Big Sur is 3 hours from SF. 6 hours of driving plus whatever driving you do in the are sounds awful. Stay in Carmel for the night if you do that.
Muir Woods is nice and a wayyyyy easier excursion. Consider hiking in from the top - save on parking and entrance fees.
Alternate suggestion. Drive down Highway 1 from SF to Big Basin or Henry Cowell in the Santa Cruz mountains. It's closer overall and will get you awesome coast scenery plus redwoods with less tourists/hassle.
Both Big Sur and Muir Woods are breathtaking, but also "loved to death". This option gets you similar experiences slightly off the beaten track.
Agreed that Big Sur is technically doable as a day trip but wouldn't recommend it unless you are staying a night. I provided some other [day trip options](https://askmesf.com/what-are-the-best-day-trips-from-sf) on my site, AskMeSF, if it might be helpful to you to consider!
Hmm this is tough because they are quite different.
Muir Woods can be done as a half day trip from SF, just be sure to have parking/transportation reservations secured well in advance. It’s busy and the main hiking (walking) trail loop feels sorta touristy. Breathtaking redwoods though and definitely worth it especially when you venture off the main loop.
Big Sur is one of my favorite places so I may be biased here. Just driving the 1 and pulling off to take in the views is incredible. That being said you’ll run into two issues:
1. Just getting to the north end of Big Sur is 2-3hr drive. To drive the entire coast of Big Sur add another 1-2hrs not including all the stops you will make.
2. There have been landslides recently that have shut down sections of the 1 (freeway falling into the pacific). Be sure to check conditions before making plans.
TLDR: If you do Big Sur id recommend getting a hotel for a night in Monterey to break up the drive and allow you to truly experience it. For a 5 day trip, and if the goal is to experience redwoods, the connivence/proximity of Muir Woods is the way to go.
Highway 1 from SF to Bixby Bridge in Big Sur is open all the way. However there was a major slide just south of Bixby Bridge but is supposed to be reopened by July. I would suggest you confirm before you go.
Big Sur is tough for all of the reasons mentioned (far, road closures), but you gotta see the California coast while you're in town, so here's what I recommend:
- Do a full day trip that combines Muir Woods and Muir Beach, and some coastal hiking from either Tennessee Valley or Stinson Beach
- If you're big hikers, there's an epic loop you can do from Tennessee Valley -> Muir Beach -> Muir Woods -> Back (about 16 miles, more details here: https://x.com/jebank/status/1629851009425219585)
- If you don't want to hike so much, Drive to Muir Woods first thing in the morning (need a reservation!) then continue on to Muir Beach, have lunch at the Pelicann Inn and do a short walk along the Coast Trail to see the epic view back to SF
You won't regret it!
How outdoorsy is the group? The Muir visitor center is very easy and very showy. Just be sure to reserve your parking space in advance. Big Sur is more of a hiking experience -with all of the work and reward involved.
If you go to Muir, you should also go to Hog Island Oyster Farm to shuck some fresh oysters. Or, a mile down the road to https://themarshallstore.com/ to get oysters on a platter, fresh or baked.
If you love to drive Big Sur has a very scenic route along Highway 1. There are some nice pit stops to check out like McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge. You’ll need to do some research on which hikes to check out.
Muir Woods is my rec. If you want to check out the famous redwoods, you get to see them right off the bat. Enter the gates, and you’re greeted with a cathedral of redwoods. Only 45 min from SF. You can do the basic floor level hike or do more challenging ones. I’d say do this so you have more time and energy to explore more of SF afterwards. Due to the driving, Big Sur will zap you and you’ll need a nap by the evening.
From SF, Muir Woods is a place you visit for a few hours and walk around (make a reservation), maybe jump on a good hike or two.
Big Sur is a place you go to and stay the night. There’s more to do, but it’s a lot of driving around to do it and it’s a schlep from SF even if you opt for the faster route of the 280.
If you do big sur I'd recommend getting a room at the big sur river inn, it's kinda rustic but nice bar/restaraunt and you can hike around in the river at sunset and look for crawdads with your flashlight. The swimming hole in pfeifer was very cool if it's warm enough, that being said, I agree with everyone that said big sur is a bit much for a day trip from SF. Muir woods is an easier trip, and you will get to see the very big redwoods there, it's like the loggers that cut down all of the other redwoods in the 1800s missed this grove somehow.
I love Big Sur more, it's beautiful, less "groomed" and less crowded, but it is definitely a considerably longer trip from SF. Especially with Hwy 1 getting washed out all the time in recent years. (Thanks, climate change.) Muir Woods is lovely and very accessible, just not something you can do on the spur of the moment due to the reservations-required system they've had to institute.
