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Rodeo Beach
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70 reviews for Rodeo Beach
70 reviews in English
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Review from Jenn C.
2/6/2012
If you are touring the Marin Headlands and didn't have enough time to hike down to Black Sand Beach as you hurtled down Conzelman toward Point Bonita, never fear - you will soon arrive at the entrance to Rodeo Beach! Plenty of parking and dog friendly - this is a great spot to enjoy the beach (though it is a bit windy) and to hike - there are trails to the south that go up the hill and provide gorgeous vistas of the beach and the ocean.
If you made it here - congratulations! You escaped the city! Yay! Now go have fun! -
Review from Catherine C.
Hayward, CA
12/28/2011
Hiking here is wonderful! If you head up the Miwok you will eventually get to a part when you can hike up a mountain! There, you get so many fantastic views of all the mountains around there.
Once you reach the top you will find all these cool old war buildings. It's fun to visit them, you can go inside them and explore! It was definitely a lot of fun, I even climbed a ladder out of a sniper dugout, coolest thing ever! Thee is a spot where a huge gun used to be stationed, though all that remains now is a giant hole in the middle of the floor with water and newts.
Then you can go down the coast, and get that coastal breeze, and all the ocean scape vistas. And to top it off you can go and relax on the beach after all that hiking :)
Definitely worth seeing! -
Review from Alissa A.
11/30/2011
Take the +Ups...
...with the -Downs:
+View from the batteries toward the Pacific
-Climb from the parking lot to get to the view. Challenge yourself.
+Point Bonita Lighthouse, an easier hike
-More heavily traveled and alongside roads
+Beach. Just add sexy wetsuit-donning surfers.
-Currents will carry you off
+Bathrooms, water fountains, loads of free parking
-Heavily trafficked (but not crowded, just hike off a bit)
+Lush vegetation
-Includes Poison Oak
+Less than a half hour from SF
-Not being there right nowListed in: Trail Runner's Guide To The…
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Review from Shelley S.
Marinwood, CA
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went there with a friend last week at the last minute when we heard there was a surf advisory. The waves were amazing!!! I love to collect seashells and sea glass, in particular. I've never found many shells here, and certainly never any glass....but on this day I found a lot!! They were all pretty small, but they were "finished" and came in white, green, amber, and even a couple Carnelian. I love that this is a dog friendly beach, has a huge parking lot, lots of trails nearby and most importantly: a bathroom! Its also the closest beach to my house.
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Review from Tracey A.
San Anselmo, CA
11/5/2011
Ruff, Yap, Yap, Ruff, Arf! What's that, you ask? That's the enthusiastic sound of Ocho the Wonder Dog trying to tell me that this beautiful Marin County beach deserves five stars. Of course, I don't let my dog do all the talking for me, but on this we both agree. Five stars because:
* Unless you are already out at Point Reyes, Rodeo Beach is the most accessible dog-friendly ocean-access beach in Marin.
* Getting out to Rodeo Beach is a quick mini-adventure in itself, which includes a one-way tunnel with a 5-minute stop-light at either end.
* The coastal trail embarks from here and is a perfect (and perfectly exhilarating) way to get your hike on. Leashed dogs are welcome and you can do a full loop of a hike in a bit under 2 hours.
* The wide, sandy beach is a perfect place to read, walk, surf, hurl a frisbee, or throw a ball for your best friend.
* Ample free parking right beside the beach.
Just seeing the crashing waves and getting the salty air on my skin invigorates me. I was here on what was probably the last warm fall day we'll have this year but any time is perfect if you dress for it.Listed in: Good Dog!, Hiking in Marin
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Review from parichehr t.
Sausalito, CA
12/13/2011
I spend so much time here. It is so beautiful. Bring your dog but make sure the pups don't go in the lagoon. And take your trash with you. Keep our beaches clean.
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Review from Steph V.
9/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Always a good time!
My family and I make it a tradition to go to this beach at least once a year after we pick up fresh oysters in Tamales Bay. Last weekend, Labor Day, we were able to get a table next to the BBQ pits. The view, weather, hiking trails, bathrooms (!), and plenty of parking all make me smitten about this beach. If you look out in the distance, there's this rock that looks like an elephant. I swear!
