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John Muir National Historic Site

Designation: National Historic Site

Location: California

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

John Muir’s life was a tapestry of roles—fruit rancher, family man, writer—each interwoven with his deep love for nature. As one of America’s most influential naturalists, Muir was more than just an observer of the wilderness; he was its fiercest advocate. His passion for the land drove him to protect the places he held dear, ensuring that future generations could experience their beauty.

🌤 Weather Information

The Mediterranean climate of Martinez features hot, dry summers with lower temperatures near 60º F and upper temperatures near 100º F. The heat gives way to cool, rainy winters with lows near 45º F and highs near 75º F. Fall and spring can bring rain and temperatures from 55-80º F. March to April: wet/dry, 60-80º F May to September: very dry, 60-100º+ F October to November: dry/wet, 55-80º F December to February: wet, 45-75º F

🚗 Directions

Please visit our main website for specific directions to our park. You may call the John Muir Visitor Center for additional information.

Images

John Muir Home at the John Muir National Historic Site

John Muir Home at the John Muir National Historic Site

Credit: NPS Photo

A old copper sprayer sits against a tree-line background.

Historic Copper Sprayer.

Credit: NPS photo, Luther Bailey

A natural foot path winds its way through hills and trees.

Mount Wanda walking trail.

Credit: NPS photo, Luther Bailey

A tall wooden windmill and a small white shed surrounded by trees.

The old windmill.

Credit: NPS photo, Luther Bailey

Old books, a writing pen and inkwell, and paper sit on John Muir's original desk.

John Muir's desk in the "Scribble Den".

Credit: NPS photo, Luther Bailey

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday
10:00AM - 5:00PM

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Wednesday, Feb 4

Overcast

Overcast

High: 61.2°F | Low: 46°F

Humidity: 93%

Wind: 7.8 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.7

Sunrise: 07:10 AM

Sunset: 05:35 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (95%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 51.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Feb 5

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 70.2°F | Low: 44.4°F

Humidity: 72%

Wind: 7.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.6

Sunrise: 07:09 AM

Sunset: 05:36 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (89%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 50.7°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Feb 6

Overcast

Overcast

High: 67.8°F | Low: 51°F

Humidity: 73%

Wind: 8.7 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 07:08 AM

Sunset: 05:37 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (82%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 52.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (2)

⚠️ Beach Hazards Statement (Moderate)

Beach Hazards Statement issued February 4 at 12:08AM PST until February 6 at 4:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA

Effective: Feb 4, 2026 3:08am
Expires: Feb 5, 2026 12:00am

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, an increased risk of
sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 14
to 19 feet expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking
waves of 17 to 22 feet, with a continuing increased risk of
sneaker waves and strong rip currents.

* WHERE...Pacific Coast beaches.

* WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, from late tonight
through late Thursday night. For the High Surf Advisory, from
4 AM Friday to 9 PM PST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion can be expected. Sneaker waves can
sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people
into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. Large breaking
waves can overpower swimmers resulting in significant physical
injury and increase the risk of drowning. Dangerous conditions
are forecast along the shoreline. Hazards include sneaker
waves, strong rip currents, and large breaking waves.

⚠️ High Surf Advisory (Minor)

High Surf Advisory issued February 4 at 12:08AM PST until February 7 at 9:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA

Effective: Feb 4, 2026 3:08am
Expires: Feb 5, 2026 12:00am

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, an increased risk of
sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 14
to 19 feet expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking
waves of 17 to 22 feet, with a continuing increased risk of
sneaker waves and strong rip currents.

* WHERE...Pacific Coast beaches.

* WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, from late tonight
through late Thursday night. For the High Surf Advisory, from
4 AM Friday to 9 PM PST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion can be expected. Sneaker waves can
sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people
into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. Large breaking
waves can overpower swimmers resulting in significant physical
injury and increase the risk of drowning. Dangerous conditions
are forecast along the shoreline. Hazards include sneaker
waves, strong rip currents, and large breaking waves.

Park Alerts

Phone Outage Information
We are experiencing phone outages beyond our control. If you are trying to reach us, please email jomu_general_info@nps.gov.
Gravesite Closed Information
The Strentzel/ Muir Family Gravesite is closed until further notice due to a hazardous tree.
Construction at the home site Caution
Construction is ongoing at the home site and the surrounding areas. Disruption to normal visitation may occur.
Martinez Adobe Information
The Martinez Adobe, located on the western edge of John Muir’s historic orchard, is currently closed due to structural damage. It is unknown when the public will be able to enter the structure. The Muir/Strentzel mansion remains open to visitors.
Martinez Adobe Information
The Martinez Adobe, located on the western edge of John Muir’s historic orchard, is currently closed due to structural damage. It is unknown when the public will be able to enter the structure. The Muir/Strentzel mansion remains open to visitors.

