Marin Headlands - Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Immediately south of Point Reyes National Seashore is the Golden Gate Recreation Area.  Established by Congress in 1972 and administered by the National Park Service, the mission of the Golden Gate Recreation Area is to

(P)reserve and enhance the natural, historic and scenic resources of the lands north and south of the Golden Gate for the education, recreation and inspiration of people today and in the future. In the spirit of bringing national parks to the people, we reach out to a diverse urban community, promote the richness and breadth of the national park system to many who are experiencing a national park for the first time and foster broad-based public stewardship through various volunteer and partnership programs.

Our Labor Day weekend 2013 visit started at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center where we were provided with park information.  We provided a list of things we wanted to do to the rangers on duty and solicited their suggestions about what we could realistically accomplish due to the crowds of people.  Due to the proximity to San Francisco, approximately 20 million people visit the park each year.  

This visitor center is located in the former Fort Barry Chapel near the intersection of Bunker and Field Roads.  Other former Army buildings have also been re-purposed, including one housing the Headlands Center for the Arts.

Marin Headlands Visitor Center

Another view of the visitor center

Headlands Center for the Arts

One-lane tunnel on Bunker Road under US 101

Rodeo Lagoon and Beach

Some of the golden hills of the Marin Headlands

There is a fee to visit Alcatraz Island or Muir Woods National Monument.  Other areas of the park are accessible without a fee.  The fee for Muir Woods is $7.00.  Fees at Alcatraz vary depending on the tour package.  Another option for entering Muir Woods is the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.  This pass is valid for one year for $80.  A lifetime National Park Senior Pass is available for $10 for those 62 years of age or older.  

The park website is http://www.nps.gov/goga/index.htm.