Planning Your Visit

Accessibility

Welcome to the Accessibility Sites at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This location will be designated for Accessibility Information to help you enjoy your visit at our park.

All of our visitor centers are accessible within the park. These areas include:

• Alcatraz Island
  The distance from the dock to the cellhouse at the top of the island is about 1/4 mile, the elevation change is 130 feet (equivalent to a thirteen story climb). Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatraz's steep road may take advantage of SEAT - Sustainable Easy Access Transport, an electric shuttle which runs once an hour from the dock to the cellhouse, and once an hour from the cellhouse to the dock.
• Ocean Beach
• Cliff House & Sutro Baths
  The Cliff House is accessible through a ramp south of the building. The walkway allows access to the lower levels of the Cliff House. There is also an elevator available to the view areas inside. There is limited accessibility to the Sutro Baths ruins.
• Crissy Field Center
  There are portions of this area that are accessible.
• Muir Woods National Monument
  The paved trails are handicapped accessible.
• Fort Funston
  There are wheelchair accessible, loop trails at this location.
• Fort Point National Historic Site (ground floor only)
  Fort Point's ground floor is accessible. A bookstore, theatre, museum and some ranger programs are available during open hours. Visitors interested in attending one of the many programs available can view the daily activities board at the front entrance of the fort.
• Marin Headlands Visitor Center
  There is an accessible ramp leading from the parking lot to the visitor center. The exhibits there are also accessible.
• Presidio Visitor Center
  (Currently located at the Presidio Officer's Club)
  The visitor center, located on the main post, as well as the Golden Gate Promenade are accessible as is most of the paved areas of the Presidio.
• Pacific West Region Information Center
  (Fort Mason #201)
  An accessible ramp is available behind building #201, near the Community Gardens.

Tennessee Valley

Tennessee Valley is an amazing offshoot of the Marin Headlands, with hiking trails that suit the whole family. The Tennessee Valley Trail is mostly level; it begins at the parking area and travels 1.7 miles to Tennessee Beach. For the more adventurous hiker, there are a number of other trails leading into the hills above Tennessee Valley.

With its many trails, Tennessee Valley is well suited for the whole family. However, even on leash, dogs are not allowed on any trails in Tennessee Valley except on the Coastal Trail where it crosses the valley, connecting Rodeo Valley and Muir Beach. Dogwalking is allowed on-leash on the Miwok trail from the Tennessee Valley parking area north to Highway 101, and on leash or under voice control in Oakwood Valley which is off Tennessee Valley Road a short distance before you reach the Tennessee Valley parking lot.

Tennessee Valley contains a bevy of wildlife; from mighty raptors to common swallows, the birds of the valley will keep your eyes on the skies. The skies are not the only place to view wildlife; the valley is teeming with deer, coyote, and on an occasion you might even see a bobcat.

In the spring time the vegetation of the valley is lush and green and/or blooming and you will find lupine, checker-bloom, blue-eyed grass, California buttercup, and California poppy. In summer, the grasses turn golden, and by late summer you can find fennel, lizardtail, sagebrush, sticky monkey flower, and blackberry bushes. In winter and early spring, rains turn the golden grasses back into green fields. At any time of the year Tennessee Valley is worth the visit.

With hiking and cycling trails and a plethora of wildlife you would never know that the bustling metropolis of San Francisco is 20 minutes away. Bring the family, have a picnic on the beach, discover the wilds of Tennessee Valley, and remember to take only pictures and leave only foot prints.

Information

For more information please contact the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at (415) 331-1540

Camping in Tennessee Valley is by permit only. 

To attain a camping permit you must call and make reservations through the Marin Headlands Visitor Center.

Driving directions

To Tennessee Valley from San Francisco

• Go north on highway 101
• Take the Mill Valley / Stinson Beach / Hwy. 1 exit
• Follow Shoreline Hwy. until you see the Tennessee Valley Road sign
• the turn off will be on the left 

To Tennessee Valley from the East Bay

• Take 580 west to the Richmond / San Rafael bridge
• Cross the bridge (toll this direction will cost $2)
• Take the second exit after the bridge, go through Larkspur and get on 101 south 
• Follow 101 south, Take the Mill Valley / Stinson Beach / Hwy. 1 exit
• Follow Shoreline Hwy. until you see the Tennessee Valley Road sign, the turn off will be on the left 

To Tennessee Valley from the North

• Go south on highway 101
• Take the Mill Valley / Stinson Beach / Hwy. 1 exit
• Follow Shoreline Hwy. until you see the Tennessee Valley Road sign 
• the turn off will be on the left

Olema Valley

Olema Valley—a rolling landscape of grassland and forest—stretches ten miles from Tomales Bay to Bolinas Lagoon. Part of the Golden Gate National Parks, this area has been shaped by geologic forces and changing patters of human use. Until recently, the dynamic story of the valley remained largely undiscovered. Now, steps are underway to preserve both the history and fragile beauty of this northern corner of the park.

