I'm tweaking my upcoming itinerary and once again need advice. We are leaving SF early am on Sat Oct 11th and planning to follow Stu's route over GG Bridge, etc. I had planned to stop at Muir Woods and then on to Pt Reyes, lunch at Nick's Cove and then head to Healdsburg for one night.

My question is: should we pass on Muir Woods and visit Armstrong Woods instead? They both look great, but I have time for one. Is there one that you would recommend more highly to someone who's never seen a redwood? Thanks again for everyone's excellent input!

armstrong was great, and convenient enough from sf and/or napa.

I was going to say Armstrong too - sometimes it is hard to even park at Muir Woods because of the number of people who go there.

If you leave early enough, you should stop at Muir Woods. It's right on your way. But, on weekends, the parking can fill by 10 or 11 so get there early. You will need to leave early anyway if you plan on seeing everything along the way.

If you are heading up Hwy 1 to the Russian River after your lunch at Nick's, you probably will not have time for Armstrong Redwoods unless you backtrack and do it the next day. There's a lot to see along the Sonoma Coast.

I'm sure Nick's is great but there is also a very nice cafe at Drake's Beach at Pt Reyes with really good food. It's located where the shuttle buses leave for the lighthouse in winter.

Although I like both, I'd choose Muir Wood over Armstrong any day. Just my HO.

Armstrong woods for sure. Its easier to get to than Muir woods, and is less crowded.

Armstrong Woods struck me as smaller, but more impressive and awe-inspiring than Muir Woods.

Armstrong is great because you can get more "up close and personal" with those huge Redwood trees. And you won't be walking with a freeway of people. Very pleasant picnic area. Also, better weather.

Thanks for the input. I think the magic words for me are 'less crowded.'

Yes, then Armstrong, Centralparkgirl.
Here's a little hint for you-as you approach the little ranger hut at the end of Armstrong Woods Rd
you will see a parking lot on your right. This is the best place to park, as it is free, as well as being just about the easiest place to park, IME. You can park here and easily walk in to the park
to get up close with the big trees.

What are your plans for Pt.Reyes ? -
I ask as there is much to see out there and it seems you only have a few hours...

R5

R5 - thanks for the parking tip!

I was hoping that we could drive out to the lighthouse.

Any suggestions? Tips?

Hi CPG-
From the main visitors center in Pt.Reyes-Bear Valley- which is quite close to the tiny burgs of Olema and Pt. Reyes Station, the drive out to the lighthouse is 45 mins. Once you park your car it is a 1/2 mile (easy)walk to the Lighthouse Visitors Center. Here you will be on a cliff above the
Lighthouse. To actually go to the lighthouse, you must travel about 300 steps down a staircase - it is really an experience !

http://preview.tinyurl.com/4xr3lz

It appears you will be there prior to the 2:30p open time to view the lens room - I still think it's worth the trip if you pace yourself on the return trip back up those 300 steps. (Which will be closed if it's really, really windy)The views from up top and down by the lighthouse are most camera worthy. I am quite biased, as Pt. Reyes and it's lighthouse are one of my favorite places on the planet. I am quite lucky to live so close by.

After those steps you will be ready for a fine lunch at Nick's, lol !

R5

Thanks R5 - btw, it's 308 steps, but who's counting? lol

I didn't realize that it's so far out from the road. I think I need to do a time plan for that day.

Is 308 steps like a 20 story building?
It might be helpful before dinner at Cyrus that night!!!!!

"I think I need to do a time plan for that day."

You should do that. The distances on the map may not seem that far, but the roads are slow and there's no point in going if you don't stop and see the sights along the way.

Point Reyes needs at least a full day to see it properly. The days are shorter in October too, so spending a couple of hours at lunch will cut into your sightseeing for the day.