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Frequently mentioned in reviews: Golden (17) Gate (16) views (15) Bridge (15) visit (11) Francisco (11) trails (9) bridge (9) area (9) time (8)
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  • 5/5 Fred T. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful hike through nature with a nice beach in between. There's plenty of parking on either side of the trails and we were lucky enough to see several different types of birds. The hikes have a moderate amount of incline to them, but there wasn't anything crazy.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Elizabeth T. 2 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous trail to hike, I would recommend going on a sunny day when there is more visibility, otherwise the views will be obstructed by the fog. If you have extra time, I would recommend visiting Hill 88 for some historical sites.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Scott C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a great place to take photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and of the Ocean. You can even see Alcatraz Island from here. It’s a short drive about 20 minutes. The traffic on the weekend is pretty heavy so take that into account when you’re planning your trip. Afterwards you can drive across the Golden Gate Bridge for more photo opportunities. Got some great panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge here.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 vivek m. 8 months ago on Google β€’ 152 reviews
    Marin Headlands is a breathtaking destination that captivated me and my family during our recent visit. Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge, the view of the iconic bridge from this vantage point was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The sight of the majestic bridge against the backdrop of the San Francisco skyline left us all in sheer wonder. One of the highlights of our trip was the stunning lighthouse that graces the headlands. Its charm was simply irresistible, and the picturesque setting added a touch of nostalgia to the whole experience. The lighthouse served as a beautiful reminder of the area's rich maritime history. What made our visit even more enjoyable was the kindness and knowledge of the park ranger who guided us through the light station. Their passion for the history and significance of the lighthouse was evident, and they shared fascinating stories about its past, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for this historical gem. As a family with kids, we found Marin Headlands to be a perfect destination. The children were in awe of the panoramic views and were eager to learn about the Golden Gate Bridge and the lighthouse. The park offered a safe and inviting environment for them to explore and enjoy nature. Overall, our trip to Marin Headlands was a memorable and enriching experience. The combination of the spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the beauty of the lighthouse, and the kindness and knowledge of the park ranger made this visit truly unforgettable. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a picturesque spot to create lasting memories with your family, Marin Headlands should definitely be on your list of must-visit places.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mary M. 1 year ago on Google
    A very spiritual place to me. The landscape features rolling hills covered in beautiful foliage as well as old naval structures that have decayed and been spray painted. I love going to Rodeo Beach and just walking through the hills but there also multiple scenic trails that will take you along the coast
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Laurent B. 1 month ago on Google β€’ 180 reviews New
    Just a gorgeous ride and now that they restricted car traffic to one lane, it is even more enjoyable for biking.

  • 5/5 Motts Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Super awesome hidden gem. Gets very crowded , min parking n access the barracks and view are amazing Bring warm clothes n be prepared to walk. Go early , avoid weekend. Pack in water n food. Visit light house if you can do hike. So worth it. Not recommended fir smaller children or strollers . Paths are rocky.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Bryan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful spot to watch sunset with great views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge. Extra perk is that you are just a rocks throw away from Sausalito for dinner after enjoying a beautiful sunset. Highly recommend a visit
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Michael T. 2 years ago on Google
    Any visit to the San Francisco Bay Area needs to include a drive to the Marin Headlands, just over the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the first exit beyond the Vista Point amd head back under the roadway, as if getting back on the Bridge back to SF. Take the exit to Golden Gate National Recreation Area and then a left into the parking lot, if you want to hike down to Kirby Cove. That is about a mile hike down a gravel road, gentle slope. Wonderful views of the Bridge and of SF, as well as of early 1900s coast artillery emplacements. The guns themselves are long gone. Alternatively, take the same exit and follow signs to right and make your way to the top of Marin Headlands, Hawk Hill. Spectacular views of the Bridge and of SF.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Crazy Runner 6. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 130 reviews
    Hiking , biking, running photos it’s all there so close to the amazing City of San Francisco. I love running here ! ! if u are runner try ninja loop great view from the top

