Scenic Vistas in the Marin Headlands

The Marin Headlands is more than just a view... but if it is a view you seek, these are our recommendations!

Conzelman Road is generally where visitors go to take their picture with the Golden Gate Bridge (look here for a map of the Marin Headlands). To access Conzelman Road, drive through the Baker-Barry Tunnel, turn right onto McCollough Road and drive straight until you reach the roundabout. You will then be on Conzelman Road. You can parallel park alongside Conzelman Road to take advantage of any of the scenic vistas along the way. Hawk Hill and Battery Spencer are among the most popular vistas, as they involve only a short hike from Conzelman Road. These sites also have unique military history and provide habitat for endangered species, like the mission blue butterfly. Kirby Cove is another scenic spot, and it involves hiking on a mile-long dirt road from Batter Spencer. If you're looking for a more secluded view of the city, Slacker Ridge offers an up-close look at San Francisco if you're willing to take a short-but-steep hike to the top. Finally, Battery Rathbone-McIndoe is past Hawk Hill and located off of the narrow one-way stretch on Conzelman Road that leads to the Point Bonita Lighthouse.

Aside from Conzelman Road vistas, Hill-88 is a two mile hike from Rodeo Beach and is the highest point in the park that you can hike to. Not only does it offer sweeping views of Rodeo Lagoon, Rodeo Beach, and the city, but it also has interesting Cold War history.

Tips & Highlights:

Large stretches of Conzelman Road are one-ways! You cannot drive up Conzelman Road from the US 101. Drive through the Baker-Barry Tunnel instead.
Saturdays and Sundays are very crowded. It can be difficult to find parking. Please watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
They don’t call San Francisco ‘Fog City’ for nothing! Prepare for foggy weather, especially in the summer months.
Want to share your photos with us? Use the hashtag #GOGAYes to give us permission to reshare your photos.

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Scenic Vistas

Hawk Hill

Learn more about the spectacular views, soaring raptors, endangered species habitat, and military history that characterizes Hawk Hill.
Hill 88

A former Nike radar site and the highest point in the Marin Headlands that you can hike to.
Battery Spencer

One of the most popular scenic overlooks for the Golden Gate Bridge and an Endicott era battery.
Slacker Ridge

A 1.5 mile hike from the Golden Gate Bridge or a 0.5 mile hike from the Conzelman Road roundabout will bring you to Slacker Ridge!
Kirby Cove

Kirby Cove has a campground, a beautiful view of the bridge, and a historic battery.
Battery Rathbone-McIndoe

Battery Rathbone-McIndoe is an Endicott era reinforced concrete battery that offers striking views of Point Bonita and the bridge.