When the weekend comes around, many of us yearn to flee the city and escape from the grind, but for whatever reason, sometimes we can’t make it very far. That’s why Sausalito and the Marin Headlands are such a treasure—this area is so close to San Francisco, but it feels like a true weekend getaway. Here are a few of my favorite spots:
Kirby Cove
Just west of the Golden Gate, Kirby Cove sits at the foot of the Marin Headlands. You can access it from the Alexander Ave/Sausalito exit from 101, just up Conzelman Road (you will see poles at a gravel pullout). The white gate here is locked, and only those with reservations can access it with a code, so walking down the steep, winding, mile-long trail to the cove is an option for those who don’t mind trekking down—and back up at the end of the day.
Kirby Cove has four campsites, each able to accommodate a group of 10. (Parking is restricted to three cars per site, so be sure to carpool.) The site is extremely popular: as of the beginning of June 2010, a 90-day advance reservation is required. (So, you’re lucky if you snagged a spot this summer.) That said, up to 15 additional guests may visit campers during the day between 6 am and 10 pm. Day visits to the beach and day-use area are just as enjoyable: the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco in the distance, is spectacular. Check the Kirby Cove Campground booking site for more info.
Marin Headlands Hostel
Walk into these creaky historic homes, built in 1907, and be transported to a time from your past: your sixth grade outdoor education camp, or a memorable family vacation in the woods. Hidden in a wooded setting less than 10 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands Hostel, located in old officers’ quarters of Fort Barry, is a very affordable base to access trails of nearby beaches and forests, and hills with stunning views of the Pacific.
It’s a “hostel” by name and in price, but it offers an inviting atmosphere to budget trekkers, solo travelers, and families alike: private rooms and shared rooms with bunk beds are available, and the downstairs area has a communal kitchen, comfy lounge, and dining room. When I passed through one weekend, a French family cooked pancakes in the kitchen, while young girls worked together to prepare a granola and fruit breakfast for their group. A unique experience indeed.
The hostel welcomes walk-ins, but I’d suggest making a reservation, especially if you seek a private room ($72), which accommodates up to two adults and two kids. (Larger private rooms are available as well—ask the hostel for rates.) The shared dorm rooms, however, aren’t too bad. Most have eight beds per room, at $24 per bed (this rate is even cheaper for children 12 and under). I shared a room with middle-school girls; while it was by no means luxurious, the bed did its job and I got a full night’s rest so I could hike the hills the next day.
Wellington’s Wine Bar
I’ve got a thing for wine, converted warehouse spaces, word games, and a chilled-out vibe. Wellington’s Wine Bar, then, is fitting: it’s a cozy but spacious wine bar that feels much like a communal living room where folks mingle and sip wine. Located on Turney Street, Wellington’s is a large space on the Sausalito waterfront, with views of Richardson Bay, Tiburon, and Belvedere.
Chess sets and board games are scattered about, and the many tables and stools, as well as the outdoor patio and main bar, create a jovial atmosphere for tasting. The bar offers a by-the-glass list of wines available for tastings, half-glasses, glasses, half-bottles, bottles, and bottles to go at a slight discount. You can also create your own flight of three wines on their list for $13. (Their beer selection, too, is great.)
The best thing about this establishment is its unpretentiousness: the staff is friendly and happy to answer questions, and the vibe isn’t stuffy—a huge plus for a wine bar of this size.
Oh, and dog lovers take note: your pooches are welcome on the outdoor patio.
More Sausalito and Marin Headland highlights:
