This quiet cove, beach, and lagoon are tucked into the coastline three miles west of Muir Woods. Hikers can go east along the trail (uphill) to scenic Coyote Ridge or south along the breathtaking Coastal Trail to Tennessee Cove. The sheltered picnic area next to the Muir Beach parking lot is furnished with barbecue grills, tables, and restrooms.

A small signpost north of Muir Beach along Highway 1 points the way to Muir Beach Overlook. The short but awe-inspiring overlook trail follows the narrow crest of a coastal promontory. On either side of the promontory, the land sheers off dramatically down to the ocean hundreds of feet below.

VISIT MUIR BEACH: TIPS AND HIGHLIGHTS

• There are no lifeguards at Muir Beach. The northernmost end of the beach is popular with clothing-optional sunbathers.
• The overlook picnic site is scenic but windy. Be prepared to batten down the paper plates.
• Those with a fear of heights should avoid the overlook trail.
• Milk goats, collect eggs, help bees make honey, and teach little ones that food does not grow in supermarkets but at places like Slide Ranch, located between Muir and Stinson beaches (reservations required).
• The cliffs along the Rocky Point coast are isolated and very dangerous. Use caution; rescue crews are far away.

Redwood Creek at Muir Beach is home to numerous shorebirds, amphibians, salmon and trout, and a reedy grass called rush (Juncus). A tremendous restoration effort is currently underway to enhance the habitat for these sensitive and endangered species. Visit the Redwood Creek restoration page for more information.

Whale Watching
Muir Beach Overlook is one of the many spots along the parks’ coast where whale lovers can watch these giant marine mammals swim by during their winter migrations. The Gulf of the Farallones sweeps between the overlook and the Farallon Islands, an ocean region full of dolphins, porpoises, seals, and whales. These sea creatures are under federal protection in the form of the 948-square-nautical-mile Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.