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Welcome to the Marin Headlands! One of the most unique parks 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 vast hiking trails, dog friendly Rodeo Beach, and astonishing views of the coast and the city. 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 one of the last 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
Please note, the Marin Headlands Visitor Center will be closed on December 25 & 26, 2008, for the holidays.
The park its self is open from sunrise to sunset.
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
Driving Directions
To MAHE VC form San Francisco
Go north on highway 101, Take the Alexander Ave. exit (second exit after crossing the bridge), Stay to the right on the exit ramp to get onto Alexander Ave. Turn left on Bunker Rd. (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 Rd. 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 Ave., Turn left on Bunker Rd. (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 Rd. 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 Ave., Turn left on Bunker Rd. (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 Rd. The visitor center will be on the right side of the road
Closures
Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Special Programs
Rangers answer questions and lead scheduled interpretive walks and programs. For more information on park programs please check out our quarterly Park Adventures.
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 like. 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 parkinglot.
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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