Muir Beach(Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Beach Park, Bello Beach)

Located in the small town of Muir Beach, Muir Beach is a quiet beach that is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Redwood Creek forms some wetlands, wetlands, and a lagoon near Muir Beach that is home to several shorebirds, amphibians, salmon, monarch butterflies, and water-loving plants. 

Also known as Bello Beach, it is a pet-friendly beach with restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables. On the northern part of the beach, you will find a sometimes-nudist beach called Little Beach where many visitors partake in the clothing-optional festivities.

 There are many fun activities here including fishing, hiking, and swimming. Many hiking trails branch out from Muir Beach into the hills and cliffs where you can see birds, deer, coyotes, and foxes – if you hike far enough, you will reach Pirates Cove Beach. 

Getting here is easy – after you get off of Highway 1, drive to the end of Pacific Way to reach the free parking lot. To access the access, there is a long wooden bridge that connects the lot to the beach access trails.  Please note that Muir Beach closes an hour after sunset. 

 If you are looking for nearby attractions, Muir Beach Overlook Trail, located at the southern end of Muir Beach, leads to Muir Beach Overlook, a cliffside park that was a U.S. Army coastal observation post during World War II. It offers incredible views of Pacific coastal cliffs and also migrating blue whales between November and June. Other longer trails that begins here are the new and multi-use Dias Ridge trail on a ridgeline offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, east trail to Coyote Ridge, and south trail along the well-known Coastal Trail to Tennessee Cove.  Mooncow Bay is a historical landmark that is situated a two-minute drive away and features a vista point that is a great place for picnicking and camping.   

If you get hungry, it is advisable to plan and carry snacks because of the limited restaurants nearby. The closest restaurant is Pelican Inn, a pet-friendly British bar-restaurant serving brunch, lunch, and dinner in indoor as well as outdoor seating. If you are looking for more options, there are many within a 17-minute drive – Avatar's Punjabi Burritos is an Indian vegetarian-friendly eatery offering Punjabi burritos and enchiladas, and Vasco Restaurant serves Italian dishes with wine. 

If you are looking for a place to stay, Muir Beach House is located a three-minute drive from Muir Beach – it offers lodging services. There are plenty of other options just a 17-minute drive away.  Mill Valley Inn provides hiking tours and was awarded the "Travellers’ Choice 2020 Award" by Tripadvisor. Another good option is Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley San Francisco Area, a 3-Star hotel with many amenities including a pool and fitness center.