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Welcome to the Marin Headlands! One of the most unique areas in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Marin Headlands covers various types of histories from the Miwok Indians to the Military, including historic Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite, the NIKE Missile site and the 150 year-old Point Bonita lighthouse. Other attractions include varied hiking trails, dog friendly Rodeo Beach, and astonishing views of the coast and San Francisco. The explosion of wildflowers in the spring and raptor migration in the fall fill the headlands with year round excitement.
The Marin Headlands is an example of open spaces still available in the Bay Area for visitors to enjoy.
Open
The Visitor center is open All Year 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Park lands are open from sunrise to sunset.
Closures
Please note, the Marin Headlands Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Phone
(415) 331-1540
Location
The Marin Headlands Visitor Center is located in the historic Fort Barry Chapel, at the intersection of Field and Bunker Roads. The Visitor Center is approximately 3 miles from either entrance to the Marin Headlands.
Public Transit
Check out for MUNI 76 Service on Sundays and holidays.
Driving Directions
To MAHE VC from San Francisco
Go north on highway 101. Take the Alexander Avenue exit (second exit after crossing the bridge). Stay to the right on the exit ramp to get onto Alexander Ave. Turn left on Bunker Road (a brown sign saying “Marin Headlands Visitor Center” marks the intersection). Go through the one-way tunnel and drive approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Field Road. The visitor center will be on the right side of the road.
To MAHE VC from the East Bay
Take 580 west to the Richmond/San Rafael bridge. Cross the bridge( toll this direction will cost $2). Take the second exit after the bridge, go through Larkspur and get on 101 south. Follow 101 south through the Waldo tunnel. Take the last “Sausalito” just before the Golden Gate bridge. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp and Pass under 101, at the stop sign go straight onto Alexander Avenue. Turn left on Bunker Road (a brown sign saying “Marin Headlands Visitor Center” marks the intersection). Go through the one-way tunnel and drive approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Field Road. The visitor center will be on the right side of the road.
To MAHE VC from the North Bay
Follow 101 south through the Waldo tunnel. Take the last “Sausalito” just before the Golden Gate bridge. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp. Pass under 101, at the stop sign go straight onto Alexander Avenue. Turn left on Bunker Road (a brown sign saying “Marin Headlands Visitor Center” marks the intersection). Go through the one-way tunnel and drive approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Field Road. The visitor center will be on the right side of the road.
Special Programs
Volunteers answer questions and lead scheduled interpretive walks and programs. For more information on park programs please see our quarterly Park Adventures.
The Point Bonita Lighthous is open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 12:30–3:30 PM.
The Nike site is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:30–3:30 PM and on the first Saturday of each month (except holidays).
Battery Towsley is open the 2nd Sunday of each month from 12:30–4:30 PM.
Exhibits
The visitor center's exhibits includes: An introduction to the Headlands’ natural history and an investigation into the Headlands’ human history (Miwoks through modern times). There is a Miwok shelter which we encourage you to sit inside and listen to present-day Coastal Miwok people talk about their culture. You will be able to see how cramped the living quarters of the enlisted men stationed in the Headlands were. Don’t forget to smell the native plants also present in the visitor center. Perhaps you would rather examine and identify various animal bones instead? Or read about the daily life of an 1850’s lighthouse keeper. In addition, you can also pick up a book or field guide from the center’s comprehensive bookstore and learn more about the Marin Headlands.
Available Facilities
Bathroom facilities are available outside the visitor center in the parking lot.
Park Partners
The Marine Mammal Center
www.tmmc.org
(415) 289-7325
Bay Area Discovery Museum
www.badm.org
(415) 339-3900
Headlands Institute
www.yni.org
(415) 332-5771
YMCA Point Bonita
www.pointbonitaymca.org
(415) 331-9622
Headlands Center for the Arts
www.headlands.org
(415) 331-2787
Hostelling International
www.hihostels.com
(415) 331-2777
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