Muir Woods National Monument
Under $25Old-growth coast redwood forest just north of San Francisco, reachable only with an advance parking or shuttle reservation.
Transit: reachable by public transit

Photo: Missvain, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
A cliffside viewpoint in Golden Gate National Recreation Area with wide Pacific Coast vistas and old coastal defense observation posts.
Muir Beach, CA
Muir Beach Overlook sits within Golden Gate National Recreation Area along the Pacific coast north of San Francisco. From the overlook you can see the Point Reyes Peninsula and, on clear days, San Francisco. Visitors can also explore historic base-end stations, which were observation posts in the San Francisco Bay coastal defense system used to track ships and aim nearby guns. A staircase leads down toward the small overlook. The cliffs here are isolated and dangerous, cell coverage is unreliable, and wind is strong at the picnic area, so visitors should bring layers and take care. Whale watching from the overlook is possible during winter migrations.
The closest stops to Muir Beach Overlook, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Old-growth coast redwood forest just north of San Francisco, reachable only with an advance parking or shuttle reservation.
Transit: reachable by public transit
3.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
A hillside bayfront town across the Golden Gate from San Francisco, known for houseboats and waterfront views.
Transit: reachable by public transit
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An upscale open-air shopping center in Corte Madera, California, with shops, dining, and a kids' activity club.
5.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping
An open-air shopping and dining center in Marin County, owned by Macerich and opened in 1985.
Transit: reachable by public transit
6.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping
San Francisco's iconic suspension bridge, open to pedestrians and cyclists with sweeping bay views.
6.6 mi awayMore like this
A brick seacoast fort under the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge, run by the National Park Service.
7.0 mi awayMore like this