Hawk Hill, California, Scenic viewpoint in Marin Headlands, California
Hawk Hill is a scenic viewpoint in the Marin Headlands sitting at 920 feet elevation with views spanning the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. The area features informational displays and resting spots positioned along a hiking trail that connects to a nearby parking area.
During World War II, military fortifications and radar stations occupied this hilltop as a defense point monitoring naval activity in the bay. This strategic role shaped the landscape and its current use today.
The site functions as a research station where scientists study migratory birds and share their findings with visitors throughout the year. People gather here to witness one of nature's most dramatic movements across the sky.
Access to the hilltop is via a hiking trail approximately 1.5 miles long from the parking area, with multiple resting points along the way. Weather conditions can shift rapidly here, so bring layers and plenty of water for your visit.
Every autumn, thousands of raptors pass over this hilltop during their migration south, making it one of the finest bird-watching locations in Northern California. Scientists take advantage of this natural event to gather detailed data on bird populations and flight patterns.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Golden Gate Bridge
2 km
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model
3.9 km
Point Bonita Lighthouse
3.1 km
SF-88
2.5 km
Rodeo Beach
3.3 km
Fort Cronkhite
3.2 km
Bay Area Discovery Museum
2.1 km
Kirby Cove Camp
738 m
Fort Barry
2.3 km
Lime Point Light
1.8 km
Round House Café
3.1 km
West Coast Memorial to the Missing of World War II
3.8 km
Point Diablo Light
955 m
Forts Baker, Barry, and Cronkhite
2.3 km
Sausalito Library
3.6 km
Fort Point Light, San Francisco
2.8 km
Sausalito Woman's Club
3 km
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
1.7 km
Black Sands Beach
1 km
Kirby Beach
812 m
Lone Sailor Memorial
1.7 km
Kirby Beach
800 m
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
1.7 km
Scenic viewpoint
1.5 km
Golden Gate Bridge Lookout
1.1 km
Swede's Beach
2.7 km
Battery Yates
2.3 km
Marshall's Beach
3.4 kmDiscover 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