It's never super crowded and the bathrooms have toilet paper! FYI, if the 4 BBQ grills are taken up I recommend bringing your own. AND, please people, DO NOT leave the bbq's with hot coals. There are animals here that might get hurt because you're too lazy to put the fire out correctly. We always see this raccoon scurrying around the trash cans and the people cooking.
If we keep the beach as we left it, we can continue to enjoy it. Agreed? OK! -
Review from Athena S.
6/30/2011
Sunsets here are sexy
This beach ranks. Love how when I head here, there's never crowds, thus I will not disclose my timing.
It's been one of my go-to havens for years when I want to day escape locally yet feel I'm far away. Simple recipe: head to the beach, turn cell off, grab a burrito, plenty of water, maybe a lucky guest if I so chose & some vino or Hefes, don't forget the flip flops, a bamboo throw, a ballcap or bandana and let all cares go.
Mini stone heaven! No sand here, which makes for a very therapeutic afternoon admiring the sheer wonder of your mother ...
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(nature, that is)Listed in: Favorite Non-Restaurants
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Review from Eric B.
3/26/2011
Rodeo Beach is located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and a pleasant Marin drive to get out here. It's a great place to bring Fido, hang out with the family (or alone), hike around, or just drink in another slice of paradise. And isn't it marvelous that in the Bay Area you can be out in the middle of nowhere within minutes of whatever urban locale you're living?
Among the old military buildings you'll also find the California Marine Mammal Center. The organization was established in 1975 for rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured marine mammals. It also serves as a center for environmental research and education regarding marine mammals, namely cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and pinnipeds (seals and sea lions). I've known a few of their enthusiastic volunteers, and it's just one of the many reasons to come out here and enjoy. -
Review from Heather S.
San Francisco, CA
I go here for the hiking and the views, both are fantastic. The coastal trail has a breath taking view of the water and San Francisco, on a clear that is. I also enjoy watching the hawks circling overhead. You really feel submerged in nature.
The other trail I hike (name escapes me) is not on the water, but has beautiful hills and valleys to walk along side of.
The round trip hike is about 1.5 hrs., and a great 1.5 hrs. at that. -
Review from Kimberly W.
Oakland, CA
9/21/2011
Just visited this beach yesterday, during the week. My 2 1/2 year old had a grand time playing in the waves, but we had to be very close to her, as the waves are strong, and she is a kamikaze daredevil.
Pluses:
1. Expansive uncrowded beach
2. Beautiful surroundings with the cliffs and hiking
3. Picnic areas
4. Lots of parking
Minuses:
1. I don't mind dogs on the beach. But come on dog owners--please pick up after your dogs! Twice we almost stepped in to fresh piles (I have a 2 1/2 year old who doesn't really watch where she steps) and once we watched a dog do her business in front of her owner who just left it there.
2. Bathrooms/shower off facilities are rather far from the water.
3. Picnic areas far walk from the water, especially for little kids.
4. Love the waves, but keep a hand on your little ones--riptides and strong currents can be dangerous for them.
5. Dark pebbly sand makes it a hot and uncomfortable trek from the car. -
Review from Jen M.
Brooklyn, NY
10/10/2010
A few friends and I made our way down to this beach today for a day-trip/photo walk. When we got there it was foggy, and we sat down and had a delicious picnic. As soon as we were finished the clouds opened and the sun was out for the rest of the day. There were tons of dogs! We all got lots of great shots.
There is a trail that you can climb for a really scenic outlook, and along the trail there is wild chamomile growing, as well as other plants that make the air smell amazing.
I will definitely be coming back here! -
Review from Paolo D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/22/2011
This is a review of the food. I was here for a staff retreat and had lunch at the canteen which I think is at the disposal of groups renting out meeting space for the day. The food, simple salad bar, frozen pizzas, carrot cake and cookies, was simple, filling, a hit!
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Review from Evan M.
11/16/2010 2 photos
Beautiful beach! The sand is dark brown and there is a lot of room for your dog to run around.
Definitely a great place to check out when you want to get out of the city. -
Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2010
This beach is inside FORT KRONHKITE.
The sand is dark brown/black. The sand is clean.
There are some scenic rocks on the side of the beach.
