Hawk-Eyed Sunset

Yeah, it’s a killer sunset spot—easily one of the best in the Bay Area. The challenge? A lot of other people think so too. But with far fewer tourists in the Bay Area right now, spots like Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands don’t have nearly the traffic they normally do.

From 923 feet above the Pacific you’ll enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Golden Gate, the San Francisco skyline, and the Marin coast from Point Bonita out to Point Reyes. (Just make sure you leave within an hour after sunset, or the cops will come on a loud horn and kick you out … not speaking from experience or anything.) Hawk Hill isn’t just a prime vantage for sunset. It lives up to its name for viewing not just hawks but falcons and other raptors.

The US Army used this prime location during WWII as a coast artillery battery to protect the entrance to the bay. From the main parking area it’s a short hike through some tunnels to a sensational view of the coast. Wind your way up to the top of Hawk Hill and find ample space to saunter around old battery remnants and benches or natural perches for gazing at the sunset as it sinks, slims, and flattens across the Pacific or glows golden over our beautiful City by the Bay.

As twilight sets in, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges light up and San Francisco begins to sparkle, an urban oasis whispering in a silent night … brighter days ahead.

Parking for Hawk Hill is at the top of Conzelman Rd. (map). It's limited. Hawk Hill closes one hour after sunset. Dog-friendly!