Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is one of the last remaining old-growth coast redwood forests in the world, and it is just a 30-minute drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Walking among trees that were alive during the Roman Empire gives both kids and adults a profound sense of scale and wonder that no museum exhibit can replicate. For families visiting San Francisco, this is the nature excursion that creates lasting memories.

The park centers on a narrow canyon where Redwood Creek flows beneath a canopy of coast redwoods reaching 250 feet tall and up to 1,200 years old. The main trail system is a series of interconnected loops along the canyon floor. The most popular route -- and the one best suited for families -- is the Main Trail Loop, a flat, 1-mile boardwalk path that winds past the tallest trees, Cathedral Grove (a circle of ancient redwoods), and Bohemian Grove.

It is paved and boardwalked the entire way, making it accessible for strollers (though wide off-road strollers work better than narrow umbrella types on the occasional uneven sections).

For families with older kids who want more of a hike, the Hillside Trail adds elevation and connects to longer routes up to 6 miles. These unpaved trails climb the canyon walls through mixed forest and offer views down into the redwood canopy. They are suitable for reasonably fit kids ages 8 and up.

The Junior Ranger program is a highlight for kids ages 5-12. Pick up the free activity booklet at the visitor center and complete the exercises as you walk -- identifying tree species, spotting wildlife, and learning about the forest ecosystem. When finished, return the booklet to a ranger to receive an official Junior Ranger badge. Kids take genuine pride in earning these badges.

Wildlife is subtle but present. Banana slugs (bright yellow, up to 10 inches long) are the celebrities of the forest floor -- kids spot them on fallen logs and fern fronds, especially on damp days. Redwood Creek hosts steelhead trout and, from November through January, endangered coho salmon returning to spawn.

Winter visits offer the best chance of seeing salmon. Stellar jays, woodpeckers, and the occasional deer round out the wildlife roster.

The most critical logistical detail: parking reservations are mandatory and must be booked in advance at GoMuirWoods. com. You cannot drive into the park without one.

During summer and weekends, reservations sell out weeks ahead. Book the earliest time slot available (8:00 AM) for the smallest crowds and the most magical light filtering through the canopy. An alternative is the Muir Woods Shuttle, which runs from Sausalito and several Marin transit hubs on weekends and holidays.

There is absolutely no food for sale in the park -- no cafe, no snack bar, no vending machines. The small gift shop at the visitor center sells water and basic trail mix but that is it. Pack water bottles, snacks, and lunch if you plan to stay for the longer trails.

Dress warmer than you think. Under the dense redwood canopy, temperatures run 10-15 degrees cooler than San Francisco, and the air is damp. Even on a warm, sunny day in the city, you will want a fleece or jacket in the forest. Closed-toe shoes with some tread are recommended; the boardwalk sections are fine in sneakers, but the hillside trails can be muddy.

The drive from San Francisco takes 30-45 minutes via the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway 101 to the Panoramic Highway exit. The road down to the park is winding and narrow -- take it slowly, especially on the return uphill when you may encounter buses.