Route Description:
California’s scenic Highway 1 snakes along the coast, providing spectacular views of the state’s northern shoreline. Rugged, rocky headlands cloaked with ancient coastal redwoods, wave-beaten rock outcrops, tidepools, sandy beaches, and coastal marshes combine to provide an incredible array of habitat for wild life. Water-associated birds navigating the Pacific Flyway rely on north coastal sites for rest, feeding, and even breeding areas during their spring and fall migrations. Whales pass through offshore waters populated by California sea lions and harbor seals. Wildlife viewing sites range from sprawling Golden Gate National Recreation Area to compact Arcata Marsh. You could spend a full day or days exploring many of these sites.
A few hours stopover can provide a nice break from traveling and allow you to sample the scenery and wildlife viewing potential.

There are dozens of wildlife viewing locations along the Highway 1 corridor. Those featured in this travel itinerary are within a ten mile drive of the highway. If you have time, ask about other wildlife viewing areas that are more off the beaten path. While peak viewing times are fall through spring, there is also excellent summer viewing and the coastal scenery is always breathtaking. Driving distances are figured from Sausalito. Roads are winding, so allow more time than normal for driving. Also, it is very rainy during winter.

Location: In San Francisco, located off the The Embarcadero, between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Best Season to View: Highest numbers present, August through June; peak viewing, January through May.

What to See: Shop, eat, and take a break to get close-up views of California sea lions that have taken over one of the docks at this famous shopping area. As many as 600 may gather on this public dock. Occasionally, harbor seals can be spotted in the group. The experience is a fine example of a private enterprise capitalizing on nature tourism!

Visiting Tips: Allow 1/2 to 1 hour.

Contact: (415) 705-5500 or (800) 325-7437

Local Accommodations and Travel Information: San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, (415) 974-6900 

Location: Many locations in San Francisco, and in Marin County, about 12 miles from San Francisco. In San Francisco, get a map to city access points at Fort Mason on Bay and Franklin streets; in Marin County cross Golden Gate Bridge and take the first Sausalito exit. Follow signs to Visitor Center.

Best Season to View: Good year-round viewing. Fall through spring are peak periods for water-associated birds. Birds of prey best in September and October.

What to See: This huge complex begins in San Francisco, nearly in the shadow of skyscrapers. The Marin County portion offers everything from beaches, estuaries, and lagoons to forested ridges, lush redwood groves, and grasslands. These diverse habitats attract a wide array of water-associated birds, songbirds, small and large mammals, and more. Hawk Hill is famous for its fall views of migratory birds of prey.

Visiting Tips: You can get a taste of the wildlife in San Francisco with an hour of viewing. Marin County sites require at least a few hours; a full day excursion would provide opportunities to see more variety. Bring a picnic lunch.

Contact:  Golden Gate National Recreaion Area (415) 561-4700 
Mt. Tamalpais State Park can be accessed from Highway 1 while you are in the Marin County portion of the site. (415) 388-2070

Local Accommodations and Travel Information:
San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, (415) 974-6900 
Marin County Convention & Visitors Bureau, (415) 499-5000

Location: Approximately 15 miles north of Sausalito, Highway 101 exit to Highway 1

Best Season to View: Rookery best in April through June. Other waterbirds good in Bolinas Lagoon in fall and spring.

What to See: The main feature of Audubon Canyon Ranch is excellent views of an active great egret and great blue heron rookery with nearly 200 nests. A boardwalk and viewing deck are nestled into a heavily forested slope; in the spring, earthen trails are bordered by many wildflowers. The lagoon below the rookery is home to many species, including many
migratory birds.

Visiting Tips: Allow at least a half-day. Bring a picnic lunch or enjoy local restaurants at Stinson Beach or Bolinas.

Contact:    Audubon Canyon Ranch (415) 868-9244
National Park Service

Local Accommodations and Travel Information: Marin County Convention & Visitors Bureau (415) 499-5000

Location:Approximately 30 miles north of Sausalito, Highway 101 exit to Highway 1.

Best Season to View: Excellent year-round birding. Peak waterfowl season is fall through spring. Shore birds best in fall and winter.

What To See: A birder’s paradise, with more than 430 species observed. A variety of coastal habitats provide views of harbor seals, sea lions, and gray whales; uplands include many resident mammals visible year-round, including tule elk. The site is also known for its flowering plants.

Visiting Tips: Hard to spend less than a full day here; it encompasses 71,049 acres! There are three visitor centers.

Contact: National Park Service-Point Reyes National Seashore (415) 464-5100 

Local Accommodations and Travel Information: Marin County Convention & Visitors Bureau (415) 499-5000

Visiting Tips: The entire stretch offers excellent opportunities to stop for a half hour and see wildlife.

Contact: Sonoma Coast State Beaches (707) 875-3483

Local Accommodations and Travel Information:  
Sonoma County Tourism (707) 565-5383