Marin Headlands in Sausalito, CA 

Few places as close to San Francisco can seem as wild as the Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. If you get out early enough, you may see rabbit, deer, even bobcat. The trails are never crowded and there are enough bugs, flowers, lizards and other distractions to keep kids interested along the way. We recommend starting at the Marin Headlands Visitors Center, which hands out maps and guidance on what hiking trails best suit your family. Kid-friendly entry points include Tennessee Valley, Rodeo Beach/Fort Cronkhite, and Muir Beach. The best hike in the Headlands for younger kids is the Tennessee Valley trail because it's mostly flat and it's short, running 1.3 miles from the parking lot to the ocean. The trail starts out fairly flat and paved; half way to the ocean, at Tennessee Cove, the pavement runs out and the trail gets a bit hilly. Most children over five should have no problem negotiating the ups and downs. Tennessee Cove is quite small and unsuitable for swimming but it's a nice spot for a picnic. At low tide, you can see how the Cove got its name: In 1853, the steamer Tennessee was grounded and sank on this beach. All passengers and crew made it ashore but the ship was lost. When the water is low enough, large iron pieces of the ship poke out of the water. A more challenging, but very rewarding hike starts at the Tennessee Valley parking lot (an area map is on view) and takes you up and over the northern ridge to Muir Beach. The Fox trail is uphill, 3 miles long, and suitable for kids age eight and over. Bring lots of water. We recommend leaving an extra car at Muir Beach for the return trip rather than trying to hike back. If you'd like to start your hike from Muir Beach, take the Green Gulch trail through the Green Gulch Zen Center up to the Coyote Ridge trail, then back down to the Coastal trail, which returns you to Muir Beach. The views of the Muir Beach cove and the coast to the north are spectacular on a clear day. Camping: Opportunities areas abound in the GGNRA. All are accessible only by backpack but close enough to parking areas to be practical for families. Chemical toilets, food lockers, and picnic tables are available at all areas, but there's no running water or other facilities. You can find out about fees and permits on the GGNRA website or by calling the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at 415.331.1540. Campsites within the Marin Headlands include:
Haypress, an easy 3/4 mile hike from the Tennessee Valley parking area.
Hawkcamp, the most remote of the GGNRA's campgrounds, located high above Gerbode Valley, a two or three mile hike in depending on your route.
Bicentennial the most accessible campsite, only 100 yards from the parking area near the Battery Wallace.
Kirby Cove, is just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in a grove of trees near a small pocket beach, a 50 to 100 yard hike in, depending on your site; wheelbarrows for gear provided.