By Joe Kukura

 

The famous Marin County redwood forests of Muir Woods are an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves nature. But to keep this national monument pristine, the park instituted a Muir Woods parking and reservation system earlier this year. All vehicles and shuttles entering Muir Woods now require a reservation for entry. Fortunately, these reservations are affordable and easy to make—and still not required of visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle.

The reservation system helps protect the park’s irreplaceable natural beauty, as Muir Woods now draws nearly a million visitors annually. Reservations for parking spots ($9.50) and shuttle rides ($3.50, kids 15 and under free) can be placed up to 90 days in advance of your trip at GoMuirWoods.com, or by calling 1-800-410-2419. The reservations system also gives you the option of purchasing your separate Muir Woods entrance fee of $15.00 which applies to anyone 16 and older.

It’s easy to make Muir Woods parking or shuttle reservations online. Select the date you’d like to visit on the calendar in the top right corner, then click the Reserve Now button. You’ll have the option to choose the number of seats or vehicle spots you’ll need before making your shuttle or parking spot reservations.

Be sure to print or download your reservations after you’ve made them, as there is no Wi-Fi or cellphone service at the natural getaway of Muir Woods. You’re encouraged to make reservations as early as possible, particularly for holiday or weekend visits.

The Muir Woods Shuttle brings visitors from off-site locations to the park and back. The shuttle serves Larkspur Landing on weekends and holidays and the Sausalito Ferry Terminal on select summer weekdays. The tickets are round-trip. Visitors booking shuttle reservations do not need a parking reservation. Shuttle tickets are $3.50 per adult, and children 15 and younger ride free. Please review the additional information about the Muir Woods Shuttle below.

That’s right, you can take a ferry boat from San Francisco, ride across the bay, and get picked up by the Muir Woods shuttle in Sausalito or Larkspur. It’s a picturesque day for San Francisco visitors, combining the most beautiful sights of both the land and the sea, and leaving all of the driving to someone else.

Muir Woods’ operating hours begin at 8 a.m. every day of the week. The park hours vary seasonally so check the times before making a visit.

Muir Woods is an incomparably magical forest experience, and you’ll want to get to know the nearby magic of restaurants and places to stay in Marin County. So make reservations to visit the renowned Muir Woods National Monument, a famed forest that you’ll find to be your neck of the woods. 

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.