Joyrides in the Bay Area?

Found this article, Sunday Drive on SFGATE.

What you'll see:

This trip features a drive through a narrow tunnel and Marin foothills on the way to beautiful Rodeo Lagoon, the trailhead to Tennessee Point and its sweeping ocean views, and pretty Rodeo Beach. Adjacent Fort Cronkhite is a preserved World War II military post, with nearby Battery Townsley. This is a unique trip, start to finish. After taking off from Highway 101, you drive through the one-lane Baker-Barry tunnel (usually only a short wait to get the green light for your direction). You emerge from the tunnel in Marin foothills and continue to the foot of Rodeo Lagoon and beyond to the end of the road at coastal bluffs.

Rec options:

1. At the end of Bunker Road, look for the trailhead at the gate. This trail rises up along coastal bluffs and leads 0.6 mile to Tennessee Point, with views galore.

2. On the same trail, a service road breaks off to the right that leads a half mile to Battery Townsley.

3. Another trail circles Rodeo Lagoon.

4. There is also access to Rodeo Beach.

5. A picnic area with adjacent parking is in front of Fort Cronkhite along Bunker Road.

Info & science:

The Marin Headlands Visitor Center is located a short distance from the foot of Rodeo Lagoon. The Marine Mammal Center, Headlands Institute and Golden Gate Raptor Observatory are located near Fort Cronkhite.

Map brochure:

Available at visitor center and Web site; "Southern Marin Trail Map" by Tom Harrison, $8.95, at www.TomHarrisonmaps.com.

Contact:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin Headlands Visitor Center, (415) 331-1540; nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm.

How to get there:

From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north over the Golden Gate Bridge and the exit for Alexander Avenue (second exit north of the Golden Gate Bridge). Take that exit and stay to the right to Alexander Avenue and continue to Bunker Road (at the intersection, look for brown sign: "Marin Headlands Visitor Center"). Turn left on Bunker Road and drive to the one-way tunnel. Wait for green light, drive through tunnel and continue two miles to Field Road (turn left on Field to go to Visitor Center on right). Continue straight for 0.6 mile past Rodeo Lagoon, Fort Cronkhite or end of road for trailhead to Rodeo Beach or Tennessee Point.

This trip features a drive through a narrow tunnel and Marin foothills on the way to beautiful Rodeo Lagoon, the trailhead to Tennessee Point and its sweeping ocean views, and pretty Rodeo Beach.