15 Things To Do in The Presidio of San Francisco [More Than Just A Park]

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Who knew there were so many amazing things to do in The Presidio of San Francisco?! The Presidio Park, which sits overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, is more than just a park. This former military post and now a sprawling national park covers 1,500 acres and offers windswept trails, hidden beaches, striking architecture, and some of the city’s most spectacular Golden Gate Bridge views. For an urban park, it actually has a ton of attractions and places to visit.

We love the Presidio of San Francisco because it offers a natural retreat from the chaos of the city. But because it’s so large, you need to plan ahead to make sure you don’t exhaust yourself getting around this landmark. To help you out, below are all my favorite attractions in The Presidio.

What is The Presidio of San Francisco?

The Presidio of San Francisco is a 1,500-acre footprint on a former military post and a national historic landmark. It is a major outdoor recreation hub and natural oasis, with 330 native plant species, 323 bird species, 30 butterfly species, three watersheds, a tidal marsh, and a freshwater lake.

The Presidio joined the Golden Gate National Recreation Area – one of the world’s largest national parks in an urban setting in 1994 when the army left. It’s rare to find a national park site in the middle of a bustling metropolis, AND it’s also free for the public to enjoy. That’s San Francisco – full of surprises and unique features.

From refurbished red brick military buildings that hold museums, restaurants, and hotels to dozens of hiking trails and even a golf course, there are many unique, fun, and beautiful things to do in Presidio Park.

History of The Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio is where the European San Francisco began. In 1776, a military fort, El Presidio, was established in this place. Previous to this, it was home to the native Ohlone people. Through the years, it was taken over by the Mexicans and then the Americans in 1847. For the next 150 years, the Presidio in San Francisco was used as a military base for thousands of U.S. Army soldiers.

In 1994, the Army left, and the national parks added the Presidio SF to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Since then, hundreds of historic buildings have been rehabilitated, native habitats restored, and many biking and hiking trails have been created with scenic overlooks and vistas.

The park is also home to 3,000 residents and 200 organizations that work here. I love how nature and humans have blended together in this protected way. The Presidio San Francisco is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is managed through a unique partnership approach: Presidio Trust, in partnership with the National Park Service​.

Things to do in The Presidio of San Francisco

Presidio Park is divided into four main regions, so to help you plan your visit, we’ve broken the following attractions up by section. The four main sections are Presidio’s Main Post, Crissy Field, Golden Gate, and Southern Wilds. Each region offers something unique to experience: a rich history, inspired architecture, and stunning views, as well as endless things to do and see.

Main Post Region

1. Have a Presidio Picnic

When we visited the Presidio San Francisco and opted for a picnic because it has so many great areas to spread a blanket or sit on a picnic bench. As well as grabbing a picnic blanket, there is also a wide array of food trucks that vary on the day, where you can get take-out food for a picnic – from Thai to Vietnamese to Mexican to donuts and coffee, every day there is something different. Food trucks tend to be found at Main Parade Lawn, Outpost Meadow, and The Outpost.

2. Admire the Presidio Officer’s Club

The Presidio Officer’s Club is San Francisco’s most historic building and the oldest structure in the park. Inside the building, you can still see the original walls from the original fortress. You’ll also find an interactive museum that tells the story of the Presidio San Francisco. They had an interesting exhibit on the Japanese internment camps when we visited. Inside is also Arguello, a Mexican restaurant, and a cozy fire with some comfy couches you can rest on for a while.

3. Be amazed by the Walt Disney Family Museum

After spending 10 days at Disneyland once, I wasn’t sure how much Disney I would enjoy at this museum. But, it seems there is always room for more Disney! The Walt Disney Family Museum shows how Walt Disney was a highly creative and persistent man. I loved learning more about his story – his triumphs, failures, risks, and the inspirations that led him to create a magical, enduring world. The story is told through interactive exhibits and galleries.

You get to see the first drawing of Mickey Mouse, a large model of Disneyland, and sit on the original seat from Griffith Park Observatory, where he sat and got the inspiration for a theme park that parents and kids could enjoy together. There was a special Mickey Mouse exhibit while we visited that told more of the story of Mickey. The girls enjoyed learning how to draw Mickey Mouse. They did an excellent job.

4. Star Wars fans go visit the Lucasfilm and the Yoda Statue

I’m not a Star Wars fan, but even I thought this was cool. Lucas films Industrial Light Magic and LucasARTs is housed in the Letterman Digital Arts Center. Outside the building is a life-sized bronze statue of Yoda.

The Lucasfilm Lobby features props, memorabilia, costumes, and a life-sized Darth Vader statue. See if you can spot the small Chewbacca statue, and my favorite – the photo of Michelle Obama dancing with Chewy. Nearby here is Sessions at the Presidio, a modern gastropub featuring more than 100 craft beers!

5. Go bowling at Presidio Bowl

Presidio Bowl is a 12-lane bowling alley with a small arcade, restaurant, and beers on tap. If it starts to rain, it’s a great place to duck indoors and play a few games while waiting for it to pass.

