Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

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Quick Facts

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

California

(415) 561-4700

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. The total park area is 75,398-acres of land and water. Approximately 28-miles of coastline lie within its boundaries. It is nearly 2.5-times the size of San Francisco. One of the nation's most highly visited National Park Service units, Golden Gate NRA comprises numerous sites, including Alcatraz, Marin Headlands, Nike Missile Site, Fort Mason, as well as Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, and the Presidio of San Francisco. Each has its own unique natural, cultural, and military history. Visitors can enjoy camping, visiting historical sites, scenic views, hiking, and many other activities. The San Francisco area is one not to be missed! Most places in Golden Gate National Park are easily accessed by public transportation. Other fun activities include hang gliding and kiteboarding! This unique park offers something for everyone.

Map of Golden Gate

Latitude, Longitude: 37.794050, -122.476960

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Activities

  • Boating

    Visitors can watch ships at Fort Baker's Battery Yates, take a ferry to Alcatraz, or use the boat launch at Fort Baker.

  • Bicycling

    There are many opportunities for bicycling around San Francisco. Popular spots include the Presidio, mountain biking on Mount Tamalpais, and the Tennessee Valley Trail.

  • Auto/Motorcycle

    Since there is not one entrance to the Golden Gate park, there are many scenic views that can be reached by car. It is helpful to drive around between points of interest, however public transportation options abound as well.

  • Camping

    Camping is available at many locations in Golden Gate National Park. Mount Tamalpais and Tennessee Valley both offer campsites. There are also numerous backcountry camping opportunities.

  • Fishing

    Fishing is available at Fort Point, Baker Beach or Ocean Beach.

  • Hiking

    Hiking is available all over the park. Please look at the map for details.

  • Horseback Riding

    Visitors can horseback ride on the Tennessee Valley Trail.

  • Picnicking

    Picnicking is available throughout the park.

  • Water Sports

    Swimming is allowed in certain areas, as well as other water sports.

Seasonality/Weather

The winter is characterized by occasional rain, cool weather, and overcast skies punctuated by brilliant sunshine. California gray whales migrate along the coast toward their wintering grounds in the lagoons of Baja California.

In the spring, winter many of the park trees and flowers that were dormant through the winter bloom forth usually starting in late March or early April. Wildflower displays are best in April, May and June.

By July, summer fog begins to predominate in most coastal areas of the park. Still, the grasses and plants that are brilliantly green in late winter and spring have now turned to the golden brown and muted grays so characteristic of California in the summer.

Typically starting in mid-late September and continuing through October, the fall skies are clear and brilliant sunshine is abundant everywhere in the park. In the fall, the raptor migration reaches its peak.The land is dry for the most part, and plants in the park appear to be going dormant.Fall is the favored time in the park for many visitors.

Park Partners

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Muir Woods. Crissy Field. Alcatraz. The Marin Headlands. Stinson Beach. Lands End. The Presidio. There's only one nonprofit that supports Muir Woods, Crissy Field, Alcatraz, The Marin Headlands, Stinson Beach, Lands End and The Presidio, The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Their mission is to preserve the Golden Gate National Parks, enhance the park visitor experience, and build a community dedicated to conserving the parks for the future.

(415) 561-3000

Directions

Driving

Golden Gate NRA can be reached by Highways 1 , 101, 880 and 280. From the north, south or east parts of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Flying

San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose International Airports service the San Francisco Bay Area.

Public Transportation

There are various buses that run through the park. Depending on which area you are interested in, it is best to refer to the transit information site.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(415) 561-4700

Links