When we were compiling our picks for these 51 foodie destination spots in the U.S., a runner-up for northern California was the Nature Friends Tourist Club, a private club nestled in the heart of Muir Woods, constructed in the early 20th Century, which opens its doors to the public most weekends and, for three weekends a year, they host German-themed festivals that are open to the public as well. One of those happens this Sunday, and it’s a joint Oktoberfest/Kinderfest, welcoming beer drinkers as well as kids of all ages.
If you go, you’ll want to try to get their early, as this place that Herb Caen once called “the best kept secret in the Bay Area” isn’t much of a secret anymore. (And Oktoberfest is the most popular of their annual parties.) Also, you’ll want to park down below in the Muir Woods parking area, pay your entrance fee and hike in from there. As 7x7 notes, you can reach the Tourist Club via the Redwood Trail, which takes about 20 minutes, or via the Dipsea and Sun Trails which takes about 45 minutes. Entrance to the fest is $15, and it runs from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Be sure to wear your dirndl/lederhosen!
Drink, Dance and Eat Oktoberfest Style with Nature Friends Tourist Club in Marin [7x7]
