The Marin Headlands – What To See

Want to get out of San Francisco for a day to hidden beaches and trails? For the price of a bridge toll, you can have lots of outdoor options with easy access. The Marin Headlands are a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge just minutes from downtown. Biking is another great way to get here if you have a bike or can rent one. See below for the reason why we suggest visiting the Marin Headlands on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

Here is our suggestion for seeing the Marin Headlands in a day (a full day). This assumes driving west on Conzelman Road then returning back to Highway 101 via Bunker Road (a perfect clockwise loop drive). See the map above.

  1. First off pack a lunch, and lots of snacks and drinks as there are no easy food options in this area. You will burn many calories on this day trip.
  2. From San Francisco, get an early start and drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and park at Battery Spencer (be patient for a spot to open up). A wide level path leads out to this abandoned military installation and a perfect viewpoint above the bridge.
  3. From the same parking lot we suggest hiking one mile down to Kirby Cove Beach. Look for the hidden bunker half-way down on the left then explore more structures and a brown sand beach at the bottom.
  4. Check out the amazing 360 degree view from Hawk Hill, one of the highest points in the Marin Headlands at over 900 feet.
  5. Optional stop at Black Sands Beach (parking is difficult)
  6. Walk out to Point Bonita Lighthouse if you are here on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday (tunnel to lighthouse is only open 12:30 to 3:30 pm on those days). The lighthouse is a highlight so it’s worth getting here early for a parking spot. While waiting for the tunnel to open you can walk to Battery Mendell, Battery Wallace (has a picnic area), and even Battery Alexander. South Rodeo Beach is hidden below the Battery Alexander parking lot.
  7. Relax at Rodeo Beach and consider staying for sunset as this is one of the best places to see it. Look for birds on the lagoon as you walk out to the beach.
  8. Drive east on Bunker Road which goes through a tunnel back to the Sausalito side of the headlands and the ramp to the 101 for a trip back across the Golden Gate Bridge. If you want to have dinner on this side, just turn left on Alexander Ave and head to Sausalito instead of getting on the highway. There are many restaurants in Sausalito.

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Note, be sure to bring a warm jacket as it can be windy, cool, and moist out here on the headlands. Fog can ruin views and photos so consider waiting for a clear forecast.

The Marin Headlands are part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Parking is free everywhere in this national park!