Only a 10 minute drive from the hotel, the National Park Service’s Marin Headlands offers 2100 acres of stunning open space. No matter what your fitness level, this adventure treats you to outstanding views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, historic military installations, a lighthouse, ocean vistas, an isolated carnelian pebbled beach, a fresh water lagoon, and the renowned Marine Mammal Center. While exciting in all weather, the Marin Headlands adventure is best on a clear day when the views aren’t shrouded in fog. Scroll down below the photo for adventures.
Drive It: An 11 mile driving loop south of the hotel winds up Alexander Avenue to Conzelman Road and the best Golden Gate view points and military sites, Rodeo Beach and Lagoon, and the Marine Mammal Center. On your return, take a short detour on the Bay side of the Headlands for stunning views of San Francisco, historic Fort Baker and the Discovery Museum – a great stop for kids. All sites are wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Bike It: A 12 mile strenuous bike loop follows the driving route south from the hotel, but then follows East Road to meander through Fort Baker where it quickly climbs under the Golden Gate Bridge to rejoin the driving route for spectacular views at Battery Spencer (475 ft.) and Hawk Hill (920 ft.). The ride then steeply declines as it winds past historic military sites down to Rodeo Beach and Lagoon. On your way back, take a short detour to the Marine Mammal Center. The level return via Mitchel and Bunker Roads brings you through a tunnel and back to Sausalito via Alexander Avenue.
Hike It: From trailheads off the driving route, the numerous hiking opportunities in the Marin Headlands include a short but steep hike to the historic working lighthouse at Pt. Bonita, a level 1.5 mile loop around Rodeo Lagoon, and a moderately strenuous 4.5 mile loop up to Wolf Ridge (960 ft.) where you will marvel at the encompassing views of the bustling San Francisco Bay Area contrasted with the serenity of Tennessee Valley and the Marin coastline.
