Muir Woods National Monument

The Muir Woods National Monument is said to be magical. The old, towering redwoods are awe-inspiring. Take the loop trail and see the Cathedral Grove. Hike the Bohemian Grove trail, and see Redwood Creek. Located north of San Francisco, this place is part of the state’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s open from 8 am to 5 pm daily. Visitors over the age of 16 are charged a $15.00 entrance fee. Parking is $8.00.

Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

Situated 15 miles due east of famous Highway 101, the impressive Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park is off the standard, busy tourist track. Nevertheless, the trip through the park is quite gorgeous. Said to be one of Northern California’s hidden gems, it is perhaps most famous as the setting for the exciting scooter chase scene in the classic Star Wars film, Return of The Jedi. Hike the family-friendly, flat, wide, 0.6-mile long Cheatham Grove Trail.