Park Events

Storytime in the Muir Mansion

Join a National Park Service ranger for a special reading program in the east parlor of the John Muir mansion. Gather on the cozy rug as you hear stories about John Muir's great adventures and learn more about his remarkable life. After the program, enjoy exploring the historic house and its beautiful grounds at your leisure.

This program is free, open to the public, and no reservations are required. The event will take place rain or shine. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to connect with history and nature!

Location: Held in the Muir/Strentzel home.

Date: Dec 23, 2025 12:00am to Dec 23, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Storytime in the Muir Mansion

Join a National Park Service ranger for a special reading program in the east parlor of the John Muir mansion. Gather on the cozy rug as you hear stories about John Muir's great adventures and learn more about his remarkable life. After the program, enjoy exploring the historic house and its beautiful grounds at your leisure.

This program is free, open to the public, and no reservations are required. The event will take place rain or shine. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to connect with history and nature!

Location: Held in the Muir/Strentzel home.

Date: Dec 26, 2025 12:00am to Dec 26, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Home Site Wellness Walk
Grounded, tranquil, wanderlust — what do you feel when you are present in nature? Join Park Rangers for a mindful walk through historic orchards on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, from 10:30-11:30 am.  Our home site is located at 4202 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez. This is an accessible walk on paved paths that will take place rain or shine.   

Location: Meet at the park's visitor center.

Date: Dec 27, 2025 12:00am to Dec 27, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Storytime in the Muir Mansion

Join a National Park Service ranger for a special reading program in the east parlor of the John Muir mansion. Gather on the cozy rug as you hear stories about John Muir's great adventures and learn more about his remarkable life. After the program, enjoy exploring the historic house and its beautiful grounds at your leisure.

This program is free, open to the public, and no reservations are required. The event will take place rain or shine. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to connect with history and nature!

Location: Held in the Muir/Strentzel home.

Date: Dec 30, 2025 12:00am to Dec 30, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Storytime in the Muir Mansion

Join a National Park Service ranger for a special reading program in the east parlor of the John Muir mansion. Gather on the cozy rug as you hear stories about John Muir's great adventures and learn more about his remarkable life. After the program, enjoy exploring the historic house and its beautiful grounds at your leisure.

This program is free, open to the public, and no reservations are required. The event will take place rain or shine. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to connect with history and nature!

Location: Held in the Muir/Strentzel home.

Date: Jan 2, 2026 12:00am to Jan 2, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Mt. Wanda Wellness Walk
How do you make an oak tree laugh? Tell acorn-y joke. Come learn about these ultimate providers of habitat and food. Rangers will lead a hike on January 3, 2026, from 9:30-11:30 am on Mt. Wanda. The hike is 3 miles total on a steep dirt trail. Meet at Mt. Wanda Trailhead parking lot with sturdy shoes, layers, a snack, and water. In case of rain or muddy conditions, we will meet at the Visitor Center parking lot at 4202 Alhambra Avenue.  

Location: Mt. Wanda Trailhead, Martinez, CA

Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger Program: How We Feel Outdoors

Come join a ranger in the Muir Strentzel Home for a conversation about places we love outdoors. 

Location: East Parlor Room, Muir Strentzel Home

Date: Jan 16, 2026 12:00am to Jan 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Storytime in the Muir Strentzel House

Join a ranger in the Muir Strenzel House for a children's story. There is an easy access path to the house. We can also drive people up the hill and use the wheelchair lift into the first floor. 

Location: Historic Home, John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94596

Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 31, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger Program: What's a Hero

Come join a ranger in the Muir Strentzel Home to explore the idea of environmental heroism and who you might want to include as a hero. 

Location: Visitor Center

Date: Jan 23, 2026 12:00am to Jan 23, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Wellness Walk

Come join a ranger for a mindful walk around the orchards.

Date: Jan 24, 2026 12:00am to Jan 24, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
4202 Alhambra Ave
Martinez, CA 94553

🏤 Mailing Address:
4202 Alhambra Ave
Martinez, CA 94553

📞 Voice Phone: 9252288860

✉️ Email: jomu_general_info@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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