Presidio of San Francisco (affiliated area)
The Presidio of San Francisco served as an army post for three nations for 218 years. Scars of world and local events, military campaigns, the rise of aviation, World Fairs, and earthquakes are scattered throughout the Presidio. Centuries of architecture, a national cemetery, and an historic airfield are ripe for exploration. Relax in the forests and beaches, and admire the spectacular vistas.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Brian O'NeilPhone Number: 415-561-4323
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Batteries East & West; Crissy Field; Fort Point; Fort Winfield Scott; Letterman Hospital; The Main Post; San Francisco National Cemetery; Pet Cemetery; World War II Memorial; Golden Gate Promenade; Coastal Trail; Bay Area Ridge Trail; Bay Trail; Anza National Historic Trail
Endangered Species: San Francisco Spineflower; Dune Gilia; San Francisco Lessingia; San Francisco Wallflower; San Francisco Campion; San Francisco Owl's Clover; Marin Dwarf Flax; Presidio Clarkia; Raven's Manzanita; Franciscan Thistle; San Francisco Gumplant; Coast Rock Cress
Important Dates
Established as Park: October 15, 1966By The Numbers
Acres: 73,000.00Location
Latitude / Longitude :37.701390 / -122.470050 (map it)
State: CA
Nearby Big City: San Francisco, CA
Gateway Communities: San Francisco, CA
Nearby Airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO); Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
In Detail
Animals California Gull Laurus californicus Natural History: The California Gull is omnivorous, eating everything from garbage to invertebrates. It roosts in large groups along shorelines and landfills. It n ... read more.
At A Glance Contact Information TELEPHONE William Penn Mott Jr. Visitor Center (415) 561-4323 TTY (415) 561-4314 ADDRESS Golden Gate National Recreation Area Building 201, Fort Mason San Francisco,CA 94123 L ... read more.
Camping Campgrounds Camping Rob Hill Campground Open April to October Phone (415) 561-5444 Details Campground offers two group campsites (maximum 30 campers each). Reservations can be made through the Pr ... read more.
Geology Serpentinite Serpentinite is a rare rock type that is most often developed in subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is subducted under another. The serpentinite at the Presidio is probably made ... read more.
History Mexican Period: 1822-1846 In 1810, growing dissatisfaction with the government in the southern regions of New Spain turned violent. The conflict escalated over the next decade before climaxing in 182 ... read more.
In A Nutshell Frequently Asked Questions WHAT IS THE PARK ACREAGE?: 1,491 acres WHAT IS PARK VISITATION ANNUALLY?: Over 5 million WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PRESIDIO'S VAST CULTURAL RESOURCES?: Entire Presidio designat ... read more.
Just For Kids For Kids Kids on Trails Distributed at the Visitor Center, Kids on Trails is a self-guided tour book that orients children to the Presidio's Ecology Trail. The guide inspires learning and appreciatio ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging Various lodging options, including a youth hostel, motels and hotels are available nearby in San Francisco. Group camping facilities are available at Rob Hill Campground.Where To Eat There is ... read more.
Natural World Recent Sand Dunes Recent sand dunes cover the Colma Formation and the Franciscan Complex over large areas of San Francisco. These dunes are composed of sand that has blown up and over the hills from ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Weather The climate tends to be windy and cool throughout much of the year. Summers are foggy, with the best weather in spring and fall. Dress in layers. Hiking boots are appropriate in some areas.Pu ... read more.
Plants California Goldfields Origin Of Genus Name: Lasthenia is Greek for a female pupil of Plato. Presidio Locations: Found in serpentine grassland and coastal prairie. Range In State: Throughout Californi ... read more.
Preservation Support Your Park If you are interested in opportunities to help support the Presidio of San Francisco in our efforts to preserve and protect these natural and cultural resources, we recommend the f ... read more.
Sights to See The Buffalo Soldiers Exhibit Although the Buffalo Soldiers never served at Fort Point, this National Historic Site has a permanent exhibit of photographs and associated text on the history of African ... read more.
Things To Do Guided Tours In addition to scheduled events, the National Park Service at the Presidio offers a variety of scheduled ranger and docent led programs, and group programs that can be arranged by appoin ... read more.
Visitor Services Accessibility The visitor center, museum, and main post are all wheelchair accessible. Parking exists for people with mobility impairments.Presidio Visitor Center Information on Presidio history and ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Lovers Lane One of the oldest foot trails in the Presidio, Lovers' Lane is an easy, one-mile walk. The trail begins at Funston Avenue & Presidio Blvd., crosses a tiny brick footbridge over El Polin c ... read more.
Recent News
- San Francisco's Presidio Faces Challenges Over Development September 9, 2008, 5:08 pm
Presidio of San Francisco In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
