I have personal ties to this place: My mom grew up here as her father was in the army and was stationed there for years. I know it's history, little secret ins and outs, and got to stay a few nights as a kid on a field trip. We've been coming here for years hanging out on the beach and collecting muscles off the big rock. I love that the beach is made of little pebbles. I recently discovered how awesome thier trails and hiking is. You can see in my pics below that you can hike along the cliffs and coast with amazing views and some really cool features. I was too tired to hike up to the old army bunkers, but that's a goal of mine that will be achieved sometime soon. I look forward to more hiking and wonderful beach time. read more

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A beautiful area with views, hikes, and history! We saw dolphins in the water, river otter in the lagoon, and plenty of heron and other birds on the shore. You can hike up to the old lighthouse or World War I battery, around the lagoon, and any number of trails. Just watch out for poison oak! With a beautiful array of succulents, trees, and flowers, there is so much to see and experience. The sunsets over the water are beautiful, we had a great time. read more

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This is a great place to go for a hike. Came here with my mom and it was really fun to hike here. It's really pretty and the beach that's there really nice. read more

Fort Cronkite is the perfect oasis for long walks on the beach with your pooch! Located in the Marin Headlands, Fort Cronkite is just a 10-drive from the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown Sausalito, and yet it feels like your hundreds of miles away from the noisy, hustle & bustle of city life. My friend and I came here the other day to walk her dog Lewie. It's apparently one of the few beaches around where you can let your dog run off-leash. Needless to say, Lewie was in canine paradise - playing with other dogs, chasing after seagulls, splashing in the ocean, and sniffing every rock and stick in sight. There's plenty of parking in the lot. There's also a youth hostel nearby (in case you and your friends want to make a night of it). Be sure to bring a warm jacket. And if you're here with your pooch, be considerate to others and bring a baggy to clean up after your animal. read more

Fort Cronkhite is just next to Rodeo Beach or as we call it Cronkhite Beach. The Barracks' at Fort Cronkhite are just next to the very nice new parking lot. I see many student groups staying overnight here as well as 12 step group here. There has been work done recently and overnight stays. The views are spectacular and the sound of the ocean is very relaxing. read more

Fort Cronkhite was Established in 1937 on 800 acres of land that is right next to Rodeo Beach. The Marine Mammal Center (and their nice new facility) is also located here. So are lots of WWII vintage military base-related buildings. This facility was named for Maj. Gen. Adelbert Cronkhite, who commanded the 80th Division during World War I. No period guns or carriages are in place, but you can visit places like old Battery Towsley and the Nike Missile sites during some limited dates and times. Also available nearby is a walk on Rodeo Beach, lots of area hiking, and more great views. read more

One of my favorite places in San Francisco bay and the reason why it makes this city so great. You can live in a great place and drive or ride a bike across to open nature. So many trials and so much to do. If you are looking for a challenging hike I suggest you park at the beach and hike up to hill 88 is about 45 minutes at a fast walk/run hike pace. Also make sure you check out the nike missile site during one of their tours to understand the importance that this for played during wwII and cold war read more

OK I'll be honest. My destination was supposed to be "The Land's End" hiking trail in SF, but somehow my GPS navigated us to a random trail in the Golden Gate National Recreational Park area on the Marin side instead. I'd never been to either areas so I took my chances, decided to go with the flow and continued to follow the route that GPS was taking us. Well, eventually we ended up at Fort Cronkhite - and guess what - we discovered a nice little beach (Rodeo Beach) and a great hiking trail! If you follow the coastal hike trail up the hill (past Rodeo beach), you discover amazing views of the ocean and Fort Cronkhite. You also run into old bunkers that you can explore to your heart's content and other creepy looking cement-walled rooms that have been invaded by graffiti artists. Don't feel like using your feet? Bring your mountain bike! There's a lot of uphills so it could be a good place for some uphill biking training. Overall, this was a GREAT place for a nice moderate hike and even some quiet contemplation, if needed. There's also a couple of perfect spots for a bit of meditation or yoga if you're into that kind of thing. read more