Good place to take a dog to roam around in.
Parking is free. -
Review from Chris B.
South San Francisco, CA
5/6/2010 6 photos
Lovely beach!
Great place to take photos!
Lots of dogs!
Large beach with tons of room!
Cool trails on all the hills surrounding this beach!
Lots to do!
Go here and have a great time!
peace -
Review from Lainie L.
Oakland, CA
7/26/2007 1 photo
I love this place. How can you be so geographically close to a major metropolitan city and yet so far at the same time?
One summer my seester stayed here with a camping program. When we dropped her off - I cried. . even though she was little more than ten minutes away from our house in the Haight, it felt like we were leaving her on some remote island never to be heard from again.
That's why I love this place so much. Going there even for just a little while is like taking a mini-vacation. The best part for me is the one-way tunnel. I don't know why but it always feels like a transporter that strips away your real day to day existence and as you emerge on the other side, you're in a different world. It is magical.
Fort Cronkite/Rodeo Beach is the first place I drove to by myself the day I got my driver's license. I drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, took that exit towards Sausalito and there it was: The Tunnel! As a child I was always afraid the light on one end would change and we'd get in a head on collision but that day I was just excited to drive through it on my own. It was foggy and cold on the entrance side of the tunnel. I was first at the light. I sat and waited. And waited. And waited. The sign says: "5 Minute Light" but when you're sixteen - 5 minutes seems like an eternity. Finally I got the green light! As I approached the tunnel and drove through I laughed out loud. As I emerged on the other side and the sun broke through, I got teary eyed. I was just so happy - alone, sixteen, driver's license and the feeling of absolute freedom. I will never forget that.
You drive down a winding road, past old army barracks and homes to Rodeo Beach. I love this beach because instead of sand, the beach is covered with tiny pebbles. Walking or sitting is a joy because you don't get tons of sand everywhere. It's usually fairly mild weather wise. Not too cold but never super warm. I am always hot. . .been that way all my life. When we have heat waves, Fort Cronkite is the first place I go for relief from the heat because it's never too hot there. There is a hilarious picture from my childhood of my mom sitting in a beach chair wrapped in a million beach towels. I am standing next to her in a bikini - oblivious to the fog and cold.
There are usually a lot of families here, people with dogs, surfers, and the ones I call the hermit crabs - actually just misanthropes who occupy one of the many little coves and crannies to hide away in - those little coves are always occupied by a lone person, hat pulled down over their eyes, sunglasses on - there by themselves even though there are many people around.
You can walk the beach and explore the rocks on the south end of the beach just be careful and watch the tide because if it comes in you can get stuck. There must be a kelp forest nearby because the beach is always very kelpy which can get creepy when you're playing in the waves and some kelp wraps around your leg and you freak and start jumping around like a mad woman and fall on your ass just as a wave breaks and you get soaked to the bone and kelped upside your head. Or so I've been told.
This is the first beach LouLou ever went to.
I also like that they have rinsing showers. As much as I love the beach I HATE sand or anything on my feet. You can play in the water and run around the beach and get your feet as funky as you want 'cause you can always get them nice and clean at the showers.
If you're ever feeling especially weary and need to get away even for just a few hours, I highly recommend taking a drive to Fort Cronkite/Rodeo Beach. Leave your cares and your worries on the other side of the tunnel and be happy for a while.Listed in: LouLou's Lairs
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Review from Peter N.
Marin County, CA
10/10/2009 ROTD 12/17/2009
Walk Rodeo Beach on weekday mornings before the fog lifts.
Wet beach sand is a good run for dogs and people: waves reach far up on the sand, tease dogs to chase the retreating surf into the next rolling wave..
And there's usually a brisk salt breeze here, where the coast is open to the ocean wind.
Water and wind bring long strands of bulbous kelp, logs, fishing gear and even dead sea lions onto the beach.
Ah, but, what's the joy of being a dog if you don't roll in carrion?
Gotta do it.
However, the death smell of a marine mammal is unattractive to people. So, be alert, you don't want your dog to acquire it before the ride home in your car.
When you're walking alone, without a dog, or with only a few select people who know when to keep their mouths shut, edge across the beach toward the lagoon.
Big brown pelicans over-night there and fly off to fish in the early mornings.
