There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a forest of towering redwoods. Light filters through the canopy high above, footsteps are muffled on soft forest trails, and time seems to slow under the gaze of trees that have stood for hundreds, sometimes over a thousand, years.
When it comes to where to see redwoods in California, two favorite spots often top the list: Muir Woods National Monument and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Both offer incredible encounters with some of the tallest trees on Earth, but depending on your travel plans, adventure style, and time constraints, one may be a better fit than the other.
At Incredible Adventures, our range of tours from San Francisco includes trips to some of Northern California’s most iconic sights and hidden gems, including Muir Woods! And our custom and private tours in San Francisco and beyond allow for bespoke itineraries tailored around you. So, if you’re considering a visit to Muir Woods or Armstrong Redwoods, or even both, here’s our insider comparison to help you plan your perfect experience.
What Makes California’s Redwoods So Special?
The coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) found in Northern California are the tallest trees on the planet, with some reaching well over 350 feet. And what’s even more staggering is that these gentle giants can live for more than 2,000 years! Walking among them is not just a nature walk — it’s a humbling reminder of the scale and age of the natural world.
These redwood forests are not only visually stunning but ecologically vital, providing a habitat for wildlife, stabilizing watersheds, and helping fight climate change by capturing large amounts of carbon.
Whether it’s your first time seeing these trees or your tenth, it never gets old. And better yet, a redwood experience is jaw-dropping for all ages, which is why we included a trip to Muir Woods in our picks for fun things to do with kids in San Francisco.
Muir Woods National Monument: Iconic and Accessible
Just a short 30 to 45 minute drive from San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument is one of the most accessible old-growth redwood forests in California. Tucked into a peaceful canyon on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais, this federally protected site is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
What makes Muir Woods so popular is the balance it strikes between wilderness and accessibility. Its well-maintained boardwalk and paved trails make it ideal for families, casual hikers, and travelers of all ages. The trees here are truly impressive, with some reaching nearly 260 feet tall and more than 600 years old. You’ll feel their ancient presence the moment you step beneath the canopy.
As a designated National Monument within easy reach of San Francisco, Muir Woods does see significant foot traffic, especially during weekends and holidays. This will be something to keep in mind if you’re looking to truly escape the hustle and bustle of the city. But a well-timed visit can easily avoid the busiest hours.
If you’re looking to discover as much of Northern California as possible during your stay, the good news is that our Muir Woods tours are all combination packages, so you can really make the most of your time while on the road!
If you’ve got a taste for the finer things in life, we think you’ll love our Muir Woods with Napa and Sonoma Wine Country tour. Looking to combine three famous Bay Area experiences in one day? Our Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour ticks every box! And for a whole new perspective on things, and an adrenaline rush, don’t miss the Muir Woods Tour with Seaplane or Helicopter Adventure.
And these options are only the beginning… There are even more ways to experience the beauty of the Bay Area with a visit to Muir Woods!
Best of all, with our eco-tours, there’s no need to worry about driving, parking reservations, or trail maps — our expert guides take care of the details so you can simply enjoy the forest.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: Peaceful and Off the Beaten Path
If you’re looking for a quieter, more rustic alternative, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County is well worth the drive. Located about 75 miles north of San Francisco near the town of Guerneville, this 805-acre state park is home to some truly massive redwoods. While most of the trees here grow to around 200 to 250 feet, the two largest specimens are the Parson Jones Tree (over 310 feet) and the Colonel Armstrong Tree (around 308 feet). The latter is also believed to be the oldest tree in the reserve, dating back an incredible 1,400 years. However, most of the other trees are between 500 and 1,000 years old.
Due to its distance from San Francisco, Armstrong offers a serene, more secluded experience, with fewer visitors and a peaceful atmosphere. The trails are less developed than those at Muir Woods, which makes it perfect for those who prefer a more natural and less structured walk through the forest.
The surrounding Russian River area is also known for its wineries, river activities, and charming small towns. So, if you’re planning a wine country getaway, Armstrong Redwoods can be a great addition to your itinerary.
While Armstrong isn’t quite as easy to access as Muir Woods — there’s no shuttle system or regular tour service — our tailor-made custom tours in and from San Francisco can help. Our expert trip planners are happy to work with you to design a specialty tour for your private group, family, or organization. Whether you’re a photographer, family, or couple wanting to explore at your own pace, we can design the perfect day or multi-day trip.
Muir Woods vs Armstrong Redwoods: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a quick overview to help you compare these two breathtaking locations in Northern California:
| Feature | Muir Woods | Armstrong Redwoods |
| Distance from SF | ~16 miles (30–45 mins) | ~75 miles (1 hr 45 mins) |
| Access | Tours, shuttle, limited parking | Car required or private tour |
| Trails | Paved, accessible, boardwalks | Natural dirt trails, more rustic |
| Crowds | Popular & well-visited | Quiet & less crowded |
| Tree Height | Up to ~260 feet | Up to ~310 feet |
| Nearby Attractions | Sausalito, Muir Beach, Point Reyes | Russian River, Sonoma wineries |
| Best For | First-time visitors, short trips | Nature lovers, photographers, wine country travelers |
If you’ve come this far, we can assume you’re a nature enthusiast! So, we think you will also appreciate our blog Wildlife Watching Opportunities in Northern California. It’s filled with local insights about encounters with some of our state’s most famous and fascinating creatures!
Which California Redwood Experience is Right for You?
If you’re short on time, visiting San Francisco without a rental car, or simply want a stress-free and iconic redwood experience, Muir Woods is your best bet. It offers awe-inspiring beauty in a compact, convenient package — especially when paired with a guided tour that handles all the logistics.
If you’re looking for a more secluded adventure or planning a longer day out in Sonoma County, Armstrong Redwoods offers a quieter alternative, perfect for nature lovers and repeat redwood explorers. And if you’re having trouble choosing, why not do both?
Our custom private tours make it easy to design a redwood experience tailored just for you.
Plan Your Redwood Experience with Incredible Adventures
At Incredible Adventures, we make it easy to connect with our country’s nature in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re standing in awe under the redwood giants of Muir Woods or wandering the tranquil trails of Armstrong Redwoods, we’re here to help you make the most of your Northern California adventure.
Join one of our small-group Muir Woods tours from San Francisco, or let us help you plan a private tour in Northern California that fits your pace, interests, and travel plans. We’ll take care of the transportation, logistics, and insider knowledge — all you have to do is show up and look up!
Ready to walk among giants? Let’s start planning your redwoods experience today! And if you have any questions for our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