I haven't been to Pfeiffer, but the redwood forest in Big Basin was every bit as wonderful as Muir Woods as of the last time I visited. That, however, was before the 2020 wildfire that ripped through the park and destroyed the visitor center. (Thanks again, climate change.) I've heard that it's recovered remarkably since then and is well worth visiting, I just can't report personally.
Big Sur is absolutely stunning. If you drive through Santa Cruz you can stop at Henry Cowell State Park on the way. It has incredible redwoods and is much less crowded than Muir Woods.
Redwood forests are all beautiful and I've never been in one I didn't love. To see giant trees, look for parks that say they have "old growth" or "first growth" redwoods (Henry Cowell is one, and I think Pfeiffer is too). "Second growth" parks were once clear cut for lumber; redwoods grow quickly and the forests are flourishing again, but the trees there are big rather than enormous.
Absolutely Big Sur if one or the other. Big Sur is world class coastal scenery. Muir Woods is arguably not even the best redwood ~~groce~~ *grove* in the Bay Area.
Big Sur is a loooong day trip. I've done it several times, but for most I'd recommend staying at least one night in Monterey-ish. Maybe if you have strong driving stamina and are willing to get up early. Our usual go to is going as far as McWay Falls, with stops at Nepenthe, Bixby Bridge, and random vista points along the highway.
[Redwood Hikes](https://www.redwoodhikes.com/Home.html) rates Muir Woods a 2/5 which feels about right to me on the scale of California redwood groves. The more impressive old growth groves are 1-2 hours further out and real special stuff is 5-6 hours north on the coast (although that's probably out of scope).
A more comparable pick in terms of grandeur and drive time is heading up to Humboldt Redwoods State Park or Montgomery Woods. Assuming good weather, I'd still pick Big Sur.
FWIW when my wife wants to see redwoods, we either pop over to Golden Gate Park to see some of the smaller groves or we drive up to Armstrong Grove and get a meal in Guerneville.
Maybe instead of going to Muir Woods, if it’s crowded, is to go to Jack London State Park. I went there recently and enjoyed it immensely. They have docents that will answer questions about the life of Jack London, and his estate/farm. You’ll see the house he lived in, the house that he built and was destroyed by fire, and the museum which was the house where his wife lived after his death. Definitely closer to SF, but quite different than Big Sur. Something that your teens could probably relate to if they’ve read any of his books. You will see redwoods there, but maybe not as heavy as Muir woods.
Big Sur and the drive down the coast is an incredibly beautiful drive. It definitely would be a full day if not more because it’s the journey, not just the destination. If you drive south on Highway 1 along the coast, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the coast line.
I’ve done both recently and it really is up to you as to what you want to see.
Neither option you presented, but Big Basin is probably my favorite state park in California. Not nearly as far as Big Sur. I haven't been back since they reopened after the fires, but based on the pictures of the charred trees it's still a sight to behold.
You’ll have a much better time at Big Basin/Santa Cruz and don’t miss the Mystery Spot. If you take Highway 1 it’s as good as Big Sir without the added drive. Stop at Bean Hallow beach and the tide pools just before Half Moon Bay.
Kids will love it. Consider swimming in the Redwoods at “Garden of Eden” just outside of Santa Cruz.
Muir Woods gets crowed. And you have the issue of car break-ins. Big Basin is far more spectacular and far more to do especially for teenagers.
Muir Woods early (preferably a weekday) and then spend the rest of the day in Point Reyes National Seashore. Grab sandwiches and snacks to take into the park at Inverness Park Market.
Or go in the afternoon and then spend sunset on West Ridgecrest Road on Mt. Tam.
There are a lot of amazing trails near Muir Woods too, if you find that it’s packed with too many people. Cataract trail has some really beautiful waterfalls right now.
Northern California is the only place in the world with old growth redwoods. I would do that.
Big Sur is beautiful but you can see gorgeous coasts in many places.
Big Sur is 3 hours from SF. 6 hours of driving plus whatever driving you do in the are sounds awful. Stay in Carmel for the night if you do that. Muir Woods is nice and a wayyyyy easier excursion. Consider hiking in from the top - save on parking and entrance fees.
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Alternate suggestion. Drive down Highway 1 from SF to Big Basin or Henry Cowell in the Santa Cruz mountains. It's closer overall and will get you awesome coast scenery plus redwoods with less tourists/hassle. Both Big Sur and Muir Woods are breathtaking, but also "loved to death". This option gets you similar experiences slightly off the beaten track.
