The majesty of the giant redwoods in Muir Woods never fails to inspire.

Muir Woods National Monument is located 11 miles north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. The national park is what remains of an ancient redwood forest that once dominated the northern California coast. The tallest tree in the world, the Coast redwood, grows here, as well as many plants that are indigenous to an old-growth redwood forest. Muir Woods attracts nearly a million visitors annually who travel from around the world to pay homage to nature in this cathedral of ancient trees.

View a slide show on the Muir Woods at 10Best.com/USATODAY.