Muir Woods Free Day & Muir Beach
Giant redwoods on a quiet weekday, with adult entry waived on Veterans Day. Then a windy beach walk and fish and chips by the sea.
45 min drive · 1 day · Best for babies to big kids · Oct–Mar
Day 1: Redwoods, beach, play museum
- 8:15 Drive from SF over the Golden Gate (park reservation and pass downloaded, no cell service)
- 8:45 Junior Ranger booklets at the visitor center, then Redwood Creek Trail to Bridge 4 and back on the Hillside Trail (about 2 miles)
- 11:15 Drive down to the beach (10 min) and walk the sand
- 12:15 Lunch: fish and chips at the Pelican Inn by the beach lot
- 1:15 Quick stop at the clifftop viewpoint
- 2:00 Play time for ages 0 to 8 (open until 4)
- 4:00 Drive home
From parents who have been
- The main Redwood Creek Trail is boardwalk and pavement, so strollers are fine. Side trails have stairs, so use a carrier if you want to leave the main loop. 510 Families
- For little legs, turn back at Bridge 2 (half a mile round trip) or Bridge 3 (1 mile). For a 2 mile loop with views from higher up, cross at Bridge 4 and take the dirt Hillside Trail back to Bridge 2. Family Muir Woods guide blog
- Take a phone photo of the trail map signs at the start. The free paper map is less detailed, and you will not have signal to look anything up. 510 Families
- Rangers usually hand out the free Junior Ranger booklets in the open area before the ticket booth. Kids finish it on the walk and get sworn in for a badge on the way out. 510 Families
- The Muir Beach lot is small but free, and the beach gets much windier than you expect. Parents keep a picnic in the car as a backup and drive up to the Muir Beach Overlook for the view. Exploring Muir Beach blog
- At the Discovery Museum, Tot Spot is for ages 0 to 3, and Lookout Cove outside (sunken fishing boat, treehouses, sand) is the hit for ages 3 to 8. Marin Mommies
Good to know
- Nov 11, 2026 is an NPS fee-free day for US residents: the $15 entry for ages 16+ is waived. Kids under 16 never need an entry pass.
- A parking reservation ($10 per car) is still required on fee-free days, every day of the year. Reservations open up to 90 days ahead at 9:00 Pacific on GoMuirWoods.com.
- There is no cell service or public WiFi at Muir Woods, so download the parking pass before you leave.
- The shuttle only runs on weekends and holidays from March to October, so on a November weekday you must drive.
- Visitor center opens at 8; café and gift shop at 9, hot food from 11. Food is only allowed in the entrance plaza or café patio, not on the trails. No pets.
- Bay Area Discovery Museum is open Wed to Fri 10 to 4. $25 per child or adult, under 1 free; veterans and military get $5 off for up to 4 guests. Built for ages 0 to 8; free parking.
Sources: NPS 2026 fee-free days release · NPS Muir Woods fees · NPS Muir Woods: know before you go · GoMuirWoods FAQ · Bay Area Discovery Museum: plan your visit