Muir Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Muir Beach featuring general coastal views, views and rugged coastline
San Francisco featuring mountains, landscape views and rocky coastline
Muir Beach showing rocky coastline and general coastal views
Muir Beach featuring a park and signage
Marin County featuring tranquil scenes, general coastal views and wild flowers

Lounge on the beach, embark on stunning scenic coastal trails and do some whale watching in this small, laid-back Pacific Coast region.

Life revolves around the water in the Muir Beach area. Stroll along the quiet sandy cove and watch the waves crashing in, go wildlife watching in the nearby wetlands and embark on a coastal hike to one of the most scenic overlooks in the region.

Muir Beach is named after John Muir, a famous American conservationist responsible for safeguarding some of the most beautiful wild places in the U.S. Muir campaigned to have some of the country’s more precious wild places protected and preserved by the government.

Appreciate the serenity on quiet Muir Beach, a small cove where Pacific waves roll onto the sand and crash into adjacent jagged rock formations. It is a favourite strolling spot among locals. Though the Pacific waters are cold, it is possible to body surf. During winter, watch for whales from the shore. Note that the northern end of the beach is clothing-optional.

Several trails crisscross Muir Beach. Follow the Dias Ridge Trail for rugged coastline views or venture along the Coastal Trail, which leads to Tennessee Cove. This coarse sand beach is bordered by high rocky cliffs. The beach is named after the SS Tennessee steamship, which was wrecked here in 1853. Look for rusting remnants of the vessel visible at very low tide.

Find signs pointing to the Muir Beach Overlook. North of the beach, this lookout spot offers exceptional views of the rugged Californian coast. On a clear day, you can see as far as San Francisco. From December through February migrating whales swim offshore.

The freshwater Redwood Creek runs into Muir Beach. Explore the area around the creek and look for large fish and various shorebirds. It is also possible to see monarch butterflies in the Monterey pine grove at Muir Beach during their annual fall migration.

Visit Muir Beach in Marin County, California, about 3 miles (5 kilometres) west of Muir WoodsOpens in a new window. Driving from San Francisco to Muir Beach will take about 30 minutes.

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$273 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$273
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$364 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$364
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,821 reviews)
"It was a great place to stay by the waterfront!"

Reviewed on 25 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$245 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$245
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,454 reviews)
"Only thing I would have liked was a desk in my room. Otherwise."

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom

Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom

San Francisco
Stay at this guesthouse in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Oracle Park and Pier 39 are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (47 reviews)
"Nice room good location..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
Kasa The Addison San Francisco

Kasa The Addison San Francisco

4 out of 5
2263 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, memory foam beds, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Pier 39 and Presidio of San ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Great amenities and good location
"The location is great, but very expensive. We like having a kitchen and laundry facility. There is no fan provided, so be prepared in warmer months. The bathroom door is frosted glass and does not reach the ceiling."

Reviewed on 26 Apr. 2025

Kasa The Addison San Francisco
BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!

BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!

San Francisco
Stay at this apartment in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Golden Gate Park and Presidio of San Francisco are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"Wonderful spot! We would for sure book again. Only small recommendation would be for instructions for the shower. We finally figured it out but it is a unique set up."

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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