Combo Tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito and Sonoma Wine Country Tour

Get set for a full-day adventure that combines the natural beauty of Muir Woods, the charm of Sausalito, and the scenic elegance of Sonoma Wine Country. Priced at $224 per person, this tour offers round-trip transportation from San Francisco with hotel pickup included. Spanning approximately 10 hours, it is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing, wine tasting, and relaxation without the hassle of planning. The tour features visits to two Sonoma wineries with included tasting fees, a walk through the redwood forests, and scenic stops across the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County. While reviews highlight the tour’s engaging guides and stunning views, some note that the wine tasting fees are not included at both wineries, and timing in Sausalito can be somewhat limited.

This tour appeals to nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those wanting a well-organized escape from the city. The combination of scenic drives, educational stops, and wine tastings makes it a solid choice for a full day in the Bay Area. Keep in mind that some stops may feel rushed, especially if you have a keen interest in exploring Sausalito’s art galleries or dining options, which are available at your own expense.

Key Points

• Includes round-trip transportation with hotel pickup from downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Visits to Muir Woods with included entrance fee to see towering coastal redwoods.
• Stops at Sausalito, offering stunning bay views and photo opportunities, with optional ferry back to San Francisco for about $15 extra.
• Two Sonoma wineries included with wine tastings, though additional tasting fees may apply at other wineries.
• 10-hour guided tour, with plenty of time to enjoy sights, walk through Muir Woods, and explore Sonoma Plaza.
• Guide expertise praised for friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more engaging.
• Some reviews mention limited time in Sausalito and the absence of included winery admission fees at both wineries.

Exploring San Francisco, Golden Gate, and Marin County

The tour begins early with hotel pickup and travels through San Francisco, passing landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts and the Presidio. A narrated drive includes a crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge, where photos at Vista Point display stunning views of the bay, Fort BAKER, and downtown. The orange-red color of the bridge, installed in 1937, makes it easily recognizable, and viewing the bronze sculpture, The Lone Sailor, adds a patriotic touch to this iconic spot.

Next, the route takes travelers through Marin County, offering views of Richardson Bay, Tiburon, and Mount Tamalpais. This scenic drive sets the stage for the visit to Muir Woods, a coastal redwood forest located just 12 miles from San Francisco. The drive itself highlights the area’s natural beauty, showcasing Tiburon and Strawberry Point.

Discovering Muir Woods and Its Coastal Redwoods

Muir Woods National Monument is the centerpiece of this tour, famous for its old-growth coast redwoods, some of the tallest trees on Earth. The 240 acres of forest are regularly coated in coastal marine fog, maintaining a cool, moist environment year-round. Visitors get about 1 hour and 20 minutes to walk among these giants, experiencing the awe of trees that can reach hundreds of feet high.

The admission fee to Muir Woods is included, making this a hassle-free experience. The forest’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean means the surroundings are often shrouded in fog, adding to its mystical appeal. The atmosphere remains cool and humid, perfect for enjoying the peaceful beauty of nature.

Sights and Flavors in Sausalito

After Muir Woods, the tour moves to Sausalito, a charming waterfront town renowned for views of the bay, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. The visit lasts approximately an hour, offering ample time to stroll along the harbor, admire the scenery, or explore local shops and galleries.

Historically, Sausalito was a hub for Ferries to San Francisco and WWII shipbuilding at the Marinship yard. Today, it features houseboat communities and vibrant streets that attract visitors for their scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere. An optional ferry ride back to San Francisco costs around $15 and is a popular way to extend the visit if time permits.

Scenic Drive to Sonoma Valley and Wineries

From Sausalito, the tour heads east toward Sonoma Valley, with a 35-minute drive across Richardson Bay and San Pablo Bay. The route offers views of rolling hills and vineyards, setting the tone for the next part of the day — wine tasting.

The first winery, often Homewood Winery, provides a setting to taste wines and take photos, while the second stop features Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, where visitors enjoy more tastings, estate tours, and the chance to buy souvenirs. Both wineries include tasting fees in the tour price, though the actual wineries visited can vary.

Exploring Sonoma Plaza and Local Flavors

The tour allows about an hour at Sonoma Plaza, a lively area with over 35 restaurants, art galleries, and historic sites such as the California Mission and Sonoma barracks. Guests can choose to enjoy a meal, sip coffee, or browse local shops. The plaza’s historic buildings and scenic surroundings give a relaxed context for appreciating Sonoma’s winemaking tradition.

Final Return to San Francisco

After exploring Sonoma, the bus departs for the return trip, which takes about an hour. The tour concludes back at Fisherman’s Wharf or downtown San Francisco, where hotel drop-off is included. This smooth end to the day ensures travelers can relax after a day packed with sightseeing and wine tasting.

How the Tour is Organized and Group Size

The tour operates with a maximum of 28 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience. Pickup is offered from downtown San Francisco hotels and Fisherman’s Wharf, starting at 8:00 am. The use of a luxury coach guarantees comfort on the approximately 10-hour journey, with narrated commentary during the drive.

Wineries are chosen with flexibility, meaning the wineries visited may change from one trip to another, and admission fees to both wineries are included in the tour price. The tour also includes entrance to Muir Woods, making it a convenient and organized way to see the highlights.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most people able to participate. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking in Muir Woods and bring layers, as the forest environment remains cool and moist. Optional gratuities are not included in the price, and travelers can tip guides as appreciated.

For those wishing to spend more time in Sausalito or explore additional wine tasting options, the optional ferry provides extra flexibility for about $15. Travelers with a National Park Pass do not need to pay the $15 parking fee at Muir Woods.

Final Thoughts on the Combo Tour of Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Sonoma

This tour offers a balanced blend of nature, scenic drives, and wine tasting suitable for visitors wanting a comprehensive day outside San Francisco. The highlight remains Muir Woods, with its towering redwoods, complemented by scenic stops in Marin County and charming Sausalito.

The included transportation and guided narration add convenience, while the wine tastings at two wineries provide a flavorful experience. Some reviews suggest that more time in Sausalito would enhance the visit, and some stops may feel rushed if you want a leisurely exploration. This tour provides a solid value for those interested in nature, iconic sights, and wine, with excellent guides making the experience engaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, starting from downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, beginning at 8:00 am and ending back in San Francisco.

Are wine tastings included?
Yes, tastings at two Sonoma wineries are included in the price, though additional tasting fees at other wineries are not.

Can I stay longer in Sausalito?
Yes, an optional ferry back to San Francisco costs about $15 and can be taken if you wish to spend more time exploring Sausalito.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Highlights include crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, walking among coastal redwoods in Muir Woods, strolling Sausalito’s waterfront, and wine tasting in Sonoma.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking in Muir Woods, and layers are advised due to the foggy forest environment.