Golden Gate National Recreation Area

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During our time roadschooling in California, we headed to San Fransisco one day and found ourselves at the Marin Headlands. The headlands are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

They lie just north of the city of San Fransisco across the Golden Gate Bridge. These headlands are a seemingly hidden treasure up in the beautiful hills surrounding the city. They offer the ultimate in extreme views of the bay, the city, the bridge, and the Pacific Ocean.

 

Roadschooling Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Pool Noodles & Pixie Dust

 

Getting to the Marin Headlands

The Headlands are off the beaten path a bit, but so worth it. As a roadschooling family, we love the adventure of finding these hidden places to explore. Especially, when they’re remote, out of the way, or less visited than the popular tourist destinations.

Head across the Golden Gate Bridge. And, just north of the city you’ll come to the Baker-Barry Tunnel, which used to be the connection between two historic military bases.

 

Roadschooling Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Pool Noodles & Pixie Dust

 

The tunnel takes you up Conzelman, a winding road that includes many scenic overlooks and pull-offs.

At the time we didn’t know exactly where we were heading. We found our way across the bridge noticing what looked like a road winding up through the hills and just followed the traffic up the side of the mountain.

What a great accidental discovery.

We decided to take the road it all the way to the top instead of stopping at the numerous lookouts on the way up. We were so glad we did when we finally saw the top.

Don’t give in to the temptation to stop as the breathtaking views start and the traffic starts to thin out. Leave the crowds and their good views behind and head to the top. Keep going to the last lookout to find the best views.

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Golden Gate National Recreation Area

After parking your car, you’ll walk away from the bay and towards Hawk Hill Trail.

An eery tunnel welcomes you with rusted gates swung wide. The echoing sound of water dripping from cracks in the yellowed cement above your head fills the silence until you exit into a way spot between two tunnels; the one you just left and another one ahead.

It won’t be at all what you’re expecting to find, but it’s all kind of mysterious and adds to the adventure.

 

Roadschooling Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Pool Noodles & Pixie Dust

 

At this place between tunnels you’ll find a little depression on the mountain that has some great views of those rolling California hills. You could almost forget you’re on the edge of the Pacific because you can’t even see the bay behind you.

Then, you’ll walk to and through a brick arch and enter a forgotten place. It is obvious that it has long been abandoned and it’s military uses outlived.  But, it’s part of the mysterious charm here.

 

Roadschooling Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Pool Noodles & Pixie Dust

 

It feels like you’ve been let in on a secret. Leaving most of the crowd behind back down at the first few pull-offs, you’ll have the place almost to yourself.

And the view.  THE VIEW. It is unreal.  There’s a lonesome top of the world feeling up here that is hard to find. It is the kind of place the regular string of tourists isn’t visiting, but more of a local hidden hang-out.

There were landings and gravel walkways. Abandoned concrete structures set into the bare earth at the top of the hill to climb up on and explore. And, steep wooden stairs to sit on while looking out to the ocean. It was phenomenal.

 

Roadschooling Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Pool Noodles & Pixie Dust

 

This is one of those spots that the crowds don’t venture too. So, you’ll be glad you did.

I just want to add a word of caution for parents. The trails out on the headlands have steep steps or gravel paths and broken down railings that lead to some sickening looking falls. My kids were 9 & 5 when we went and after assessing the area we set a few rules and didn’t have any problems, but it might be good info to have before you get up there.

Also, since our visit I read that they’ve been doing some renovations on the tunnel at the entrance and there are also more projects planned for the future to restore parts of these historic sites.

 

Has anyone else been there with their kiddos? Let me know in the comments.

Heidi

 

Marin Headlands- A California Hills Best Kept Secret -Travel with Kids off the beaten path in San Fransisco's Bay Area

 

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Hi, I'm Heidi a Jesus-loving homeschool Mama traveling the country with my full time RVing family. I'm passionate about simplifying your homeschool or classroom days by providing quality resources and support.