Marin Headlands
Categories: Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Hiking, Parks [Edit]
948 Fort BarryGolden Gate National Recreation Area
Sausalito, CA 94965
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. - Good for Kids: Yes
122 Reviews for Marin Headlands
One of the most magnificent places i've seen anywhere!!!
The ever changing vistas (depending on weather, fog, wind, etc), are absolutely breathtaking.
Sometimes i get frustrated w/parking, but just the driving around can be an experience in itself.
One of my favorite spots is the walk above Rodeo Beach.
The beach itself is great too, but can get pretty windy!
Headlands is one of the many reasons i love this area!
The headlands are an amazing oasis of nature directly across from the concrete landscape of San Francisco. Perfect for hikes, bird watching, communing with nature, taking gorgeous photos and stealing away to spend time with your sweetheart.
The last time I went, we brought a picnic with us and enjoyed the warm yet foggy day that had clouds rolling over the Golden Gate Bridge in waves of white nothingness. It's a beautiful view and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city (if only for a short amount of time).
Parking can be difficult at times depending on the area you decide to park. But it's still a worthwhile trip to make to get out of the East Bay and SF for the day.
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Dudes, flowers die and candy makes girls fat.
An epic view and a little romance, on the other hand, go a long, long way.
There's a reason they call it the *Head*lands.
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When the rest of the bay area seems like one steaming flank of asphalt, Marin Headlands is welcome reprieve. We found a path right near the Golden Gate Bridge viewing area that went on for miles. (It took several attempts. We kept being fooled by tourist "viewing areas") On a beautiful Sunday on this particular trail, we only ran into two other people. It was cool and foggy and windy in places - my favorite weather to hike in. Drive out in your shorts on one of those 85+ degree days and bring a pair of pants and a sweatshirt, and enjoy this beautiful landscape all to yourself.
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The Marin Headlands have something for everyone!
Whether you hike, bike, walk, surf.....crawl, there is something to do! I have been a frequent visitor my entire life, and feel blessed to live so close. The views are to die for. They honestly showcase some of the worlds very best lookouts.
If you like camping lightly, Kirby Cove is excellent for all ages. A light walk down a fire road will take you to the campground which is another 100 yards to the ocean looking up at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and as far as the eye can see into the Pacific Ocean.
Up top the Nike Air Base is an interesting, and somewhat educational spot to check out. It makes you thankful that we never had to use them, or go to war on our beautiful landscape.
Rodeo Beach is just wonderful. You get a sense of freedom that is hard to find even at some of the more popular local beaches. The weather is not swimmer friendly, but sure is shark friendly. You can see surfers here pretty frequently as well. The hiking trail above is very nice, and walks along the water at several points that make for great photos. Don't go to close to the edge though, because the winds can make for a terrible accident to those not paying close attention.
The Marine Mammal Center is for those who have already signed up as volunteers and currently is not open to the general public. I intend to sign up soon to help out with our coastal friends.
Please come and enjoy the beauty of the Marin Headlands, and be sure to clean up after yourself! :)
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Spectacular views that are as good as it gets. The view never seems to be quite the same. Sometimes there is so much fog you can't even see the bridge, but that is an experience all by itself.
Don't forget to dress accordingly, it is cold and windy most of the time!
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This is almost like a "locals only" type of tourist spot because its so off the beaten path and yet its so easily accessible once you know how to get there...
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. With the baby in tow, we weren't looking for hiking or anything far from the car, but even the drive was beautiful. We spent a few minutes at a lookout viewing the bridge, a bit of time watching the ocean, and a little while watching the surfers trying to get up from the beach. It was all great. Hubby's favorite part is the one way part of the coastal road (although at that point, I think it could be called a 'coaster' road..as in roller coaster!)
The Marin Headlands is a pretty cool place. I never knew this place even existed until last year. Mind you, I drove past it on the way to SF many times. The beaches and trails are spectacular. The weather is gorgeous. There's plenty to do and see. I visited the Marine Mammal Center's bookstore, which was pretty neat too.
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Awesome motorcycle rides. However, pay attention to the deer crossing signs. I was cruising on my motorcycle about 20 mph over the speed limit. I came around a blind corner and almost nailed two deer in the middle of the road. It would have been ugly for them and me.
