Things To Do

Whatever you are looking for in a national park, chances are Golden Gate has it. There are so many trails, historic structures, natural areas, and public programs in the Golden Gate National Park that the hardest thing to do is decide which one to try.

Want to watch a sunset? There are countless places in the park to watch the sun drop below the horizon across the vast Pacific Ocean.

Is a family hike on your agenda? Pick from dozens of options, from a stroll to an extreme trek.

Want to learn about the how the U.S. Army defended the Bay from attack? Check out the coastal gun batteries in the park up and down the coast in Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo County.

Do you love wildflowers? There are spectacular displays of wildflowers and native plants in many locations in the park.

Do you have the skills and desire to test yourself on some extreme sports? Try the new sport of kite-boarding off the Crissy Field shoreline, or get airborne in a hang glider off the cliffs at Fort Funston.

Want to roll up your sleeves and work to protect park resources? Join one of the many volunteer stewardship teams that restore natural areas in the park.

An indispensable resource is Guide to the Parks, published by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. And be sure and visit or call one of the park's visitor centers or ranger offices:

• Park Headquarters and Information Center, Fort Mason, (415) 561-4700
• Alcatraz (415) 561-4900
• Muir Woods, (415) 331-2596
• Marin Headlands, (415) 331-1540
• Presidio, (415) 561-4323
• Crissy Field, (415) 561-7761 or 561-3040
• Fort Point (415) 561-1693 or 561-1373
• Sweeney and Milagra Ridges and Mori Point, (650) 355-4122