Hawk Hill Birdwatching

Hawk Hill Overlook

Alison Taggart-Barone

The most visible wildlife in Golden Gate are definitely the birds. You will see them rustling in the bushes near a path, soaring overhead, or floating across a marsh. An astonishing number of avian species live in or migrate through Golden Gate. 


Scan the sky for migratory birds of prey soaring above Marin Headlands on Hawk Hill.


Download the Marin Headlands bird checklist and see how many birds you can spot while you're here!

 

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

Whether you only have a few minutes or a couple of hours you're bound to see something spectacular while visiting Hawk Hill. 

Activity

Birdwatching

Grab your bino's (binoculars) and get ready for some spectacular sites at the Hawk Hill Overlook. Migratory birds of prey as well as many other bird species can be seen flying over the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands from this popular birdwatching spot. 

Age(s)

Birdwatching is an all ages activity!

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Parking lots, sidewalks, picnic areas and paved public roads are open to ON-LEASH dog walking unless posted. 

For more information please visit go.nps.gov/GGNRADogs
 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Hawk Hill Overlook

Hawk Hill offers stunning panoramic vistas overlooking the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. During the fall, as many as 19 different species of raptors fly over Hawk Hill in numbers greater than 20,000. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Hawk Hill provides visitors with accessible parking stalls, curb ramps, accessible portable toilet and accessible routes throughout the overlook. Past the concrete tunnels the trails can be steep and very narrow.