Marin Headlands

Whenever National Park Service ranger Matt Ehmann entertains guests from the East Coast, his first stop is that spot just across the Golden Gate Bridge where the Marin Headlands majestically tower above the Pacific Ocean. Ehmann unnecessarily points out the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline before directing his guests’ attention to Angel Island and Tiburon.

“You have such phenomenal views,” Ehmann said. “I orient my out-of-town visitors to the Bay Area from one spot.”

The Marin Headlands, under jurisdiction of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offer an ideal day trip for millions who visit the Bay Area on business, vacation and adventure. But unlike visitors who trek to Yosemite to see the falls or the Grand Canyon’s South Rim to peer over the side for the view, the Headlands’ diverse guests are treated to a multitude of opportunities a stone throw from their homes or hotels.

There’s the park’s military history, featuring a dozen batteries. There’s the wildlife of the Headlands, ranging from bobcats and deer to red-tailed hawks and an occasional eagle. Mountain biking is another allure as well as hiking along a pristine coastline preserved from development. Rodeo Beach is one of Marin’s most popular surf spots, especially for a quickie before or after work.

There’s even inexpensive lodging at the Golden Gate Hostel. Camping is offered at two spots on the ocean (Kirby Cove and Bicentennial) and two others that require a short backpack into the heart of the Headlands (Hawk and Haypress).

A great place to start your adventure in the Marin Headlands, besides the Golden Gate Bridge overlook, is the visitor center located 3 miles from the park entrance. That’s where you pick up camping permits, trail maps and informational brochures, including one designed for dog lovers. You can also uncover lots of insider knowledge about the Headlands through interpretive displays at the visitor center. In one quick stop you can learn about the influence of the Coast Miwoks, early Spanish ranchers and military in the Headlands.

After a review of the Headlands’ natural habitat, including grasses, wildlife and ocean life, you can head over to the Marine Mammal Center, which is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The private, nonprofit center, which is the largest marine mammal rehabilitation center in the country, has cared for more than 5,000 sea lions.

Aside from all the lessons that can be learned throughout the Marin Headlands, there’s lots of fun to be had. Although fog often prevents the sun from shining down on the park, there are always people picnicking on the beach, hikers climbing scenic peaks and mountain bikers hitting the trails.

On hot, sunny weekend days, crowds can be a problem, especially at Rodeo Beach. But the beauty of the Marin Headlands prevails regardless of the masses, and with a little effort you can usually find solitude within the park’s boundaries, which stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to Tennessee Valley.

Location: Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, stretching along the Pacific Ocean coast to Tennessee Valley
Activities: Scenic views, photography, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, interpretive center, sunbathing, surfing, boogie boarding, beachcombing.
Information: 415-331-1540
Camping: Kirby Cove call 415-561-4304 ($20 per night); Bicentennial, Hawk, Haypress call 415-331-1540 (free).