Rodeo Beach(Golden Gate National Recreation Area)

Located in the city of Mill Valley between Point Bonita to the south and Tennessee Point to the north, Rodeo Beach is characterized by a 50-meter-wide sand spit that separates Rodeo Lagoon from Rodeo Cove. It is situated on the west side of the Marin Headlands peninsula in Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Rodeo Beach is a wide, sheltered, and secluded beach as it is surrounded by cliffs and two military forts that once guarded the shores. Rodeo Beach is composed of many small brown-, red-, green-, and blue-colored pebbles.

This dog-friendly beach offers many amenities including restrooms, showers, barbecues, and picnic tables.

Beachgoers can have a great time here doing activities such as bike paths, camping, and hiking. You can also surf here, but be careful of strong currents and maybe sharks. Rodeo Beach is hosting Urban Coyote Racing competition on April 17^th, 2021.

To get here, take the Alexander Ave exit from Golden Gate Bridge and reach Mitchell Road via Bunker Road to find Rodeo Beach free parking lot and picnic area. You can easily access the beach from the lot.  

If you are looking for nearby attractions, there are many within a 15-minute drive. Birdwatchers flock to Rodeo Lagoon to see an incredible variety of birds and animals including egrets, great blue herons, tidewater goby, and California brown pelican. If you like hiking, Rodeo Beach Coastal Trail Loop is a steep and dog-friendly loop trail – it is slightly more than five miles in lenght and follows the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean and Rodeo Beach.  From the north end of the beach, the Coastal Trail goes north along Bird Island to Tennessee Beach. Bird Island’s white cliffs are very tall offering a prime viewing spot and are covered with cormorants, gulls, and pelicans. Floating Taj Mahal or The Taj Mahal Houseboat was built by Bill Harlan and features marble floors, a wine cellar, a top-level solarium for meditation, and a sauna. Another great option is The Marin Headlands Art Institute, an arts organization that hosts an internationally recognized artist-in-residence program and offers tours and exhibitions. 

If you get hungry, Rodeo Beach is just 15-minutes from some of the best restaurants in San Francisco. The Italian Aurora Sausalito - Ristorante e Pizzeria serves excellent thin-crust pizzas, home-made pasta, seafood, and vegan items.  The Trident is an iconic 1960s-themed restaurant that is built over water featuring many international cuisines and a bar. As another option, the beachfront vegetarian-friendly Barrel House Tavern was awarded the "Travellers’ Choice 2020 Award" by Tripadvisor. 

If you are looking for a place to stay, there are many options just a 15-minute drive from the beach. The 4-Star hotel pet-friendly Victorian-designed hotel Cavallo Point Lodge features a pool, bar, sauna, spa, restaurant, and gym.  Hotel Sausalito & Suites is a 3-Star, 14-bedroom, and two suites hotel overlooking Vina Del Mar Park.  If you are looking for an affordable option, HI Marin Headlands Hostel is an incredible hotel within walking distance.