Weekend getaway from San Francisco · #5 of 10
Sausalito & Muir Woods
A 30-minute ferry across the bay to Sausalito's waterfront restaurants, galleries and houseboats, paired with the old-growth redwoods of Muir Woods just up the hill. The easiest overnight escape there is.
Need a quick escape from SF? A breezy ferry ride lands you in sunny Sausalito, right next to the towering, ancient redwoods of Muir Woods. It's super easy to pair them up for a relaxed day trip or a quick half-day escape.
Getting there
A gorgeous 25-to-35-minute cruise right past Alcatraz. Definitely book your tickets online beforehand - weekends get packed, and you'll want to make sure your crew can sit together.
Go this route if you want your own wheels for the drive up to Muir Woods later. Just heads up: finding a parking spot in Sausalito on weekends can be a real test of patience!
Day 1
Bayfront vibes in Sausalito meets the towering giants of Muir Woods- 18:30 AMDrive
Ferry across the bay to Sausalito
Catch the ferry at the Ferry Building for a gorgeous, breezy cruise over to Sausalito. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready as you glide right past Alcatraz.
📍 Sausalito Ferry Terminal, Sausalito
Tip · Snag your tickets online before you go - those weekend spots vanish quickly!
- 29:15 AMFood
Breakfast at Fred's Coffee Shop
This beloved local spot has only six tables but loads of character. You can't go wrong with their legendary French toast or the spicy, chili-loaded Coyote Special omelette.
📍 Fred's Coffee Shop, Sausalito
Tip · With just six shared tables, you'll be rubbing elbows with the locals - so get ready to say hello and swap stories!
- 310:15 AMDrive
Drive up to Muir Woods
Enjoy a twisty, gorgeous drive over the ridge from Sausalito, cruising through lovely Mill Valley and straight into the lush, shaded canyon of Muir Woods.
Tip · Do not just show up! You absolutely need to reserve your parking spot or shuttle ticket online at gomuirwoods.com ahead of time.
- 410:45 AMActivity
Walk among the old-growth redwoods
Wander along the wooden boardwalks and dusty trails beneath 200-foot-tall redwood giants. Some of these ancient trees have been standing here for over 600 years!
📍 Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
Tip · The main path is under a mile and fully accessible, but hit the side trails if you want to leave the tourist crowds behind.
- 512:15 PMFood
Lunch in Mill Valley
Cruise down into cozy Mill Valley for a relaxed lunch break around Miller Avenue and the town plaza. It is the perfect laid-back pitstop before heading back to the coast.
📍 Mill Valley, California
- 61:30 PMDrive
Back to Sausalito via the Marin Headlands
Take the scenic detour through the Marin Headlands on your way back. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge framing the SF skyline are absolutely unforgettable.
- 72:30 PMSight
Wander Bridgeway and Caledonia Street
Walk the sunny waterfront on Bridgeway to check out the quirky floating houseboats, then explore Caledonia Street's hidden art studios and independent shops.
📍 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Tip · Visiting on the second Wednesday of the month? Lucky you - the Artwalk opens up the local studios to everyone!
- 85:30 PMFood
Seafood dinner at Fish
Feast on ultra-fresh, simple seafood out on the deck while watching the boats slide into the harbor. It is our absolute favorite spot for a sunny evening dinner.
📍 Fish, Sausalito
Tip · They are cash-only and don't take reservations, so show up early to get your name on the list!
- 97:00 PMDrive
Ferry back to San Francisco
Hop on the evening boat back to the city. Watch the sunset paint the sky behind you as the San Francisco skyline begins to glow in the dusk.
Where to eat
A legendary breakfast spot with just six communal tables and French toast that is worth every single calorie.
An amazing, cash-only waterfront deck serving up super-fresh catch of the day at the northern edge of town.
A Michelin-starred sushi spot that is perfect if you want to treat yourself to an incredible sit-down dinner.
When to go
Marin is famous for its microclimates - Sausalito might be basking in warm sunshine while the city is shivering in fog, or the other way around!
That classic afternoon fog loves to roll in early, so always pack a warm layer even if the morning starts out perfectly sunny.
The forest's creek is rushing and you will have the trails mostly to yourself, though keep in mind the shuttle runs less often.
Good to know
- Book your Muir Woods parking or shuttle passes online ahead of time at gomuirwoods.com - they do not sell tickets at the entrance.
- You will lose all cell service inside Muir Woods, so make sure to sort out your ride back before you head into the trees.
- Give the ferry schedule a quick check before heading out, since boats run less often outside of commute hours and weekends.
- Thinking of biking across the Golden Gate? Good news - the ride back down into Sausalito is a breeze.