It's so amazing to think this treasure is only minutes from the big city. I brought my parents here last weekend and they loved it. We did the Bob Cat Trail / Rodeo Valley loop which was about 4.5 miles. It was great because even though it was Saturday afternoon we hardly passed a soul. Afterward we headed to Rodeo beach for a picnic lunch and finished it off with a trip to the light house which has amazing views of the golden gate and the city.
I am so happy this place is so close. Any time you are in need of a brief reprieve from the busy and noisy city this is the perfect spot.
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Absolutely breathtaking. It's a magical magnetic place to be. I went for a late-night hike with my friend and my dog. We frolicked carefree with no interruptions from rangers or strangers.
Highly recommended!
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You can't call yourself a hiker if you don't hike.
On my quest to hit 30 miles of urban hiking this week, I needed to pull out the big guns, I had already walked 23 mi and needed 7 mi on Sunday to meet my goal.
So my friend and I walked over the GG Bridge and then headed up the Coastal Trail. We had packed a picnic lunch, but weren't really sure of our destination. Just up, and up, and up, and up. For a Sunday afternoon, I was shocked that we saw very few people on the trails. It was a very beautiful hike, filled with incredible vistas. We finally stopped at the top of a mountain in a grassy knoll. Resisting my urge to pluck a bouquet of California Poppies, I distracted myself by gorging on olive bread, Humboldt Fog chevre, Montenebro, and some organic chocolate from our small hometown.
We sat there for awhile, enjoying the view and the fresh air, reluctant to head back to our busy City lives.
Stuffed and silent, we waddled our way down the trail to terminate our terrific trek.
7.6 miles, including the bridge walk = 30.6 mi for the week. Thanks to the Marin Headlands for pushing me over my goal and making me the nauseating overachiever that my friends know and love.
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Ah, the beauty of the Marin Headlands. It is almost inconceivable that such beauty exists. Breathtaking views await anyone who ventures across the Golden Gate bridge. As a Bay Area native, it still amazes me every time I am there. It is an absolutely wonderful place to take anyone from out of town or who just has not seen it yet. It is great to explore the entirety of this amazing natural wonder. Don't forget to explore areas such as Fort Cronkhite and the Point Bonita Lighthouse. A must for anyone who revels in the Bay Area's natural beauty.
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Ten years living in the Bay Area and not only hadn't been here before but I didn't even know heaven was so close. Shame on me!
GPS made it easy to access. It's right here, a short drive after crossing the Golden Gate. The visitor center told me many things I ignored at the same time that it sparked my curiosity about this mystical spot.
Hiking routes are clearly marked, neatly taken care of. The whole experience, the view, breathtaking.
The way back we didn't use the GPS and followed the red convertible with the black Labrador as a co-pilot instead (where is your camera when you need it?). It was a different way, all along the coast. Amazing.
Note to self: next time you come here, and in order to enjoy the hike, don't bring those cute 2" heel, fake patent leather, ankle-strap, cherry-red pumps.
This is the best place to disconnect from everyday tedium and to get closer to your inner self via deep conversation with good friend.
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Just another amazing place which will leave you speechless. Best at sunset on a sunny day. the view, the sounds, the smell....we are so lucky to live near such beauty
Top 5 Reasons to bring your out of town friend to the Marin Headlands:
5. They're only in San Francisco for a few hours and want to "see the city".
4. They hate exercise.
3. They're fascinated with military history/government waste.
2. They're a photographer.
1. They plan to commit suicide in a grand fashion.
The Marin Headlands are just plain incredible. Go when it's sunny, rainy, foggy, sunrise, sunset. You're bound to enjoy the views, the sheer cliffs, flora-softened military installments, and of course, the fresh ocean-salt breeze.
Oh, also, if you come in from the southern end, be prepared for a windy road that looks like it's a sheer cliff that will drop you into the ocean. A thrill ride in itself. If you come in on the northern end out of Sausalito, be prepared to wait for the longest light ever to go through the one-way tunnel. Woof.
