coastline stretching to the southeast. Almost immediately after starting your hike, you will encounter an iconic building with a red-orange roof. I’m not 100% sure if this is someone’s home, but it makes for such an idyllic photo op. On the trail, you’ll see a swooping tree which is also very photogenic. The rest of your hike is going to mostly be out in the open.

Since we’ve been hiking all day, this trail felt very strenuous to us. We misread the trailhead and thought it was a .2-mile hike, but realized it was almost a 2-mile hike. Oops! This was the perfect end to our day. The hike to the edge of Chimney Rock gave us a peaceful, quiet time with nature. It gave us the perfect send-off from our epic 5-Day San Francisco trip. While I don’t think the hike is very hard when you are that tired it can feel more intense. The trail is a narrow dirt path. Some of it had grooves and uneven dirt which can make your feet and ankles feel tired.

It was 1000% worth it. The views were mind-bogglingly beautiful.

Wildlife Encounters at Chimney Rock

We encountered some animal friends along the trail. On the trail out, I was extra tired and this yellow butterfly followed me, fluttering ahead and waiting for me. It was almost as if it was saying “you got this, keep going”. (I was that tired!). But what was so special is the association I have with yellow butterflies and my grandma. We also encountered deer and a coyote! On our return hike, I was trailing behind and taking in the views and froze when I saw it. We made eye contact and I panicked for just a moment. What are you supposed to do when encountering a coyote? My mind blanked. It felt like we had a silent communication. You don’t bother me, I won’t bother you. He soon trotted off, uninterested.

The story about the yellow butterfly.

After my grandma’s funeral, we visited a beach on the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio. I was heartbroken, trying to process the weight of losing her. Sitting by the water, searching for some sense of peace, I noticed a yellow butterfly. It hovered nearby, lingering longer than I expected, almost as if it didn’t want to leave.

In that moment, it felt like my grandma was saying hi, letting me know she was still with me in some way. Since then, I’ve come to believe that yellow butterflies are her little reminders. It’s happened twice more, but this was the first time—and it felt so profound. I’m glad I caught a photo of this butterfly during the hike; it was a fleeting but impactful moment, one I’ll never forget.

The end of the hike was so worth it for these views. There were some benches so you could relax and enjoy your reward for your hike. One of the most peaceful and serene hikes I can remember taking. So glad we pushed ourselves at the end of the day to do this one.

End Your Point Reyes Adventure

The day is wrapping up and it’s time to head back to your hotel.

On our adventure, we saw whales, dear, elk, cows, birds, butterflies, and coyotes. We saw some of the world’s biggest trees, endless ocean coastline, serene headlands, and expansive, and iconic city views. Pushed ourselves on the exhausting end-of-the-day hikes and relaxed in scenic and peaceful viewpoints. We had an incredible adventure exploring Muir Woods and Point Reyes, one we’ll never forget. While we didn’t see everything these incredible California parks have to offer, we were able to fit in a lot during our day.

Plan Your Muir Woods and Point Reyes Day Trip

Here is a handy summary of the post you read above. You can customize this and make it your own trip, or follow our adventure exactly. Either way, be prepared for an amazing adventure.

Point Reyes Half-Day Itinerary

• Breakfast in San Francisco
• Stop in Battery Spencer for an iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge
• Hike Muir Woods National Monument Main, Hillside, and Bohemian Grove trails
• Visit Muir Beach Overlook for expansive ocean views
• Stop for lunch or eat packed lunch in Inverness

Point Reyes Half-Day Itinerary

• Stop to view the Point Reyes Shipwreck at 3:00 pm
• Visit the Cypress Tree Tunnel
• Enjoy the drive to South Beach Overlook
• Enjoy the views of South Beach from the overlook
• Whale watch in Sea Lion Cove at Sea Lion Overlook
• End the day at Chimney Rock Trail Head and take in the amazing views
• Head back to your hotel

What to Save for Your Next Point Reyes Visit

While we experienced a lot, there were some views I wish we had more time for. If we are fortunate enough to return, here are the things I’d like to check out:

Alamere Falls: A Worthwhile Challenge

This 40-foot tall waterfall requires a 13-mile round-trip hike to visit. So, you can imagine you’ll need more than half a day to visit these falls and other views.

Point Reyes Lighthouse: A Historic Icon

When we visited, the lighthouse was closed due to renovations. I’d love to check it out sometime.

Beaches to Stroll and Explore

There are several beaches along the Point Reyes peninsula. We didn’t have time to explore any of them, but on our next visit, I’d love to walk along Drakes Beach, South & North Beach, Wildcat Beach, and more.

Tomales Point: A Wildlife Haven

This area, also known as Pierce Point, is located on the north end of Point Reyes. It’s known for its Tule Elk Reserve, birds, wildflowers, ranches, beaches, and more.

Charming Small Towns Around Point Reyes

Inverness, Seahaven, Point Reyes Station, and more have charming shops, campsites & cabins, restaurants, and more. I’d love to experience these places to get more of a full Point Reyes experience. Here are some places I’m intrigued by:

Eat: Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co, Heidrun Meadery, Cowgirl Creamery, Cafe Reyes, Station House Cafe, Olema House
Shop: Spirit Matters
Stay: Black Heron Inn, Dancing Coyote Beach Cottages, Inn at Roundstone Farm

I find the best way to find places is to explore Google Maps to see what’s around the destinations you want to visit.

Looking for more California adventures? Here are some posts we think you’ll like:
San Francisco to Big Sur: Iconic Views, Things To Do + Huge 5-Day Itinerary
Where To Stop Along The 17-Mile Drive in Monterey, California
A Quick Trip To Big Sur, California

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