01
Classic coastal climb
Coastal Trail to Pirate's Cove
Bluffs South Of Muir Beach • Steep Coastal Bluff Trail • Best For Dramatic Ocean Views
A short, punchy stretch of the Coastal Trail that drops to a hidden cove and packs in big-sky ocean views.
Starting just above Muir Beach, this section of the Coastal Trail rolls along open hillsides before diving down toward a rocky, tucked-away cove. The stair-steep descent and climb back out are no joke, but wildflowers, seabirds, and the constant roar of the Pacific make it memorable. Go on a clear day and bring layers—the wind can whip around the exposed switchbacks.
02
Best easy valley walk
Tennessee Valley to Tennessee Beach
Tennessee Valley, North Of Muir Beach • Wide, Mostly Flat Valley Trail • Best For Families And Casual Walkers
A gently graded dirt road leads from rolling grasslands to a pocket beach framed by cliffs and seabirds.
This is the go-to mellow hike when you want big scenery without a big climb, just a short drive north from Muir Beach. The main trail is wide and social, with coastal scrub, grazing deer, and the sound of surf getting louder as you approach the beach. Pack a windbreaker and let kids explore the shoreline, but keep an eye on the tide and the posted rules about staying off the cliffs.
03
Quick-viewpoint favorite
Muir Beach Overlook
Bluff Above Muir Beach • Short Clifftop Walkway • Best For Sunsets And Quick Stops
A short path and wooden stairs along a narrow spine bring you to wide-open views straight down the coast.
If you only have half an hour, this is the high-impact stop you want above Muir Beach. A brief walk from the parking area leads past old military structures to a series of platforms perched over the ocean, perfect for whale-spotting in season. It’s often breezy and can feel exposed, so a jacket and a firm grip on your camera or phone are good ideas.
04
Redwood-and-ridge sampler
Muir Woods Ocean View and Lost Trail Loop
Muir Woods National Monument Inland From Muir Beach • Forest And Ridge Loop Hike • Best Nearby Redwood Hike
Climb from hushed redwood groves to open ridges, then drop back on a quieter, steeper path through mixed forest.
For hikers who want towering redwoods without straying far from the coast, this loop out of Muir Woods delivers a classic mix of shady canyon and airy viewpoints. Expect a solid workout: stairs, sustained climbs, and a steeper descent that quickly sheds the crowds from the main boardwalk. Reservations and a parking plan are essential here, but the payoff is a half-day hike that feels worlds away from Highway 1.
05
Big-views headlands circuit
Marin Headlands Coastal Loop from Rodeo Beach
Marin Headlands Near Rodeo Beach • Rolling Headlands Ridge Loop • Best Longer Coastal Workout
Link military roads and singletrack above Rodeo Beach for nonstop views over the mouth of the Golden Gate.
A short, scenic drive south from Muir Beach drops you into the Marin Headlands, where this loop strings together ridges, WWII-era bunkers, and constant ocean and bridge views. The route undulates, with a few sharp climbs and descents, so it suits hikers looking to rack up miles and elevation. Go early on weekends for easier parking, and be ready for fog that can slide in quickly and change the character of the hike in minutes.