Revisiting Marin Headlands

It's summer time but where we live it has been mostly pleasant to cool. On a particular weekend when the temperature was north of 85F we avoided the "heat" by spending the day in a cooler spot, near the water. Lucky for us, we're just about 25 miles from San Francisco. With the unique microclimate in this region (we tested it one summer where the temperature increased by 1 degree for every mile away from San Francisco), we knew that it would be at least 5 degrees cooler near the water.

We did not go to the city, but headed on to Marin Headlands, a hilly peninsula in Marin County across from the Golden Gate Bridge and a part of the larger Golden Gate National Recreation Area. We've been here many time through the years, but not for a very long time. We're here for some leisurely hiking.

We suspected, well expected that the fog or marine layer would be making an appearance. I love seeing the bridge almost drowning in fog. Shot from the viewpoint.

This is the Hawk Hill area. From here is a 2 mile hike to the Visitor Center, according to the signage. We were planning on going but we could not go further. The wind was so strong, it was too cold. So change of plans.

Just off the side of the tunnel was a path to go to Nike Missile Radar Hilltop Viewpoint that climbs to 525 feet.

The first image was taken from the parking lot/viewpoint below.

On the other side, this was the view.

We took short trails and spent time looking out in the fog-shrouded views.

Back in the car, we drove out to a spot that we have not seen before in multiple visits. It turned out to be Battery Rathbone-McIndoe.

From here you get a good look at the Black Sand Beach.

Back in the car, we spotted an empty parking area off Conzelman Road. From the parking area, the hiking looked promising, but there's nothing there and the trail was not long at all.

We have spotted the Pt. Bonita Lighthouse in the distance. We decided to go there. By the way, the fog has cleared so quickly. This was about 3 pm.

By this time, the fog has completely cleared and the sun was shining brightly. We did not go to the lighthouse anymore because they were closing soon, plus we have been there before. We were just after the "walking up and down the hill" part and we accomplished that.

On the way back we remembered that next door is Battery Mendell, another spot worth revisiting.

And lastly, we couldn't leave without stopping at Rodeo Beach

There were many tourists exploring the area when we were there. It's a place worth spending time in when you're in San Francisco. I suggest you make time to visit it and when you're done go straight to nearby Sausalito (that was teeming with tourists on that day, this sight made our heart sing with joy) where you can enjoy some good food, some shopping/window shopping and more spectacular bay views.