Rodeo Beach

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

Links

Tide Chart
Water Quality
Water Temps
Rodeo Beach Surf Report