Driving along Highway One in Northern California, you’ll be treated to all sorts of neat attractions and scenic destinations – almost too many to count! However, one spot that you’ll want to be certain to stop at is the Muir Beach Overlook which is just north of San Francisco and south of Stinson Beach. This overlook is easy to find as it’s located right off the highway and the views are some of the most breathtaking the coast has to offer. Photos of this dreamy overlook will blow you away, but just wait until you see the real thing!
Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Beach Overlook is a destination that's so worth taking some time to find. Featuring an iconic staircase and heavenly views of the ocean, you certainly won't be disappointed with what you find!
The cliffside park where the overlook is located is just 0.5 miles north of Muir Beach on Highway One. From the parking lot, visitors can walk along the overlook trail to the main vista point.
The walk to the overlook is brief and winds right along the spine of the ridge. The steep cliffs flanking the staircase make for a picturesque scene, but may also appear intimidating to anyone with a fear of heights!
The staircase ends at an idyllic vista point where you can stop to take in the expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. It's an awesome place for a photo-op, that's for sure!
The views from this magnificent overlook are undeniable, but the area's history is also worth checking out. Once used as part of the San Francisco Bay coastal defense system, placards at the park tell of the overlook's history. Like many overlooks along the coast, Muir Beach Overlook was once used by soldiers to watch for invading ships in the 1900s.
The overlook is worth seeing anytime of year but it's an especially fantastic place to visit during whale watching season! During winter migration, the overlook provides the perfect viewpoint of these giant marine mammals as they make their epic journey along the coast.
It's definitely worth making time to visit the Muir Beach Overlook for yourself. Located right off the highway, it's an easy-to-find destination that you'll never forget experiencing.