  • 4/5 Iain B. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge from a different perspective. A bit more off the beaten track are the fire road trails around the headlands, scenic and beautiful but near enough to grab a coffee and meal in Sausalito on the way out.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Felix 2 years ago on Google
    we had a nice hike here. There is a lot of parking right at the beach with where you can start hiking. A lot of different trails can be started and you can continue for quiet a while. Especially, the trails along the coast are breath taking. However, sometimes the trails just end so you have to look up a little to find out where you are walking to not be surprised at the end that you have to walk back all the way. The batteries on the way are a nice little thing to see on the side but you got to be careful as they are pretty rusty.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Soraya T. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 9 reviews
    Amazing place to visit at night! Weather in October is perfect. Wasn't too cold. Beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the city lights with "Karl the fog" hovering over. Definitely recommend! Nice place to take pictures.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 RUDYAKAHALIBU77 1 year ago on Google
    San Francisco Bay area is known for its heavy thick fog. If you plan to visit Marine headlands, Target sunny days. Today was perfect for pictures and a ride. My advice is to bring a light jacket and walking shoes. If you have kids use the bathroom before the trip. I've seen a few bathroom areas around it would take a while to get there if you're walking. Bring extra food and water , there are a lot of beautiful areas where you can sit and take a lunch. Directions to get you here, If you're driving from San Francisco Cross the Golden Gate bridge heading northbound Right exit Alexander avenue Left bunker road Through the baker-berry tunnel Left McCullough Rd The roads name is Conzelman Rd Make a right to go to the top or left to go to the bottom. WELCOME TO MARIN HEADLANDS ENJOY THE DAY ❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 TATER B. 8 months ago on Google
    This place has been a staple on my trips into the City from Sonoma County forever! I'm in NY now, and on my last visit (last month) it's no longer a 2 lane road around the headlands. Make a right when exiting the freeway (SB) and follow around thru the one way tunnel and up and over. I wasn't a fan at first, but ya know, I appreciate it now! Such a beautiful look at the area up close! They should have done this change YEARS ago!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ludwig F. 1 year ago on Google
    What a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors so close to the city. Some great trailruns taking place here around the year. Just make sure to bring some good trail shoes, can get quite muddy on rainy days! The views of the ocean, bay, bridge, and city skyline are just awesome!!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mahmudul H. 1 year ago on Google
    Went for hiking at afternoon time.Although weather update was saying that the sky was sunny but all on a sudden there come huge fog that stand for hour. But the sightseeing was awesome.There are plenty of parking and also good restroom . Also the beach is good for day time spending and camping. The elevation is good . I saw every aged people on the trail.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 M B. 2 years ago on Google
    The city of San Francisco is incredibly lucky to have the Marin Headlands nearby. Incredible views, a quiet and remote oasis away from the city. It’s annoying to cross the bridge, but this is the best place to bike around SF - much better than going south. You’d never guess you’re 10 miles from SF. Plus, the history and artifacts are really interesting - leading to any number of pit stops.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Petersdeal 1 month ago on Google β€’ 39 reviews New
    Also, awesome hiking and views of ocean coast line and beaches, historic with WWII bunkers to protect us from the Japanese invasion.

  • 5/5 Veronica G. 1 month ago on Google β€’ 23 reviews New
    So pretty!! Has fantastic views. Plenty of parking is you go early

  • 5/5 Jackson C. 1 month ago on Google β€’ 21 reviews New
    My favorite place to visit every time I am in the northern bay area!!! A must go in the evenings. Be sure to go right at the round-about to see the full Marin Headlands and not just the Golden Gate viewpoint!

  • 5/5 Georgiy P. 3 months ago on Google β€’ 19 reviews New
    Beautiful area for hiking and jogging. Me and my friends hiked along the Rodeo Beach trail a few days ago. Even in the winter this area is often clear and sunny, and offers stunning views of the ocean and San Francisco skyline. On a good day one can experience cloud inversions (though we didn't get lucky last time). The trails around the area are pretty wide and well-maintained. The area can get pretty crowded, which can be both, a pro and a con. Multiple remnants of abandoned Cold War-era military facilities are scattered throughout the area, such as positions of coastal artillery batteries (Townsley Battery site is about 85 years old, it can be recognized from afar by a huge barrel of an old artillery gun located next to it).

