Muir Beach

Travel Guide

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

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.

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 CA $176 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $176
CA $207 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
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! (3,960 reviews)
"Property was nice and views from 25th floor room were spectacular. recommend high floor west view away from elevator. you won't be disappointed."

Reviewed on May 16, 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
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 CA $189 per night from May 21 to May 22
CA $189
CA $279 total
includes taxes & fees
May 21 - May 22
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! (6,449 reviews)
"Old property upgraded, nice location and very convinience."

Reviewed on May 18, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Handlery Union Square Hotel
3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
The price is CA $191 per night from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6
CA $191
CA $225 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 5 - Jun 6
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,397 reviews)
"Hotel has good central downtown location so it is convenient"

Reviewed on May 15, 2025

Handlery Union Square Hotel
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 Bedroom
Standard Queen Bedroom
San Francisco
Stay at this guesthouse in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Oracle Park are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
Just perfect
"Perfect for the price. Brilliant artwork."

Reviewed on May 1, 2025

Standard Queen Bedroom
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 Golden Gate Bridge are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
Clean home in quiet neighborhood
"Ada was an excellent host- always quick to respond with answers to questions. The property is clean and well stocked and in a beautiful neighborhood. I would highly recommend this location!"

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!
Fantastic 3-bedroom house with AC in San Bruno
Fantastic 3-bedroom house with AC in San Bruno
2 out of 5
San Bruno
Stay at this vacation home in San Bruno. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Artichoke Joe's Casino and The Shops ...
Nice house
"A quiet neighborhood, and thoughtful touches like coffee and extra blankets. The host was responsive and check-in was easy. However, the place could have used a more thorough cleaning. Overall, it was a pleasant stay and I would go back."

Reviewed on May 6, 2025

Fantastic 3-bedroom house with AC in San Bruno
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Muir Beach