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This is the place to take visitors, the view is breathtaking. I love when people come and I have an excuse to take them up here. It's not too high up, so the wind doesn't whip you from left to right. The only problem is trying to find parking and driving around all the hikers, and when your hiking, the cars are annoying.
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Perfect when you want to enjoy the views, get a good, quick workout in and not have to deal with your car on a beautiful day. Just zip across the bridge on your bike and head up, up, up to the top- take in the ridiculous views and thank yourself for living the bay area- then speed down the insane downhill (feels like you could fly off the coast at any point!) and still make it home in time to have a full day ahead of you. Oh, and the lighthouse and bunker make for interesting scenery as well.
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The Obvious: The Marin Headlands are absolutely amazing (see the 100 previous reviews)
My Two Cents: BOBCATS! Lots of em here. I'm crazy about Bobcats. They're my favorite local wildlife by far. Even on the sometimes crowded Tennessee Valley trail, you have a good chance of seeing one, especially if your hike is nearish dawn or dusk. They are very used to seeing humans hiking all around and tend to go about hunting as if you didn't exist.
On one inspiring all day Headlands hike including the Miwok, Coyote and Tennessee Valley trails, we spotted an amazing *five* Bobcats. I've never seen more than one Bobcat per hike since, but the obsession was born.
Hike quietly, and keep your eyes scanning the hills, and you have a very good chance of spotting one of the urban Bay Area's few remaining graceful predators.
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Is there anywhere else in the world like San Francisco? I mean 10 minutes from wall to wall buildings and people you have Marin Headlands and open land as far as the eye can see. The hiking trails are all very well maintained, the park staff and volunteers keep the place looking pristine, and the smiling faces of visitors 7 days a week is proof that this place is magical!
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Simply stunning. Looking at the Golden Gate Bridge, with the skyline in the background, you can't help but think you live in one of the best places in the world. Perhaps the very best.
Captivating and inspiring, I'm glad I finally made it.
I had one of the best days yesterday! It all started at 6:15 - we ran across the bridge and then headed up the back side of the headlands. There is a switchback running trail that takes you to the top (trail head is located near the northwest parking lot at the GG Bridge) - we watched the sunrise from there - I could not have asked for a better way to start the day. We are so lucky to live in this city and mornings like that one make me so happy to be back here!!
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A place to bring anyone who visits the Bay Area. I love watching my visitors faces light up at the stunning views. Best to bring them at sunset on a clear day.....the way the sun hits the coloring of the bridge is fantastic! And then watching the bridge and city light up....makes you want to return to the city and have a night on the town!
I love Mt. Tam and I googled it (in typical bay arean fasion) to see if I could find any other really awesome places to hike and this place came up... I can't believe I've never been here before. As a total nature aficianado, I sort of feel like I have been to and can make really good recommendations for outdoorsy places - especially places with a little something special about them. This place definitely has those qualities.
Breakdown:
Beaches - there's a bunch of them that are easily accessible and then at least one that you can hike down to and be the only person there (the one I went down into was even a black sand beach)!
Lighthouse - Only open until 3:30 so I didn't get to check that part out but the whole walk there has GREAT views of the city/GG bridge
Old fort buildings - If you like graffiti and weird tunnelways, you'll like the old buildings. I avoid some small rooms just because.. well.. I can only imagine how many men have used it for their personal bathroom but all in all, there's a TON of cool old buildings with really cool graff.
Interesting trails - small, windy trails surrounded by vegetation. I read something about when the flowers are in bloom, it's that much better. I couldn't help but think how cool it would be to have a huge paintball war at this park (fat chance, but it would be a GREAT location heh heh). And, there's really easy trails and then ones that are a little on the more challenging side. If you venture down to the beach, those are very steep and tricky.
The Headlands are immense, solid, and comforting in their permanence. I've returned here again and again, and it is always me that is different, the Headlands that are the same.
Sure, the weather is fickle, the flora crescendo and fade with the seasons, and bikers are predictably unpredictable around every turn. But it's the same fortress of rock and cliff; the same bracing, let-it-all-out, lung-filling fresh air; the same achingly spectacular glimpses of the bridge and the city sprawled in the distance, with the same pounding ocean within arm's reach.
