One of my very favorite Western National Parks is Muir Woods, located north of San Francisco in Marin County. Why? Because it’s such an oasis of peace and tranquility located just minutes away from one of the busiest cities in the nation. It’s a beautiful redwood forest on the coast, and even when the weather is sweltering, Muir Woods is cool, calm, and a world away from cell phones and rush hour.

Muir Woods is a walker’s park. There are six miles of trails throughout the park, and that’s the best way to see and experience this park. Walk a trail (some are paved and perfect even for wheelchairs and strollers), sit on a park bench, and simply enjoy the peace and serenity of this wild place.

In summer, the park can be crowded, and parking is limited, so your best bet is to take the shuttle that runs between the Sausalito Ferry, Marin City, Manzanita Park and the Ride Lot inside the park. You can’t picnic or ride a bike in the park, but you can take a leisurely walk and get back to nature, right on the edge of The City!