6. Explore the Palace of Fine Arts

Anything goes in San Francisco, including Greco-Roman colonnades and a soaring central rotunda. One of the out-of-the-ordinary San Francisco attractions was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It’s the only remaining building from that Expo. The Palace of Fine Arts is worth visiting for a stunning photograph and a walk around the tranquil lagoon and grounds. You may even spot some turtles or baby swans. You can also see the Palace from many viewing spots around the city.

It’s located on Baker Street in the Marina, at the eastern edge of the Presidio. It’s two-and-a-half miles west of Fisherman’s Wharf and three miles northwest of Union Square.

Southern Wilds Region

7. Lovers’ Lane Trail & Wood Line

Andy Goldsworthy is a name you will quickly learn after a visit to Presidio Park. He is one of the world’s most talented site-specific artists, and the Presidio Trust hosts the largest collection of his works. He has four installations in the Presidio: Tree Fall, Wood Line, and Spire. Earth Wall is inside the Presidio Officers’ Club. You can enjoy all four on a 3-mile hiking loop.

We saw Wood Line thanks to our local friend Michael. We wouldn’t have known about it otherwise. I loved how Wood Line blended into the natural surroundings, so much that it took me a little too long to realize the wood I was standing on for a photo was actually part of the snaking line of woods down the path. When I stopped to take in the view of it filling up a gap in the Eucalyptus Grove, my mind was blown.

Lovers Lane is the oldest footpath through the Presidio and connects the Presidio Gate with the Main Post. It was created in the 18th Century as a shortcut by Spanish soldiers to get from the Presidio to Mission Dolores. It is 0.6 miles of natural beauty. As an Australain, I loved the huge presence of Eucalyptus trees on this walk. The 6.4-mile Presidio Immersion Hiking Trail encompasses Lovers Lane.

8. Walk the Ecology Trail & Inspiration Point Overlook & The Spire

We hiked the easy 1.4-mile return Ecology Trail, which takes you up to Inspiration Point. Along this trail, you’ll find redwoods, eucalyptus trees, shady paths, wildflowers, and beautiful vistas. Inspiration Point gives you a panoramic view of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and Angel Island.

You can also see the grasslands, historic homes of the Presidios and of course, my favorite canopies of Eucalyptus trees. Across from Inspiration Point Overlook is Andy Goldsworthy’s Spire. You can see it reaching up to the skies with the Monterey cypress trees surrounding it from here. It’s composed of materials found onsite. You can also get up close to the Spire on the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

On the way back on the Ecology Trail, you can detour to El Polin Springs. We ran out of time to do it. It was one of the parks great restoration efforts and is now a place for picnicking, bird watching, and serenity sampling. The Ecology Trail is also part of the Heart of the Park hiking Trail. A 3-mile walk that takes you around the grounds of the old military parade ground and buildings, and a few overlooks.

9. Play a round of golf at Presidio Golf Course

Located just minutes from downtown San Francisco, the prestigious Presidio Golf Course was originally a private course just for those serving in the military, but opened for public play in 1995. It is now recognized as one of the nation’s top public courses, and the game of golf here is popular with both the locals and those visiting San Francisco!

This 18-hole golf course plays 6,500 yards and consists of challenging golf winding through beautiful Eucalyptus and Monterey Pine trees in The City’s trademark hills. Book a tee-off time and learn more here.

Golden Gate Region

10. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center & Battery East Vista

We did not go into the welcome center, but did stop on the Southeast side for views of the iconic Art Deco International Bridge! Named for the Golden Gate Strait below it, not for its color, the Golden Gate Bridge is recognized as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. It attracts more than 10 million people a year and is just another reason to visit Presidio Park on your San Francisco trip.

The welcome center will tell you more of the story behind the bridge or you can just enjoy the views and prepare yourself to drive, or bike, or walk over it’s 1.7 mile span. Odds are you’ll see part of the Golden Gate covered in fog – it’s pretty either way. The Battery East Trail zigzags through fragrant bluffs to the Fort Point National Historic Site and Crissy Field.

11. Admire views from Golden Gate Overlook

One of my favorite views of the Golden Gate Bridge was at the Golden Gate Overlook. I love how the bridge fits in perfectly between two trees. You can also get a good look at the old batteries here that once defended the Gate.

A little further south west is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, which is a short 0.7-mile trail that traces the wild bluffs of the Presidio’s Western shores. You get coastal panoramas, views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a path down to Marshall’s Beach.

12. Admire views from Baker Beach

Surprisingly, San Francisco is not a city that makes me think of beach culture, but it’s definitely there. While swimming is definitely not recommended in this part of the Pacific Ocean due to cold temperatures and dangerous conditions, it’s a place to take a walk and enjoy one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Baker Beach is also a place to enjoy the sunset. The sand is a bit dirty; it’s a city beach so to be expected, but it’s worth visiting for the views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

There is a 2.7-mile one-way trail along the bluffs to Baker Beach from the Golden Gate Bridge (actually, probably better to do it vice versa for better views). It’s part of the 12,000-mile California Coastal Trail that goes from Mexico to Oregon.

