Neighbourhoods

Beyond San Francisco: Sausalito, Muir Woods and Marin

In depth·Sausalito

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About Beyond San Francisco: Sausalito, Muir Woods and Marin

North of the Golden Gate, Marin County offers the easiest escapes from the city: Sausalito by ferry, the redwoods at Muir Woods, the views from Mount Tamalpais and the wild coast of Point Reyes.

Sausalito

The Golden Gate Ferry runs from the Ferry Building to Sausalito, a bayside town facing the city. Cavallo Point, in historic Fort Baker below the bridge, and the Inn Above Tide are the places to stay.

Redwoods in Muir Woods
Redwoods in Muir Woods. Photo: Niranjan Arminius, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais

Muir Woods protects old-growth coast redwoods; parking must be reserved in advance, and there is no mobile signal. Above it, Mount Tamalpais has views back to the city from East Peak.

San Francisco from the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais
San Francisco from the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais. Photo: Chris Koerner from St. Louis, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge and take the ferry back from Sausalito.

Point Reyes and Angel Island

Further north, Point Reyes National Seashore has its lighthouse and wild beaches. In the Bay, Angel Island is a state park reached by ferry from Tiburon or San Francisco.

Our advice: book Muir Woods parking first, then build the day around it.

Why it's on our list

  • Sausalito
  • Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais
  • Point Reyes and Angel Island

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Beyond San Francisco: Sausalito, Muir Woods and Marin before you go.

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