Marin Headlands
Marin Headlands
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Located at the Point Bonita Lighthouse, these headlands offer a suspension bridge and hiking trail.
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890 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
1,894 reviews
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320
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Scott
San Francisco, CA6,634 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
Marin headlands are one of the most beautiful areas in the San Francisco Bayregion. There is so much to see and do it's impossible to accurately evaluate it in one broad category, "Marin headlands." Unless you got a lot of energy, the best way to see the most in 1 day is by car.on the north side of the Golden gate Bridge, start your drive at the 5-minute tunnel and do the circuit. Go all the way to the end to point Bonita lighthouse, and climb up on the bluffs. Be careful there are plenty of places you can fall, and it would not be a pretty scene. But bring your camera and you will take some of the most amazing pictures.be sure to drive along the north side perpendicular to the Golden gate Bridge, and you will see some of the most shocking views of the Golden gate Bridge that you can imagine.
don't bring a drone. This is all Golden gate National recreation Area and drone flying is prohibited.
Read about the geology. If you do you'll get a lot more out of the visit. Know what you're looking at when you're looking at the amazing radiolarian chert. Radiolarian chert is the twisted angled Rock in inch 2 inch and a half layers..
don't bring a drone. This is all Golden gate National recreation Area and drone flying is prohibited.
Read about the geology. If you do you'll get a lot more out of the visit. Know what you're looking at when you're looking at the amazing radiolarian chert. Radiolarian chert is the twisted angled Rock in inch 2 inch and a half layers..
Written February 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizB
Ohio632 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We went on a Saturday morning, and although parts were fog-shrouded (we couldn't see much of the Golden Gate Bridge from Hawk's nest) other parts were clear. Easy to get away from crowds at the beach and get to nice hiking in the hills, with lots of wildflowers and beautiful coastal views. So close to the city yet feels like you're in the wilds,
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alec D
Seattle, WA2,603 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
The Marin Headlines are quite large. There's many different places that are worth a visit. Great views of the ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, plus all the surrounding area including San Francisco
Written June 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis E
Chicago16 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
If you have a muni-pass and are staying in SF on a Sunday, take the 76 bus to the Marin Headlands. It is a 50 minute ride from the starting point downtown and the driver stays about ten minutes before heading back to the city. You can also stay about 1 hour at the final stop and wait for the next bus back to the city. We were dropped off just before the Golden Gate Bridge on the way back so we could walk the bridge. After doing so, we went used the pedestrian underground to get to the bus stop for bus 28 back to town- a fascinating 1/2 day trip.
Written January 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ettaparsons
tenafly,nj25 contributions
Feb 2011
The Marin Headlands is one of my favorite places to go when I visit SF. It is right over the Golden Gate Bridge. As you take the drive, stop at the first overlook, park and walk thru the old army bunkers, and enjoy the spectacular views of the city. You are standing right on the very edge looking down on San Francisco Bay and the city. It's a great perspective. Next, continue driving until you get to the lighthouse. Park and follow the path that takes you through a mountain, carved out by Chinese immigrants, then follow the path down and over a suspension bridge to get to the lighthouse. You can go inside and walk around before taking the hike back to your car. Next, follow the road down to sea level, and you will see a small beach, (you can park and walk on the beach), then up a small hill to the new home of the Sea Mammal Rescue Center. You should park and go in and see the rescued animals that are there, and you can talk to the volunteers and learn about their work. There is a lovely gift shop where proceeds go to continue there work of rescuing these animals. It's also one of my favorite stops, and kids will love it.
Written June 24, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick049
San Francisco, CA1,285 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
First, a word of advice to tourists from around the country and around the world: Don't expect to enjoy the Marin Headlands if you visit in July or August. With global climate change, I may have to extend that to the entire period from early June to mid September. Why? One word: FOG. The cold California current offshore creates fog when hot weather from inland (the California Central Valley) encroaches west on the Bay Area. The result is, you won't be able to see much if you visit the Marin Coastal Headlands during that time period, unless you are very, very lucky and happen to have a (very rare) clear day. The best time to visit is actually during the Winter months, plus early Spring (until late May or early June) and Fall (from about mid-September on). Nobody seems to get the message, though. We San Franciscans are used to seeing chilly, shivering tourists wearing light summer wear in the cold Summer months of San Francisco. Trust me, it can get COLD.
Anyway, if you come at the right time, there is nothing more beautiful than the Marin Coastal Headlands, by which I mean everything from Sausalito, around the Golden Gate, and reaching up to Bolinas. Do, by all means, visit this magical place if you possibly can –– just not between June and mid-September!
Anyway, if you come at the right time, there is nothing more beautiful than the Marin Coastal Headlands, by which I mean everything from Sausalito, around the Golden Gate, and reaching up to Bolinas. Do, by all means, visit this magical place if you possibly can –– just not between June and mid-September!
Written August 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davidchaojr42
El Dorado Hills, CA288 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
On clear days, you can see Farallon Islands, Angel Island, Alcatraz, the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge and the East Bay.
We took the Coastal Route vs the Tunnel Route and drove up Conzelman Rd. Along there way, there are multiple spots to take a scenic picture of the GG Bridge, however, many of these spots were packed with cars. We ended up driving towards the top and parked near Hawk Hill. We explored the trails around Hawk Hill as it gives you an excellent panoramic views of the area. This is where we actually spotted the lighthouse and decided to jump back into the car and drive down. You continue down Conzelman Rd on a 1-way road to get to the lighthouse. When Conzelman Rd comes to a T-stop at Field Road, we turned right and parked just down the road in a dirt lot off Battery Alexander on the left.