Sometimes they go as far as the Farallon Islands near the horizon.
Sometimes the pelicans and cormorants fish right there in the lagoon in front of you.
Signs tell you this lagoon is fed by both fresh water from a stream and salt water from the ocean when storm waves crash over the beach where you are standing to read the sign.
There are some unique species adapted to the mix of salt and fresh water in this lagoon.
Most dogs and people are unimpressed.
Choose your company carefully -- or go alone.
And go early.Listed in: Marin Walks by Peter N.
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Review from Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
1/29/2008
My reviews are getting tediously affectionate for this damn city, but the fact is you can't hope for a better place. You don't have the traffic that Stinson or Muir has, it seems to be relatively unpopulated. I love going here, because you can make a day of it, or make it an excursion for a short afternoon or morning hike. Haven't been there? Go... now. It is almost 1am, and I demand you to go.
Cheers!!! -
Review from Grace L.
4/5/2009
Back when I used to live in SF and found myself often times in Marin via a now ex bf, this was a favorite spot of mine, and it still is. I wish I can go there as often as I did. It's literally an escape from reality -- the hustle and bustle of city life. Getting there with the flat road trek over a few hills and a one way tunnel, it prepares you for the tranquility that is to come.
Keep in mind, the beach is small. Sometimes I bring my dog...he loves running up and down the beach with me. It usually takes us a few laps to get a good sweat. Afterwards, I like to sit on a log and stare at the dashing surfers. I tell ya, they have some balls because I wouldn't be caught dead in that frigid cold water.
Another day I went, there was a makeshift teeter totter made out of logs. My now bf and I went on it. Somehow I lost my balance and fell from the very top and got laughed at by a bunch of kids. Fun times.
One way I test out my physical fitness: run up the infamous hill. I used to go there just to run the hill. 6-7 times up and down, and I'm done, heart pumping out of my chest. Do this once a week along with the Larkspur stairs, your legs will come out looking like two rods of mighty greatness.
Weather tip: this beach runs on the chilly side. Always bring layers. On a cloudy day, bring a hoodie or a sweatshirt and dress super warm! -
Review from Lisa T.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2007 1 photo
So I'm getting all emotional about this place right now. I work in Fort Cronkhite, right here on Rodeo Beach. My great big parent company, Discovery, just sold my company, Antenna Audio. I'm feeling disheartened by corporate America. Discovery only owned us for a year -- we started as a little experimental theater company in the 80s, hunkered down out here in "the beach house." Taking inspiration from the awesomeness of these natural surroundings.
Then one day, the little band of hippies and audio geeks that had evolved into Antenna Audio sold themselves to Discovery Communications International, and from then on we were a pawn in the corporate game. Blah.
It's been an intense chapter in my career, these last few days out here. So today I decided to take a stroll. A stroll out the front door of Fort Cronkhite barrack 1057, across the boardwalk over Rodeo Lagoon, and out onto Rodeo Beach, down toward the sea cliff and what I've affectionately nicknamed "bird shit rock" (that would be the enormous cliff that turns bright white in the summer, when all the birds get comfy there for months at a time and their poo accumulates; hey -- this is NATURE!).
I started thinking back to the first time Antenna flew me out to the Marin Headlands, after I'd been offered the job: to meet everyone and go apartment hunting and attend a retreat. Mind you, I came here from Detroit. I was used to looking out my office window at Woodward Avenue: at 30-story abandoned art deco skyscrapers, rotting automobile factories, gutted crack houses... Suddenly, I was going to be looking at this every day: the most beautiful, pristine stretch of America you can imagine. It even smells good out here (no joke; it's the coastal sage) -- a feast for all senses.
From that moment on, my mind was just flooded with metaphors. When I actually moved out a few weeks later, I wrote in my journal: "The road trip ended when we could go no further; by the shores of the Pacific in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin County, California. The end -- quite literally -- of both our journey, and America." I was making a major life change for some deep reasons that went beyond simply job hunting, and always in my mind, when I visualized what I was trying to accomplish, I saw that boardwalk over Rodeo Lagoon, leading out to the beach...
