Rodeo Beach and Lagoon

Photo overlooks the beach, with brown sand, bordered on either side by the ocean and the lagoon. A parking lot is near the beach, and the red and white buildings of Fort Cronkhite are across the street from the beach. — View of Rodeo Beach and Lagoon from the Coastal Trail. Fort Cronkhite is in the lefthand corner.
Lara Volski NPS

Welcome to Rodeo Beach!

Rodeo Beach is one of the most popular sites in the Marin Headlands. This dog-friendly beach has unique geology, colorful sand, and is a favorite among surfers. It is also bordered by Rodeo Lagoon. The lagoon’s brackish waters are a hotspot for diversity, including many birds, frogs, and endangered fish.

Tips and Highlights

Rodeo Beach can be very crowded on weekends. See below for overflow parking.
Swimming in the lagoon is prohibited. It is home to endangered species that are being protected.
Currents can be intense. Enter the water at your own discretion. If in doubt, do not swim.
There are bathrooms, showers, and a water fountain at the Rodeo Beach parking lot. Rodeo Beach and Lagoon also has accessible features.

Nearby hikes include the Rodeo Lagoon Loop (1.5 miles) and the Coastal Trail (can be tailored to be as long as you like.)

A map of the Marin Headlands. The lower Marine Mammal Center parking lot is circled in red. The Smith parking lot, farther way on Bunker Road, is also circled in red.

Rodeo Beach overflow parking

If you want to avoid crowded beach parking, overflow lots are available at the lower parking lot of The Marine Mammal Center (0.5 miles from Rodeo Beach) and the Smith parking lot across from The Presidio Riding Club (over 1 mile from Rodeo Beach). They are circled in red in the map below.

Features of Rodeo Beach and Lagoon

Fort Cronkhite

Places within Fort Cronkhite include Rodeo Beach, Battery Townsley, and The Marine Mammal Center.
Beach Wheelchairs

Find out more about our beach wheelchair program.
Rocks on the Move at Rodeo Beach

Feel Earth's history in the rainbow sands on Rodeo Beach
Rodeo Beach Sea Level Rise Exhibit

Learn about the science and solutions to climate change and Rodeo Lagoon's future.
Marin Headlands Bird Checklist

Use this checklist to identify birds within the Marin Headlands -- especially Rodeo Lagoon!
Battery Townsley

Explore the historic tunnel that sheltered the Coast Artillery Corps during WWII.