Marin Headlands is an awesome hiking destination for families just across the bridge from San Francisco. Marin Headlands is part of Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and it covers the hilly area facing San Francisco from the North and bordering the Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
There are dozens of miles of trails in this area but what are the kid friendly hikes in Marin Headlands specifically? In this article I am going to tell you about 3 of my most favorite hikes that are easy in terms of endurance required but spectacular in terms of scenic views.
Kid Friendly Hikes Marin Headlands: # 1 Rodeo Lagoon – Rodeo Beach Trail
This tail starts from the Visitor’s Center and goes along the beautiful Lagoon towards the beach. It is a little more than 2 miles round trip. It is mostly flat with just a little elevation gain and then going down to the beach. The second part of the hike goes along Mitchell and Bunker roads.
Rodeo Beach is a half point and if kids get tired you can just hang out at this gorgeous beach before completing the hike. The water views here are fabulous both in terms of the lagoon and the beach, sometimes both, combined – see the cover photo for tis article.
But also check out cool whimsical eucalyptus trees along the trail – this whole portion of the hike looks like an enchanted forest. I can bet kids will love it!
Finally, don’t miss Blue Whale Skeleton next to Fort Kronkhite which is next to the trail (off Mitchell Road).
Kid Friendly Hikes Marin Headlands: # 2 Batteries Loop Trail
Batteries trail is a great kid friendly hike in Marin Headlands because you can do as much or as little of it as you want. These batteries are former military installations (coastal gun batteries) that were on “active duty” between the First World War and the end of the Second World War. The trail starts from Battery Alexander (there is plenty of parking right next to it) and then you can go see just the Battery Alexander which is only a short walk from the parking lot or continue further to Battery Smith-Guthrie and Battery O’Rorke.
If you decide to see the latter 2 batteries your hike will be on the bluffs along the Pacific coast with some really great views. This whole area is perfect for history education, or “Time Travel” as I tell my kids in order to get them excited about history. Along your hike you will see a couple of interpretive stands with helpful information.
Kid Friendly Hikes Marin Headlands: #3 Point Bonita Trail
Point Bonita Trail is the most breathtaking kid friendly hike in Marin Headlands. “Bonita” means pretty in Spanish and this name is very appropriate in this case. This short trail leads to Point Bonita Lighthouse (which was unfortunately closed when we visited due to Covid-19) and offers unforgettable views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco and the Bay.
Point Bonita Lighthouse is a destination in itself. It is one of the most unique, beautifully positioned lighthouses in California, so don’t miss visiting it once it is open again.
Point Bonita Lighthouse is also a good location to catch a glimpse of grey whales when they are migrating along the coast of California between December and March.
If you like wildlife, in addition to grey whales you can see harbor seals along this trail, just below the cliffs. I am sure, kids of all ages will find them very fun to observe.
Tips for Visiting Marin Headlands
1.You can easily hike these three trails in a day, if not less, depending on how much time you want to spend at the beach. Start in the morning and see how it goes.
2. There is no fee to enter Marin Headlands area so I am happily adding this itinerary to my “Adventures Under $10” category of trips.
3. Be mindful of the weather. The winds from the Pacific can be pretty strong and cold.
4. We have not found any concession stands in the area so I strongly advise taking picnic lunch with you or at least some snacks and water.
5. Check out the video review of our great visit to Marin Headlands featuring all three kid friendly trails before you go:
For more great adventures in Bay Area check out my article Best Day Trips from San Francisco.
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