Then walk up Field Rd and hike to the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the suspension bridge. Both are awesome! A real lighthouse that once used whale oil to keep the light on now uses a LED light! Relatively short walk. (No fee to visit the lighthouse or to cross the suspension bridge. Parking was also free.) We did see some people picnicing at the Point Bonita Lighthouse camp area so if you pack a lunch, this would be a great place to eat.
There were also tons of battle bunkers and trials to explore. Kids will love this area!
We took the Coastal Route vs the Tunnel Route and drove up Conzelman Rd. Along there way, there are multiple spots to take a scenic picture of the GG Bridge, however, many of these spots were packed with cars. We ended up driving towards the top and parked near Hawk Hill. We explored the trails around Hawk Hill as it gives you an excellent panoramic views of the area. This is where we actually spotted the lighthouse and decided to jump back into the car and drive down. You continue down Conzelman Rd on a 1-way road to get to the lighthouse. When Conzelman Rd comes to a T-stop at Field Road, we turned right and parked just down the road in a dirt lot off Battery Alexander on the left.
Then walk up Field Rd and hike to the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the suspension bridge. Both are awesome! A real lighthouse that once used whale oil to keep the light on now uses a LED light! Relatively short walk. (No fee to visit the lighthouse or to cross the suspension bridge. Parking was also free.) We did see some people picnicing at the Point Bonita Lighthouse camp area so if you pack a lunch, this would be a great place to eat.
There were also tons of battle bunkers and trials to explore. Kids will love this area!
Written July 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rafaelcab
Layton, UT184 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
Of all the spots where you can get a view of the bridge this place is the best. It was easily the highlight of my trip taking in the views of the golden gate and bay behind it. Little tip if you don’t have a car and happen to be in San Francisco during a weekend the muni has a bus #76X that takes you straight there from downtown.
Written September 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaron J
Knoxville, TN94 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
My wife and I took a hike this morning in the Headlands. The views were gorgeous. We enjoyed our 0.8 mile walk to the beach. There's a lot to do in this park. If you like to hike and want good views of SF and the GGB then take a drive through the Headlands. There's many scenic overlooks with opportunities for amazing photographs.
The lighthouse can only be accessed on the weekends and Monday for a few hours. I didn't expect this. If you want to see it, make sure you go on the weekend or on a Monday.
The lighthouse can only be accessed on the weekends and Monday for a few hours. I didn't expect this. If you want to see it, make sure you go on the weekend or on a Monday.
Written July 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suryavarman
Livingston, NJ466 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
This place has brilliant views of the whole San Francisco harbor.
A must visit when you are in the city.
Make sure you carry a jacket or a sweater even if it is sunny because this place tends to get very windy.
Dont just stop at the final view point of the golden gate bridge. Proceed all the way to the lighthouse.
Bathroom facilities are available but not very clean.
The ride is just awesome!
A must visit when you are in the city.
Make sure you carry a jacket or a sweater even if it is sunny because this place tends to get very windy.
Dont just stop at the final view point of the golden gate bridge. Proceed all the way to the lighthouse.
Bathroom facilities are available but not very clean.
The ride is just awesome!
Written May 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are planning to visit SF last week of March. Flying in so no car. Would love to visit Marin Headlands. Is public transportation or Uber a good idea? Is it possible? Can I get some advice and/or suggestions?
Written March 2, 2023
I would suggest renting a car for the day. There is lots to do in the Marin Headlands and it's spread out. You may want to visit the Nike Missile site, Bonita lighthouse, Battery Spencer and much more. You will need a vehicle to travel between all the areas.
Written March 3, 2023
I have read some of the reviews about watching the sunrise from one of the pullovers / parking. Many said you can only go so far as you have to wait until the Ranger opens the gates. We are debating doing this before being at Muir Woods at 8. Looking at a map, is the road a one-way or are you able to get off and head back to the highway easily? Thank you
Written June 12, 2021
You say that it is free to go to Marin Headlands. On the NPS website it looks like you have to pay a fee. Do you actually drive onto National Park property to get to Marin Headlands?
Written June 4, 2018
Fee is the toll for the Golden Gate Bridge. Awkward, they don't take $$. So you need to go online after with your plate number and pay. Also, coming from SF, once you exit the road west is the first left.
Written June 4, 2018
Quanto tempo devo considerar para fazer o passeio por Marin Headlands? Obrigado!
Written June 10, 2017
Hi, Just wondering how far you need to leave your vehicle away from the tent area at Kirby Cove campground?
Thank you.
Written May 4, 2017
I am sorry that is a question I cannot answer unfortunateluy. I only go to this place for a day trio.
Written June 2, 2017
Hi,
I spent 2 days in Marin Headlands in December and had a great time. For the second visit, we were double-charged. I wrote 3 times to the given email address attaching the credit card details that showed a double charge on the same night but so far has had no response.
Can someone please help? If necessary, I can give the details of the people who checked us in.
Hope to get a quick reply soon.
Mrs Lee
Written January 23, 2016
Weather forecast for this Thursday through Sunday. Am arriving from Texas...
how hot will it be?
Written August 10, 2015
Cool. It is usually 60's and foggy. I suggest a light jacket and sweatshirt. Of course shorts might be your thing.
Written June 2, 2017
Can anyone provide information on approximately how long the various hiking trails in the area take? We are booking a docent tour at the Marine Mammal Center for 1:00 p.m. and would like to do some hiking in the morning before our tour. I have a trail map from the Natioanl Park Service, and we are considering doing the loop that consists of the Coastal Trail, Wolf Ridge Trail, Miwok Trail, and Lagoon Trail, but I'd like to get an estimate on time for that hike, so we make it to our tour on time.
Written July 24, 2015
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