Fodor's California 2015 by Fodor's

Author:Fodor's
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel Publications
Published: 2014-09-28T16:00:00+00:00

Worth Noting

Hawk Hill.

Craggy Hawk Hill is the best place on the West Coast to watch the migration of eagles, hawks, and falcons as they fly south for winter. The main migration period is from September through November. As many as 1,000 birds have been sighted in a single day. The viewing area is about 2 miles up Conzelman Road from U.S. 101; look for a Hawk Hill sign and parking, right before the road becomes one way. In September and October, on rain- and fog-free weekends at noon, enthusiastic docents from the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory give free lectures on Hawk Hill, and a raptor-banding demonstration follows at 1 pm. | Sausalito | www.ggro.org.

Headlands Center for the Arts.

The center’s main building, formerly the army barracks, exhibits contemporary art in a rustic natural setting; the downstairs “archive room” contains objects found and created by residents, such as natural rocks, interesting glass bottles filled with collected items, and unusual masks. Stop by the industrial gallery space, two flights up, to see what the resident visual artists are up to—most of the work is quite contemporary. | Fort Barry,944 Simmonds Rd. | Sausalito | 415/331–2787 | www.headlands.org | Sun.–Thurs. noon–5.

FAMILY | Marine Mammal Center.

If you’re curious about the rehabilitation of sea mammals from the Pacific—and the human practices that endanger them—stop by this amazing facility for rescued seals, sea lions, dolphins, and otters. An observation area overlooks the pools where the animals convalesce, and nearby plaques describe what you’re seeing. TIP You’ll learn even more—and get closer to the animals—on a worthwhile, docent-led tour. | Fort Cronkhite,2000 Bunker Rd., off U.S. 101’s Alexander Ave. exit | Sausalito | 415/289–7325 | www.marinemammalcenter.org | Center free, tour $9 | Daily 10–5.

Nike Missile Site SF-88-L.

For a look at a relatively recent episode in the area’s military history, head to the now defunct Nike missile site, above Fort Barry, which is the only accessible site of its kind in the United States. It gives you a firsthand view of menacing Hercules missiles and missile-tracking radar. Free, guided tours take place at 12:45, 1:45, and 2:30 pm. TIP On the first Saturday of the month the site holds an open house at which some of the docents leading walking tours are Nike veterans who describe their experiences. The site is closed to the public during inclement weather, so call ahead to confirm open hours. | Field Rd., off Bunker Hill Rd. | 415/331–1453 | www.nps.gov/goga/nike-missile-site.htm | Free | Thurs.–Sat. 12:30–3:30.

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