Guests of The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito are perfectly positioned to explore Rodeo Beach, one of the Bay Area’s most unique and picturesque stretches of coastline. Just a short and scenic drive from the hotel through the Marin Headlands, Rodeo Beach offers a wild and untamed beauty that makes it a favorite with locals, surfers, photographers, and hikers alike. Whether you’re drawn to its colorful pebbles, dramatic surf, or surrounding trails, a visit here provides a refreshing taste of Northern California’s rugged Pacific shore.
A Secluded and Striking Beach
A spot popular with locals, Rodeo Beach is a secluded, turbulent, and often chilly destination located just 3 miles from San Francisco (as the crow flies) — though separated from the city by the Golden Gate Bridge and a winding drive through coastal hills. The beach is set within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which means it’s protected from overdevelopment and retains its natural character year-round.
One of Rodeo Beach’s most distinctive features is its sand — or rather, its lack of typical sand. Instead, the shoreline is covered in smooth, colorful pebbles that have been polished by constant wave action. These stones form a multicolored mix of sandstone, chert, jade, carnelian, and black agate, creating a unique and photogenic surface. While it’s tempting to pocket a souvenir, collecting rocks here is prohibited to preserve the site’s natural beauty (learn more about the geology of Rodeo Beach).
Bird Island and Wildlife Viewing
Just offshore from the southern end of Rodeo Beach lies Bird Island, a vital roosting site for seabirds. Depending on the season, you may see cormorants, gulls, brown pelicans, and even the occasional peregrine falcon hunting along the cliffs. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to see along Rodeo Lagoon, which sits just inland from the beach and provides habitat for ducks, egrets, herons, and, if you’re lucky, a river otter.
The abundance of wildlife here makes Rodeo Beach a year-round destination for nature lovers. A pair of binoculars can greatly enhance your visit, whether you’re spotting shorebirds at low tide or watching pelicans skim the waves.
Surfing at the North End
While Rodeo Beach’s waters are often cold and choppy, the north end attracts a small but dedicated group of surfers. The waves can be powerful and unpredictable, so this is a spot best suited to experienced surfers familiar with local conditions. Even if you’re not planning to get in the water, watching these surfers navigate the waves against a backdrop of rugged cliffs is an exhilarating experience in itself.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Rodeo Beach is not just for lounging — it’s also the starting point for some of the Marin Headlands’ most scenic hikes. Trails from the beach connect to the Coastal Trail, Miura Point Trail, and routes up toward Battery Townsley and Fort Cronkhite. These paths offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic coastal bluffs, and seasonal wildflowers.
If you’re looking for a gentler experience, a short walk around Rodeo Lagoon provides a more tranquil way to enjoy the scenery, especially during bird migration seasons.
Planning Your Visit from The Inn Above Tide
- Distance from the hotel: About 20 minutes by car from Sausalito
- Parking: Free parking available near the beach and lagoon
- Facilities: Restrooms available; no food services nearby — pack a picnic before leaving Sausalito
- Best time to visit: Mornings often bring clearer skies, while late afternoons are ideal for sunset photography
For those seeking more to explore nearby, consider pairing your trip with a visit to Fort Cronkhite, the restored WWII military post located just steps from the beach.
Preserving Rodeo Beach for Future Visitors
Because Rodeo Beach is part of a protected national park area, visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles — pack out what you bring in, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife. The combination of rugged natural beauty and easy accessibility makes Rodeo Beach a rare find in the Bay Area, but it’s up to all of us to help keep it that way.
A Perfect Day Trip from The Inn Above Tide
For guests staying at The Inn Above Tide, Rodeo Beach offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Begin your morning with breakfast overlooking the Sausalito waterfront, then make the scenic drive through the Marin Headlands to this breathtaking stretch of coast. Spend your day walking among colorful pebbles, watching surfers and seabirds, or exploring nearby hiking trails. By the time you return to the comfort of your waterfront room, you’ll have experienced one of Northern California’s most remarkable and unspoiled beaches — just minutes from your home base in Sausalito.
