Only a 10 minute drive from the hotel, the National Park Service’s Marin Headlands offers 2,100 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. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the cleanest light for photography, especially along Conzelman Road.
The Headlands are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of the largest urban national parks in the world. You’ll find well-marked trailheads, restrooms at major stops, and interpretive signage throughout.
Scroll down below the photo for adventures.
Best Ways to Experience the Marin Headlands
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.
Plan to pull over at Battery Spencer for the classic postcard view of the Golden Gate Bridge framed against the San Francisco skyline. Continue on to Hawk Hill, where in fall you can often watch migrating raptors ride the thermals overhead.
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 Mitchell and Bunker Roads brings you through a one-lane tunnel and back to Sausalito via Alexander Avenue. Cyclists should watch for the signal at the tunnel entrance, which alternates traffic in each direction.
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 Point Bonita, a level 1.5 mile loop around Rodeo Lagoon, and a moderately strenuous 4.5 mile loop up to Wolf Ridge (960 ft.).
From Wolf Ridge 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.
Point Bonita Lighthouse is open limited hours, typically a few days each week. Check the National Park Service website before you go, and reach the lighthouse by crossing a short suspension bridge perched above the crashing surf.
History buffs will want to linger at the many Nike missile sites, coastal artillery batteries, and barracks scattered across the hills. The Nike Missile Site SF-88 is the only fully restored site of its kind in the country and occasionally offers public tours led by veterans who once served there.
Families with young children will find the Marine Mammal Center especially rewarding. The center rescues and rehabilitates seals, sea lions, and otters, and visitors can often see patients recovering in outdoor pens.
What to bring: Layers are essential – the weather along the coast can shift from sunny and warm to foggy and cold in a matter of minutes. Pack water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes if you plan to hike. A camera or binoculars will enhance any visit.
Getting back: On your return to the hotel, consider stopping in downtown Sausalito for a waterfront lunch or a stroll along Bridgeway. The entire Marin Headlands loop can easily fill a half day, or an unhurried full day with stops for picnicking, photography, and exploration.
