Bike Ride to Kirby Cove in the Marin Headlands to views of Golden Gate Bridge

Kirby Your Enthusiasm

Bike or hike down to hidden Kirby Cove just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin

09.08.2021
A biker stopped to take in the scenery on the fire road leading to Kirby Cove and overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge

Just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin is one of the Bay's most-accessible secluded beaches, Kirby Cove. The gate blocking the 1-mile fire road down to the cove throws off the tourists; but hike or bike past it and make your way down to the beach with relative ease.

A biker with a yellow backpack standing at a vantage just above Kirby Cove Beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background

A few people relaxing on the beach at Kirby Cove with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background

Biker passing the official sign to Marin Headlands Golden Gate in the San Francisco Bay Area

We recommend biking it for a faster pace down, but lots of folks hike it as well. Either way, you’re climbing out when you leave, but at just under a mile up it’s not so bad. On hot days the eucalyptus and cypress trees keep things cool. At the bottom, claim a picnic table or spread a blanket on the beach and watch as sailboats float in the distance and seals bob their heads in the nearby waves.

Kirby cove beach with a colorful sun umbrella and people on the beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background

There’s probably going to be other people there on a nice day, but the gated road helps keep big crowds at bay (pun intended!), and the overall spaciousness of the sand and picnic area lets you get some social distance and a slice of the cove to call your own for the duration of your stay. Kirby’s got serious curb appeal with its all-time classic, sprawling view of the Golden Gate bridge and San Francisco skyline darlings like Coit Tower in the distance.

BONUS CAMPING: Kirby Cove has beautiful reservable campsites.

Dogs aren't allowed at Kirby Cove.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View