Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour + Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

An Adventure Through San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito, and the City

This tour offers an engaging way to experience some of San Francisco’s most iconic sights. For $159.99 per person, you’ll get about four hours of sightseeing that includes a visit to the majestic Muir Woods National Monument, a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, and an exploration of the charming town of Sausalito. Add to that a two-day hop-on hop-off bus pass, giving you the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the combination of natural beauty and urban charm. We loved how easy it is to visit the tallest Redwood trees—some of the most impressive natural giants—without a full-day commitment, plus the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz from the open-top bus. The tour’s flexibility and value make it a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a balanced taste of nature and city sights.

A potential consideration is the limited time at Muir Woods—just one hour to wander among some of the world’s tallest Redwoods. This is enough for a quick stroll, but if you’re eager for a more in-depth hike, you might find it a bit brief. Also, since hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at 99 Jefferson St, which is conveniently near public transportation.

This tour suits first-time visitors, nature lovers, or those who want to maximize their time in San Francisco by combining city exploration with a visit to one of the West Coast’s most stunning forests. If you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic day that offers a taste of everything, this package should definitely be on your list.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines city sights with a visit to Muir Woods and Sausalito.
• Flexible Exploring: Two-day hop-on hop-off bus pass allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Stunning Views: Cross the Golden Gate and see panoramic city and bay vistas.
• Natural Wonder: Walk among towering Redwoods in Muir Woods, with entrance included.
• Convenient: No hotel pickup, but the meeting point is accessible and near public transit.
• Limited Time in Muir Woods: One hour allows for a quick walk; plan accordingly.

Detailed Review of the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour packs a lot into a half-day adventure, starting at 8:30 am from 99 Jefferson Street. The first stop is Muir Woods National Monument, where you get an hour to wander among some of the tallest trees on Earth. You’ll find yourself surrounded by gigantic Coast Redwoods, some reaching over 300 feet in height, creating a sense of awe and wonder that’s hard to match.

While an hour isn’t long enough for a full hike, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or snapping some spectacular photos. The entrance fee to Muir Woods is included ($15), which adds value, as many similar tours charge extra. Expect deep canyons, sweeping hills, and a forest that feels almost primordial—an absolute highlight of the trip.

Next, the bus takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The open-top bus offers incredible views of the bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the San Francisco skyline. As you cross, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery—a quintessential SF experience.

From there, the journey continues to Sausalito, a picture-perfect town with shops, restaurants, and a view of San Francisco’s skyline across the water. It’s a peaceful, upscale spot where you can walk along the waterfront, enjoy some coffee, or browse boutique stores. Many travelers comment on its charming atmosphere and stunning vistas—well worth the short visit.

The Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

What sets this package apart is the two-day hop-on hop-off pass. You can explore the city at your leisure on double-decker open-top buses, which stop at major sites like the Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Mason, and other landmarks. We loved the freedom to get off and explore popular neighborhoods, museums, or parks without rushing.

A reviewer humorously noted the tour guide’s energetic style, suggesting that the guides make the experience lively—something you’ll likely experience too. The buses run frequently, and with most travelers being able to participate, it’s accessible for a broad range of visitors.

The Experience and Logistics

The timing is tight but manageable—starting early allows you to maximize your options. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes early at the meeting point to ensure a smooth start. The group size is capped at 30 travelers, which strikes a good balance between intimate and social.

Since hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll need to plan your arrival at 99 Jefferson Street, which benefits from being near public transit. This makes the tour convenient for those staying downtown or around Fisherman’s Wharf.

What Travelers Love

Reviewers have praised the stunning views—particularly the sights of Sausalito and the majestic Redwoods. One review specifically mentioned, “Fantastic, my only suggestion is to tell James to take a breath and have at least a one or two-minute moment of silence every now and then!! Lol”—highlighting the enjoyable, spirited nature of the tour guides.

The scenic variety and value for money are also highly appreciated. For the price, you get a well-rounded experience that combines nature, iconic bridges, and charming towns, rather than just a bus tour or a visit to a single attraction.

Drawbacks and Considerations

While the one-hour visit to Muir Woods is enough for a quick look, serious hikers or nature lovers might find it insufficient. If you’re craving a full day of hiking or want to explore more trails, consider extending your visit beyond this tour.

Also, since the tour ends back at the starting point, you won’t have hotel pickup, so plan your transportation accordingly. Be prepared for potential crowds, especially during peak seasons, and always check the weather—many of the views are best enjoyed on clear days.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to tick off several highlights in one go, or nature enthusiasts wanting a taste of towering Redwoods without dedicating an entire day. It’s also a good choice for families or groups who want flexibility and variety, with easy transportation combined with scenic stops.

If you love stunning views, particularly crossing the Golden Gate or photographing Sausalito, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. The two-day hop-on hop-off makes it easy to customize your experience and slow down to savor the scenery.

Final Thoughts

This combined tour offers a great balance of city sights, natural wonders, and charming towns. For an accessible price, you get a well-organized itinerary that captures some of San Francisco’s most beloved features. The scenic bus rides, tall Redwoods, and picturesque Sausalito make it a compelling option.

While the short time at Muir Woods might leave avid hikers wanting more, the inclusion of the two-day hop-on hop-off allows you to relax and explore at your own pace. It’s ideal for those who value convenience, scenery, and variety all in one package.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, this tour provides a worthwhile and enjoyable introduction to San Francisco’s best offerings—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? No, this tour does not include hotel pickup. You’ll need to meet at 99 Jefferson Street, which is accessible by public transit.

How long do I have at Muir Woods? You’ll have about one hour to explore the woods, which is enough for a quick walk among the Redwoods but not a full hike.

What attractions are included in the hop-on hop-off pass? You can visit multiple city sites at your own pace, including the Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Mason, Marina Green, and more, over two days.

Is the entrance fee to Muir Woods included? Yes, the $15 entrance fee is included in the ticket price.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children aged 2 and under are free, making it a family-friendly option.

This tour’s blend of natural beauty, iconic structures, and city exploration makes it a smart, flexible choice for travelers eager to see the best of San Francisco with minimal fuss.