I've been here alone. I've been here with the one I love. And yesterday, I went with three of my gals.
I am the DD, so I make four stops across the city, filling the Dirty Lesbaru with friends and food as we approach the bridge. The chitchat is voluble, punctuated by laughter and Freudian slips and slides. We cross the Golden Gate, elated, then veer off at Alexander and climb the winding road.
None of the gals has ever been past Conzelman, so I bring them to Rodeo Beach. We haul our picnic out and I get the pleasure of easing my Spyderco through Mt. Tam triple-cream. We nibble salami and roasted squash, watching surfers gliding on waves and dogs careening on golden sand.
Then we climb the Coastal Trail, a lazy, meandering ascent. It's not the climb of me alone, when there's a loop to be completed, a problem to be solved, thoughts to grind through. It's not the soft elation of walking in tandem with the one I love in a place of eternity, searching for the perfect piece of private sloping field to stop and stay awhile.
It's the devil-may-care meandering of bare-faced girls carrying champagne and merengues. We are here to leave behind problems, not to solve them. We aren't searching for perfection, or anything else. We are easily distracted, easily amazed, and easily content to hike a little, talk a little, laugh a little, sit a little.
It's unbelievably grand. It always is.
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Gorgeous. I make my home in the Sausalito side of it & its been a wonder to live up here. Its why my husband and I walked as a couple with our puppy and now its where we wander with our infant daughter. Lovely views, great soaring trees, and a good heart racing good hike. Love it, come on over, you'll love it too!
I don't think twice about driving an hour or two for a day hike, so sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that some great hiking can be found just minutes away. We're so lucky to have the Marin Headlands in such close proximity.
I've hiked around here a bunch, but I recently did a full moon hike up to Hill 88 for the first time. I totally recommend doing a hike at night if you haven't yet -- it's a whole new way of experiencing a trail, even if you've been on it many times before.
Starting at Rodeo Beach, it's about 2.3 miles up to the summit. And the key word here is UP - there are even a couple of stair sections on the way. The good news is that the climb makes you stay warm, even at night. There are several old bunkers and other military buildings along the way. I'm not much a military history buff, but I was able to appreciate the spookiness of these abandoned structures at night.
The views can't be beat. You look to one side and there's nothing but ocean, with the lights of ships dotting the horizon. And then you look in the other direction, and see the twinkling lights of the city.
Plenty of wildlife up here, but they stayed mostly hidden. I was hoping to see a bobcat, but we only saw deer.
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A gorgeous place in any weather. Another perfect excuse to skip work and go for a hike. One of my Top Five reasons for never leaving the Bay Area.
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Five stars for beauty, ease of access from SF.
Minus one star for as*hole bikers who fly down hills with blind turns, almost killing innocent hikers. SLOW DOWN, jerks! And throw in that minus one star mix a lack of trash receptacles on the trails. Most people carry out the nasty but a few cans along the way might reduce the trash left behind.
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The Marin Headlands has one of the most breath taking views of the Bay Area and the Golden Gate Bridge, it is truly a treasure. I want to camp here one day may be soon. But I would want to just come here one day and explore since I mostly come here with my internship and every time we come here there has to be a educational purpose. I suggest to come here from 5pm-6pm because bridge toll is for free if you are car pooling! I would come here on a bike but I think I would die from the hills! It kind of scares me being up on a hill up so high, but the view is just incredible so I do not even bother to think about heights. There are many interesting places here! Such as old bunkers! There is a place called Hawk Hill way higher and a lot of bird watchers come here because you can see many birds flying.
I stayed at a Hostel here with my group of people, and it was an amazing retreat to nature. Deer and rabbits frolicked around me, and I felt like I was in a Disney movie! The fog was freezing cold, but then again, it 's the Bay Area. On a sunny day, the place was beautiful and the grass never looked greener. walking around here, breathing the air - it's so clean and pure, I couldn't believe it.
Watch out for poison oak though - the trails are hidden with them.
A bunch of historic things here too, and if you walk far enough, there is this whole "underground" maze of low growing trees that is just mystical.
