The Solo Scale:

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If you’re already in San Francisco, one of the most popular tourist draws is to visit the redwood trees. You can do that by visiting Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. There’s another option. Stay closer and visit the popular Muir Woods National Monument.

When I visited San Francisco, I used a Gray Line tour which combined a quick stop in Sausalito, which felt like extra value for money. The tour meets up in Fisherman’s Wharf in the morning, but be cautious. This is where all the tours leave from, so pay extra attention to which bus is going in which direction or you may end up terribly surprised.

It won’t take very long to reach Muir Woods. Within minutes of your departure, there’s a photo stop at the other end of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re lucky enough to get a sunny day, you’ll get some fantastic photos. This is a quick ten-minute stop, so don’t think that you’ll have time to linger. Soon, you’re continuing on to Muir Woods through winding roads in the woods.

From there, you’ll continue onward to Muir Woods. This is your drop-off spot near the visitor’s centre and the gift shop. There are some very tight spots in this gift shop, so careful if you’re bringing a backpack. Your tickets are part of your tour fee, so you don’t have to worry about having to buy your admission. Before you’re turned loose, you’re told what time to meet for your departure for Sausalito.

One nice thing about Muir Woods is that the canopy shade from the trees will instantly take the temperature down a few degrees, so if you’re visiting on a particularly toasty day, this will help to keep things temperate and under control.

Then, you can explore to your heart’s content! Just as with the photo stop, you get a time limit and then you can decide where you want to go. Throughout the whole area, it’s impossible not to be awestruck by the sheer size and scope of these redwoods. They’re massive and truly towering that make you feel quite inconsequential. On the ground are untouched and preserved areas of clover that will tempt you to lie down, but you’ll need to stick to the raised wooden paths.

One thing that is unfortunate is that it is a fairly popular destination. That means that as you approach areas like Cathedral Grove which ask for silence, you’re not likely to get it. During my visit, it happened to be the noisiest part of the forest between children screaming, people having conversations, and a general noise factor. However, the whole of Muir Woods is incredible and you can find true peace and respite during your visit, even if conditions aren’t ideal in just one section.

To truly explore Muir Woods would take hours, if not days. If you opt for a day-trip, you’ll have to pick and choose what you want to do.

Next up will be a small stop in the quaint little seaside town of Sausalito. There’s not that much time here, so you won’t be able to do any sit-down meals. There’ll be enough time for a light bite, some ice cream, or shop if the stores are open.

If you don’t want to rush back to San Francisco, you can stay in Sausalito and take the ferry back. This is an option you’ll have to pay out of pocket for, but that means not sitting in traffic to get back to the drop-off spot.

I opted to take the bus back into the city because I wanted to explore the Wharf after I returned. However, if I had more time, Sausalito would have been an incredible way to end the day. Overall, this trip will take you the better part of your day, so I wouldn’t plan anything else other than a dinner. Still, between the peaceful nature, the stop at the bridge, and the Sausalito exploration, it’s a great combination for a single day in San Francisco.

Ready to get lost in the woods? Book your trip today!

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