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You don’t need to head all the way to Muir Woods to find redwood magic. Believe it or not, San Francisco is home to a couple of hidden groves that offer the peaceful, towering beauty of coastal redwoods without ever leaving the city limits.
While they’re not as vast or ancient as the old-growth forests north of the Golden Gate, these groves are local treasures—easy to miss unless you know where to look. And lucky for you, we do.
Whether you’re cruising through the city on a San Francisco private Jeep tour or exploring on your own, these two locations offer a refreshing breath of nature in the middle of the urban landscape.
Golden Gate Park is massive—over 1,000 acres of gardens, lakes, trails, and attractions—but nestled quietly within its sprawling beauty is a peaceful sanctuary you’ve likely never heard of: the Redwood Memorial Grove.
This tranquil grove was planted in 1919 as a tribute to the local soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. At a time when the country was grappling with the devastation of the war, the idea of using living trees as a memorial offered both healing and hope.
It’s a piece of history you can walk through. More than 12,000 people attended the grove’s original dedication ceremony—an event that included a flag-raising and the planting of the first redwood tree.
The grove was one of the first of its kind in the United States. It set a precedent for using natural landscapes as places of remembrance.
You’ll be surrounded by coastal redwoods, some nearly a century old. While these trees aren’t as enormous as those in Muir Woods, they still tower high above the pathways and provide a shady, serene atmosphere.
It’s perfect for a reflective pause during your city adventure. Whether you’re in the park for the museums, gardens, or just a Jeep ride through the scenic roads, this hidden corner offers a quiet break from the busier spots.
Coastal redwoods can live for more than 2,000 years and grow over 300 feet tall. Some of the trees planted here in 1919 are already over 100 feet tall.
The grove was established by the Gold Star Mothers, an organization formed to support mothers who lost children in the war.
Each year on Memorial Day, a ceremony is held here to honor veterans, continuing a tradition that dates back more than a century.
The grove was intentionally planted in the western part of the park, away from major roads and buildings, to encourage a sense of quiet solitude.
You’ll find the Redwood Memorial Grove tucked away along the western side of Golden Gate Park. There’s no grand sign pointing the way—ask your guide on a private city Jeep tour for directions, or keep an eye out for the shaded path near John F. Kennedy Drive.
It might sound like a contradiction, but one of San Francisco’s most peaceful redwood groves is located in the heart of its busiest business district—right beneath the iconic Transamerica Pyramid.
Transamerica Redwood Park is a compact, half-acre urban oasis nestled among the Financial District’s glass and steel towers. Step through its gates, and you’re immediately surrounded by towering redwood trees, quirky art, and calming landscaping—just steps from bustling Montgomery Street.
The park was created as part of the Transamerica Pyramid’s original design. Architect William Pereira included a public green space in the blueprints when the skyscraper was built in the early 1970s.
The grove was planted with 80 redwoods from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Today, about 50 of those trees remain, offering shade and serenity in the middle of downtown.
The park includes thoughtful design touches. From exposed-aggregate pavers to sculptural benches and a sunken fountain, every detail was curated to offer a unique urban nature experience.
It’s filled with surprising art. Look for the bronze sculpture of children by Glenna Goodacre and the playful frogs and lily pads by Richard Clopton decorating the fountain.
As part of a $400 million renovation of the Transamerica Pyramid complex, the redwood park has recently undergone a full restoration. One of the most exciting additions? A rotating outdoor sculpture exhibit.
The current show, “Les Lalanne at Transamerica Redwood Park,” features whimsical animal figures by French artists Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne. The redwood grove has been transformed into a surreal outdoor gallery, blending art and nature in an unforgettable way.
The park sits on land once occupied by the Niantic, a whaling ship that arrived during the 1849 Gold Rush. The buried hull was discovered during construction.
Beneath the redwoods lies part of the original Barbary Coast waterfront—this area was literally built on sunken ships and landfill.
Nearby Mark Twain Place is named in honor of one of the Montgomery Block’s famous residents, which once stood on this site before being demolished in 1959.
Transamerica Redwood Park
600 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Access is via gated entrances, and the park is closed on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.
A Tour We Think You’ll LoveEmbark on a private Jeep tour that takes you beyond the city and into the awe-inspiring beauty of Muir Woods. Walk among ancient giant redwoods, explore the charming waterfront town of Sausalito, and capture unforgettable moments at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Skip the crowds and make your San Francisco experience truly unforgettable.
Book your Private Jeep Tour to Muir Woods today! – Reserve your Jeep tour today!
While San Francisco’s redwood groves are peaceful and lovely, they don’t quite compare to the towering majesty of Muir Woods National Monument just across the Golden Gate Bridge.
For the ultimate redwood experience, we recommend booking our Giant Redwoods, Sausalito, and Golden Gate Bridge Private Jeep Tour.
This half-day adventure includes:
A scenic Jeep ride across the Golden Gate Bridge
A visit to Muir Woods, home to ancient redwoods over 250 feet tall
A quick stop in Sausalito – full of waterfront shops and cafés
Personalized insights from your local guide, who’ll make sure you don’t miss the hidden photo spots
This half-day or full-day tour is perfect for travelers who want an intimate, fully guided experience that’s big on nature and low on crowds.
Where can I find redwoods in San Francisco?
The best spots are the Redwood Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park and Transamerica Redwood Park in the Financial District.
Are these redwoods as big as the ones in Muir Woods?
Not quite—these groves feature younger, smaller redwoods. To see towering old-growth trees, head to Muir Woods.
Can I visit both redwood groves on a San Francisco Jeep Tour?
We drive through Golden Gate Park and can point out the grove’s location. Transamerica Park can be easily included on a custom tour itinerary.
Is Transamerica Redwood Park open on weekends?
Unfortunately, no. It’s only open Monday through Friday, during regular business hours.
San Francisco’s redwood groves are more than just pretty places—they’re deeply rooted in the city’s history, art, and culture. Whether you’re wandering through the solemn beauty of the Redwood Memorial Grove or snapping photos beneath the high-rises at Transamerica Park, these hidden gems offer a rare blend of tranquility and storytelling.
Take a moment to step off the beaten path. These trees have stories to tell—and they’re waiting right here in the heart of San Francisco.
Book your private San Francisco Jeep Tour to Muir Woods today and discover the giant redwoods and more.
