Last weekend, I escaped overcast San Francisco and headed to the Marin Headlands for some sun and gorgeous views. The Marin Headlands are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, just over the Golden Gate Bridge and a great place for a scenic drive or hiking.
From Hawk Hill
Looking toward Rodeo Beach
A little picnic on lovely Black Sands BeachEven though it was a beautiful, warm day the beach was almost empty 
Perhaps because it is a ridiculously steep climb to the beach – this is just the start of the trek back up the hill! It’s less than half a mile, but it feels a lot longer. We lingered on the beach for a long time to avoid the walk back. But it was worth it.
The Point Bonita Lighthouse was unfortunately already closed by the time we drove past, but I did get to see it in the distance from a viewpoint
And more views
Looking toward Rodeo Lagoon and the Headlands Institute
Because of its military history, especially during WWII, there are batteries and forts scattered all over. They don’t really fit in with the beauty of the headlands, but they’re still interesting to see. 
An obligatory picture of the Golden Gate Bridge from the car. There was bumper to bumper traffic on the way back out so there was plenty of time to take pictures.
I had never noticed that one of the trailhead signs included Mexico
After, we went to Presidio Social Club for dinner, which is in a former barracks building in the Presidio, an old Army base and now a national park. I had been wanting to try it for a long time and I wasn’t disappointed. The food was good and it had a nice atmosphere.
I hadn’t been to the Marin Headlands in a really long time and had never been through the part we visited. Despite the huge summer crowds, it was a fantastic day and great reason to get out of the city.
I'm at the Library 