Easily one of the best National Parks in the Bay Area, Marin Headlands offers views of the San Francisco Bay and skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and the rolling hills of Marin County. The peaceful coastline also contains the Nike Missile site dating from the Cold War. When trekking through such pristine landscape while also looking at missile launcher, such as the Battery Townsley, it is easy to feel like James Bond’s Auston Martin will drive up at any moment.
Trail Loop Recommendation ( details listed bellow)
Yes, it is dog friendly!
Distance: 5.4 miles
Approx. Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Seasons: Year round, though spring is fresh and green, while summer can be dry
Maps are available at the Visitors Center or click here.
Trail Directions:
Starting from the Marin Headlands Visitor Center: take the road across the lagoon, then turn right onto the Miwok Trail for 1.6 miles. You will start the hike with an assent through the hillsides that leads to a view of the San Francisco Bay. Continue left onto Ridge Trail for .7 miles and wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, which merges with Wolf Trail to the Coastal Trail for 1.5 miles — ending at the Headlands Institute and Rodeo Beach. From here, you can enjoy a walk along the beach and continue along the Lagoon Trail back to the Visitor’s Center or just walk along the road.
For a shorter walk, park at the Headland’s Institute and enjoy the Coastal Trail.
Whatever walk you choose — just know that the trails are very well marked. No worrying necessary.
Dogs
This park is absolutely amazing for dogs! Just take a look at your map and you will easily know whether they are allowed unleashed, off leashed, or not at all. The loop we recommend is completely dog friendly!
Diving Directions
From Highway 1 Northbound (via Golden Gate Bridge) exit at Alexander Ave. and merge right: staying on Alexander Ave. for .1 mile. Take a left onto Danes Dr. for .1 mile and then continue onto Bunker Road for 2.5 miles. Then a right onto Field Road will take you to the parking lot on the right-hand side of the road.
From Highway 1 Southbound (via Santa Rosa) exit towards Sausalito and turn right onto Alexander Ave.: staying on Alexander Ave. Take a left onto Danes Dr. for .1 mile and then continue onto Bunker Road for 2.5 miles. Then a right onto Field Road will take you to the parking lot on the right-hand side of the road.
Public Transportation: MUNI, the San Francisco public bus system, has an hourly bus 76x running from the city center to Marin Headlands on Saturday and Sunday. Dogs are allowed on the bus as long as they are muzzled. You will pay for their fare. Person and dogs alike are both 2.25 per an individual.
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