Muir Woods ​

These old-growth coastal redwoods were saplings when the Roman Empire was still a going concern, standing in a misty canyon that feels like walking into a cathedral designed by someone with a much bigger budget than any human architect. The problem is that every tourist guidebook, cruise ship itinerary, and "Top 10 Things to Do in San Francisco" list has figured this out, so weekends on the main boardwalk feel like a Costco aisle with better scenery.

The real move: go on a weekday morning, ideally when it's drizzling (because tourists evaporate in light rain like vampires in sunlight). Or better yet, park at the Pantoll Ranger Station up on Mt. Tam and hike down into Muir Woods from above — the crowd thins dramatically, and you'll discover that the forest is actually quiet when there aren't 200 people asking each other to take their photo.

Photo Gallery ​

Good to Know ​

Reservations Required: Parking and shuttle reservations via recreation.gov. This is not optional. Rangers will turn you away and you will be sad.

Combine with Mt. Tam: Muir Woods sits at the base of Mt. Tamalpais. Make a day of it — Muir Woods in the morning, Stinson Beach or the Mt. Tam summit in the afternoon.