Beach guide
Muir Beach
Muir Beach, Marin County, CA
Overview
Muir Beach is a small, sheltered cove on the Marin coast about three miles west of Muir Woods, managed by the National Park Service in Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It's popular for picnics, evening fires in the beach fire rings, dog walks and hikes on the Coastal Trail.
Layout
You reach the sand from a paved parking lot over a 450-foot pedestrian bridge, which is the only route to the beach. Accessible vault toilets sit by the lot, and two beach wheelchairs are stored in a shed attached to the restroom building. Redwood Creek reaches the ocean here, and its lagoon and the surrounding riparian area are closed to all access to protect coho salmon and California red-legged frogs.
Fires
Muir Beach is one of only two GGNRA beaches where fires are allowed, and only in the provided rings: six rings from May to November and three from December to April, first-come, first-served. Fires can start at 9 a.m. and must be put out with water only, with groups off the beach by one hour after sunset. No fires on Spare the Air days.
Safety
There are no lifeguards, so always watch the waves. Cell coverage at the overlook is unreliable.
Getting there & access
Parking and the bridge
Park in the paved lot; several accessible spaces sit nearest the restroom building and bridge. A 450-foot pedestrian bridge is the only route to the beach, followed by a firm accessible trail to the sand.
Beach wheelchairs
Two beach wheelchairs are kept in a shed attached to the restroom building and are available on request year-round.
Closed habitat
Stay out of the Redwood Creek lagoon and riparian area. It's closed to all access to protect coho salmon and red-legged frogs.
Amenities
- Fire rings — Six May-November, three December-April
- Restrooms — Accessible vault toilets next to the parking area
- Overlook picnic area — Accessible picnic tables at an overlook
- Beach wheelchairs — Two, available on request
- Coastal Trail — Trail access from the beach area (dogs leashed)
- Tactile watershed model — Bronze model of the Redwood Creek watershed with Braille labels
Rules & official resources
- Fires only in provided fire rings, from 9 a.m.; extinguish with water only and leave by 1 hour after sunset
- No fires on Spare the Air days; no glass on GGNRA beaches
- Dogs on the beach must be leashed or under voice control; leashed on Kaashi Way and the Coastal Trail
- Redwood Creek lagoon and riparian area are closed to all access
- No lifeguards; enter the water only at lifeguarded beaches
Common boat service needs here
Nearby harbor services
There's no launch at Muir Beach. Boaters who cruise this coast keep boats in Sausalito, just over the hill, and rely on its marina and storage services.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026