Redwoods, the majestic giants of the plant world, can be seen across the coast of California. Naturally, many people visiting the area want to experience standing amongst these wonders of nature.
Muir Woods is a popular choice for tourists visiting San Francisco, but as a result, it can get overcrowded. Navigating hoards of tourists doesn’t exactly foster the magical, contemplative vibe so deserving of beautiful redwoods.
Luckily there are plenty of alternatives to Muir Woods where you can see redwoods in their splendor in a tranquil setting. We’ve also included a couple of spots right here in San Francisco for those who don’t have the time to see them in their natural surroundings.
About redwoods near San Francisco
There are three types of redwoods in the bay and surrounding area:
- Coastal redwoods are the most common and they can be found in all the parks listed here.
- Dawn Redwoods can be found in Golden Gate Park Botanical.
- Giant Sequoias you can see spectacular old-growth sequoias in Yosemite and Sequoia National Park.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park (north 1hr)
Just a little further north of Muir Woods, and still easily communicable from SF is Samuel P. Taylor State Park. At just a 1 hour drive from San Francisco city, it’s more than possible to make it a day trip. If you’re planning to stay overnight, campsites are nestled in amongst the redwoods making for a magical night’s stay in pure nature.
The park also offers easy-moderate hiking trails and bike routes along the salmon-inhabited creek.
Big Basin State Park (south 1.5hr)
A little further afield down south is Big Basin State Park, California’s oldest state park in amongst the Santa Cruz mountains. Over 80 miles of hiking trails pass by a number of pretty waterfalls. This vast park is home to incredibly diverse flora and fauna. While deer and bobcats are more elusive, you’re most likely to spot a banana slug – a friend of the redwood that can be seen in any redwood state park or reserve, who helps keep the old-growth forest floor rich in nutrients.
As well as camping, Big Basin also offers naturist-led backpacking trips in the summer so you can really get away from it all.
Big Basin can still get quite busy on weekends and bank holidays in the summer, so in order to beat the crowds, midweek is best, and aim to get there early for easy parking.
Portola Redwoods State Park (south 1.2hr)
While Portola Redwoods State Park is closer to SF than Big Basin, it’s less likely to get crowded. That’s likely to be at least in part thanks to the narrow winding road that leads to it. It’s also a fraction of the size of Big Basin, but still plenty big enough to spend a couple of days in amongst nature exploring the 18 miles of trails.
Although it’s pretty all year round, head there after rainfall when the creek fills up and the waterfalls kick in. Kids will enjoy spotting the newts and salamanders that call this park home.
SF Botanical Garden (in SF!)
Want to see Redwoods without even leaving the city? The Botanical Garden in SF’s vast Golden Gate Park is home to great examples of dawn and coastal redwoods.
Does the experience match up to spending a night in Big Basin or Portola? Not really, but if you’re only in the area for a short while or you don’t have the means to travel far from the city, this is a great compromise.
The rest of the botanical garden is also well worth a visit. Check out the Ancient Parks Walk for more examples of magnificent plants that make you feel like a tiny pixie.
Transamerica Pyramid Grove (in SF!)
It might surprise you to know that you can find redwoods right in the heart of the financial district. Nature’s own skyscrapers can be found in amongst our own, directly in front of the Transamerica Pyramid.
While not as broad, tall and mighty as redwoods found in our state and national parks, they’re still a sight to behold nonetheless, and a perhaps perturbing symbol of how mankind has defied the limits of nature.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (north 1.5hr)
Out of the city again, and this time we’re heading north, a half an hour beyond Samuel P. Taylor State Park to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.
Though less crowded, it’s still best avoided on Sundays.
The tallest redwood in the park stands at a whopping 310 ft tall! The oldest shares its name with the park and its founder Colonel Armstrong – it’s estimated to be around 1400 years old.
Hiking trails range from easy to strenuous, but some of the most impressive redwoods are right there at the entrance, so you needn’t worry if a hefty hike is beyond your capabilities. Biking is also permitted, as is horseback riding, though it’s limited to certain trails and certain seasons. Get in contact with California Parks and Rec ahead of time for details.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (south 1.25hr)
There are a few reasons why it’s worth making the extra effort to visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Along the very accessible 0.8-mile flat loop trail through the old-growth redwood grove, there is a special and famous tree: Fremont tree is named after John Fremont who, it is believed, spent the night inside its hollowed-out trunk. It’s certainly large enough to step inside.
If you’re visiting on a warm summer’s day, you’ll want to take a dip in the San Lorenzo river swimming holes. A nice addition to the experience, but just be aware that the water quality varies.
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (East 0.5hr)
Just the other side of Oakland is Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. The closest redwood grove outside of SF. Though it’s not as big as Muir Wood, once you’re in the midst of their redwood grove it’s hard to perceive the difference.
For more inspiration for day trips and getaways outside of the city, check out our blog post “What are the best road trips around San Francisco?”
