Golden Gate National Recreation Area - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center Rescues, Rehabilitates And Releases Marine Mammals And Inspires Ocean Stewardship Through Research, Education And Collaboration.It also serves as a center for environmental research and education regarding marine mammals, namely cetaceans, pinnipeds, otters and sirenians.

Headlands Center for the Arts provides an unparalleled environment for the creative process and the development of new work and ideas. It hosts an internationally recognized artist-in-residence program, and interdisciplinary public programs. It is situated in a campus of artist-renovated military buildings in the Marin Headlands.

The Marin Headlands is a hilly peninsula at the southernmost end of Marin County, California, United States, located just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, which connects the two counties and peninsulas. The entire area is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Headlands are famous for their views of the Bay Area, especially of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Point Bonita Lighthouse is out on the rocky point on the north side of the entrance to San Francisco Bay.The light is still actively used to warn approaching ships, but during the day the anyone can visit and walk around the outside of it. The lighthouse is accessible to the public during limited hours on Sundays and Mondays, as well as on ranger-led interpretive sunset hikes, which requires a sign-up. Access to the bridge is barred at other times by a metal door on the shore end of the tunnel.

Kirby Cove is a small bayside park with trails and a campground where you can absorb incredible views of San Francisco from across the Golden Gate. It offers a sandy beach, over a mile of trails across the forested hillside, accommodating campsites, and an unforgettable experience in nature.

Battery Spencer is a historic concrete military battery that today serves as an overlook above the Golden Gate Bridge and offers iconic and stunning views and photo opportunities. Photos taken of the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer have been some of the most iconic out there and featured on prints, postcards, and posters. The Battery was originally a gun battery from 1897 to 1942 and was named for a Revolutionary War hero.