The Marin Headlands are a lovely place to hike, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Bay, and the city. Point Bonita Lighthouse can be visited on certain afternoons, and there are a few short trails nearby to add onto your trip if you’re interested in the historical monuments.
Location: Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Length: 1.0 mile (to lighthouse and back)
Difficulty: easy
Shade: open
Parking: parking lots off Field Road (free)
Public Transportation: none
WC: toilets at trailhead, at the end of Field Road
Dogs: not allowed on most trails, check the map for other trails that allow dogs in the Headlands
Hiked: Feb 2023
Point Bonita Lighthouse
To visit the lighthouse, you’ll have to hike roughly 0.5 miles from the trailhead on Field Road. Finding parking nearby can be a challenge, so you may also need to walk along the road first. You’ll pass through a tunnel, which is only open when the lighthouse is open to visitors.
Mendell Trail
This short 1.6-mile trail begins right next to the trailhead for the lighthouse. You’ll pass Battery Mendell, the first battery constructed at the fort. At the end, there’s a loop with great views of the coast and Rodeo Beach.
Batteries Loop Trail
This trail begins a short ways down the road from Mendell Trail. It’s called Batteries Loop because you pass by three different batteries: Battery Alexander, Battery Smith-Guthrie, and Battery O’Rorke. It’s nice and easy, only about half a mile.
Notes
This was a really lovely morning. We arrived early enough to hike around a bit then eat a packed lunch. After, we visited the lighthouse. There was already a line, but we were still in the first group to be allowed through the tunnel. The hikes weren’t much exercise, but the views were amazing and I would recommend a visit to the lighthouse at least once.