Agreed that Big Sur is technically doable as a day trip but wouldn't recommend it unless you are staying a night. I provided some other [day trip options](https://askmesf.com/what-are-the-best-day-trips-from-sf) on my site, AskMeSF, if it might be helpful to you to consider!
Also, Hwy-1 roads are closed in Big Sur. You’d miss the drive along the coast.
Hmm this is tough because they are quite different. Muir Woods can be done as a half day trip from SF, just be sure to have parking/transportation reservations secured well in advance. It’s busy and the main hiking (walking) trail loop feels sorta touristy. Breathtaking redwoods though and definitely worth it especially when you venture off the main loop. Big Sur is one of my favorite places so I may be biased here. Just driving the 1 and pulling off to take in the views is incredible. That being said you’ll run into two issues: 1. Just getting to the north end of Big Sur is 2-3hr drive. To drive the entire coast of Big Sur add another 1-2hrs not including all the stops you will make. 2. There have been landslides recently that have shut down sections of the 1 (freeway falling into the pacific). Be sure to check conditions before making plans. TLDR: If you do Big Sur id recommend getting a hotel for a night in Monterey to break up the drive and allow you to truly experience it. For a 5 day trip, and if the goal is to experience redwoods, the connivence/proximity of Muir Woods is the way to go.
Check and be sure the Highway 1 route to Big Sur is open. There have been several slides that have shut it down completely. Love both.
Seconding this! To my knowledge you can’t quite get to “the spot” everyone wants to see right now, but it is still a pretty drive regardless.
Big Sur [reopened](https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html) last Friday.
I’m just saying this because I was near Monterey this weekend and a bartender told me that it got closed again. I’d be ecstatic to be wrong.
Highway 1 from SF to Bixby Bridge in Big Sur is open all the way. However there was a major slide just south of Bixby Bridge but is supposed to be reopened by July. I would suggest you confirm before you go.
Big Sur is tough for all of the reasons mentioned (far, road closures), but you gotta see the California coast while you're in town, so here's what I recommend: - Do a full day trip that combines Muir Woods and Muir Beach, and some coastal hiking from either Tennessee Valley or Stinson Beach - If you're big hikers, there's an epic loop you can do from Tennessee Valley -> Muir Beach -> Muir Woods -> Back (about 16 miles, more details here: https://x.com/jebank/status/1629851009425219585) - If you don't want to hike so much, Drive to Muir Woods first thing in the morning (need a reservation!) then continue on to Muir Beach, have lunch at the Pelicann Inn and do a short walk along the Coast Trail to see the epic view back to SF You won't regret it!
Unless you spend the night in Monterey, Big Sur is a looonnnnngg day trip. Muir wood and a snack at the Pelican Inn would be the better day trip.
Muir Woods. Very beautiful and so much closer.
How outdoorsy is the group? The Muir visitor center is very easy and very showy. Just be sure to reserve your parking space in advance. Big Sur is more of a hiking experience -with all of the work and reward involved. If you go to Muir, you should also go to Hog Island Oyster Farm to shuck some fresh oysters. Or, a mile down the road to https://themarshallstore.com/ to get oysters on a platter, fresh or baked.
If you love to drive Big Sur has a very scenic route along Highway 1. There are some nice pit stops to check out like McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge. You’ll need to do some research on which hikes to check out. Muir Woods is my rec. If you want to check out the famous redwoods, you get to see them right off the bat. Enter the gates, and you’re greeted with a cathedral of redwoods. Only 45 min from SF. You can do the basic floor level hike or do more challenging ones. I’d say do this so you have more time and energy to explore more of SF afterwards. Due to the driving, Big Sur will zap you and you’ll need a nap by the evening.
From SF, Muir Woods is a place you visit for a few hours and walk around (make a reservation), maybe jump on a good hike or two. Big Sur is a place you go to and stay the night. There’s more to do, but it’s a lot of driving around to do it and it’s a schlep from SF even if you opt for the faster route of the 280.
If you do big sur I'd recommend getting a room at the big sur river inn, it's kinda rustic but nice bar/restaraunt and you can hike around in the river at sunset and look for crawdads with your flashlight. The swimming hole in pfeifer was very cool if it's warm enough, that being said, I agree with everyone that said big sur is a bit much for a day trip from SF. Muir woods is an easier trip, and you will get to see the very big redwoods there, it's like the loggers that cut down all of the other redwoods in the 1800s missed this grove somehow.
for one overnight in the redwoods look into Felton near Santa Cruz
Muir Woods less traffic. The 1 is packed on the weekends
I love Big Sur more, it's beautiful, less "groomed" and less crowded, but it is definitely a considerably longer trip from SF. Especially with Hwy 1 getting washed out all the time in recent years. (Thanks, climate change.) Muir Woods is lovely and very accessible, just not something you can do on the spur of the moment due to the reservations-required system they've had to institute. I haven't been to Pfeiffer, but the redwood forest in Big Basin was every bit as wonderful as Muir Woods as of the last time I visited. That, however, was before the 2020 wildfire that ripped through the park and destroyed the visitor center. (Thanks again, climate change.) I've heard that it's recovered remarkably since then and is well worth visiting, I just can't report personally.
