Muir Beach

Travel Guide

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

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 favorite 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 kilometers) 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 P7,268 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
P7,268
P10,875 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,534 reviews)
"Stayed 6 days. Great hotel loved the location to walk to so many places. Very clean place. Great breakfast everyday included. Wish pool was inside cause it was to cold to use but other than that I would recommend and would stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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 P7,183 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
P7,183
P8,454 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
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! (4,184 reviews)
"Had a wonderful stay! Room was clean and bed was comfortable! The staff was very welcoming and helpful! Only issue was the man at the restaurant was pretty rude. Besides that unpleasant interaction all other staff was wonderful!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P6,177 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
P6,177
P7,270 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,402 reviews)
"Fast check in, parking lot to expensive and dirty"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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.
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 Lombard Street and Pier 39 ...
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 Apr 26, 2025

Kasa The Addison San Francisco
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
2 out of 5
5 Santa Ana Ave, Daly City, CA
Stay at this apartment in Daly City. Popular attractions San Francisco Zoo and Serramonte Center are located nearby.
6.4/10 (24 reviews)
"Overall a great place to stay. It was very clean and the bad was very comfortable. Having a private bathroom is a luxury. My only dislike was the paper thin door which didn't block out any sounds in or out."

Reviewed on May 13, 2025

Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
4Beds Private Unit Near BeachWalk Golf
4Beds Private Unit Near BeachWalk Golf
2 out of 5
159 Clarendon Rd, Pacifica, CA
Stay at this apartment in Pacifica. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Rockaway Beach and Pacifica State Beach are located nearby.
4Beds Private Unit Near BeachWalk Golf
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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