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Grab three friends. Grab some CDs or tapes. Pile into a car. Insert music and turn up volume. Drive. Do not speak, or speak as little as possible. Look out the windows, at the passing trees. Drive for hours. Keep driving. Go nowhere.
Find yourself in the middle of nowhere, in your head. Work out some problems.
Is it therapy? Not really. It can be calming. It can be entertaining. Sometimes it just doesn't work.
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Great place just 10min away from city where you feel like your 1000 miles from home. Awesome hiking, biking and views. Its really one of the great pleasures of living in the bay area. Hard to do experience justice with words on a computer. Just get in your car and go.
Top of the world looking down on creation... (or however that Carpenters' song goes).
Simply put: WOW. When you're feeling blue or need to remember why you love living in the Bay Area, go here. The trails wind their ways into the hills & valleys and you'll discover old forts, fiords, vistas & that big ol' blue- the Pacific Ocean. Breathe in that lovely salty sea air; it will invigorate you.
Lace up those hiking boots & go, go, go!
PS Muni even goes here (76 only on Sundays/holidays).
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When I moved to San Francisco, I knew the Marin Headlands only as a low bellow on foggy nights from the Richmond District. I then teased myself with a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, but was too intimidated to ever ride up the hill & see all that the Headlands has to offer.
Then I met a woman, and her poofy little dog. We both enjoyed hiking, so I took it as an opportunity for an afternoon date with her & the pooch. This was a BAD IDEA. We drove up Conzelman Road, looking back at the beautiful view of San Francisco & the Pacific Ocean, and then parked off Field Road near Fort Barry.
We started walking down a nearby trail. The dog was going berserk--it wanted after every damn butterfly, bird or moving leaf in sight. She turned to me smiling and said, "Should we let him off the leash?". I wasn't too sure about it, but mistakenly said "Yea, go for it". And she did. And off he went, sprinting through the trees.
30 minutes later and a coarse voice from yelling "Cody" repeatedly, I found the stupid dog. I picked it up and carried him to her, only to find that he had gained some new friends. Hundreds of them. TICKS! And they were on me now! We abandoned the rest of the afternoon in the Headlands and I abandoned ever really talking to her again.
I have since visited the Headlands on many different occasions, riding through on cycle training or hiking around with friends. The Headlands is an amazing area to visit, and is the home of the only standing NIKE Missile Silo. All of the other silos throughout the west coast were destroyed after the Cold War ended, but this particular site became a museum of sorts. I have yet to visit the low-bellowing lighthouse, on the few occasions I've tried it is always closed for the day.
The Marin Headlands are definitely worth a day's visit if you have never been (or again if you have)...But please learn from my mistake and keep your dog on a leash.
More info on NIKE Missile silo:
http://www.nps.gov/gog...
UFC, k thx.
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I work here.... I never thought my commute could be more beautiful than Monterey. I melt into this land... it hugs me. It sounds lame, but I love it unlike any other place on this planet.
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Marin Headlands, also known as the GGNRA (Golden Gate National Recreation Area) is an incredible place for SF residents and general Bay Area-ians to enjoy the outdoors. On sunny, clear days you can take in stellar views of the Pacific Ocean, seeing out as far as the Farallon Islands. On the foggy days, which are more often, the Headlands become a spooky distant planet.
Hiking trails are numerous out here, from wide fireroads where you can catch glimpses of Bobcats, on the aptly named Bobcat or Miwok trail, or take in the fog covered city from Slacker Hill or SCA Trail. The hikes out here are all up or down, so you will work up a sweat and burn those calories.
While the Headlands lack the wicked singletrack of other biking places, you can get in a good cardio workout and it is a short spin across the bridge. There is some singletrack, Old Springs trail is a fun descent into Tennessee Valley, just break for horses at the bottom. And further out by the Zen Farm in Muir Beach is Green Gulch an uphill only for bikes singletrack.
One great thing is that night riding is LEGAL out in the headlands. Trail always are a lot spookier at night with the fog rolling in and that bobcat hunting you!
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I had no clue a city bus (not a golden gate transit bus) went here until I accidently boarded it and ended up here. And it's stop is a mere half block from my home. Breathtaking views are 20 minutes and $1.50 away.
The tunnels are especially neat-o.
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