Last updated: March 23, 2021
Thing to Do
Rodeo Lagoon Birdwatching
Sarah Merlau
The precipitous cliffs and offshore rocks that flank the park are a haven for colonial seabirds. Bird Island off of Rodeo Lagoon is one of the largest roosting sites in northern California for the endangered brown pelican, with several hundred making a splash in Rodeo Lagoon each Fall.
Rodeo Lagoon provides a habitat for loons, grebes, scoters, numerous species of dabbling and diving ducks, gulls, terns, willets, sanderlings, and sandpipers. The San Francisco Bay is an important stopover for migrating species both due to its size and diversity of suitable habitat. Nearshore marine waters just outside the Golden Gate also provide foraging sooty shearwaters and pigeon guillemot, with thousands of birds rafting together on open water.
Enjoy a short hike on the Rodeo Lagoon Trail or observe the lagoon from Rodeo Beach. Take a short drive to reach the Bird Island Overlook near Battery Mendell and Point Bonita Lighthouse trail.
View and print a checklist of the birds of the Marin Headlands.
Rodeo Lagoon provides a habitat for loons, grebes, scoters, numerous species of dabbling and diving ducks, gulls, terns, willets, sanderlings, and sandpipers. The San Francisco Bay is an important stopover for migrating species both due to its size and diversity of suitable habitat. Nearshore marine waters just outside the Golden Gate also provide foraging sooty shearwaters and pigeon guillemot, with thousands of birds rafting together on open water.
Enjoy a short hike on the Rodeo Lagoon Trail or observe the lagoon from Rodeo Beach. Take a short drive to reach the Bird Island Overlook near Battery Mendell and Point Bonita Lighthouse trail.
View and print a checklist of the birds of the Marin Headlands.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Activity
Birdwatching
Watch for birds and other wildlife in Rodeo Lagoon.
Age(s)
This is an all ages activity.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Dogs are allowed at Rodeo Beach and South Rodeo Beach (Excluding lagoon) On-Leash OR under Voice Control.
The lagoon is a protected wildlife area. Dogs are not allowed in the lagoon.
The lagoon is a protected wildlife area. Dogs are not allowed in the lagoon.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Rodeo Lagoon
Rodeo Lagoon in Fort Cronkite can be seen from multiple places along Bunker Hill/Mitchell Road, Rodeo Beach or the Rodeo Lagoon Trail.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Birds are in the lagoon year round. Depending on the species, the best time is during migratory periods (fall and spring).
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
There is accessible parking and restrooms at the Surfer's Lot at the end of Mitchell Road at Rodeo Beach. There are also accesible parking spots at the pedestrian bridge closer to the lagoon. More parking is available along Mitchell Road with overflow parking near the Marine Mammal Center.
The Rodeo Lagoon trail is a hard pack trail with the exception of the access from Rodeo Beach. There is a picnic area near the lagoon along Mitchell Road and near the restrooms in the Surfer's Lot.
The Rodeo Lagoon trail is a hard pack trail with the exception of the access from Rodeo Beach. There is a picnic area near the lagoon along Mitchell Road and near the restrooms in the Surfer's Lot.