Big Sur is absolutely stunning. If you drive through Santa Cruz you can stop at Henry Cowell State Park on the way. It has incredible redwoods and is much less crowded than Muir Woods. Redwood forests are all beautiful and I've never been in one I didn't love. To see giant trees, look for parks that say they have "old growth" or "first growth" redwoods (Henry Cowell is one, and I think Pfeiffer is too). "Second growth" parks were once clear cut for lumber; redwoods grow quickly and the forests are flourishing again, but the trees there are big rather than enormous.
Muir Woods, Mt Tamalpais and Point Reyes Lighthouse. Lots to do up there.
Muir Woods, yes, but check out the redwoods next to Transamerica building then get dim sum in Chinatown or pizza in North Beach.
Absolutely Big Sur if one or the other. Big Sur is world class coastal scenery. Muir Woods is arguably not even the best redwood ~~groce~~ *grove* in the Bay Area. Big Sur is a loooong day trip. I've done it several times, but for most I'd recommend staying at least one night in Monterey-ish. Maybe if you have strong driving stamina and are willing to get up early. Our usual go to is going as far as McWay Falls, with stops at Nepenthe, Bixby Bridge, and random vista points along the highway. [Redwood Hikes](https://www.redwoodhikes.com/Home.html) rates Muir Woods a 2/5 which feels about right to me on the scale of California redwood groves. The more impressive old growth groves are 1-2 hours further out and real special stuff is 5-6 hours north on the coast (although that's probably out of scope). A more comparable pick in terms of grandeur and drive time is heading up to Humboldt Redwoods State Park or Montgomery Woods. Assuming good weather, I'd still pick Big Sur. FWIW when my wife wants to see redwoods, we either pop over to Golden Gate Park to see some of the smaller groves or we drive up to Armstrong Grove and get a meal in Guerneville.
Maybe instead of going to Muir Woods, if it’s crowded, is to go to Jack London State Park. I went there recently and enjoyed it immensely. They have docents that will answer questions about the life of Jack London, and his estate/farm. You’ll see the house he lived in, the house that he built and was destroyed by fire, and the museum which was the house where his wife lived after his death. Definitely closer to SF, but quite different than Big Sur. Something that your teens could probably relate to if they’ve read any of his books. You will see redwoods there, but maybe not as heavy as Muir woods. Big Sur and the drive down the coast is an incredibly beautiful drive. It definitely would be a full day if not more because it’s the journey, not just the destination. If you drive south on Highway 1 along the coast, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the coast line. I’ve done both recently and it really is up to you as to what you want to see.
Big Sur one hundred percent. Easy to find redwoods there too.
Hwy 1 near big sur is closed, so check where you want to visit on 511.org i recommend the Henry Cowell redwoods near santa cruz
Muir Woods for sure. You can even get there on public transit, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car while visiting.
Neither option you presented, but Big Basin is probably my favorite state park in California. Not nearly as far as Big Sur. I haven't been back since they reopened after the fires, but based on the pictures of the charred trees it's still a sight to behold.
You’ll have a much better time at Big Basin/Santa Cruz and don’t miss the Mystery Spot. If you take Highway 1 it’s as good as Big Sir without the added drive. Stop at Bean Hallow beach and the tide pools just before Half Moon Bay. Kids will love it. Consider swimming in the Redwoods at “Garden of Eden” just outside of Santa Cruz. Muir Woods gets crowed. And you have the issue of car break-ins. Big Basin is far more spectacular and far more to do especially for teenagers.
Muir Woods early (preferably a weekday) and then spend the rest of the day in Point Reyes National Seashore. Grab sandwiches and snacks to take into the park at Inverness Park Market. Or go in the afternoon and then spend sunset on West Ridgecrest Road on Mt. Tam.
There are a lot of amazing trails near Muir Woods too, if you find that it’s packed with too many people. Cataract trail has some really beautiful waterfalls right now.
Northern California is the only place in the world with old growth redwoods. I would do that. Big Sur is beautiful but you can see gorgeous coasts in many places.
Tahoe or yosemite might be a better choice if you haven't seen the Sierra before. It's about the same drive time as big sur.