Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Tour

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  • Day TourDaily departures at 7:15am & 1:15pm
  • Pick Up Location(s)Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
  • Duration Half Day (~ 5 hours)
  • TransportationBiofueled mini-coach (generally 13 max, possibly up to 23)

Spend a morning (or afternoon) among some of the oldest, tallest trees on Earth on this half-day Muir Woods tour from San Francisco. Getting into Muir Woods takes planning, since every visitor needs an advance parking or shuttle reservation and spots often sell out weeks ahead. With us, that’s all taken care of. Park entry is included and we pick you up at your hotel, so all you need to bring is your camera.

You’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge, stop for photos of the bridge and skyline, and then have 60 to 90 minutes to wander the boardwalks beneath coastal redwoods up to 1,200 years old. From there, we head to Sausalito for free time on the waterfront to browse the shops, grab a coffee, and take in views across the bay. Ride back with your guide, or stay a little longer and catch the ferry home.

Looking for more ways to escape the city? Explore all of our San Francisco excursions for day trips and adventures departing from the heart of the city. Click here to see this week’s Weekly Deals!

Important Update: Sausalito Ferry Service:

Effective May 4, 2026 – May 7, 2027

Due to the temporary suspension of Blue & Gold Fleet operations from Sausalito, we have updated our tour procedures to ensure you still have a seamless experience returning from the waterfront.

What You Need to Know:

The Ferry is Still Running: You can still enjoy a scenic boat ride back to San Francisco! The Golden Gate Ferry remains fully operational, providing service from Sausalito to the Ferry Building (Embarcadero).

No Advance Tickets: Pre-purchased ferry tickets are currently unavailable. You can easily pay for your fare at the pier using a Credit/Debit Card or a Clipper Card.

Departure

Daily departures at 7:15am & 1:15pm.

Highlights

  • Muir Woods entrance fee included, with no parking or shuttle reservation needed
  • Hotel pickup in San Francisco, plus small-group mini-coach transportation
  • 60 to 90 minutes to explore the old-growth redwood boardwalks
  • A drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, with a photo stop for the bridge and skyline
  • Free time on the Sausalito waterfront, with bay and skyline views
  • Morning departure gets you into the park before the midday crowds

Price Includes

  • Complimentary pickup - AM Departure - Hilton Union Square and Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf - PM Departure - Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf and Joinery in Sausalito
  • Full-time professional, knowledgeable guide
  • Muir Woods entrance fee
  • Free time to explore Sausalito (45 min + more if you choose to take the ferry!)
  • Transportation to/from Muir Woods & Sausalito by minicoach

Price Excludes

  • Meals(stops will be made to purchase food)
  • Sausalito-to-SF ferry ticket (available to purchase at the ferry terminal)
  • Guide Gratuity(customary 15-20% of tour cost as per TripAdvisor tipping guide)

Tour of Muir Woods & Sausalito Itinerary

*These are sample itineraries for tours of Muir Woods and Sausalito. Please note that due to conditions outside of our control, your itinerary may be altered to best suit the groups’ needs.

While we guarantee that we’ll do our best to provide you with all of our Muir Woods and Sausalito tour highlights (conditions permitting), we do not guarantee them in this specific order.

Depending on passenger numbers and guest needs, your tour may be moved to a larger vehicle or operated by a preferred partner company. In this case, there may be slight differences in the itinerary and times. We will communicate the exact details to you in your confirmation.

Please be advised that during your tour with us, it is possible that your group may be joined by guests from one of our other tours for the return journey to San Francisco. While we strive to provide dedicated transportation for each tour group, occasionally circumstances may require us to combine groups for logistical reasons. Rest assured, we prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the entirety of your experience with us. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

7:15am & 1:30pm:

Our morning Muir Woods and Sausalito tour begins as you make your way to the pre-arranged pick-up spots – 7:15am – Hilton San Francisco Union Square – 333 O’Farrell St (MASON ST side entrance) or 7:35am – Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf – 2500 Mason Street (NORTH POINT loading zone).

PLEASE NOTE – both pickup locations are side entrances to meet your Incredible Adventures guide and vehicle.

Our afternoon Muir Woods and Sausalito tour begins as you make your way to the pre-arranged pick-up spots – 1:15pm – Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf – 2500 Mason Street (NORTH POINT loading zone) or 2:00pm – Joinery restaurant (300 Turney Street) in Sausalito.

Cross the Bridge:

From the cozy vantage of the mini-coach, take in panoramic scenes that span the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the boat-speckled bay.

We’ll next make a very brief stop in Sausalito, possibly picking up more guests from our other tours, before continuing our journey. Then, we’ll take the winding coastal mountain path through the Marin Headlands where you’ll see the base of Mt. Tamalpais (the highest point in the North Bay region) before we arrive in the cool, shaded canyon home to these special coastal redwoods.

