Or sit back and take in the view. This semi-circular cove offer's a chance to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery. The beach stretches beneath steep hills rising to Tamalpais with vistas out to sea and up into the hills. Swimming is advised only from late May to mid-September when lifeguards are on duty. This pastoral landscape is a hiker's paradise of forested canyons tree-lined ridges, open grassy slopes, and historic farm buildings.
Most trails are long and many are steep, ascending to ridgetops for ocean views.
The valley remains undeveloped with few facilities. Trails connect the Olema Valley to Point Reyes National Seashore. Although not formally part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods is just a hop from the Marin Headlands, and definitely worth the trip. This is one of the most dramatic and accessible old growth redwood forest along the California coast. Not visiting Muir Woods while you're here would be like visiting the Grand Canyon and not peaking over the rim.