![15 Issues To Do In The Presidio Of San Francisco [More Than Just A Park]](https://i1.wp.com/www.ytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/things-to-do-in-the-presidio-san-francisco-2.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1248&ssl=1 "15 Issues To Do In The Presidio Of San Francisco [More Than Just A Park]")
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Who knew there have been so many superb issues to do in The Presidio of San Francisco?!
The Presidio Park, which sits overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, is greater than only a park – it really has a ton of points of interest and locations to go to.
We love Presidio of San Francisco as a result of it gives a pure retreat from the chaos of town.
However spanning 1,480 acres (6.0 km2), you could plan forward to be sure to don’t exhaust your self getting round this landmark.
That will help you out, beneath are all my favourite points of interest in The Presidio.
What’s The Presidio of San Francisco?
The Presidio of San Francisco is a 1,500 acre footprint on a former navy publish, and a nationwide historic landmark.
It’s a main out of doors recreation hub and pure oasis, with 330 native plant species, 323 chicken species, 30 butterfly species, three watersheds, a tidal marsh, and a freshwater lake.
The Presidio joined the Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space – one of many worlds largest nationwide parks in an city setting in 1994 when the military left.
It’s uncommon to discover a nationwide park web site in the midst of a bustling metropolis AND it’s additionally free for the general public to get pleasure from.
That’s San Francisco – filled with surprises and distinctive options.
From refurbished crimson brick navy buildings that maintain museums, eating places and inns to dozens of mountaineering trails and even a golf course, there are various distinctive, enjoyable and delightful issues to do in Presidio Park.
Historical past of The Presidio of San Francisco
The Presidio is the place the European San Francisco started.
In 1776, a navy fort, El Presidio was established on this place. Earlier to this it was house to the native Ohlone folks.
By way of the years it was taken over by the Mexicans after which the People in 1847. For the following 150 years the Presidio in San Francisco was used as a navy base for 1000’s of U.S. Military troopers.
In 1994 the Military left and the nationwide parks added the Presidio SF to the Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space.
Since then a whole lot of historic buildings have been rehabilitated, native habits restored, and lots of biking and mountaineering trails have been created with scenic overlooks and vistas.
The park can also be house to three,000 residents and 200 organizations that work right here. I like how nature and people have blended collectively on this protected means.
The Presidio San Francisco is a part of the Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space and is managed by a novel partnership method: Presidio Belief, in partnership with the Nationwide Park Service.
Andy Goldsworthy’s artwork installations: Tree Fall, Wooden Line and Spire. Earth Wall is contained in the Presidio Officers’ Membership.
Issues to do in The Presidio of San Francisco
Presidio Park is split into 4 principal areas, so that will help you plan your go to, we’ve damaged the next points of interest up by part.
The 4 principal sections are Presidio’s Predominant Put up, Crissy Subject, Golden Gate, and Southern Wilds.
Every area gives one thing distinctive to expertise: a wealthy historical past, impressed structure, and beautiful views, in addition to limitless issues to do and see.
Predominant Put up Area
1. Attend an Off the Grid Presidio Picnic
We visited the Presidio San Francisco for the weekly Sunday Presidio Picnic hosted by Off the Grid on the Predominant Parade Floor.
That is the place you’ll discover numerous meals and tradition and locals (and guests) grabbing a picnic blanket and gathering within the Presidio surrounded by a big selection of meals vans from Thai to Vietnamese to Mexican and extra.
Seize an area craft beer and a patch of grass and benefit from the (hopefully) summer season solar.
That is additionally alternative to expertise the historical past of the place the navy officers used to parade. On the sting of the bottom are additionally numerous museums and the Presidio Customer Middle.
2. Admire the Presidio Officer’s Membership
The Presidio Officer’s Membership is San Francisco’s most historic constructing and the oldest construction within the park.
Contained in the constructing you possibly can nonetheless see the unique partitions from the unique fortress. You”ll additionally discover an interactive museum that tells the story of the Presidio San Francisco.
They’d an fascinating exhibit on the Japanese interment camps once we visited. Inside can also be Arguello, a Mexican restaurant and a comfy hearth with some comfortable couches you possibly can relaxation on for awhile.
3. Be amazed by the Walt Disney Household Museum
After spending 10 days at Disneyland as soon as, I wasn’t positive how a lot Disney I might get pleasure from at this museum. However, it appears there may be all the time room for extra Disney!
