Located just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge the Marin Headlands is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
It is hard to believe such a vast, beautiful, and diverse wilderness is so close to San Francisco. Most visitors only visit the overlook of the Golden Gate Bridge. There is so much more to explore in the Headlands.
The Marin Headlands is a crown jewel of the Golden Gate National Parks abounding with places of natural wonder and beauty Rodeo Lagoon/Valley, Gerbode Valley, Hawk Hill, Tennessee Valley and remarkable historic sites Point Bonita Lighthouse Fort Cronkhite, Nike Missile Site, Battery Townsley.
In addition to a vast network of multi-use trails, amenities for visitors include the Marin Headlands Visitor Center and four unique campgrounds.
Not to Be Missed:
Marin Headlands Visitor Center
Open: Every day except Tuesday —9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Location: Fort Barry, Building 948 Sausalito, CA 94965. The Marin Headlands Visitor Center is located in the historic Fort Barry Chapel, at the intersection of Field and Bunker Roads. The Visitor Center is approximately 3 miles from the entrance to the Marin Headlands.
Point Bonita Lighthouse
At the southwestern point of the Marin Headlands sits Point Bonita Lighthouse. A secret jewel of the Bay Area, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, built in 1855, was the third lighthouse built on the West Coast and helped shepherd ships through the treacherous Golden Gate straits. Today, the lighthouse is still active and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Discover Point Bonita’s wild landscape, geology and fascinating history by hiking the partially steep half mile trail to the Point Bonita Lighthouse! It’s located at the end of a very skinny finger of land that extends into the Pacific Ocean.
Fort Baker
Tucked almost directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge this former army post is on the threshold of the dramatic coastline of the Marin Headlands. After a post-to-park transformation completed in 2008, Fort Baker now houses Cavallo Point (the first national park lodge of the 21st century) as well as the Institute at the Golden Gate, leveraging the power of parks to advance environmental and social progress. Kids love the hands-on art, science, and play activities at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, which focuses on bay history and ecology. Please note: The museum charges an admission fee.The pier on Fort Baker’s shore is a popular location for fishing and an amazing spot to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge.