They better not take this place away from us. That's all I have to say to my new "great big parent company." This place is worth fighting for, worth resorting to drastic measures. It means a lot to me, for personal reasons. And if you've never been, you need to come see it for yourself.
It's magical. One visit, and you'll walk away concocting metaphors of your own.
BREAKING NEWS: They didn't sell us after all. We get to stay. Ahhh... -
Review from Amanda B.
4/25/2010 2 photos
************* REVIEW 100 ****************
My first time here, meeting up photographers for shoot. I was amazed how beautiful it looks from the top down. The water is beautifully blue, the sunset is simply breath taking.
Even the freezing weather, a few surfers didn't mind, nice to see them going at the nice waves.
Plenty of puppies & doggies running around. A few came over to greet & sniff me. Wish my dog was till around.
Oh I got lost for 30 minutes, went to Sausalito instead! I wish there was sands, instead it's all tiny rocks. It was very windy & so it was difficult to capture any picture. We tried to enjoy the beauty of it, but we didn't dress warm enough.
Will definitely come back when the weather is better! -
Review from Jay M.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2006 2 photos
Almost private, this beach rocks. Brought some brewsky, cooked some scallops & asparagus, and watched from a nice distance the sun set. Climb the cliffs along the trail's way, and view the entire stretch with profound awe.
From 101 N to the Golden Gate Bridge, take the first exit (not the Vista Point) and follow that until you hit the FIRST left turn. Turn left; there should be a tunnel a few yards down with a stop sign, with another sign denoting "5 minute stop sign" or something like that.
Go through that, and honk your horn along the way.
Follow the road straight, until you see the beach in view (Ft Cronkhite) -
Review from Jon-o G.
San Francisco, CA
7/2/2010
There stands a large rock
Shaped as a guinea pig
It glares into the pacific
Guarded by
An ocean of white
Covering the hilltops
And the brown pebbles
Makes me believe I am
Standing on a chocolate lake.
Strawberry hair
Cocoa hair
Coconut hair
Strawberry coconut hair
All sailing with the breeze.
I ask where a trash can is
But no one seems to know...
I wonder why the park ranger
Inside the park ranger station won't take it.
It's just a cup...
Rodeo
Like Row-day-oh
or Row-dee-oh
Again
No one knows.
Is it a lagoon
Or is it a beach?
Why can't it be both?
Rodeo
Rodeo Beach
Rodeo Beach Lagoon.
They just told me no.
Hopefully I'll get home soon.
It's 5:30
And with a three mile climb
Looks like the sun
Will wait for me this time.
Rodeo Beach Lagoon
What a great ride. -
Review from rachel c.
Los Angeles, CA
4/20/2006
Worth sneaking out of work early!
This a beautiful beach in Marin- 10 minutes from the bridge. I usually ride my bike or trail run over here, but never realized how cool it is for a long walk as the sun is setting. With this gorgeous weather, I recommend leaving the city/ work at 3 and going for a long walk. You will feel like you are on vacation. -
Review from Liz K.
Updated - 10/21/2009 1 photo
Dear Rodeo Beach,
You've been given an upgrade. My dog liked you much better this time, and your weather was gorgeous. Perfect way to spend a Saturday morning with good friends and the pups.
Next time, please arrange for similar weather - the sun breaking through the fog was lovely. And not too cold. Good sized waves too. Makes for interesting sounds.
Thanks for making us love you more.
Liz K.Listed in: Dog-tastic Adventures
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/27/2009
Echoing a previous Yelper... "Stones not sand yet..."
If you're looking for a sandy beach to toss the… Read more »
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Review from Marcus K.
San Rafael, CA
Updated - 8/21/2010 2 Check-ins Here
A beatiful beach where you can enjoy listening to the ocean, have a picnic, or simply bathe in the warm sun. Of course the sun bathing only works when there is no fog which frequently happens. Sept-Oct or Mar-May are definitely the sunniest and warmest month
While some people bring their dogs, this is no Fort Funston Most people do not bring their dogs. The Y and Headlands Institute, however do have classes on the beach so sometimes the beach is over run by kids.
The beach on the far S side is often a nude beach. Easily accessible except during high tide.