The Walt Disney Household Museum exhibits how Walt Disney was a extremely inventive and chronic man. I cherished studying extra about his story – his triumphs, failures, dangers and the inspirations that lead him to create a magical enduring world.
The story is advised by interactive reveals and galleries.
You get to see the primary drawing of Mickey Mouse, a big mannequin of Disneyland, and sit on the unique seat from Griffith Park Observatory the place he sat and bought the inspiration for a theme park that folks and youngsters may get pleasure from collectively.
There was a particular Mickey Mouse exhibit whereas we visited that advised extra of the story of Mickey. The women loved studying how to attract Mickey Mouse. They did a superb job.
4. Star Wars followers go go to the Lucas Movie’s and Yoda Statute
I’m not a Star Wars fan, however even I assumed this was cool. Lucas movies Industrial Gentle Magic and LucasARTs is housed within the Letterman Digital Arts Middle.
Outdoors the constructing is a life sized bronze statue of Yoda.
The Lucasfilm Foyer options props, memorabilia, costumes and a life-sized Darth Vader statue. See should you can spot the small Chewbacca statue, and my favourite – the picture of Michelle Obama dancing with Chewy.
Close by right here is Periods on the Presidio, a contemporary gastropub that includes greater 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 faucet. If it begins to rain, it’s an amazing place to duck indoors and play a couple of video games whereas ready for it to move.
6. Discover the Palace of Wonderful Arts
Something goes in San Francisco, together with Greco-Roman colonnades and a hovering central rotunda.
One of many out of the strange San Francisco points of interest was constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It’s the one remaining constructing from that Expo.
The Palace of Wonderful Arts is price visiting for a surprising {photograph} and a stroll across the tranquil lagoon and grounds. You might even spot some turtles or child swans.
You may as well see the Palace from many viewing spots across the metropolis.
It’s situated on Baker Road within the Marina, on the japanese fringe of the Presidio. It’s two-and-a-half miles west of Fisherman’s Wharf and three miles northwest of Union Sq..
Southern Wilds Area
7. Lovers’ Lane Path & Wooden Line
Andy Goldsworthy is a reputation you’ll shortly be taught after a go to to Presidio Park. He is among the world’s most gifted site-specific artists, and the Presidio Belief hosts the most important assortment of his works.
He has 4 installations within the Presidio. (You’ll be able to get pleasure from all 4 on a 3 mile mountaineering loop).
We noticed Wooden Line because of our native buddy Michael. We wouldn’t have identified about it in any other case.
I cherished how Wooden Line blended into the pure environment, a lot that it took me just a little too lengthy to understand the wooden I used to be standing on for a photograph was really a part of the snaking line of woods down the trail.
After I stopped to absorb the view of it submitting up a spot within the Eucalyptus Grove, my thoughts was blown.
Lovers Lane is the oldest footpath by the Presidio and connects the Presidio Gate with the Predominant Put up. It was created within the 18th Century as a shortcut by Spanish troopers to get from the Presidion to Mission Dolores. It’s 0.6 miles of pure magnificence.
As an Australain, I cherished the large presence of Eucalyptus timber on this stroll.
The 6.4 mile Presidio Immersion Climbing Path encompasses Lovers Lane.
8. Stroll the Ecology Path & Inspiration Level Overlook & The Spire
We hiked the simple 1.4 mile return Ecology Path, which takes you as much as Inspiration Level.
Alongside this path you’ll discover redwoods, eucalyptus timber, shady paths, wildflowers and delightful vistas.
Inspiration Level offers you a panoramic view of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and Angel Island.
You may as well see the grasslands, historic houses of the Presidios and naturally, my favourite canopies of Eucalyptus timber.
Throughout from Inspiration Level Overlook is Andy Goldsworthy’s Spire. You’ll be able to see it reaching as much as the skies with the Monterey cypress timber surrounding it from right here. It’s composed of supplies discovered onsite.
You may as well rise up near the Spire on the Bay Space Ridge Path.
On the best way again on the Ecology Path you possibly can detour to El Polin Springs. We ran out of time to do it. It was one of many parks nice restoration efforts and is now a spot for picnicking, chicken watching and serenity sampling.
The Ecology Path can also be a part of the Coronary heart of the Park mountaineering Path. A 3 mile stroll that takes you across the grounds of the outdated navy parade floor and buildings and some overlooks.
9. Play a spherical of golf at Presidio Golf Course
Situated simply minutes from downtown San Francisco, the celebrated Presidio Golf Course was initially a personal course only for these serving within the navy, however opened for public play in 1995.
It’s now acknowledged as one of many nation’s high public programs, and sport of golf right here is common with each the locals and people visiting San Francisco!
This 18-hole golf course performs 6,500 yards and consists of difficult golf winding by stunning Eucalyptus and Monterey Pine timber in The Metropolis’s trademark hills.
Ebook a tee off time and be taught extra right here.
Golden Gate Area
10. Go to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Middle & Battery East Vista
We didn’t go into the welcome middle, however did cease on the South East aspect for views of the enduring artwork deco Worldwide Bridge!
Named for the Golden Gate Strait beneath it, not for it’s shade, the Golden Gate Bridge is acknowledged as one of many seven trendy wonders of the world.
It attracts greater than 10 million folks a yr and is simply one more reason to go to Presidio Park in your San Francisco journey.
The welcome middle will let you know extra of the story behind the bridge or you possibly can simply benefit from the views and put together your self to drive, or bike, or stroll, over it’s 1.7 mile span.
Odds are you’ll see a part of the Golden Gate coated in fog – it’s fairly both means.
The Battery East Path zigzags by aromatic bluffs to the Fort Level Nationwide Historic Website and Crissy Subject.
11. Admire views from Golden Gate Overlook
One among my favourite views of the Golden Gate Bridge was on the Golden Gate Overlook. I like how the bridge suits in completely between two timber.
You may as well get have a look at the outdated batteries right here that after defended the Gate.
A bit of additional south west is the Batteries to Bluffs Path which is a brief 0.7 mile path that traces the wild bluffs of the Presidio’s Western shores.
You get coastal panoramas, views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a path right down to Marshall’s Seashore.
12. Admire views from Baker Seashore
Surprisingly, San Francisco shouldn’t be a metropolis that makes me consider seaside tradition, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly there.
Whereas swimming is unquestionably not advisable on this a part of the pacific ocean on account of chilly temperatures and harmful circumstances, it’s a spot to take a stroll and luxuriate in the most effective views of Golden Gate Bridge.
Baker Seashore can also be a spot to get pleasure from sundown. The sand is a bit soiled, it’s a metropolis seaside so to be anticipated, nevertheless it’s price visiting for the views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
There’s a 2.7 mile a method path alongside the bluffs to Baker Seashore from the Golden Gate Bridge (really most likely higher to do it vice versa for higher views).
It’s a part of the 12,000 mile California Coastal Path that goes from Mexico to Oregon.
Crissy Subject Area
13. Throw a frisbee round on Crissy Subject
One space we didn’t get to discover in nice element was Crissy Subject, however, there’s all the time one thing for us to do on a return go to.
Crissy Subject is situated on the northeastern aspect of Presidio San Francisco and gives strolling trails, bay views, seashores, and wild open areas.
It’s the spot for picnics, ball video games, bike using, and recreation actions, and has an enormous garden the place you possibly can throw a frisbee round in the summertime.
The previous airplane hangers and warehouses have been reworked into trampoline parks, climbing partitions, and swimming swimming pools.
You get an amazing view of the bridge right here from down beneath trying up – a novel perspective.
The Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Ridge Path is a 4.3 multi-use path that stretches alongside the San Francisco Bay shoreline . It connects lots of Crissy Subject’s principal locations and will get you up onto the Golden Gate Bridge.
You’ll get nice views of town skyline, Marin Headlands and the Bridge.
Crissy Marsh is the place the freshwater of the Presidio’s watershed meets the salty waters of San Francisco Bay. This can be a good spot for chicken watching.
14. Soar round at Home of Air Trampoline Park
Home of Air is an indoor trampoline park within the West Crissy Subject part. You’ll be able to take part with an open soar session, or play a sport of dodge ball.
There’s a comfortable play for toddlers and a restaurant for mother and pa to chill out in whereas the youngsters soar round.
15. Take the youngsters to Outpost Playground at Presidio Tunnel Tops
You probably have young children, you might be searching for a playground for them to let off steam at. Whereas we’re not large followers of taking children to playgrounds on their trip, we are able to make an exception for the Outpost Playground because it’s epic!
This large playground has a steadiness beam, swings, climbing body and play constructions, every impressed by the character and historical past of the world.
Some components of the park are made out of pure parts, equivalent to fallen tree trunks and boulders.
Video: Watch us discover this stuff to do in Presidio of San Francisco
Issues To Do Close to The Presidio of San Francisco
Though these two locations are usually not really within the Presidio, they’re proper on the sting of it and value a go to in case you have extra time…
Lands Finish Path
The Lands Finish Path is definitely nonetheless part of the Golden Gate Leisure Space.
This jogged my memory a lot of Australia with its rugged shoreline path, views of the bay and the bridge, and timber and wildflowers.
It was tranquil and fairly and also you’ll really feel such as you’re in a small coastal city.
It’s a 3.4 mile return path. We walked only a brief means alongside it as we have been brief on time. I like to recommend going additional and strolling right down to the Lands Finish Labyrinth which seems to be tremendous cool!
The place to remain close to Presidio of San Francisco
What higher approach to get pleasure from this pure oasis and concrete escape then to remain on the Presidio? I may solely think about how great it could be to stroll out your door and have all these superb points of interest in Presidio Park ready for you.
You can dive a lot deeper and be supplied a extra enriching Presidio Park expertise. This space was undoubtedly my favourite locations in San Francisco.
Inn on the Presidio San Francisco
The Inn on the Presidio was the house of the bachelor officers when it was an Military publish.
It now a historic resort of America and is situated in a good looking pure setting not too removed from the Officer’s Membership. Lots of the park’s trails start outdoors the again of the Inn.
Lodge on the Presidio
Rooms on the Lodge on the Presidio supply views of the Golden Gate Bridge or San Francisco Skyline. It’s situated inside the Montgomery Road Barracks off the primary parade grounds.
Rob Hill Campground
Above Baker Seashore within the Presidio Forest is Rob Hill Campground.
There are 30 campsites with BBQ grills, campfire circles and picnic tables. Tenting season is April by October. You should definitely make a reservation and it’s tent tenting solely!
Locations to remain in San Francisco
In the event you don’t want to keep within the Presidio Park, we advocate these inns in San Francisco.
Beacon Grand Resort
Located within the coronary heart of Union Sq., the boutique resort, the Beacon Grand Resort (beforehand Sir Kimpton Drake) gives a cool, but recent stick with spacious and cozy rooms.
We had two interconnecting rooms for our household of 4. Our ladies cherished having their very own area (as did we).
Our room was large – loads of area for me to do morning yoga even. The resort supplies yoga mats and free Gaia yoga movies on the TV.
Additionally they have free wine hour each night from their common Starlight Lounge with views over town.
Transportation can also be proper at the doorstep.
Resort Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf
Resort Zoe gives sophistication within the coronary heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s one block away from the Mast St Cable automotive turnaround and a really brief stroll to close by points of interest and surrounded by grocery shops..
Close by is Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Sq., considered one of my different issues to do in San Francisco close to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Though the rooms have been smaller right here than on the Kimpton, they have been very snug and trendy.
The service at Resort Zoe was the most effective we’ve ever had. The valet/bellman spent a lot time sharing his insider suggestions with us it was superior!
Resort Zoe offers you entry to a 24 hour health middle throughout the highway. It’s additionally Pet pleasant and has a night glad hour and hosted espresso within the foyer every morning.
Attending to and round Presidio Park
The free PresidioGo Shuttle is a handy approach to journey between Downtown San Francisco and the Presidio.
It operates 7 days every week and the one-way journey takes about 25 minutes. You’ll be able to choose it up close to the Transbay Terminal or the doorway to the Embarcadero BART station.
We caught it from the Presidio Transit Middle again into downtown.
The PresidioGo shuttle additionally takes you round to greater than 40 locations within the Presidio.
The Presidio can also be bike pleasant, and the San Francisco MUNI may get you there.
Presidio Points of interest Map
Finest Promoting Excursions of San Francisco
Extra San Francisco Journey Suggestions
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I hope this information helps you intend your journey to go to The Presidio of San Francisco. In the event you nonetheless have query about what to do on the Presidio, go away a remark beneath!