Unlike a museum, gallery, or theater showing finished works of art, Headlands Center for the Arts supports the creative process. Come discover how a composer composes, what inspires a playwright, and how a painter decides when to put down her brush. Visit studios of more than 40 local and international artists working across artistic disciplines, explore our historic, renovated military buildings, and enjoy a homemade lunch in our Mess Hall Café. This season, expand your Open House experience by joining the SF Bike Coalition for a ride from Golden Gate Park out to Headlands. And join our National Park Partner organizations for a day of park-wide open houses in celebration of the Marin Headlands. Participating National Park Partners include: Headlands Institute, Hosteling International, Parks Conservancy, Marine Mammal Center, National Park Service, Point Bonita, and the YMCA.
Bike to Open House: The SF Bike Coalition invites you to join a group ride. Meet at McLaren Lodge JFK Dr. near Stanyan) in Golden Gate Park for a 12 noon push off. Details at “http://www.sfbike.org/?chain" sfbike.org.
Marin Headlands Open House: Headlands Center for the Arts is proud to include our Spring Open House in a park-wide Marin Headlands Open House this spring. The Marin Headlands Open House is a family-friendly event that gives the Bay Area community a chance to experience some of the diverse National Park Partner organizations in the Marin Headlands and explore the park itself. Join a guided hike, enjoy arts and crafts, visit artist studios, help replant native species, and enjoy delicious, healthy, local food throughout the afternoon. In recognition of every day as Earth Day, visitors are encouraged to carpool, take public transportation, or ride their bikes for a fun-filled day in your National Park.
Participating National Park Partners:
Headlands Institute: naturebridge.org/headlands
11AM - 4PM | 1033 Fort Cronkhite
This FREE event includes
* Fun stewardship projects
* Naturalist led hikes (departing at 11:30AM, 1:45PM, 2:45PM)
* Open science labs including our marine lab
* Arts and crafts
* Healthy snacks
Hosteling International: norcalhostels.org/marin
11AM - 4PM | 941 Fort Barry
Join us for refreshments, staff-led tours, Hostel Adventure Programs
(fun! kid friendly!), face painting, and more! Ongoing raffles will
take place throughout the day with a Grand Prize drawing at 3:30PM.
Meet and greet with staff, experience an International Youth Hostel in
your own backyard, and even send a postcard home!
Parks Conservancy: parksconservancy.org
12PM - 4PM | 1301 Kirkpatrick Street, Fort Cronkhite
Join in the family-friendly activities at The Marin Headlands Native
Plant Nursery, part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
- try your hand at transplanting and potwashing
- learn about common native plants that will be on display
- tour the facilities and learn about the nursery’s role in habitat
restoration in the National Park
Marine Mammal Center: marinemammalcenter.org
10AM - 5PM | 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite
Come visit The Marine Mammal Center! We’ll have docent-led tours
at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM, classroom programs at 12PM and 2PM, and a
“passport” scavenger hunt for kids. Visitors have the chance to
guarantee spots for the tours and classes by signing up online at
www.marinemammalcenter.org/visiting-us. Otherwise, stop by the
Information Desk on Open House day and sign up then!
National Park Service: nps.gov
11PM - 4PM | 1033 Fort Cronkhite
Visit the National Park Service table at the Headlands Institute to
learn more about the history of the Marin Headlands, get information
about the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, discover how you
can become more involved with your national parks, and learn about
upcoming programs in a park near you!
Point Bonita: nps.gov/goga/pobo.htm
12:30PM - 3:30PM | Point Bonita, Fort Barry
Built to safely guide thousands of gold seekers and settlers coming
to California in the late 1800s, the Point Bonita Lighthouse was the
third lighthouse built on the west coast. Now over 150 years old, the
lighthouse is still active and one of the many treasures of the Marin
Headlands. Although the suspension bridge to the lighthouse is closed
due to renovations, visitors can access the tunnel to the Point Bonita
trail, explore the area, and marvel in the breathtaking views.
YMCA: pointbonitaymca.org
HIKES (free!): 10:30 AM and 1 PM | Meet at Visitor Center
OPEN HOUSE: 12:30PM - 3PM | 981 Fort Barry
In honor of Earth Day, we invite you and your family for an
exploration of spring in its fullest! Join us for a Spring Wildflower
hike, or simply drop by YMCA Point Bonita’s Open House for delicious
refreshments and fun Marine & Garden activities for the whole family.
Easy grade hike; about a mile. Drop-ins welcome.
About Headlands Center for the Arts
Situated in a campus of artist-renovated military buildings in the Marin Headlands, Headlands Center for the Arts hosts an internationally recognized Artist in Residence Program, interdisciplinary public programs, and subsidized studio rentals for Bay Area artists of all disciplines. Through these programs, Headlands offers opportunities for artist research, dialogue, and exchange that build understanding and appreciation for the role of art in society.
Mess Hall Cafe serving organic meals, deserts, and beverages, Noon to 4:30PM
ADMISSION: FREE
