The Presidio
The Presidio, a 1,491-acre park in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a beautiful place for families, adventurers, history fans, and anybody who wants to unwind on the shores of one of the world’s most beautiful bays.
Once a military base, the urban park boasts a wealth of history, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Located on San Francisco’s northern tip, it offers a variety of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Presidio blends natural beauty, rich history, and cultural life, making it a must-see attraction in San Francisco. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or education, this unique park offers something for everyone, all set against the stunning backdrop of the renowned Golden Gate Bridge.
Things to do and see:
Take a tour of the Presidio Tunnel Tops, which opened in the summer of 2022 after much anticipation. They transformed the area above the Presidio Parkway Tunnels into a 14-acre park that connects the Presidio’s Main Post to Crissy Field. Wide green lawns and magnificent views coexist with colorful gardens and paved, easily accessible parkways. Visitors may rest on chairs and benches while taking in some of San Francisco’s spectacular vista.
Explore the paths and sights. With almost 24 miles of paths, the Presidio is ideal for hikers and bikers. Popular pathways include the Lovers’ Lane Trail, the Presidio’s oldest walk, and the Ecology Trail, which leads to Inspiration Point Overlook. From here, you may enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and Angel Island.
Visit historical landmarks. Spanish military forces established the Presidio as a stronghold in 1776, beginning its long history. Notable landmarks include Fort Point, a Civil War-era fort beneath the Golden Gate Bridge that provides insight into 19th-century military construction and breathtaking coastline views. The Presidio Officers’ Club is one of San Francisco’s oldest structures. It is now a museum featuring exhibits on the area’s rich history and cultural activities.
Relax at scenic parks. Main Post Lawn is located at the heart of the Presidio; this area is perfect for picnics or participating in various free outdoor activities. Crissy Field is a waterfront park with sandy beaches, kite-flying zones, and bayside walkways, perfect for families and anyone looking for classic vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Dine and shop. Presidio Pop Up is a revolving collection of food trucks and outdoor dining alternatives that provide everything from gourmet tacos to artisan coffee. The Commissary is a Spanish-inspired restaurant that serves farm-to-table recipes using local products.
The Presidio can withstand rainy days. Regardless of the weather, plenty of intriguing indoor activities keep children and adults busy. House of Air boasts 8,000 square feet of trampolines in an old airplane hangar that allows you to defy gravity. Presidio Bowl features 12 bowling lanes with bumpers for younger kids to play. Make a reservation to ensure that your family gets a place. In addition, there is a well-known bar and grill on site that serves food and has a deck with excellent views of the park.
Explore cultural attractions.
The Walt Disney Family Museum celebrates Walt Disney’s history via interactive exhibitions, rare antiques, and original artwork. The museum teaches visitors about Disney’s humble beginnings in Missouri, how he began creating cartoons, and the ups and downs that helped him develop an empire. The museum features interactive exhibits, videos, and personal family treasures, including the oldest known sketch of Mickey Mouse. It contains the earliest sketch of Mickey Mouse, letters, contracts, and family films, providing a personal glimpse into Walt Disney’s life and work.
Presidio Theatre: This refurbished 1939 theater hosts performances, films, and cultural events.
Andy Goldsworthy’s Art: Explore the artist’s nature-inspired installations, such as “Spire,” “Wood Line,” and “Earth Wall,” which integrate effortlessly into the park’s surroundings.
The Letterman Digital Arts Center features a life-sized bronze statue of Yoda on top of a beautiful pond. This indicates that you’ve reached the offices of Lucasfilm Ltd., Industrial Light & Magic, Lucas Arts, and the George Lucas Educational Foundation. The foyer is filled with artifacts, including a life-size recreation of Darth Vader’s suit. They usually let you look inside if you check in at the front desk. The Presidio’s Sessions gastropub offers food from Skywalker Ranch and wine from Skywalker Vineyards.
Free Shuttle to Presidio
The Presidio GO Shuttle provides free daily transportation to and from the park for visitors, employees, and residents.
The shuttle has two routes: the Downtown Route and the South Hills Route.
The Downtown Route provides round-trip service from the Presidio Transit Center to downtown San Francisco, with limited stops. It is open seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Only Presidio residents and employees with a Presidio GO Shuttle pass can participate in a few commute-time weekday excursions on the Downtown Route.
The South Hills Route makes stops around the Presidio. It is free, open to everyone, and never requires a Presidio GO Shuttle pass. It is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Shuttles are wheelchair-accessible and feature bike racks.