I came across to this location after a visit to Battery. I think this is one of the secret spot of surfers and people who are fishing. It's very peaceful to sit in one corner while watching the surfer and people passing by. Hiking spot to your left and right. Historical place at the back. Ocean at the front view. What else can you ask for? ... Perhaps a food and snacks. read more

Fort Cronkhite - It's 10am when I took this shot using my phone. Look at the clouds! - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Very cool place to hike. We walked up the hill and took some turns and we ended up at Battery Alexander, which was super cool. They had old bunkers still there, showers, bathrooms and what could have possibly been a dining area. All of these places are locked but you can slip through between the metal bars at the windows if you want. There's also an old missile site, which to me was super cool. There are little things you can read that tell you about the history of the sites. The views were beautiful and being able to see things that were used in the past was really wonderful. I love reading and seeing things that were used back in the days. The hike around this area was the best hike I've ever been on. Next hike is Hill 88! =) read more

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Really nice mini hike by Rodeo Beach! I really enjoyed being closer to the ocean. As I got higher on the hill, I was able to see old Forts where you can take the stairs and get a better view of the ocean and the beach. Although overall the hike was very enjoyable, I did feel creeped out by the quality of the forts: very run-down and lots of graffiti. You can tell some people tried to break into the forts because of the metal doors being gaped open. Other than that, the I really liked the flowers along the trail! Very photogenic piece of land. :) read more

What a beautiful gem! My dog and I really enjoyed this hike. Parking is right by the beach, and you walk a little further to begin the trail. There's a few trails to follow along the way, I'm not sure how long it is in terms of distance but I spent a few hours here exploring. There's an amazing coastal view as you walk upward, as well as historic little spots to check out. I came here on a Sunday afternoon and it didn't seem too crowded or anything. Overall a great place for many reasons: you can get away from the city, friendly people, dogs are allowed, clean trails, moderate hike, and easy parking. read more

Fort Cronkhite - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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What a beautiful place! This has to be a must stop after visiting Point Bonita and the Marine Mammal Rescue Center! Try to stay until sunset! read more

Sigi the Dog did not poop here. She didn't because she's not allowed on any of the trails. Drag. Love this place though, and we did do some clambering on the old ramparts and enjoy the view. Used to love it more when I was a kid, but the view is worth it and I love the tunnel route. read more

Stunning, Peaceful. Incredible views. Great walk, hike, or ride, depending on your preference. Rodeo Valley Trail starts at Fort Cronkite. Perfect starting location: the beach! Watch the cute surfer guys for a few minutes before starting on an uphill trek through the Headlands. There are endless paths you can venture on for the more curious, but there is also a main trail/path for those who are just looking for a great walk. Look out for the bunkers hidden throughout the hills. Now brandished with graffitti (some designs cooler than others), these are the coolest little places to duck into during the hike to time travel back to the days when our military men and women scouted these hills, ready and ever prepared for the attack by sea that never came. There is an elevation change on this hike, though not too strenuous. I would go here on a cloudy or sunny day. Though I'm not sure how fog affects the wonder of the landscape. Keep going on this trail and you can hit up Tennessee Valley trail, or even Muir Woods if you're really feeling adventurous. read more

Drive or bike. Nice beach. Easy access. Lots of sand. Not too crowded. I dont like staying at the beach more than an hour or so so this hits the spot. Stop off at the Marine Mammal Center and make a $5 donation while your at it read more

In terms of natural splendor so close to the City, this place is unsurpassed. There's lots of WWII history scattered about and plenty of surfers risking life and limb out by the beach. The area outside of the bay is a huge Great White shark nursery (or whatever a marine biologists would call a place where these uncuddly critters tango in the dark). There are plenty of trails to exercise those legs on as well (when you're done feasting your eyes on all the ridiculous beauty). read more