Plenty of parking and clean restrooms await.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/16/2009
Beaaaauuuuuuuuuutiful!!!! ! Its foggy in the summers so most days, bring a jacket. If you want to… Read more »
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Review from Jenny K.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2007
Rodeo Beach/Fort Cronkite is one of my favorite beaches around. From my house to the beach it's a 15 minute car ride, but it feels like I'm miles away from San Francisco.
The shoreline here is covered in semi-precious stone pebbles that give your bare feet a nice little massage as you walk over to a spot high enough away from the surf.
Speaking of surf.... there are surfers here. Not poser surfers, but real surfers who know what they are doing and look good doing it.
Not into ogling the eye candy? How are your knees? From this beach you have access to miles of hiking trails that offer you incredible views of the city as well as the shoreline, old military barracks, native birds and other wild life.
Pack a cooler, thick blanket and some cocoa. It's a gorgeous place to take in a romantic sunset with your special girl. Just remember to pick up her poop afterwards.Listed in: On the Outside...
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Review from Tamara L.
3/2/2010 1 photo
Absolutely PERFECT dog place.
Brought our French Bulldog here last weekend and had an absolute blast. Big beach, lots of space, not overly crowded... and the beach is *well* away from the road so you don't need to worry about throwing your frisbee too far and your dog getting hurt. I really loved that the 'sand' isn't really 'sandy'... as much as it's just super fine pebbles. This means that my dog didn't come home with sand in his ears, face, fur etc etc etc. Everyone we met there was super friendly, and all the other dogs were well behaved and socialized. Love it!
Super easy parking, clean bathrooms... and the beach is right next to some incredible Trail Heads too.
Basically, this is the PERFECT dog beach. We will absolutely, positively be back. -
Review from Travis S.
San Francisco, CA
12/9/2009
Ok. This place is magic. Magical, ephemeral and adorable. Dress as if it is going to be very cold. You usually will be right, and if you are too warm, then take something off. Duh!
There are usually surfers here, and some kids playing in the shallow intertidal zone. Otherwise, the water is freezing cold for this wimp. If you have friends from the east bay or somewhere hot in the summer time, this place is great to change their latitude. Sort of like a time machine to a cooler season.
There are plenty of places to park. There is a cool hike away from the beach to some of the former fortifications on the bluffs to the north. They protected this country from possible sea attacks during WW II. There are some places to change, rinse off sea water and sand, and toilets, National Park Service standard.
I like to go here as much as possible, which waxes and wanes over the years. This beach is dog friendly, leash required, but well behaved pups can romp in the surf leashless as much as they and their watching owners want. -
Review from Kopa J.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2010
Rodeo Beach has coarse sand and small pebbles by the water, so walking there can be tough on your feet if you don't walk barefoot often. The currents must move the smaller sand away all the time. Rodeo Beach is a photo opportunity waiting to happen. The waves must be good, as surfers are patiently waiting for the next one here most of the time.
There are bathrooms and outdoor showers here, but no food or drink concession. -
Review from Erin O.
5/26/2008
Fabulous escape with stunning views, both on the drive and when you arrive. Coming from San Jose, you just barely cross the Golden Gate Bridge, then get off on the first exit (Alexander) and follow the road over the hill and down to the beach.
Stunning views of GG and Sausalito as you drive. The beach itself is small in comparison to what I'm used to in Santa Cruz/Monterey/Carmel, but so stunning. It's a pebbly beach and that alone can lead to a bounty of shell and pebble hunting with your kids. We arrived and it was sunny and you could see the rocks jutting out of the sea. And then the fog rolled in faster than you could blink and the rocks disappeared. Either way, a great way to spend an afternoon.
The only downside is that someone stole my daughter's beloved stuffed animal that she's had since she was born. So whoever took the panda bear who was wearing pink pajamas and sitting on a log while we were beach combing...I hope it was for someone special. It broke my little girl's heart.Listed in: Local Coastal Towns
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Review from Yelper A.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2006
An old friend of mine took me here once when I first moved to the city and I was absolutely stunned over the quality and remoteness that this beach had to offer.
An amazing view with a rich cultural history, it truly is one of those 'in the know' Marin spots and I am glad to have been properly introduced.Listed in: Get the Hell Out of Dodge!!
