Battery Townsley, Military bunker in Marin Headlands, US.
Battery Townsley is an underground military complex in the Marin Headlands built with 26 interconnected rooms and reinforced concrete construction. The structure was designed to house and protect heavy gun installations along the coast.
The facility was built between 1938 and 1940 as a defensive coastal position during the Second World War era. It later shifted to scientific research purposes in the 1960s.
The structure represents mid-20th century coastal fortification engineering and serves as an educational center for military defense history.
You can reach the site by hiking a steep trail from the Fort Cronkhite parking area nearby. The location offers guided visits at set times to explore the underground spaces safely.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the facility served as a testing ground for experiments simulating nuclear blast pressure waves. This research work transformed the former gun installation into a scientific research site.
Location: Marin County
Address: Fort Cronkhite, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
Opening Hours: Tuesday 10:00-17:30; Thursday 10:00-17:30; Saturday-Sunday 10:00-17:30
Phone: +14153311540
Website: http://nps.gov/goga/historyculture/battery-townsley.htm
GPS coordinates: 37.83586,-122.54350
Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:28
Marin Headlands
3.4 km
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model
5.2 km
Point Bonita Lighthouse
2.6 km
SF-88
1.7 km
Green Gulch Farm Zen Center
3.8 km
Rodeo Beach
927 m
Fort Cronkhite
851 m
Mile Rocks Light
5.6 km
Hawk Hill, California
4 km
Fort Barry
1.8 km
Muir Beach Overlook
4.8 km
Point Diablo Light
4.2 km
Sausalito Library
5.5 km
Tennessee Beach
969 m
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
5.6 km
Floating homes viewpoint
5.4 km
Scenic viewpoint
4.8 km
Black Sands Beach
3.3 km
Scenic viewpoint
753 m
Kirby Beach
4.8 km
Muir Beach
4 km
Lone Sailor Memorial
5.6 km
Kirby Beach
4.8 km
Schoonmaker Beach
5.7 km
Scenic viewpoint
5.5 km
Golden Gate Bridge Lookout
5.1 km
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
5.6 km
Swede's Beach
5.7 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes