About Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history from California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. All of this and more awaits you, so get out and find your park.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Although this urban park is accessible 24 hours a day in most areas, most parking lots are open between sunrise to sunset.
Activities
Getting There
Golden Gate National Recreation Area has many sites that span over 60 miles of mostly coastal areas north and south of San Francisco. Park areas can be reached by Highways 1, 101 and 280 from the north and south San Francisco Bay Area, and by Highway 80 from the East Bay. To access park headquarters at Fort Mason, please use the entrance at Franklin and Bay Streets in San Francisco.
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Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Hawk Hill Birdwatching
Birdwatching in the high hills of the Marin Headlands at Hawk Hill Overlook.
Grab your bino's (binoculars) and get ready for some spectacular sites at the Hawk Hill Overlook. Migratory birds of prey…
Rodeo Lagoon Birdwatching
Birdwatching in Rodeo Lagoon
Watch for birds and other wildlife in Rodeo Lagoon.
Nike Missile Site in the Marin Headlands
Visit and explore a Nike Missile site and learn about the role of the military installations here in the Marin…
Explore the only fully restored Nike missile site in the country. This museum is an enduring reminder of the Cold…
Presidio Birdwatching
Birdwatching in the Presidio.
Search the trees and skies for birds in the Presidio.
Crissy Field Birdwatching
Birdwatching in Crissy Field
Walk along the Crissy Field Promenade and boardwalks throughout Crissy Marsh and birdwatch for shore birds and other wildlife in…
Visit the New Industries Building
Visit the New Industries Building to see exhibits on Prison Labor and the commemorative exhibit, Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives…
This building contains exhibits on Prison Labor and the commemorative exhibit, Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later. Red Power on…
Visitor Centers
Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
The plaza is the starting point for all your bridge-related adventures. From here, you can learn about the history of the bridge and its impact…
Hours: Due to Covid-19 and state and federal health recommendations, hours may vary slightly.
Lands End Lookout Visitor Center
Facilities include visitor information and gift shop. Exhibits: Indoor exhibits and videos on the natural and cultural history of the Lands End area, Sutro Baths…
Hours: Lands End Lookout is open 7 days a week 9am to 5pm. At the northwestern corner of San Francisco, there is wild and windy trail with stunning views at every turn... Lands End's trails winds their way around rocky cliffs above the ocean, moving through shady stands of cypress and eucalyptus and emerging on to spectacular views of the shore, headlands, and Golden Gate. A trip down the trail is also a journey through the history of Lands End, offering glimpses of the past at every turn.
Muir Woods National Monument Visitor Center
Please visit gomuirwoods.com for reservations. Starting Saturday, May 28 our new operating hours will be 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Muir Woods Visitor Center…
Hours: Muir Woods National Monument is open daily with hours that vary throughout the year. Starting Saturday, May 28 our new operating hours will be 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Muir Woods Visitor Center is open 8:00 am to 30 minutes before the park closes.
William Penn Mott Jr. Presidio Visitor Center
The visitor center is the go to place to find out what is happening and what there is to do in the Presidio. Discover the…
Hours: The visitor center is the go to place to find out what is happening and what there is to do in the Presidio. Discovery the Presidio through a large relief map, inspiring video, engaging exhibitions on history and nature, interactive tools, and knowledgeable staff that can help you uncover the incredible array of experiences possible here. The PVC is open every day (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and NYD), 10-5, and our telephone number is 415-561-4323
Campgrounds
Bicentennial Campground
Bicentennial Campground is the easiest to reach campground in Golden Gate, approximately 100 yards from the parking area near Battery Wallace. The campground is a…
Hawk Campground
Hawk Campground is the most remote campground and is located above Tennessee Valley and offers sweeping views of the Marin Headlands. The site is a…
Haypress Campground
Haypress Campground is nestled within the coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, near Mill Valley. The hike to this campground is 0.7 miles from the Tennessee…
Kirby Cove Campground
Kirby Cove is the most popular campground in the Marin Headlands, with spectacular views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Enjoy a wooded setting,…
Rob Hill Campground
Open for public tent camping from April 1 to October 31, Rob Hill offers 4 (2 are accessible) group campsites that each can welcome up…
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