There are a lot of fun places to visit in The Headland. The list includes Point Bonita Lighthouse, the Marine Mammal Center, and Black Sands Beach. Use the filters to find the most family-friendly places. You’ll also find lots of restaurants and attractions.
Point Bonita Lighthouse
The Point Bonita Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in Headland. Built in a fog-filled spot, the lighthouse can be a cold and wet place. The sea breezes can chill you to the bone. Also, the lighthouse is built on a cliff, right on the edge of the churning waters. As a result, visitors are encouraged to keep a low profile, and be very careful as the rocks are slippery.
If you have time, visit Point Bonita Lighthouse. It is situated on the westernmost tip of the Marin Headlands. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own. You can even visit the tunnel, though it was closed on our visit.
If you’re near San Francisco, Point Bonita Lighthouse is one of the best places to visit in Headland. This historic lighthouse sits at the end of a rocky promontory, with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.
Another great place to visit in Headland is the Marine Mammal Center, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital. Located in a massive former military base, this center is a must-see for any marine mammal enthusiast. Visitors will enjoy the interactive exhibits and wildlife photography, and can feed the sea mammals. Entry is free and guided tours are available.
The area around the fort was used as a military base several times since the 19th century. Although many of the historical remains have been destroyed and graffitied, some were preserved as museums. In the Cold War, the site was used as a missile launch facility.
Point Bonita State Nature Preserve
If you are looking for one of the best places to visit in Headlands, California, then you’ve come to the right place. Point Bonita is a promontory off the coast of Marin County that’s a popular destination for day trips from San Francisco. Here, you can see a variety of marine life, including seals, whales, and porpoises. You can also take guided tours and learn about the habitats of these creatures.
Point Bonita State Nature Preserve offers visitors the chance to take a scenic nature hike along the peninsula, and to visit the Point Bonita Lighthouse. This historical landmark was built in 1855 to guide ships in the Golden Gate straits. It is still active and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Visitors are welcome to hike the partially steep trail that leads to the lighthouse, and sunset tours are available every Saturday.
Another great place to visit in Headland is the Marine Mammal Center, which is the world’s largest marine mammal hospital. It is located inside a former military base and cares for over 130 marine mammals at any given time. Visitors can learn about how to feed and handle marine mammals, as well as enjoy interactive exhibits, wildlife photography, and more. The best part is that it’s completely free to visit, and there are guided tours available.
Another must-visit place in Headland is Partington Cove. This unmarked trail will take you through a 60-foot-long tunnel, which leads to a secluded cove. It’s said that during the Prohibition era, pirates used this cove to rest, but nowadays, it’s home to otters and seals.
Point Bonita State Nature Preserve offers visitors a beautiful view of the bay. It’s also home to the Founders Grove, which has the tallest tree in the world. Hikers can also hike along the Lost Coast, which parallels the shoreline.
You can enjoy the pristine beaches here. The sand is dark and iron-rich. It looks black when wet, but is actually more of a dark brown color. The area is popular with elephant seals. The area also offers walking trails and berry farms.
Marine Mammal Center
The Marine Mammal Center is one of the top places to visit in Headland, California. This place has been rescuing and helping marine mammals since 1975. Its main mission is to care for sick and injured marine animals, and to get them back into the wild. Volunteers help care for the animals on a daily basis, including cleaning, weighing, moving and administering medications.
Visitors to the Center can tour the hospital and observe the process of caring for the sick animals. They will also learn the intricacies of the marine animal hospital, which is equipped with cutting-edge technology. You can also learn about how you can help the organization. The Center is open to the public daily from 10am to 4pm, and tours last about an hour. Children under seven can take the tour for free, but they should be accompanied by an adult. Adults can pay $20 for the tour. Students and military members pay $10. Make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
If you have a love for animals, you’ll want to check out the Marine Mammal Center in Marin Headlands. This rescue and rehabilitation facility is home to thousands of injured and sick marine mammals. It also features a fish kitchen and ocean-themed art exhibits. You can watch animals being treated and listen to educational audio tours. You can also help the organization by making a donation.
Another great place to visit in the Headlands is the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. This visitor center is housed in a refurbished military building. It is a great place to learn about the local history and the indigenous Miwok tribe. There are also exhibitions, workshops, and artist in residence programs.
Black Sands Beach
The first thing you need to know about Black Sands Beach is where to find it. It is a long, wide beach that is very secluded. There were few other people around during my visit. There isn’t much going on, which is perfect if you are looking for a place to spend a lazy day. There are also views of Twin Peaks and Point Bonita Lighthouse. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty, you can go barefoot or wear a swimsuit.
Black Sands Beach is located near Conzelman Rd. You can also access it from Bunker Rd. The best time to visit this beach is at low tide. The view from here is absolutely gorgeous. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot or a view of the bay, you’ll find it here.
If you’d prefer to hike to the beach, you can head down the Julian Trail, a moderate 4-mile hike through the Marin Headlands. The trail is lined with California State Poppy and offers views of the expansive Pacific coastline. If you’re adventurous, you can even hike a side trail to the hill overlooking Rodeo Lagoon.
If you prefer to stay dry while you’re at the beach, you can rent a “patino boat” and go windsurfing. This beach is fine for windsurfing on a calm day. You can also enjoy the view of the Point Bonita Lighthouse from Black Sands Beach.
The Marin Headlands are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Despite being close to San Francisco, Black Sands Beach is one of the best things to visit in the Headland. If you’re looking for a quiet spot for a picnic or a beach day, Black Sands Beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Headland.
If you’re planning to hike to the black sands beach, keep in mind that the beach is very steep and prone to high surf. You’ll want to dress in layers to keep yourself warm, and make sure you wear appropriate footwear. You’ll also want to keep your backpack and beach supplies to a minimum.
