San Francisco: Muir Woods Tour & Golden Gate Bay Cruise

If you’re dreaming of experiencing some of California’s most iconic sights, this San Francisco: Muir Woods Tour & Golden Gate Bay Cruise might be just what you need. It offers a combination of towering ancient redwoods, breathtaking cityscapes, and a refreshing boat ride under the Golden Gate.

While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews suggest it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a taste of nature and city views without the hassle of planning multiple outings. What we particularly appreciate about this experience is its focus on highlights that leave a lasting impression—like wandering among 1000-year-old trees and sailing under the world-famous bridge.

However, a potential consideration is the separation of the cruise from the Muir Woods visit, meaning you’ll need to plan for some waiting time, especially if you’re tight on schedule. This tour seems well-suited for those who enjoy scenic drives, nature, and picturesque water views and want a straightforward way to see some of San Francisco’s best-known sights in one go.

Key Points

• Combines iconic sights: Muir Woods and Golden Gate Bay Cruise in one tour
• Includes transportation: Pickup from select locations and guided commentary
• Offers flexibility: Open cruise tickets and optional hop-on hop-off sightseeing
• Ideal for scenic lovers: Redwoods, city skyline, Alcatraz, and whales
• Approximate duration: 5 hours, with options extending to 2 days
• Price point: Around $114 per person, offering good value for a half-day tour

Imagine starting your day with a comfortable pickup (or meeting at the designated spot in Fisherman’s Wharf), then heading north over the Golden Gate Bridge into the quiet majesty of Muir Woods National Monument. This is where you’ll truly feel the scale and age of California’s coastal redwoods, some towering over 260 feet and around 1,000 years old.

From what travelers have shared, the experience of walking through the woods is unforgettable. One reviewer said, “Muir Woods is breathtaking. I wish I had a couple of days to spend there,” highlighting how special this place feels. The tour typically allows for about 1.5 hours of exploring, which is enough for a decent walk through the woods, although some might wish for more time to truly soak it in.

The scenic drive through Sausalito on the way back adds a lovely touch. This quaint seaside town with Mediterranean-style charm offers fantastic views across the bay and a chance to browse boutique shops or enjoy a quick coffee at cozy cafes. If you’re a fan of scenic, laid-back spots, you’ll find Sausalito’s atmosphere quite charming.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise

After returning to the city, the tour continues with a 1-hour cruise around the bay. This is where you’ll get a fresh perspective on San Francisco’s famous landmarks, including the skyline and Alcatraz Island. The cruise is equipped with an audio guide in 16 languages, making it accessible for international visitors and providing insights into the city’s stories and landmarks.

Many travelers have commented positively on the cruise. One review states, “Enjoyed the cruise very much,” and another mentions, “The views from the water are incredible, especially when sailing under the Golden Gate.” During the cruise, keep an eye out for local wildlife—seagulls and pelicans are common, and lucky visitors might spot sea lions, porpoises, or even whales.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a good package considering the price of about $114 per person. Key inclusions are pickup service (if arranged in advance), entrance to Muir Woods, and the cruise ticket. An added bonus is the audio guide in 16 languages, enriching your experience with background stories and information about what you’re seeing.

However, food and beverages are not included, so you may want to bring snacks or grab something in Sausalito or at Fisherman’s Wharf beforehand. Also, hotel drop-off isn’t part of the package—so if you need that, you’ll want to sort it out separately.

Ease and Practicality

The tour is designed to be straightforward. Check-in begins about 20 minutes before departure, and you can choose a morning or afternoon slot. Since the cruise ticket is an open ticket, you can select departure times that suit your schedule, which adds some flexibility.

Transport arrangements are simple—either you get picked up from your hotel (if you’re staying near Union Square) or meet at the Tower Tours office in Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour is primarily guided in English, and it’s suitable for most travelers who are comfortable walking and standing for a bit.

What the Reviews Say

Travelers generally rate this tour highly, with a 4.5 out of 5 stars from 19 reviews. Many highlight the knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer mentioning, “Lester, our guide, was fun and knowledgeable.” Others love the scenic beauty—from the towering redwoods to the city skyline from the water.

Some pointed out that they wished they had more time in Muir Woods or in Sausalito, but overall, most agree it’s a great value for the price and a relaxing way to see some of San Francisco’s most famous sights without the stress of planning multiple outings.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking in Muir Woods.
• Bring a jacket—it can be breezy and cool in the woods and on the water.
• Remember, food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.
• The cruise departs multiple times daily, so you can pick a time that fits your schedule.
• If you’re booking hotel pickup, do so at least 24 hours in advance to ensure smooth arrangements.

This experience is excellent for travelers who want a well-rounded half-day outing—combining nature, culture, and scenic views. It’s especially suited for those who prefer not to spend hours navigating on their own but still want to see key sights comfortably.

While families and travelers with mobility concerns should be aware of the walking involved in Muir Woods, the overall pace is relaxed and manageable for most. If you love nature, scenic drives, and city views, this tour offers a good balance of all three.

If you’re after a simple, guided way to experience some of the best natural and scenic attractions around San Francisco, this combined Muir Woods and Golden Gate Bay cruise tour ticks many boxes. The knowledgeable guides, spectacular views, and convenient logistics make it a worthwhile choice for first-time visitors and those wanting a comfortable, engaging outing.

While it might lack a bit of extra time in each location, what you get—impressive redwoods, a fun boat ride, and scenic drives—makes for a memorable day. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value a hassle-free experience that packs in the essentials without feeling rushed.

For anyone eager to see California’s towering trees and sail under its most famous bridge, this tour offers a great way to do so, all for a reasonable price. Just prepare for some waiting time during the transfer, and you’ll likely come away with plenty of wonderful memories.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Pickup can be arranged from a Union Square Hotel with advance notice, but it’s not automatically included. Otherwise, you’ll meet at the Fisherman’s Wharf office.

How long is the Muir Woods visit?
You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore the woods, which is enough for a good walk but may leave those wanting more wishing for longer.

What’s the duration of the entire tour?
The tour runs about 5 hours, but some options extend up to 2 days if you choose additional sightseeing options.

Does the cruise operate at specific times?
The cruise ticket is an open ticket, so you can choose from various departure times throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the tour involves walking and boat rides, so it’s best suited for older children and teens comfortable with these activities.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and beverages are not part of the package, so plan to bring snacks or plan to eat in Sausalito or Fisherman’s Wharf.

This tour offers a balanced and enjoyable way to see some of San Francisco’s most celebrated sights without over-complicating your day. Whether you’re here for the natural beauty, the thrill of the boat ride, or just a relaxing outing, it’s worth considering as part of your San Francisco itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: