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Home » Travel » Bay Area » Hiking Black Sands Beach

Hiking Black Sands Beach

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Black Sands Beach in the Marin Headlands is a short drive from San Francisco. It’s easily accessible with a short hike. It’s also a great place for a picnic!
Best Hikes San Francisco with Golden Gate Bridge Views

Our recent trip to South Africa re-lit the adventure bug in Pat and I. Jet lag be darned, we decided to take advantage of a day off and the gorgeous San Francisco ‘winter’ weather and spend a day hiking outside of Marin.

Marin is about a 15 minute drive from San Francisco, just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Things that make the area awesome – epic coastal trails, Golden Gate Bridge views and a stunning black sand beach that is easily-accessible with a short hike. Despite its proximity to San Francisco, Black Sands Beach is very secluded and usually isn’t too busy.Best Hikes San Francisco with Golden Gate Bridge ViewsHiking Black Sands Beach Marin Headlands, San Francisco, CAHiking Black Sands Beach Marin Headlands, San Francisco, CA

One warning though – some locals consider the beach to be clothing optional, although I’ve never seen a nudist. Really though, most beaches in the San Francisco could be considered clothing optional. In all honesty, you’ll find people in various states of undress in many San Francisco neighborhoods. #sunsoutgunsout

But I’m getting distracted.
Best Hikes San Francisco with Golden Gate Bridge ViewsBest Hikes San Francisco with Golden Gate Bridge ViewsHiking Black Sands Beach Marin Headlands, San Francisco, CA

What’s a day of exploration without a stop for a picnic? I love grabbing a handful of those cheese remnants at Whole Foods for a couple of bucks a piece. Add some crackers and fresh fruit and you basically have all of my favorite foods in one place. Picnic Tip: To limit waste and also lighten your load, grab a set of lightweight reusable wooden dishes, like these acacia ones.

To stay hydrated, we packed Naked Pressed, new cold-pressed juices from Naked Juice. Packed with fresh, highest quality fruits and veggies, they are delicious and healthy. As always, reading ingredient labels is an important part of what I choose to put in my body. Naked Pressed juices are just juice. Think apple, cucumber, celery, lettuce, lemon, kale, spinach and wheatgrass. No preservatives, no added sugar. The juices are shipped immediately to ensure only the highest-quality, best-tasting juice hits the shelf every time.Hiking Black Sands Beach Marin Headlands, San Francisco, CAHiking Black Sands Beach Marin Headlands, San Francisco, CABest Hikes San Francisco with Golden Gate Bridge Views

Given my mixed thoughts on beets, I’m surprised to say that my favorite flavor was Bold Beet – a blend of beet, carrot, cucumber, apple, lemon, orange and ginger. It’s also high in potassium, which is great when you’re active. Pat liked Hearty Greens – celery, apple, lettuce, cucumber, orange, spinach, lemon, wheatgrass and kale with a hint of spearmint. Sounds a little questionable with all of those green things, but I promise it’s delicious!

Outfit Deets :: Black Slim Fit Jeans – Madewell (on sale!) // Flannel – similar // Horse Tee – similar (on sale!) or similar // Sneakers – Converse x Missoni // Antique Gold Bracelets – Madewell, Madewell (on sale!), Madewell // Leather Bag – Madewell // New Wayfarer Sunnies – Ray-Ban //

Best Hikes San Francisco with Golden Gate Bridge ViewsBest Hikes San Francisco with Golden Gate Bridge Views

Naked Pressed juices are available in select stores on the West Coast now. Thanks to Naked Juices for sponsoring this post! And thanks to you for reading A Side of Sweet! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, Bloglovin‘, Snapchat(@asideofsweet), or Twitter. You can also subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and random musings from me.

Muizenberg Beach Travel Guide, Cape Town
Healthy Chopped Salad + Dijon Vinaigrette

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February 24, 2016  â€¢  Filed Under: Bay Area, Health & Fitness, Travel 8 Comments

Comments

  1. Krysten says

    February 24, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    I love black sands beach! I haven’t been in a few years, this post makes me really want to pack a lunch and head up there!

    Reply
    • Kelly Egan - A Side of Sweet says

      February 28, 2016 at 7:04 am

      Yay! It’s really such a gem and I love that most tourists don’t know about it!

      Reply
  2. Nancy says

    February 24, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    Oooh that’s a nice area over across the bridge! I haven’t spent much time over that way. Love the picture of you next to the cliff, walking on the boardwalk and your pup sneaking underneath the fence heeehee.

    Reply
    • Kelly Egan - A Side of Sweet says

      February 28, 2016 at 7:04 am

      Yes! I probably shouldn’t have included it, but I couldn’t resist!

      Reply
  3. Vicki Bensinger says

    February 25, 2016 at 7:03 am

    We have family in SF, I’ll have to ask them if they’ve ever been to Black Sands Beach. It looks nice. From the one photo it looks like your dog spotted some naked sunbather’s. I’m sure not, but the caption was perfect with your dog.

    Not sure if I commented but your trip to Africa looked wonderful as well.

    Reply
    • Kelly Egan - A Side of Sweet says

      February 28, 2016 at 7:14 am

      Thanks so much Vicki! I love that photo of Maddie even if we mayyyy be breaking the rules there with her off leash.

      Reply
  4. Kelly says

    February 26, 2016 at 3:51 am

    What a beautiful beach! It looks like the perfect place to have a picnic 🙂 Those juices sound great and perfect for staying hydrated!

    Reply
    • Kelly Egan - A Side of Sweet says

      February 28, 2016 at 7:14 am

      Thanks Kelly! They are really delicious – you should check them out!

      Reply

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San Francisco Food, Fashion, Travel Blogger

Hi! I’m Kelly. I live in San Francisco with my husband, Pat, and our puppy, Maddie. Here you’ll find recipes, DIYs, style, travel & a glimpse into our adventures. To learn a little more about me, Click Here.

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