There are many great places to visit in Headland, California. The most popular attractions in the area include Trinidad Head and Muir Woods. But there’s much more to explore in this beautiful area. Read on to find out more. There’s something for everyone in this region.
Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a charming small fishing village, only 30 minutes from bustling Santa Rosa, California. The village is surrounded by towering Pacific headlands and offers a stunning view of the ocean and the bay. The town is a popular destination for San Francisco Bay locals who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Bodega Bay is also a great spot for hikers. There are many trails to take, and the rugged coastline is ideal for photos. You can also spend the day whale-watching or taking a boat out to explore the nearby islands. You’ll want to bring a picnic lunch, so you can get the most out of your visit.
Bodega Head is an iconic landmark in the area. It rises 265 feet above the roiling ocean and is one of the best places to watch whales in the state. From high points on the rocky peninsula, you can gaze out to the horizon and admire the endless waves that surround it. Alternatively, if you don’t want to be surrounded by waves and cliffs, you can visit Bodega Bay’s sheltered harbor, just five miles away.
Bodega Bay is also home to several romantic seaside inns. However, many visitors prefer to camp under the stars in the town’s campgrounds, which provide 120 camping spots. The town also offers fishing, beachcombing, and paddleboarding. The gentle sloping sand and calm surf break make Bodega Bay a favorite destination for families with young children.
Trinidad Head
Trinidad Head is a historic site, where the first human settlement along the north coast of California was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1775. A short drive north takes you to Patrick’s Point State Park, where you can hike or camp. While there, you can also pick up some tasty canned albacore and smoked salmon at Katy’s Smokehouse.
If you’re looking for a hiking trail, the 1.4-mile Trinidad Head Loop Trail offers spectacular views of the coastline. The trail is part of the California Coastal National Monument, and you can take it in either direction. While the trail starts out with a steep incline, the spur trails that run alongside the main trail offer beautiful views.
If you’re interested in dining, Trinidad offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. You can find everything from casual, family-run cafes to fine dining. The town also has a real estate office, gas station, and grocery store. The town’s Chamber of Commerce website has information on dining and lodging options. The Trinity River runs through the town, making it an ideal place for fishing. It is stocked with trout, and there’s an array of kayaking and canoeing spots available. There are also many camping grounds, including an RV park, so you’ll have an easy time finding a place to camp in the area.
Rodeo Beach
Located in Los Angeles County, Rodeo Beach is a favorite spot for surfers. There are often larger waves here and the beach has a parking lot you can walk through to get to the water. The beach also has a lagoon that attracts tufted and harlequin ducks. It is also a popular breeding ground for seabirds in the spring.
The beautiful beach is situated on Bunker Rd and is partly protected by high cliffs. The area is also home to the historic Fort Cronkhite, which was a former military post. Children will enjoy the colorful pebbles on the beach, which include bright orange carnelians. There are also several picnic tables and barbecue facilities.
There are also hiking trails that begin at Rodeo Beach. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Coastal Trail, which winds up to bluffs overlooking the beach. Other hikes include the Lagoon Trail and the Rodeo Valley Trail. Visitors can also explore the former US Army Forts Barry and Cronkhite. The concrete gun batteries along the coast are a reminder of a time when the area was defended by the US Army.
Rodeo Beach is one of the best things to do in Headland California. This pebble beach is in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is close to San Francisco and easy to access, making it a favorite of locals and tourists alike. It is also a popular place for surfing and other water sports. The area is also home to sea lions and dolphins.
Muir Woods
Muir Woods is a national monument in California that was founded in 1908. This park is one of the best places in the world to see Coastal Redwood trees. It’s open year-round and is located just 30 minutes north of San Francisco. You can visit Muir Woods to appreciate the wonders of nature and spend some time meditating. You can explore the park’s trails, which feature wooden bridges and pass Redwood Creek.
You can reach Muir Woods from San Francisco by renting a car. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Sausalito or a bus connection. Another option is to take a guided tour of the area. This is a great option for those looking to learn about the area without having to deal with the hassle of parking.
Muir Woods has a rich variety of plants, including the redwood sorrel. These plants have heart-shaped leaflets, and they bloom from early spring through early fall. Other plant life in Muir Woods includes the Pacific trillium, which has three petals and blooms in early spring.
Artists Point
The Marin Headlands are a hilly peninsula north of San Francisco. They are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. You can get to them via the Golden Gate Bridge. The Marin Headlands are an ideal destination for anyone interested in hiking, surfing, and seeing the local wildlife.
While exploring the Headlands, you may want to take in the nearby Marin Mammal Center. This center is home to over 130 marine mammals at any given time. Visitors can feed the animals and learn about their unique lifestyles. They can also enjoy wildlife photography and interactive exhibits. The Center is free to visit and offers guided tours.
Another popular place to visit in Headland California is the Point Bonita Lighthouse. This lighthouse is located on a skinny finger of land in the Pacific Ocean. You cannot drive to the lighthouse, but there is a parking lot near the end of the one-way loop road. A short walk from the lighthouse will take you to the Marine Mammal Center, which is an active animal hospital. The Center is free to visit and offers a breathtaking view of the San Francisco Bay.
Inspiration Point
If you want to get up high and take in the beauty of the coast, head to Inspiration Point in Headland, California. The park’s hiking trails wind through beautiful scenery. The park also has kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities. Another notable attraction is the Vikingsholm Castle, located near Eagle Falls. You can also visit Fannette Island, an island that can be accessed by boat. Lastly, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and surrounding area from Inspiration Point.
To get to Inspiration Point, follow the Inspiration Point Loop Trail. It starts at the parking lot beyond the park’s gate and follows a wide dirt service road. From there, the trail ascends the mountainside towards Santa Monica Bay. After about 0.4 miles, the Inspiration Point Loop Trail meets a single track trail that is narrower and steeper.
Sentinel Dome
A hike to the top of Sentinel Dome is a beautiful way to get the most out of your Headland California vacation. The 1.1-mile hike takes you past pine forests, piles of boulders, and smooth granite slopes. Once you reach the top, you will have a panoramic view of the area. A disused paved road will link you back to the main highway 0.7 miles away.
The trail to Sentinel Dome is mostly open granite with little shade, but the views from the top are spectacular. You can see the Valley, El Capitan, and the Merced River canyon in almost any direction. You can also see Tall Clouds Rest in the east.