Back in 1776, the Spanish set up camp here and it became Spain’s northernmost outpost of colonial power in the New World. Following a brief encounter with the Mexicans, the Americans occupied this photogenic outpost until 1994. This makes it the longest running military base in US history. Today, it’s a National Historical Landmark District.
This vast 600-hectare site has a wealth of attractions and draws in visitors from all over the world. Golfers can enjoy a round or two on the famous championship golf course, For walkers, there are 40 kilometres of hiking trails that meander through perfect California coast, and if that doesn’t appeal, the Letterman Digital Arts Center also resides here. There’s a real contrast here as you walk among sweet-smelling pine trees and scramble over monolithic fortifications, all under the watchful eye of the ever-present red towers of the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. To the west, you’ll find Baker beach, perfect for a seaside stroll accompanied by breath-taking views. The Presidio feels a world away from the city and yet it’s right on San Francisco's bustling doorstep.
Crissy field, within Presidio is the perfect place for a picnic. Find a spot along the sprawling stretch of restored marshland and while away a few hours watching the joggers and cyclists meandering by.
For some hands-on fun and something more intellectually stimulating, head for the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Battery Chamberlain or the Crissy Fields Center. If you have children with you, these venues will keep them happy for several hours.
All around you, relics of the Presidio's military past are in evidence. This is the site of the San Francisco National Cemetery, the final resting place of over 30,000 American military personnel and their loved ones. One of the biggest draws of this park is its diversity. You can hike through shady forests, take a coastal walk along the cliffs or have your photo taken in front of the Yoda Fountain at the Letterman Digital Arts Center.
To get here, take the San Francisco Municipal (Muni) buses, Golden Gate Transit services, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and PresidiGo shuttles. These all stop really close by. There is now a Presidio Transit Center, which makes the park even more accessible. A free PresidiGo shuttle service inside the park will also get you around the major attractions, and if you prefer to drive, there’s paid parking available within the park.
