Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco

After wandering through the reserve, you'll stop for an early lunch at the beach or in Guerneville before continuing your journey along the stunning California Coast. You'll stop off in small towns like Bodega Bay where Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds was filmed, and enjoy free time in charming Sausalito. You can choose to stay in Sausalito and catch the ferry home when you're ready, or your driver-guide will take you back to San Francisco via the Marin Headlands.

Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip Description

Your 8.5-hour, full day tour includes:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in San Francisco

• Modern luxury minibus transportation for the day

• Admission to the Armstrong Redwoods State National Reserve

• Drive along Golden Gate Bridge and the iconic Pacific Coast Highway

• Free time for lunch on the beach or in Guerneville (not included)

• Visit coastal towns like Bodega Bay, and enjoy free time in Sausalito

• Engaging local driver-guide throughout

• Maximum group size of 13

  
  

Door-to-Door Service

Your day begins with hotel pickup in San Francisco and also includes drop-off back at your hotel after the tour (unless you choose to stay in Sausalito), so you don't have to worry about taxis and meeting points today. Firstly, you'll head over the Golden Gate Bridge as you leave the city to head north, and along the way your friendly local driver-guide will get to know the group and explain what's in store for you today.

Armstrong Redwoods State National Reserve

While the crowds head to the closer Muir Woods, this day trip takes you to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserves which is home to taller, wider, and older coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). As you approach the mighty redwoods, your guide will explain how these groves were miraculously spared from the Gold Rush. During the 1840s and 1850s, thousands of majestic redwoods were cleared for those seeking to strike gold.

The Armstrong Redwoods are named after Col. James Armstrong who purchased this land for future preservation and saved a remarkable slice of American nature for us all to enjoy. Before entering the forest, you can stop for coffee and a light breakfast (not included) to get you ready for the trails.

Once in the grove of redwoods, you'll have at least 90 minutes to explore the area. Enjoy the tranquility of the forest and the majesty of these millennia-old tees. Measuring over 300 feet tall with some over 1,000 years old, the coastal redwoods are a true natural wonder. Through the trails, you'll also find a seasonal waterfall adding to the park's beauty.

Free Time for Lunch in Guerneville

After departing the Armstrong Redwoods, your guide will take you to the quaint town of Guerneville. There you'll find a great spot for lunch in one of the local restaurants and cafes, and you can take a stroll through around to soak up that small town California atmosphere. If the weather is good, your driver-guide may offer to head straight to the coast for lunch on the beach instead.

Pacific Coast Highway and Bodega Bay

Once you reach the beautiful Northern California coast you'll be struck by the vastness of the ocean and the amazing rock formations along the coast. Take a moment to dip your feet in the Pacific, and who knows, you might see a whale spouting or breaching in the ocean!

Your local driver-guide knows this coastline like the their own backyard and will tell you about the little towns you visit along the way. You'll also make a stop in Bodega Bay for some California saltwater taffy and coastal souvenirs, and you'll visit the town made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s movie The Birds.

Enjoy the Charms of Sausalito

On your way back to San Francisco, the guide will stop in Sausalito where you'll have time for a quick stroll around this pretty coastal town just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you'd like to stay longer on your own then no problem, just let your driver-guide know. You can catch the ferry from Sausalito back to San Francisco whenever you're ready (ferry tickets not included).

Return to San Francisco with Golden Gate Bridge Photo Stop

Unless you decide to stay longer in Sausalito, you'll travel back to San Francisco in the late afternoon. Driving through the Marin Headlands, you'll stop at a stunning overlook for wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. With the bridge and San Francisco in the background, it's a great opportunity to get that perfect vacation photo!