Muir Woods or Big Basin?
 

We only have one day for a day trip outside of San Francisco. I was thinking I would like to drive toward Monterey on Hwy 1. But, we would also like to see one of the Redwood Forests. Are Muir woods and Big Basin comparable or is one more stunning than the other?

There's also Henry Cowell Redwoods pretty much right off of 17 in Scotts Valley. You would take 280 south to 17 (or 280/85/17) and then once you have seen the redwoods continue on to Hwy 1/ Monterey from there.

I'm not sure about more stunnig (both are amazing), but I feel like it's too crowded at Muir Woods, while at Big Basin there are much less people. However, Big Basin is less accessible than Muir Woods.

I would choose Big Basin over Muir Woods since Big Basin is less crowded. Since you are short on time and already heading southward, I would choose Henry Cowell state park as already mentioned.

Thanks! I hadn't seen Henry Cowell. I will check into that one.