Kirby Cove - Camping Under the Golden Gate Bridge

Camping at Kirby Cove in Marin County west of the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Reservation are required for camping overnight and typically book months in advance. If interested in a day hike, the beach, battery and park are open to the public.

Open April 1 - October 31
This popular campground in the Marin Headlands, with spectacular views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Enjoy a wooded setting, seclusion and protected campsites which were recently restored for all to enjoy. Campsites are available for use only by prior reservation but anyone can walk down the road to enjoy the vistas and picnic on the bluffs or beach. For reservations please call 1-877-444-6777 or go online: http://www.recreation.gov.







Look for the first set of bunkers as you drive up Conzelman Road called Battery Spencer. Here you'll find a locked gate that requires a passcode to enter the park with a car. Continue down a very windy, steep road for a mile to the parking area and campsites.



As you drive down the trail, you'll see Monterrey pine, Cypress and Blue Gum eucalyptus as well as Coastal Sage and colorful Lupine. All of this just 8 miles north of San Francisco.



The parking lot is very small - only 3 cars per campsite.

Princeton Tec Vizz Headlamp - Red (Google Affiliate Ad)



I got there around 4PM and ran into a filming crew trying to make 'fog' for their movie! If you know anything about San Francisco, this is typically not a problem. However, we've had the best (warm) summer here in SF with little fog. Camping under the Golden Gate Bridge in 70 degree weather at 8:00PM at night was epic.



Construction of the maritime artillery battery began in 1898 and was named Battery Kirby in honor of 1st Lieutenant Edmund Kirby. This battery was in service from 1898 to 1934 and was equipped with two 12-inch shell B.L.R. (breech loading rifle).



View of the Golden Gate Bridge from the North West side of the Marin Headlands at Kirby Cove Beach. Gravelly Beach is not very friendly to bare feet, so take flip-flops. The wood on the beach is Pacific flotsam.



As the sunsets to the west, the south facing cove is in the shade from around 6:30 on. Bring warm clothing. This is not your typical San Francisco weather. We were very lucky to have a proper sunset with no wind and fog.







If possible, try to reserve campsite #1. It has the best views of the city and the bridge. The campgrounds are very well maintained and clean. You must bring your own drinking water.



Whenever I walk a beach I try to pick-up trash or marine debris that shouldn't be on the beach. In my 10 minute walk, this is what I collected along the shore. These things do wash up on the beach - pitch in and clean up while on your adventure please.



Setting sun on Battery Kirby - May 2013



Standing on the flotsam resting at Kirby Cove enjoying the sunset and the colors



Spooky tunnel from the battery to the beach. Tunnel draining Kirby Cove canyon creek through Battery Kirby



Raccoons, deer, coyotes and bobcats frequent the area



Firewood must be nail and chemical free and purchased locally. Do not gather your own firewood. It's not allowed



The beach is very rocky. Ouch!



Fun to be had on the swing at Kirby Cove



Golden Gate Bridge from the beach at Kirby Cove



Flotsam washed up on the shore on Kirby Cove



Happy Camping! Enjoy your adventure!

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos California

Make reservation for Point Lobos State Reserve here: https://www.parks.ca.gov


Diving into the Depths: Exploring California’s Underwater Kelp Forests at Point Lobos

Imagine plunging into the cool, clear waters of California’s coast, where golden rays of sunlight filter down through the swaying fronds of giant kelp, creating an otherworldly forest beneath the waves. This is the magic of scuba diving in California, especially at Point Lobos—a place where marine life thrives in a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and surprises.




Mid-week diving at Point Lobos with only 8 other divers.  The visibility was up to 30 in some areas. Water temps were normal 54 degrees. Getting in some bottom-time in Northern California



Discovering the Underwater Wonderland of Point Lobos Point Lobos, often hailed as the "crown jewel" of California's state parks, is not just a feast for the eyes above water but a hidden gem below the surface. This marine reserve is a diver’s paradise, offering some of the most pristine and diverse underwater landscapes in the state.

As you descend into the blue, you’re immediately surrounded by towering kelp beds that stretch up toward the surface. These kelp forests are like the redwoods of the sea, providing shelter and sustenance to an incredible variety of marine life. Fish dart in and out of the fronds, while sea lions playfully glide by, and the occasional harbor seal might even stop to check you out.

Here we are at about 30 feet.



Captured with my GoPro—soft, natural light filters down through the towering 40-foot kelp forests as I drift among the vibrant marine life.



It's very peaceful diving in the kelp forest. Achieving neutral buoyancy is one of my favorite feelings in the world. A physical body's density is equal to the density of the fluid in which it is immersed...weightless!