Thanks to a new study by National Park Service historian Dewey Livingston, the area's fascinating ranching past is coming to light. The study details life in the Olema Valley from the time of the Mexican rancheros to the area's national park beginnings, and recommends ways to preserve the fascinating remnants of this time period.

To protect Olema Valley's natural heritage, volunteers in the Site Stewardship Program, a cooperative program of the National Parks Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Association, are focusing attention on threats to the area's native habitats. Using a unique approach to habitat restoration, park experts train volunteer stewards in state-of-the-art restoration techniques.

The Olema Valley district of GGNRA is administered by Point Reyes National Seashore. The Point Reyes Bear Valley Visitor Center is the closest information station for Olema Valley and Bolinas Ridge.

Things To Know Before You Come

There are several things to know about the Golden Gate National Parks before you come.

The park is surrounded on three sides by the metropolitan San Francisco Bay Area. Except for its western edge—the Pacific Ocean—the park is practically surrounded by a vibrant and diverse urban area. Over 7 million people live within an hour's drive of the park. Accommodations—from five-star hotels to youth hostels—abound. So do restaurants of every variety. If you find that you've forgotten something for your visit to the park, anything you need can be purchased once you arrive in the Bay Area.

The park is made up of many distinct areas. Unlike many national park areas, there is no single entrance into the Golden Gate National Parks. There are also a huge variety of natural and cultural resources and different ecological zones that will interest almost anyone.

Many Golden Gate destinations can be reached by public transportation, by bicycle or on foot, but a car is required to reach many other areas. All of the park's San Francisco sites can be reached by bus or bike, or by foot power. Access to destinations in Marin and San Mateo counties is easiest by car. Tour buses visit many San Francisco sites and Muir Woods in Marin County. Alcatraz is reached by ferry from near San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.

Most Golden Gate sites can be visited free of charge. There are few fees to visit Golden Gate destinations. Muir Woods charges an entrance fee, and Alcatraz is only accessible by a concession boat for which there is a fee. But every other Golden Gate destination can be visited free of charge.

Seasonal Changes

While not as dramatic as in some parts of the country, there are nevertheless distinct seasons in the San Francisco Bay Area. The park changes character throughout the year, and some activities are confined to certain periods.

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.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Directions

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

Car
Golden Gate NRA can be reached by Highways 1, 101 and 280 from the north and south San Francisco Bay Area, and by Highway 880 from the East Bay.

Public Transportation
There are various bus lines that run to and through the park. To get the best information on transit to the park areas you are interested in visiting, refer to the public transit information site: www.511.org

Travelling to Muir Woods
Avoid traffic hassles this summer! Ride the Muir Woods Shuttle on weekends and holidays from May 3, 2008 through the end of September, 2008. This year, the bus will stop at Marin City, and Manzanita Park and Ride Lot. The first bus leaves Marin City for Muir Woods at 9:30 am and the last bus to depart Muir Woods National Monument is at 7:05 pm. Direct service to/from the Sausalito Ferry is available only from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. To learn more, visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.

Marin Headlands

Welcome to the Marin Headlands! One of the most unique parks in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Marin Headlands covers various types of histories from the Miwok Indians to the Military, including historic Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite, the NIKE Missile site and the 150 year-old Point Bonita lighthouse. Other attractions include vast hiking trails, dog friendly Rodeo Beach, and astonishing views of the coast and the city. The explosion of wildflowers in the spring and raptor migration in the fall fill the headlands with year round excitement.

The Marin Headlands is an example of one of the last open spaces still available in the Bay Area for visitors to enjoy.

Open
The Visitor center is open All Year 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The park its self is open from sunrise to sunset.

Phone
(415) 331-1540

Location
The Marin Headlands Visitor Center is located in the historic Fort Barry Chapel, at the intersection of Field and Bunker Roads. The Visitor Center is approximately 3 miles from either entrance to the Marin Headlands.

