Explore the Presidio, San Francisco’s Urban Oasis
The Presidio is an urban oasis, a sprawling 1,491-acre national park site full of history, art, restaurants, forests, meadows, and beaches. This space offers nearly unlimited recreational opportunities. Most visitors often start their journey by taking in some of San Francisco’s most iconic views. Depending on your location in the park, you can enjoy vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, downtown San Francisco, and more.
Historically, the Presidio sits on the ancestral land of the Ohlone people and has been under the control of various entities, including the Spanish Empire, Mexico, and finally, the US Army. In 1994, the Presidio transitioned from military use and became part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Today, it serves as a vibrant mix of culture and wilderness, located just a stone’s throw from downtown San Francisco. Whether you’re planning to camp, enjoy a historic lodge, or spend a few hours in the park, the Presidio is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city by the bay.
When Should I Go to the Presidio?
San Francisco experiences the least rain from August through October. During this period, the views at the Presidio are incredibly clear, and average temperatures range from the upper 60s to low 70s. However, the weather remains mild throughout the year, with the Presidio averaging only eight rainy days during winter months, where temperatures vary from the high 50s to low 60s.
With nearly 1,500 acres, the Presidio rarely feels crowded; visitors seeking solitude will likely find it on hiking trails during winter or during school hours.
How Much Time Should I Spend in the Presidio?
The Presidio features a Disney museum, the iconic Yoda fountain, and even a historic pet cemetery, making it a unique attraction that stands out from other national parks. Ideally, plan to spend two to three days to fully experience what the park has to offer. Nevertheless, a shorter visit is worthwhile too, as admission is free, and its close proximity to the city allows for convenient outdoor activities like hiking, beach outings, or picnics at Tunnel Tops.
Is It Easy to Get In and Around the Presidio?
The Presidio Go Shuttle provides transportation within the park, with connections to downtown San Francisco and South Hills. This service is wheelchair-accessible and features bike racks. Moreover, visitors can explore the park via roadways, hiking trails, and wheelchair-accessible paths. For those who prefer cycling, traditional bikes and e-bikes are available at four rental stations through the Lyft app.
Top Things to Do in the Presidio
Explore Quirky Attractions
At the Presidio, pop culture lovers will appreciate the presence of George Lucas’s offices for Lucasfilm Ltd, Industrial Light and Magic, and other ventures within the park’s Letterman Digital Arts Center. Visitors can browse the memorabilia-filled lobby by checking in at the front desk. Not to miss is the fountain with a life-sized bronze Yoda statue that marks the entrance.
The Presidio is also home to the Walt Disney Family Museum, showcasing treasures like handwritten letters, home movies, and one of the first-known sketches of Mickey Mouse.
An unusual highlight is the 1950s-era pet cemetery, where 424 handmade headstones mark the resting places of military family pets, offering a glimpse into the past.
Take a Hike
The Presidio boasts more than 24 miles of hiking trails, making it a hiker’s paradise. One popular trail is the 1.4-mile Ecology Trail, which leads to panoramic vistas of the bay at Inspiration Overlook. Additionally, wheelchair-accessible paths include the paved, 4.3-mile Bay Trail/Golden Gate Promenade, showcasing breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and the San Francisco skyline.
Experience Andy Goldsworthy’s Art
The park features four installations by celebrated artist Andy Goldsworthy, including two massive outdoor sculptures. The 100-foot tall wooden structure, Spire, can be found near the Presidio Golf Course clubhouse along the Bay Ridge Trail. Another busy spot is the Wood Line, a 1,200-foot-long zigzagging installation that delights children and families.
Dive Into History
A visit to the Presidio Visitor Center is a great start to learn about campfire talks with park rangers, interpretive walking tours, and other engaging programs. The Presidio Officers’ Club offers free exhibits on the park’s history, including its Indigenous roots and the unjust incarceration of Japanese American citizens during World War II.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the San Francisco National Cemetery, where about 30,000 souls are laid to rest, including Buffalo Soldiers, Medal of Honor recipients, and a Union spy.
Enjoy the Beaches
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, the Presidio has you covered. Baker Beach offers soft sand with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. For those seeking a family-friendly environment, Chrissy Field East Beach, opposite The Outpost at Presidio Tunnel Tops, is ideal for watching kite surfers on windy days.
Marshall’s Beach allows visitors to enjoy the sun in a more secluded environment, although it requires navigating a steep set of stairs from the Batteries to Bluff Trail.
Accessibility in the Presidio
The visitor center has been designed to ensure accessibility for all visitors, including those using wheelchairs. Audio tours, Braille, and large print brochures are available to assist guests with limited vision. Additionally, tactile models of the Presidio are provided at wheelchair height, labeled in both print and Braille.
Outdoor dining options such as picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, including at Tunnel Tops and Crissy Field. Accessible trails are available at Tunnel Tops, Bay Trail/Golden Gate Promenade, and an accessible beach mat at East Beach. Beach wheelchairs can be requested at Baker Beach and Crissy Field.
Dining Options at the Presidio
The Presidio features rotating food trucks located at the main lawn across from Tunnel Tops, offering diverse cuisine options ranging from crepes to sushi.
For those looking for a sit-down meal, the park has several excellent restaurants, including Colibri Mexican Bistro, known for its lively patio, and Sessions at the Presidio, founded by George Lucas.
Additionally, in 2025, the Presidio will take dining to another level with the debut of The Mess Hall, a food hall led by James Beard Award-winning chef Peter Serpico. Located at Tunnel Tops, this new dining experience will offer an all-day café and cocktail bar.
Can You Stay at the Presidio?
If one day isn’t enough to explore everything the Presidio has to offer, overnight accommodation is available. Rob Hill Campground welcomes tent camping from April to October, with reservations available six months in advance.
The Lodge at the Presidio provides stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge in a historic setting just steps away from Tunnel Tops. Visitors will enjoy amenities like a complimentary European breakfast and an evening wine and cheese hour.
The Inn at the Presidio offers suite-style accommodations located near the tranquil Ecology Trail, also including breakfast and a wine and cheese hour with each stay.
Cost of Visiting the Presidio
Your visit to the Presidio is free of charge, enabling you to enjoy the park all day without spending a dime. However, if you’re planning to stay overnight or engage in optional activities, here’s what you might expect:
- Basic room for two at the Inn at the Presidio or The Lodge at the Presidio: $350 and up
- Campsite at the Presidio: $92 a night and up
- Meal from a food truck: $15 and up
- Dinner for two at a sit-down restaurant: $100 and up
- Admission to the Walt Disney Family Museum: $15-$25 per person
