Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA

Just north of the Golden Gate bridge, the Marin Headlands offers several trails with excellent coastal views. To get there, exit on Alexander Avenue, turn left on Danes Drive/Bunker Road (stopping at the tunnel until the 5-minute stoplight turns green), and follow the signs to the visitor center, where you can get a trail map. Parking is free everywhere in the park. Visitor center staff and hikers are courteous and helpful. It may be a good idea to check the weather beforehand.

There are several points of interest in this scenic area.

The first, Point Bonita Lighthouse, is accessible via Field Road. Walk 0.5 miles along the Point Bonita trail while taking in pleasant ocean views before hitting a tunnel. Between 12:30 and 3:30pm on weekends and Mondays, one can reach the lighthouse through this tunnel. The surrounding area is also home to several historic military installations including Fort Barry (with several gun batteries), built around 1900, and a Nike Missile Site active during the cold war.


From a hiking standpoint, the main attraction is the Coastal/Miwok trails. Park at the northeastern corner of Rodeo Lagoon and walk 1.6 miles on Miwok Trail, which rises hundreds of feet in elevation. Bear left on Wolf Ridge Trail for 0.7 miles. The journey is somewhat strenuous but worth it. As soon as you hit Coastal Trail you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Rodeo Cove, Bird Island, and the Pacific Ocean. Continue west, then south, descending along the Coastal trail for 1.5 miles. Point Bonita Lighthouse should be visible in the distance (photo #1b). Turn left on Lagoon Trail and continue for another mile or so until you return full circle to the trail head.



Trail: Miwok + Wolf Ridge + Coastal trails, 4.8 miles
Difficulty: >Moderate (elevation change, length)