  • 5/5 Mitch G. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place, overlooking the Golden Gate bridge and San Francisco. On a clear day, you can see for miles. There are lots of walking trails and places to drive around and park so you get different perspectives of the bridge and the bay.

  • 5/5 Jagadheeswar Naga Ravi M. 4 months ago on Google
    We went at night. It's an amazing view. Just be careful. On the way out, we saw a fox and there was a family of raccoons near the trash can.

  • 3/5 Ines R. 2 years ago on Google
    Perfect picture spot! Be quick tho, the parking situation is not ideal as you are exposed and kind of blocking the way, several signs about theft prevention and some broken glass on the floor will let you know you could be robbed. The view is amazing

  • 5/5 Kelly G. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is so full of wonderful! Something for everyone! Hikes, beach (with rainbow sand!), history, nature, a lighthouse, tunnels, excellent photography opportunities (GG Bridge, marine mammal cove, sunsets), a whale skeleton, sunsets and a fabulous visitor's center with the most scrumptious smelling rainbow eucalyptus tree. There are picnic tablets and bathrooms throughout. Kids can earn a Jr Ranger badge by completing the book. Go! You won't be disappointed!

  • 3/5 Mohammed Z I. 2 years ago on Google
    We went in the evening and there was a wedding party and most of the sitting area was reserved for the party. The decorations and setup was my nice, that the only thing I was impressed with. The food was very expensive and quantity skimpy. You will have to spend a lot ($$$$). We heard so.much about this place on Social media that we had a visit but I don't think I will go back there to eat again because of the food prices.

  • 5/5 C.D. B. 10 months ago on Google
    Definitely worth your time waiting through sometimes slow-to-a-crawl cars also crossing the base of the mountain through the bunker tunnel to then climb all the way to your awaiting reward for the venture. The views and the incredible assault on your senses .. are thoroughly spectacular ! ! !

  • 5/5 Jinx R. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing view but very windy. We explored all the open areas and went up all the stair openings that gave us beautiful picture options, but majority of the location was sealed off for safety reasons.

  • 5/5 Cali Crypto D. 1 year ago on Google
    Believe it or not, this is a national park. Could say it's a hidden gem as it's kinda hard to get to because of the location. I visit this spot each time I come to San Francisco as it's nice and relaxing spot.The light house was fun to explore with the kids. Opening to the light house opens after 10:30 am Mon-Fri and not certain about the weekends. If you don't feel like visiting the lighthouse, the park also has access to the beach if you drive further down the road which I personally have not gone to, but could see from a distance. Park has areas for picnics as well as other hidden historical gems. Great place for views of the Golden gate Bridge and photos.

  • 5/5 Derek C. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place. You'll love it too especially if you love being by the coast and/or seeing the Pacific. For the Nike Missile Site though, be sure to go there on one of the days it's open!

  • 5/5 Monique M. 7 months ago on Google
    If you want to feel like you can jump on the Golden Gate Bridge like Tom Cruise, this is the place. There are several areas to park, take pictures, or just sit and relax. The πŸ“Έ will look like a fake background.

  • 5/5 Milan P. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful views for the first bit of the morning the misty fog was so dense that I couldn't see the water, but I could hear the ships horns off in the distance so magical. So wildlife which I always enjoy and saw banana slugs for the first time in real life I was shocked at first. I was like what the hell is that, apparently you can find them in Alaska too. Let's just say Santa Cruz university lied about how cute they look. Although once the initial shock goes they are cute in their own right.

  • 5/5 Emma J. 1 year ago on Google
    Stunning views of the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. Frequent sightings of deer and harbor seals. California coastline and flora are delicate, so remember to stay on established trails to preserve the beauty of this spot!


Call (415) 561-4700 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • βœ“οΈ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • βœ“οΈ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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