Only a 10-minute drive from The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito, the National Park Service’s Marin Headlands adventures unfold across 2,100 acres of stunning open space within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Guests can leave their waterfront suites and, in minutes, be immersed in sweeping views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, explore historic military installations, visit a working lighthouse, take in ocean vistas, stroll an isolated carnelian-pebbled beach, admire a freshwater lagoon, and tour the renowned Marine Mammal Center. While the Marin Headlands are exciting in all weather, a clear day offers unforgettable panoramas without the fog’s mysterious veil.
Drive It – Marin Headlands Adventures
An 11-mile driving loop south of the hotel winds up Alexander Avenue to Conzelman Road, revealing the best Golden Gate viewpoints and military sites before descending to Rodeo Beach and Lagoon. Continuing on, you’ll reach the Marine Mammal Center, where rescued seals and sea lions are rehabilitated. On the return trip, take a short detour along the Bay side of the Headlands for sweeping views of San Francisco, historic Fort Baker, and the Bay Area Discovery Museum—a perfect family-friendly stop. This route is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it a comfortable way for all guests to enjoy the Headlands without missing any of the highlights.
Bike It
For a more athletic adventure, a 12-mile strenuous bike loop follows the same driving route south from The Inn Above Tide but diverts onto East Road to meander through Fort Baker. From there, you’ll climb under the Golden Gate Bridge before rejoining the main route for breathtaking stops at Battery Spencer (475 ft.) and Hawk Hill (920 ft.). The ride then descends steeply past historic bunkers toward Rodeo Beach and Lagoon. On the return, consider a side trip to the Marine Mammal Center. The final leg via Mitchel and Bunker Roads brings you through a tunnel and back to Sausalito via Alexander Avenue, ending just steps from the hotel’s welcoming lobby and waterfront views.
Hike It
From trailheads along the driving route, your Marin Headlands adventures offer hiking for every fitness level. A short but steep path leads to the historic working lighthouse at Point Bonita, perched dramatically above the Pacific. A level 1.5-mile loop around Rodeo Lagoon is perfect for birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot herons, egrets, and pelicans. For those seeking a challenge, a moderately strenuous 4.5-mile loop ascends to Wolf Ridge (960 ft.), rewarding hikers with sweeping views that juxtapose the bustle of the San Francisco Bay with the peaceful isolation of Tennessee Valley and the rugged Marin coastline. Guests returning to The Inn Above Tide can look forward to a hot shower, a glass of wine, and the comfort of their private balcony as the sun sets over the Bay.
Your Marin Headlands adventures are about more than scenery—it’s a jou (rney through California’s layered history. From coastal Miwok heritage to the military fortifications of the 20th century, every stop tells a story. Wildlife thrives here, too: harbor seals lounge on rocky shores, raptors wheel overhead, and wildflowers blanket the hillsides in spring. Whether you choose to drive, bike, or hike, the proximity of The Inn Above Tide means you can explore at your own pace, returning to the hotel between outings or setting aside a full day to immerse yourself in this remarkable landscape.
From the moment you step out of the hotel’s doors, you’re within easy reach of one of the most beautiful and historically rich areas in the Bay Area. Your Marin Headlands adventures reward curiosity and invite exploration, and The Inn Above Tide offers the perfect base for discovering it all—an unforgettable blend of coastal wilderness and refined comfort.