Public Transit

Transit 511.org

Driving Directions

To MAHE VC form San Francisco

Go north on highway 101, Take the Alexander Ave. exit (second exit after crossing the bridge), Stay to the right on the exit ramp to get onto Alexander Ave. Turn left on Bunker Rd. (a brown sign saying “Marin Headlands Visitor Center” marks the intersection) ,Go through the one-way tunnel and drive approximately 2 miles, Turn left onto Field Rd. The visitor center will be on the right side of the road

To MAHE VC from the East Bay

Take 580 west to the Richmond /San Rafael bridge, Cross the bridge( toll this direction will cost $2), Take the second exit after the bridge, go through Larkspur and get on 101 south , Follow 101 south through the Waldo tunnel, Take the last “Sausalito” just before the Golden Gate bridge, Turn right at the end of the exit ramp and Pass under 101, at the stop sign go straight onto Alexander Ave., Turn left on Bunker Rd. (a brown sign saying “Marin Headlands Visitor Center” marks the intersection), Go through the one-way tunnel and drive approximately 2 miles, Turn left onto Field Rd. The visitor center will be on the right side of the road

To MAHE VC from the North Bay

Follow 101 south through the Waldo tunnel, Take the last “Sausalito” just before the Golden Gate bridge, Turn right at the end of the exit ramp, Pass under 101, at the stop sign go straight onto Alexander Ave., Turn left on Bunker Rd. (a brown sign saying “Marin Headlands Visitor Center” marks the intersection), Go through the one-way tunnel and drive approximately 2 miles, Turn left onto Field Rd. The visitor center will be on the right side of the road

Closures
Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Special Programs
Rangers answer questions and lead scheduled interpretive walks and programs. For more information on park programs please check out our quarterly Park Adventures.

Exhibits
 The visitor center's exhibits includes: An introduction to the Headlands’ natural history and an investigation into the Headlands’ human history (Miwoks through modern times). There is a Miwok shelter which we encourage you to sit inside and listen to present-day Coastal Miwok people talk about their culture. You will be able to see how cramped the living quarters of the enlisted men stationed in the Headlands were like. Don’t forget to smell the native plants also present in the visitor center. Perhaps you would rather examine and identify various animal bones instead? Or read about the daily life of an 1850’s lighthouse keeper. In addition, you can also pick up a book or field guide from the center’s comprehensive bookstore and learn more about the Marin Headlands.

Available Facilities
Bathroom facilities are available outside the visitor center in the parkinglot.

Park Partners

the Marine Mammal Center
www.tmmc.org
(415) 289-7325

Bay Area Discovery Museum
www.badm.org
(415) 339-3900

Headlands Institute
www.yni.org
(415) 332-5771

YMCA Point Bonita
www.pointbonitaymca.org
(415) 331-9622

Headlands Center for the Arts
www.headlands.org
(415) 331-2787

Hostelling International
www.hihostels.com
(415) 331-2777

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get the to Golden Gate National Parks? I can't find any directions.

A: Golden Gate National Parks is comprised of more than 75,500 acres. The park spans across three counties.

Q: How do I get to the Conservatory of Flower, Japanese Tea Gardens, or Academy of Sciences?

A: Those particular areas are part of Golden Gate Park which is managed by the city and county of San Francisco and is not affilitated with the National Park Service. For more information, please visit the city's website at: www.parks.sfgov.org

Q: Where can I park my RV?

A: Unfortunately, Golden Gate National Parks does not have the facilities to handle RV's.

Q: Where can I find out more information about the Golden Gate Bridge?

A: The Golden Gate Bridge is managed by the Golden Gate Bridge District, please visit their site for more information: www.goldengatebridge.org

Park Statistics

Acreage
Gross Area Acres for FY 2004 - 74,820
Gross Area Acres for FY 2003 - 74,816

Visitation
Total Recreation Visits for FY 2004- 13,154,102
Total Recreation Visits for FY 2003- 14,035,548

Budget
FY 2004 Annual Budget is $13,762,000
FY 2003 Annual Budget is $13,882,000

Fees & Reservations

Special Park Uses

Some outdoor activities require a special use permit. These activities include getting married in the park, having a picnic with more than 50 people, commercial filming and photography, and athletic contests such as triathlons. 

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

The NPS is an important participant in the new Interagency Pass Program, America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass which was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and authorized by Congress in December 2004. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. 

The four passes in the interagency program are:

1) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Annual Pass Cost $80

This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

2) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass–Senior Pass Cost $10

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Interagency Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

3) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass–Access Pass  Free

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park.The Interagency Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

4) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass –Volunteer Pass Free

This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). 

Golden Eagle Passport, National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram

These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Annual Pass. 

Golden Age Passport

This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Pass

Golden Access Passport

This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Access Pass

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Contact Information

Location
To access Fort Mason, please use the entrance at Franklin and Bay Streets.

To access Fort Mason Center, please use the entrance at Marina and Buchanan Streets. 

Address
Golden Gate National Parks
Building 201, Fort Mason
San Francisco,CA 94123-0022

By Phone

Pacific West Region Information Center
(415) 561-4700

Special Event & Commercial Film Permits
(415) 561-4300