Rodeo Beach
Photo Gallery
About Rodeo Beach in Sausalito, California
Rodeo Beach is a wide pebble beach on the sand spit that separates Rodeo Lagoon from Rodeo Cove on the west side of the Marin Headlands in Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The beach is dark colored and made up of small pebbly stones in brown, red, green, and blue. Rodeo Beach is a popular spot as it is close to San Francisco and has easy access for both locals and tourists.
Walk to the south end of the beach to see rocks in the surf that are frequently photographed, especially at sunset. Bird Rock is offshore and has a small arch in the center. With binoculars you can see birds on the rock but Rodeo Lagoon is the best spot for birdwatching at this beach.
Hiking trails lead south from Rodeo Beach to various military batteries including Battery O’Rorke, Battery Smith-Guthrie, and Battery Alexander. The parking lot for Alexander is also the trailhead for secluded South Rodeo Beach.
From the north end of the Rodeo Beach the Coastal Trail goes north along the bluff to coastal overlooks, hidden military bunkers like Battery Townsley, and more conspicuous sites like Hill 88. If you branch off the main trail to Tennessee Point you’ll find a labyrinth and wonderful views of the Marin Coast from Point Bonita to the Muir Beach Overlook. Note that a steep unofficial trail descends from the Coastal Trail to Tennessee Beach.
To get to Rodeo Beach, cross the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and take the Alexander Ave exit (Exit 442). Drive a short distance and turn left following signs to Marin Headlands via Bunker Road. You’ll go through the Baker Barry Tunnel and Bunker Road will continue past the Marin Headlands Visitors Center to Rodeo Lagoon. Round the lagoon on the north side and look for signs to the Rodeo Beach parking lot and picnic area (on Mitchell Road next to Fort Cronkhite).
- Address
- 1049 Mitchell Rd
Sausalito, CA 94965 - Phone
- 415-561-4700
- Park Name
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Other Names
- Fort Cronkhite, Rodeo Lagoon
- Owner
- National Park
- Pet Details
- Dogs allowed off leash if under voice control
- Fees
- Free parking
- Activities
- Hiking, Birdwatching, Surfing, Rockhounding
- Amenities
- Restrooms, Trails, Picnic Tables, Lagoon, Unique Sand
Nearby Beaches
South Rodeo Beach
0.3 miles away
South Rodeo Beach is a small beach in a secluded cove south of Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands. It...
Tennessee Cove Beach
1 miles away
Tennessee Cove Beach is a dark sand beach on the west side of the Marin Headlands in Golden Gate...
Point Bonita Lighthouse
1 miles away
Point Bonita Lighthouse is out on the rocky point on the north side of the entrance to San Francisco...
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Lodging
Marin Headlands Hostel
0.6 miles away
With your choice of private rooms, family rooms or dorms, the Marin Headlands Hostel supplies space for upwards of...
Related Articles
Reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.