Photo: Veronica Gomez Ibarra / UnsplashDay plan
Sausalito and Muir Woods Day Trip from San Francisco
Enjoy a perfect day among towering redwoods and breezy waterfronts.
- Leave
- 8:30 AM
- Back by
- 6:00 PM
- Driving
- 25 min each way
- Travelers
- Families
Drive times © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sausalito from San Francisco: 25 min each way by car · best for 2 adults and 2 kids (6–9) · hours checked for Saturday.
$0–$15
The total covers getting around for the whole party, plus food, gas and parking estimated in the breakdown below.
Things to do
- Muir Woods National Monument · Main Trail (Bohemian Grove / Cathedral Grove loop) (Day 1)
- Sausalito Ferry Landing waterfront promenade (Day 1)
- Back in San Francisco (Day 1)
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Why this plan works
A relaxed morning among redwoods followed by a kid-friendly waterfront lunch and an easy promenade stroll keeps walking short and energy steady for the family.
- 8:30 AM
Head out · San Francisco → Sausalito
8:30 AM
25 min by car. Leave San Francisco by 8:30 AM, arrive around 8:55 AM.
- 9:10 AM
Breakfast · Equator Coffees, Sausalito
9:10 AM
Close to where you park in Sausalito and fast service keeps the morning unhurried.
Quick coffee, pastries and kid-friendly breakfast sandwiches steps from the waterfront so you arrive to Muir Woods with snacks and energy.
- 10:20 AM
Muir Woods National Monument · Main Trail (Bohemian Grove / Cathedral Grove loop)
10:20 AM
This loop is short, flat in places, and hits the best old-growth redwoods for kids to marvel at safely.
Book ahead · Sailings and services typically release 2–3 months ahead; popular times go first
Enter Muir Woods and take an easy 1–2 mile loop on the Main/Canopy trails that’s shaded, stroller-friendly in parts, and perfect for kids to spot big redwoods and wildlife.
- 1:05 PM
Lunch · Scoma's of Sausalito
1:05 PM
Close to the waterfront and the ferry landing, Scoma's is easy for kids and lets adults enjoy classic Bay seafood without a long transfer.
Family-friendly seafood lunch on the Sausalito waterfront with kid-friendly menu options and high windows for harbor views; good seating for a party of four.
- 2:30 PM
Sausalito Ferry Landing waterfront promenade
2:30 PM
A short, flat promenade keeps walking easy while delivering classic views of the Bay, ideal after a longer hike.
Gentle, stroller-friendly waterfront promenade with benches and tide-pool viewing; mix in an ice-cream break at a nearby shop if the kids want a treat.
- 4:35 PM
Snack · Ice cream at Lappert's Sausalito
4:35 PM
Quick, close to your departure time, and a sweet finish the kids will love before the drive home.
A casual ice-cream stop right near the ferry landing for a kid-friendly treat before you drive back.
- 4:55 PM
Head back · Sausalito → San Francisco
4:55 PM
25 min by car.
- 5:20 PM
Back in San Francisco
5:20 PM
40 min to spare before 6:00 PM.
If you fall behind
- What to cut if you fall behind: Sausalito Ferry Landing waterfront stroll
Bookings & costs
$0–$15
0 of 1 bookable items booked
Food not included: about $130, listed below
Locked in
$0
paid or reserved
Still to book
$10
est. $0–$15 · 1 items
Gas & parking
$0
est. $0
Know before you go
Practical notes for this trip — the things worth sorting before you leave.
Booking windows & timing
Muir Woods now uses timed entry and a separate parking or shuttle reservation; book the parking or shuttle for your chosen morning slot as soon as your dates are fixed.
Time-sensitiveMuir Woods National Monument · Main Trailhead
Getting around & driving
Expect narrow, winding Marin roads and limited roadside parking—allow extra driving time and bring exact directions; park at the Muir Woods lot only if you reserved it.
Crowds & timing
Arrive at Muir Woods close to opening for cooler temps, fewer people and easier kid pacing; later mornings get noticeably busier on the main trails.
Muir Woods National Monument · Main Trailhead
Weather & packing
September mornings can be cool and foggy by the coast—dress in layers, bring a light rain jacket, and carry a daypack with water and snacks for the kids.
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Questions about this plan
- What time should we leave San Francisco for this trip?
- You should plan to leave San Francisco by 8:30 AM to stay on schedule for your morning activities.
- How long should we expect to spend at Muir Woods National Monument?
- This plan allocates 120 minutes (2 hours) for your visit to Muir Woods, focusing on an easy 1–2 mile loop on the Main/Canopy trails.
- Do we need reservations for Muir Woods?
- Yes, Muir Woods requires timed-entry parking or shuttle reservations. It's recommended to book your parking or shuttle for your chosen morning slot through Recreation.gov in advance.
- Where is lunch planned in Sausalito?
- Lunch is planned at Scoma's of Sausalito, located right on the waterfront. Confirm current pricing and call ahead for a table on busy Saturdays.
- What time does the trip return to San Francisco?
- You will be back in San Francisco around 5:20 PM, with 40 minutes to spare before 6:00 PM.
Related itineraries
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