Crissy Field Region

13. Throw a Frisbee around on Crissy Field

One area we did not get to explore in great detail was Crissy Field, but there’s always something for us to do on a return visit. Crissy Field is located on the northeastern side of Presidio San Francisco and offers walking trails, bay views, beaches, and wild open spaces. It’s the spot for picnics, ball games, bike riding, and recreation activities, and has a huge lawn where you can throw a frisbee around in the summer.

The former airplane hangars and warehouses have been transformed into trampoline parks, climbing walls, and swimming pools. You get a great view of the bridge here from down below, looking up – a unique perspective.

The Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Ridge Trail is a 4.3 multi-use trail that stretches along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. It connects many of Crissy Field’s main destinations and gets you up onto the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll get great views of the city skyline, Marin Headlands, and the Bridge.

Crissy Marsh is where the freshwater of the Presidio’s watershed meets the salty waters of San Francisco Bay. This is a great spot for bird watching.

14. Jump around at House of Air Trampoline Park

House of Air is an indoor trampoline park in the West Crissy Field section. You can join in with an open jump session or play a game of dodgeball. There’s a soft play for toddlers and a cafe for mom and dad to relax in while the kids jump around.

15. Take the kids to Outpost Playground at Presidio Tunnel Tops

If you have small children, you may be looking for a playground for them to let off steam at. While we’re not big fans of taking kids to playgrounds on their vacation, we can make an exception for the Outpost Playground as it’s epic!

This huge playground has a balance beam, swings, a climbing frame, and play structures, each inspired by the nature and history of the area. Some parts of the park are made from natural elements, such as fallen tree trunks and boulders.

Video: Watch us explore these things to do in the Presidio of San Francisco

Things To Do Near The Presidio of San Francisco

Even though these two places are not actually in the Presidio, they are right on the edge of it and worth a visit if you have more time…

Lands End Trail

The Lands End Trail is actually still a part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. This reminded me so much of Australia with its rugged coastline trail, views of the bay and the bridge, and trees and wildflowers.

It was tranquil and pretty, and you’ll feel like you’re in a small coastal town. It’s a 3.4-mile return trail. We walked just a short way along it as we were short on time. I recommend going further and walking down to the Lands End Labyrinth, which looks super cool!

Where to stay near Presidio of San Francisco

What better way to enjoy this natural oasis and urban escape than to stay at the Presidio? I could only imagine how wonderful it would be to walk out your door and have all these amazing attractions in Presidio Park waiting for you. You could dive so much deeper and be offered a more enriching Presidio Park experience. This area was definitely my favorite place in San Francisco.

Inn at the Presidio San Francisco

The Inn at the Presidio used to be the home of the bachelor officers when it was an Army post. It is now a historic hotel of America and is located in a beautiful natural setting not too far from the Officers’ Club. Many of the park’s trails begin outside the back of the Inn.

Lodge at the Presidio

Rooms at the Lodge at the Presidio offer views of the Golden Gate Bridge or San Francisco Skyline. It’s located within the Montgomery Street Barracks off the main parade grounds.

Rob Hill Campground

Above Baker Beach in the Presidio Forest is Rob Hill Campground. There are 30 campsites with BBQ grills, campfire circles, and picnic tables. Camping season is April through October. Be sure to make a reservation, and it’s tent camping only!

Places to stay in San Francisco

If you don’t wish to stay in the Presidio Park, we recommend these hotels in San Francisco.

Beacon Grand Hotel

Situated in the heart of Union Square, the boutique hotel, the Beacon Grand Hotel (previously Sir Kimpton Drake), offers a funky, yet fresh stay with spacious and comfortable rooms. We had two interconnecting rooms for our family of four. Our girls loved having their own space (as did we).

Our room was huge – plenty of space for me to do morning yoga, even. The hotel provides yoga mats and free Gaia yoga videos on the TV. They also have a free wine hour every evening from their popular Starlight Lounge with views over the city. Transportation is also right at your doorstep.

Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf

Hotel Zoe offers sophistication in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s one block away from the Mast St Cable car turnaround and a very short walk to nearby attractions, and surrounded by grocery stores. Nearby is Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square, one of my other things to do in San Francisco near Fisherman’s Wharf.

Although the rooms were smaller here than at the Kimpton, they were very comfortable and modern. The service at Hotel Zoe was one of the best we’ve ever had. The valet/bellman spent so much time sharing his insider tips with us, it was awesome! Hotel Zoe gives you access to a 24-hour fitness center across the road. It’s also Pet friendly and has an evening happy hour and hosts coffee in the lobby each morning.

Getting to and around Presidio Park

The free PresidioGo Shuttle is a convenient way to travel between Downtown San Francisco and the Presidio. It operates 7 days a week, and the one-way trip takes about 25 minutes. You can pick it up near the Transbay Terminal or the entrance to the Embarcadero BART station.

We caught it from the Presidio Transit Center back into downtown. The PresidioGo shuttle also takes you around to more than 40 destinations in the Presidio.

The Presidio is also bike-friendly, and the San Francisco MUNI can also get you there.

Presidio Attractions Map

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Original Article on yTravel Blog