Experience the Beauty of Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco

As if San Francisco doesn’t already have enough to showcase, especially regarding views, a new national park destination opening on July 17 promises some of the most amazing sights to behold.

Introducing the Presidio Tunnel Tops

The Presidio Tunnel Tops, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a brand-new outdoor space in the historic Presidio neighborhood, brought to life by the designers of New York’s High Line. According to Lisa Petrie from the Presidio Trust, “It’s the same idea of creating green space over derelict infrastructure.”

Constructed over two freeway tunnels leading to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, this 14-acre outdoor area offers breathtaking views of the bridge, making it feel close enough to touch. The panorama of San Francisco Bay, dotted with Angel Island and Alcatraz, unfolds before you, and views of the city skyline to the southeast, framed by the neoclassical Palace of Fine Arts, are equally stunning.

A National Park Experience for Everyone

However, it’s not just about the picturesque views. The parkland aims to bring the national park experience to urban residents. Petrie highlights that “It encompasses the democratic ideal that the park is for everyone.” Moreover, the goal is to provide a local experience; for those who can’t travel to large national parks, this urban oasis offers a taste of national parks with ranger talks and campfire chats.

Entering the Presidio Tunnel Tops, you will find a visitor center housed in a restored guard center. From there, pathways lead to shaded picnic tables and grills, grassy fields for spreading blankets or flying kites, gardens, and meadows featuring 180 native plant varieties from the Presidio, along with a boulder-surrounded campfire circle and a field station with interactive exhibits. Several wheelchair-friendly and accessible trails include the cliff walk and bluff walk.

Exciting Activities and Community Events

Plans for ranger walks, campfire chats, and enjoying magnificent views will make your visit to this national park an unforgettable experience. Additionally, a food hall will offer a selection of dine-in and take-out options.

A dedicated 2-acre playground called the Outpost offers exciting experiences for children and adults alike, allowing kids to swing, crawl, and climb on structures crafted from fallen trunks, boulders, and other natural materials. “It’s part of the natural playground movement,” Petrie explains.

Connecting the Presidio with the Waterfront

Moreover, the Tunnel Tops physically connect the Presidio with Crissy Field along the San Francisco waterfront. “You’ll be able to walk from the Presidio down to the waterfront. You haven’t been able to do that since 1936,” Petrie notes. This connection was disrupted with the construction of Doyle Drive, which bisected the Presidio when it was built in the approach to the Golden Gate Bridge.

When Doyle Drive was deemed seismically unsafe in 1993, plans to build a new road through the tunnels beneath the Presidio emerged, laying the groundwork for the Tunnel Tops project.

Overseen by an all-women team, this project has come to life over the past 10 years, thanks to partnerships and generous funding aimed at enhancing the experience of the Golden Gate National Parks.

The grand opening on Sunday, July 17, 2022, marks the beginning of a season filled with free family-friendly events and activities, setting the stage for a lifetime of national park experiences in the urban heart of San Francisco.