See the Trees:

Are you ready to feel small beside a redwood? You’ll step off the mini-coach into a wonderland of greenery. On our redwood tours from San Francisco, you’ll have an hour to 90 minutes to wander along the wooden boardwalks through the tallest species of tree in the world.

Due to the thick fog that blankets the west coast in the summer, redwoods only thrive in Northern California and Oregon. In 1908, Senator William Kent and his wife donated their land to the state and President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as a federally protected area.

Muir Woods is the only surviving stand of old-growth forest in the Bay Area. Wandering amongst these towering giants is sure to reconnect you with a natural world that was almost lost forever.

Free Time in Sausalito:

From Muir Woods, it’s a short drive to Sausalito, a picturesque town that starts with hilltop mansions and spills down to boutique shops and cafes along the waterfront.

The pier offers a panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and Angel Island. Take it all in on our Sausalito tours with an in-coach narrated tour and 45 minutes to explore. Then, loop around for the return trip to San Francisco.

You can also choose to hop off the coach and linger at one of the sidewalk cafes, shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, or sample freshly caught seafood before taking the optional ferry back to the city on our Sausalito tours.

Home Again:

Our morning Muir Woods and Sausalito tour drops-off at 12:15pm at Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf.

Our afternoon Muir Woods and Sausalito tour drops-off at 6:00pm at Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf and at 6:15pm at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.

Taking the Ferry

Take the ferry back to San Francisco* and spend more time exploring Sausalito at your own pace!

Sausalito is located to the north of the Golden Gate Bridge and began as a hub for car, ferry, and rail traffic to reach the city. After World War II, its industry focus shifted, transforming it into a wealthy and artistic residential and tourist area.

You can choose to take the ferry back to San Francisco, ferry tickets can be purchased at the ferry dock, and the driver will drop you off before heading back to the city. 

Taking the ferry back from Sausalito will afford you amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco city skyline from the north. Don’t forget your jacket, though – it can get chilly out on the bay!

You’ll disembark the ferry in the Embarcadero area where you can easily hail a cab or take the cable car back to your hotel.

Book Our Muir Woods with Sausalito Half-Day tour as a private tour

This tour is now available to book as a private excursion for up to 22 guests. You’ll receive the same itinerary and inclusions that our typical tour would provide, plus personal one-on-one attention from your guide and the ability to choose who you’ll bring with you.

Feeling like making some changes or additions to the itinerary? Contact us and we can create a quote for a custom experience across any of the 50 states.

Reserve your Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour as a private excursion now!

Our rates are based on group size. After clicking below and choosing an available date, select how many travelers will be in your group.

Private tour for 1-13 guests: $1,179 total
Private tour for 14-22 guests: $1,789 total

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch between the morning and afternoon departure if my plans change?

Switching between the morning and afternoon departure depends on availability and booking terms. Please contact Customer Support.

Will there be photo stops of the Golden Gate Bridge?

Yes, the tour includes a scenic stop for photos of the Golden Gate Bridge before heading into Muir Woods.

Are meals included, and are there food options during the tour?

Meals are not included. You are more than welcome to bring your own snacks.

Is this tour a guided walk inside Muir Woods or self-guided exploration?

You’ll have about 60–90 minutes of free time to walk the boardwalks in Muir Woods at your own pace — informative commentary is provided by the guide but the walk is self-paced.

Can I join the tour if I arrive late to the pickup point?

Late arrivals may miss departure, it’s best to arrive at least 10–15 minutes early at the pickup location so the tour can depart on schedule.

Do I need a Muir Woods reservation if I book this tour?

No. Visitors who drive need an advance parking or shuttle reservation, but your tour covers park entry and arrival logistics. Just meet us at your pickup point.

Is the Muir Woods entrance fee included?

Yes. The park entrance fee is included in your tour price.

How long do we spend in Muir Woods?

You’ll have about 60 to 90 minutes to walk the boardwalks at your own pace. That’s enough time to complete the main loop through Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove.

Should I book the morning or the afternoon departure?

The 7:15am departure arrives before the midday crowds, so the forest is at its quietest. You’ll be back at Fisherman’s Wharf around 12:15pm with the afternoon free. The 1:15pm departure works well if you’d like a slower morning, and it returns around 6:00 to 6:15pm.

Is this tour good for kids?

Yes. The main trail is flat and easy for most ages, and the redwoods are a hit with kids. [Confirm the minimum age, child pricing, and whether car seats or boosters are provided.]

What should I wear?

Bring layers. The forest is often 10 to 20 degrees cooler than San Francisco, and fog is common even in summer. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and add a light jacket for the ferry if you take it.

Can I stay in Sausalito longer?

Yes. You can leave the tour in Sausalito and take the Golden Gate Ferry back to the Ferry Building on your own schedule. Ferry tickets aren’t included.

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