Marquee Marin
Marin County Getaway to Mt. Tam and the Marin Headlands
Looking for the greatest hits of the great outdoors? Mt. Tam and the Marin Headlands make a duet Dolly Parton could sing about! These two Marin icons are a harmony of mountain glory and coastal drama.
Head for the Headlands: Coastal Trails, Sandy Beaches, and Historic Surprises
The Batteries Loop Trail is a good way to get swept up in wondrous coastal scenery and some interesting history. Hike it and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Pacific, including—on clear days—the mysterious Farallon Islands. Popular Rodeo Beach beckons below (more on that in a bit!). It also gets you up close and exploring a trio of century-old military batteries: Battery Alexander, Smith-Guthrie, and O’Rorke. Strategically positioned above the ocean, these former military defenses were built to protect the Golden Gate from enemy ships.
After hiking, relax at Rodeo Beach, where its namesake lagoon entertains with resident great egrets.
Take the Fisherman’s Trail and discover nearly a mile of slate and black sands, where the panoramic views of San Francisco and perhaps some seals bobbing in nearby waves will make you want to stay awhile. It’s worth the 253 wooden steps and stretch of singletrack to reach the beach. Now you’re here! Spread a blanket near one of several rock outcroppings and savor some picnic provisions along with the vista across the water. You’ll be staring at Lands End, Baker Beach, and Sea Cliff in San Francisco. Look west and you’ll see the historic Point Bonita Lighthouse set in rugged glory among sheer cliffs dropping to the moody Pacific. By day, this lighthouse beams with history—and mystery—thanks to the famous fog veiling it at times. When darkness falls, moonlight adds to the noir ambience.
TIP: For an up-close and in-depth view of the lighthouse, there’s a Point Bonita Open House on the third Saturday of every month, with a ranger talk just before the trail opens. You’ll be able to walk the 0.5-mile trail above Bonita Cove and paralleling the Golden Gate Bridge, before descending through a tunnel and arriving at the viewing platform. It’ll be a bright spot in your Marin adventures!
BONUS LODGING: Acqua Hotel's "Explore the Headlands" Package!
Located just 5 miles north of the Marin Headlands, and set on the shores of Richardson Bay with views of Mt. Tam, Mill Valley’s Acqua Hotel has plenty of perks for people who like getting outdoors. Its 2-night Explore the Headlands package provides a hiking map for Tennessee Point, plus binoculars and a loaner backpack stuffed with snacks and beverages. When you’re back at the hotel, keep the outdoors rolling with complimentary Trek mountain bikes, perfect for a spin along the bayside path. Relax and swap outdoor stories over evening wine and cheese receptions. In the morning, fuel up for more Marin adventures with a full breakfast.
Tam Good Adventures!
Waterfalls, wondrous vistas, and some of the best forest-to-coast hiking trails with big banner views—meet some of Mount Tamalpais State Park’s best points of view!
The East Peak of Mt. Tamalpais State Park couldn’t be more generous. It’s just a short hike to reach it, with one of the best views in the entire Bay Area. Walk up the 0.25-mile (one-way) Plank Trail and you’re at the 2,571-foot East Peak fire lookout and summit. This is pure panoramic perfection. Mt. Tam’s northern lakes shimmer like sequins in the distance, while the East Bay’s Mt. Diablo and the North Bay’s Mt. St. Helena are part of this peak trifecta.
Tip: Time your arrival closer to the golden hour, and to the east you’ll witness Mt. Tam’s pyramid-shaped shadow as the sun sinks into a tangerine spotlight across the horizon. If it’s foggy you’re still in luck because the coast looks covered in a fluffy blanket.
Ancient as its surrounding forests may be, hiking trails on Mt. Tam never get old. Redwood groves, fern-filled ravines, and mossy creeks give Mt. Tam its signature lushness and sense of wonder. When seasonal rains arrive, Mt. Tam really pours on the cascade charms. Chasing waterfalls practically becomes a sport! After a good soaking, Cataract Falls is a marquee spectacle to seek. Not one-tiered, not two-tiered … keep counting … and tell us what you get ??. H2-Ohhhhhhhhh!
BONUS LODGING: Hike to Muir Woods Right from The Mountain Home Inn!
Mill Valley’s Mountain Home Inn is a wood-and-windows respite blending elegance and nature: two redwood trees rise from floor to ceiling at the entrance, and wide windows show off the perks of its location. The inn is located halfway up Mt. Tam, with hiking trails accessible right from the property. Enter Muir Woods through the back door from here and get the bonus of exploring Mt. Tam State Park. Get map info at the inn, and right across the street you can begin a hike taking you into a cool canyon of redwoods, Douglas fir, manzanita, and toyon. Cross fairytale bridges, and eventually you’ll descend the Bootjack Trail all the way into the majesty of Muir Woods.
Help keep Marin marvelous by following the seven Leave No Trace principles: Plan Ahead & Prepare; Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces; Dispose of Waste Properly; Leave What You Find; Minimize Campfire Impacts; Respect Wildlife; and Be Considerate of Others. Learn more.