The Kelp Forest: Nature’s Underwater Cathedral Kelp isn’t just seaweed—it’s a vital part of the marine ecosystem. Growing up to 2 feet per day, giant kelp can reach lengths of over 100 feet! These underwater forests provide a habitat for over 1,000 species of plants and animals, making them one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth.

One of the most fascinating things about kelp is its ability to absorb carbon dioxide. In fact, kelp forests play a significant role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon more efficiently than terrestrial forests.

But the magic of kelp goes beyond its ecological role. The sensation of swimming through a kelp forest is unlike anything else. The fronds sway with the current, creating a gentle, mesmerizing dance that’s both calming and exhilarating. It’s like being in a living, breathing cathedral, where the light filters down through a canopy of green and gold.



Playing in the kelp, feeling the gentle ocean surge. The soft movement makes the kelp dance underwater—I could watch it for hours if only I could stay warm!



The Cold Water Wonders of Point Lobos

While the waters off California’s coast are cold, usually ranging from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, they are teeming with life. Cold water is rich in nutrients, which support a diverse array of marine species. The sea anemones here are especially stunning—bright oranges, pinks, and purples that look like living jewels. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a nudibranch, a type of sea slug known for its vibrant colors and delicate, feathery appendages.

Rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon are common sights in these waters, along with the occasional leopard shark gliding silently through the kelp. The cold water also means that marine life here tends to be a bit more robust, with species that are specially adapted to thrive in these nutrient-rich environments.





There is a boat ramp in the parking area of Whalers Cove for easy access to the water. Walk in with all gear on and fins in hand. Once in the water, put your fins on and kick out to where you will drop down. Here is a list of all the diving areas in the Point Lobos park.

You NEED reservation to dive in this area. Click here to find out how.

There is a fee per car and per diver. You must have a dive cert card for each diver.



If you want better quality photos, you should bring a torch or underwater flash.



Fun Facts About California’s Kelp and Marine Life

Kelp Can Form “Floating Forests”: In addition to forming underwater forests, kelp can also create floating canopies on the water’s surface. These floating forests are a unique habitat for many species, including juvenile fish and sea otters.

Marine Life in Cold Water is Super-Sized: Many cold-water species grow larger and live longer than their warm-water counterparts. This is because cold water holds more oxygen, which supports larger body sizes.

Kelp is Edible and Nutritious: Kelp isn’t just for marine animals—humans can enjoy it too! It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes.

Point Lobos is a Hotspot for Photography: The unique underwater landscapes and diverse marine life make Point Lobos a favorite spot for underwater photographers. The interplay of light, water, and kelp creates stunning photo opportunities.



My favorite way to view the kelp is to turn over on my back and just look up. It's magical




A great way to maneuver the kelp forest is on a scuba scooter.



Selfie at 40 feet



Kelp is a large seaweed that grows in shallow saltwater with temperatures between 43 and 57 degrees.



Whalers Cove parking area at Point Lobos State Reserve



While off gassing during surface time, take a mellow hike up to the top of the ridge and take in the views. Point Lobos is breathtaking.



After diving, use the free water hose to clean off gear and wash off.





A good day, clean gear and now time for dinner!

I own all my own gear, but if you need to rent everything check out Bamboo Reef website or call one of their two locations.

San Francisco (415) 362-6694
Monterey (831) 372-1685



Dive into Adventure at Point Lobos

Scuba diving in Point Lobos is an adventure like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, the experience of exploring California’s kelp forests is unforgettable. The beauty of the underwater world here is a reminder of the incredible diversity and resilience of life beneath the waves.



California June 19, 2013

La Fête de la Musique! Bonjour Chamonix!

Bonjour ete!!! La Fête de la Musique!!

Also known as World Music Day, is an annual music festival taking place on June 21 - here we are in Chamonix, France. Faites de la musique (Make music) on the first day of summer



Sofia and I enjoying the fun outside Mix bar. Fete de la Musique outside on Rue des Moulins between Mix and Munchie - annual event takes place on June 21 & goes all night - Chamonix, France



Fete de la Musique outside on Rue des Moulins



Some of the best DJ's playing outside the bars - this event is free! Fête de la Musique organizers have 2 rules: 1. all concerts must be free to the public 2. all performers donate their time for free



Rue des Moulins about 4AM



In June the weather was cold and the tempuature dropped at night. We had fresh pow the next day at the top of the aiguille du midi



Wishing I was there to play with my friends in Cham! Have a blast for me tonight!



bonjour



VIDEO is loud - sorry. Turn down the volume

Fete de la Musique outside on Rue des Moulins - Chamonix, France 2011



Hiking from France to Italy via aiguille du midi in Chamonix



Top of the aiguille du midi - My heart melts when I see these beautiful mountains.