Fort Cronkhite - How's that for a view? - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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A great little beach. Not a sandy beach. Sat and watched surfers for a while. Lots of dogs which makes me wish I had mine there. Great hikes to the north and south. My kids especially enjoyed hiking to the old WWII military bunkers/batterys. They are really cool. Only issue is getting in and out. That's a bit of a pain. read more

Great backdrop in front of Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands, and just so picturesque and scenic. Again, one of the best spots in the entire Bay Area. read more

On a sunny day this place is gorgeous. Incredible for the ocean views, fun to watch the surfers, great for a picnic, nice to hike or just to chill. Facilities includes free parking and restrooms. It really needs a snack shop. read more

I've been to Rodeo Beach, I've hiked around the Visitor's Center...but I don't remember hiking up to this particular set of bunkers. Definitely go visit them! The views from each are awesomely beautiful, and they are actually in the process of redoing one of the battery's so you can see it exactly how it was during WWII (with the cannon/gun and everything!) And it's not even a hike to get there - literally maybe a 10-minute walk read more

beautiful area, got to see the nike missle area even though it was closed. beach access with great parking in a sheltered cove beautiful area, worth driving through the 5min red light tunnel and back for the fantastic views. read more

My colleagues and I hosted a math camp at this location. They were so helpful and supportive. We had two years of great camp. Can't wait to return! read more

The moderate jaunt up to Hill 88 from Rodeo Beach is possibly the world's best 3-hour hike. Love.

You're at home in SF and want to go on a good, quick hike without having to deal with driving far, traffic, people...the usual downsides of getting away. Fort Cronkhite (at Rodeo Beach) is a great one -- just over GG Bridge in the Marin Headlands. I start out the hike by checking out the surfers, saying hello to the various Bambis on my way up, make my way thru the fog and into the sunshine of "Hill 88". read more

Very cool old military installation. There is a lot of history here. Take the time & research what happened here that was so amazing and why its still standing! Def make this a stop on your sightseeing tour of San Francisco! read more

I so enjoy living in the headlands and having this as my backyard. The sunsets are KILLER. I also enjoy watching a lot of the guys surfing and of course all the hiking trails. read more

Great spot in the Marin Headlands for walking on the beach, surfing (if Whities don't worry you) and watching the crash of the surf against the point. I like it... love it, want more of it! read more

I love coming here; have been here several times with my friend to go hiking; great views of the beach; once you get up in the hills, you have fabulous views of the ocean, and the city; also can hear the bouys at sea; on clear days you can see Bolinas and Point Reyes, as well as the Golden Gate Bridge, San Fran, and Point Bonita lighthouse in the opposite direction. I love it here. read more

Love love love this place!! I've hiked every path I know. The kids and our dod love it here!!

My favorite hike in all all Marin! If you go all the way to the top where the old CDF helipad is the view is stunning! It's a 2 hour round trip hike with different levels of difficulty. My pups and I go year round. The old military bunkers add and special twist to the whole experience. It's mostly old paved military roads with a few wash outs. The Ca Parks Service has installed very study stairs in one of the steepest parts. If you start in the dirt parking lot and just start heading up the road. Stay on the road it will take all the way around in a loop. You will pass the Marine Mammal Center, and through the old Military Barracks all the way back to the parking lot. Less difficult and you can knock it out in an hour. No services here other than a drinking fountain and a public bathroom. All and all a fantastic hike. When you are done you can hang out at the dog friendly beach afterwards! read more

really a gorgeous spot so close to the city.. highly recommend for a brief little adventure.

When I arrived in California, I was first stationed at The Presidio of of San Fransisco. What a beautiful place. Fort Cronkite, I know it well. I spent a year of my life living there. Yes, it is an old Nike/Hercules Missile Site. I was stationed there in 1964. I was a Launcher Crewmen, plus pulled guard duty up at the launching area. I was a young 20 year old kid then. But while stationed there, I would go exploring in my off duty time. I would spend a lot of time down at the beach. I don't recall any trails there at that time. I have often thought about going back and seeing how much it has changed since back then. Maybe some day I will. I better hurry, I sure aren't getting any younger. read more