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Review from Sameer D.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2010
Rodeo beach is one of my favorite beaches near san francisco. It's very quiet during the week (even on a nice day), and it's easy to hear nothing but the waves. It also takes only a half and hour from where I live in North beach. On the positive side, it's more natural and secluded than the city beaches. The downside is that there are dogs, and not all owners clean up after them!
Driving from North Beach takes 1/2 hour. I bus take about and hour and biking take a bit over an hour. -
Review from Y L.
Walnut, CA
10/12/2011
beautiful, peaceful, quiet, fine black sand, and somehow it wasn't cold nor windy.
there's a reason why "rodeo lagoon" isn't on yelp, because visitors only use that as a direction to get to rodeo beach - the real gem! -
Review from Jen L.
10/26/2008
Even enshrouded in misty cold fog, Rodeo Beach is a must, even if you just need to get away from civilization for a couple of hours. Totally worth spending days getting sand out of your shoes for this place.
Since last fall's oil spill, the beach looks like it's recovered decently, although there are probably still signs of oil if you dig deep enough in the sand and the lagoon is off limits to any kind of swimming...which is a very good idea.
That deafening roar of the waves play in ultra high Dolby stereo will wipe clear your psyche to start out the week on a good note. There are some cool short hikes from the beach & on a clear day, you can see forever...or at least big ol' Blue.
Note to self: Bring pants & extra socks no matter when you go.Listed in: It's not easy being green.
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Review from Melissa Q.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2008
While stuck in Sausalito last year, this was my refuge. Drive through the tunnel and the cell phone no longer works. Peace and quiet!
Plenty of parking. Pebbly sand. Horses go by on the shore frequently. Beautiful views.
I love this place. Amazing. Be prepared for huge crowds on summer weekends though. Me? I prefer the beach on a rainy weekday morning. Seriously!
Fun Fact: The pic of me with the cheesy smile, sunglasses, and the boy was taken here! -
Review from Dennis M.
New York, NY
2/14/2007 2 photos
I absolutely love this beach. I've lived in the Bay Area a good 30 years and have never been to this beach until one November afternoon when 2 cool friends Emily and Kate invited me and some friends out.
Well, I was in shock when we arrived, the beach was right over the bridge and in the Marin headlands. The picturesque drive through rolling hills and pasture made me blink twice.
Were we really just 15 minutes out of the city? There were barely any cars, let alone people. The only people we would really come across were cyclists pedaling up or down the mountain.
Note to self: Ride bike to the beach.
We passed the Marine Mammal Center and parked our car. I looked around, the day was gorgeous, there weren't too many people out and it looked like we still had about 3-4 hours of sunlight left.
To get to the beach you cross a short wooden bridge and walk over what is sand and rock, not exactly sure what it is.
The beach is fairly big, and there is plenty of space. If you feel like taking a hike I suggest following the trail on the left when you're facing the water. You'll be able to take some kick ass photos of the water and the beach.
I've been here at 2 AM in the morning as well under a full moon, absolutely gorgeous. No one was around and the sound of the water crashing onto the beach was mesmerizing. -
Review from Laila P.
3/1/2009
Rodeo Beach is my dogs favorite place. She's kind of a wild woman and this is a great spot for her to run around and she loves that! I don't have to worry she'll escape. This is mainly because the lagoon at the bridge entrance scares the crap out of her (she detests water) but also because the ledges are so high and she's so lazy, I know she won't run up them and escape that way.
There a lot of beautiful trails if you hike up beyond the parking lot. If you walk far enough there are some of the best unobstructed views of the sun setting on the water you'll ever see. Go on a clear summer day to see what I'm talking about.
This lovely little spot is just a short drive from Sonoma County - about 30 minutes from me. It's better than going all the way into the city to Ocean Beach. It's more clean, they have a bathroom, amazing trails, you can bring your horse or dog and there's no parking fee here and you also don't have to pay the $6 bridge toll.
We picnic and hike here often. We just got a horse and I can't wait to start taking her on the trails out here! -
Review from Dee J.
Oakland, CA
3/27/2008
Rodeo Beach is amazing.
It might not be the best beach to take the little ones. It might not be the best place to go swimming.
Hands down...not many beaches have more beauty.
There are some amazing views and great hikes up on the north end of the beach. There's plenty of parking too.
