Presidio in San Francisco: 25 Fun Things to Do and Tips to Visit

The Presidio in San Francisco is a former military base on the northwest side of the city. It's a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, and it is rich with history.

There are tons of things to do in the Presidio, including a high-end golf course, many miles of trails, and the Walt Disney Museum.

Other places to visit here include Andy Goldsworthy sculptures, Star Wars statues on the Lucasfilm campus, one of the largest military cemeteries on the West Coast, and old army batteries.

The San Francisco Presidio offers amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the SF Bay, and beyond.

The Presidio of San Francisco is the perfect place to visit for those who love the outdoors. It's also an excellent stop for anyone interested in military history.

I head over to the San Francisco Presidio quite a bit for hiking, biking, or just walking around. 

Table of Contents

• History of the Presidio
• 25 Fun Attractions & Activities
• Hotels in the Presidio
  
• Where to Eat
  
• How to Get Here and Parking Tips
• How to Get Around

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Presidio of San Francisco History

So you've heard of an old military base in San Francisco and you want to check it out. With over 350 historically significant buildings, the San Francisco Presidio is living heritage.

Before it became a military outpost for the Spanish Empire and then the Mexican Republic, the land was first inhabited by the Yelamu tribe of the Ohlone peoples. 

The US Military period lasted from 1846 until 1994, when the government made the Presidio of San Francisco a national park site.

The top 25 Presidio activities I've listed below include some historic sites where you can learn even more about this area's important role in California and in US military history. 

25 Best Things to Do in the Presidio

1. Start at the Presidio Visitor Center

Visiting the Presidio is easy when you start at the Visitor Center, located on the Main Post.

Start your day at this newly opened facility, where you'll get a proper introduction to the Presidio park. 

The Visitor Center has friendly staff, interactive exhibits, maps, videos, a gift shop, and restrooms.

You'll learn about the site's fascinating history, as well as practical information like how to get around using the free Presidio GO Shuttle.

Open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.

2. Admire the Artwork by Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy is a British artist well known for creating place-specific pieces from natural materials found at that site.

From 2008 to 2014, he installed four nature-friendly pieces within the Presidio in San Francisco. Here is a little more about each one and where you will find them.

Spire (2008)

Goldsworthy's first installation was a 100-foot-tall tapering peak that blends in amazingly well with its surroundings.

In 2020, Spire was damaged by fire, but remains standing, reinforcing its symbolism as the old forest giving birth to the new.

This stunning piece is found along the Bay Ridge Trail on the southern end of the Presidio park.

Enter through the Arguello Gate and park near the Presidio Golf Course Clubhouse. From here, hop on the trail and you will find it less than a quarter-mile down the trail. 

Wood Line (2011)

This 1,200-foot-long meandering sculpture on the forest floor is one of the most photographed places in the Presidio in San Francisco.

It is located in the park's largest eucalyptus grove, adjacent to Lovers' Lane, in the southeast corner of the Presidio.

Enter through the Presidio Boulevard Gate and take a left onto Pacific. There is a small parking lot about a quarter of a mile away. Backtrack up Pacific and enter the trail on your left. You will easily be able to see it on this trail.

Tree Fall (2013)

The third installation by Goldsworthy is an indoor piece created in a historic powder magazine that the Army had used to store munitions since the Civil War.

It features an immense clay-covered branch hanging from the domed roof. 

It is located near the intersection of Sheridan and Anza Avenues, but is currently not open to the public.

Only the outermost door to Tree Fall is open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.

Earth Wall (2014)

Goldsworthy's fourth piece is located in the courtyard of the historic Presidio Officers' Club​​​​.

It is a half-sphere of unearthed eucalyptus branches buried in a thick adobe wall, with an actual eucalyptus grove peaking over the wall behind it.

This sculpture is open to public view, along with the other free history expositions at the Officers' Club, on Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm​.

It's located at 50 Moraga Avenue.

3. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge and Welcome Center

The southern entrance to the Golden Gate Bridge is also part of the Presidio San Francisco.

Here, you can walk along the eastern sidewalk of this famous landmark, check out its small outdoor museum, and grab a quick bite to eat at the Round House Cafe.

You can also spend time in the Welcome Center. Inside, you will find goodies and souvenirs of the Golden Gate Bridge and the friendly staff will help answer your questions.

I love to hike around on the nearby trails that offer gorgeous views of the bridge. This is also where the SF Muni bus station is located.

>> Find detailed tips for visiting the Golden Gate Bridge

4. Tour the Presidio San Francisco

You will find a variety of tours in the Presidio San Francisco. Here are a few options to check out during your stay.

Free Walking Tours: While the park no longer offers regularly scheduled public tours, they do have free ranger talks on Presidio history and nature, as well as suggested routes for self-guided tours. Visit the Presidio website for itineraries, a schedule of events, and downloadable guides.

Grand City Tour: Catch all the top sights on this half-day tour in a luxury motor coach. Its 15+ stops around town include Twin Peaks, Chinatown, North Beach, Lands End San Francisco, and, of course, the Presidio. The tour is offered several days a week and departs from Union Square at 8:40 am. >> Visit Viator to learn more and reserve your spot.

Fire Engine Tour: This 90-minute small-group tour is aboard an open-air vintage red fire truck. You will start in Fisherman's Wharf, cruise through the Presidio in San Francisco with a stop at Fort Point, and then make your way over the Golden Gate Bridge for incredible views of the city before heading back to your starting point. >> Visit Viator to find upcoming tour dates and availability.

GoCar Tour, Golden Gate Bridge & Lombard Loop: Don't miss your chance to drive one of these zippy little yellow two-seater cars! The GPS-guided loop offers you the chance to get a closer look at top attractions, including the San Francisco Presidio, since you can access places tour buses can't go. In-car audio will accompany you as you stop at as many places as you want. >> Learn more on GetYourGuide.

5. Explore the Batteries Throughout the Presidio

There are 15 gun batteries throughout the Presidio in San Francisco. They were used to protect the Golden Gate Strait and were stocked with ammunition and soldiers when it was an active Army post.

The guns were removed after WWII, but a few of the batteries are still in great condition and fun to check out during your visit.

Four of them are lined up along the coast just to the west of the Golden Gate Bridge. They include (from east to west) Cranston, Godfrey, Crosby, and Chamberlin.

Battery Chamberlin is home to a 50-ton, six-inch diameter "disappearing gun." The first full weekend of each month from 11 am to 3 pm, the National Park Service offers demonstrations of the gun.

There is another one on the eastern side of the Golden Gate Bridge called Battery East Vista. This vista point was renovated in 2015 and offers amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the SF Bay.

6. Visit Yoda Fountain

Next on my list of Presidio things to do is a must-see for Star Wars fans.

One Letterman, formerly the Letterman Digital Arts Center, is the headquarters of Lucasfilm, George Lucas's innovative production company that broke away from Hollywood and went on to create the legendary Star Wars saga.

As it is a working production facility, they do not offer tours. However, the 17-acre beautifully landscaped campus is open to the public. I love to wander around and enjoy the variety of statues outside.

During regular weekday business hours, they also welcome visitors to the lobby only of Building B. This is near the Yoda Fountain. Inside, you will find memorabilia including an R2D2, Darth Vader costume, and a life-sized Stormtrooper.

It's a quick stop, but one you are sure to enjoy.

7. Relax at Marshall's Beach

You will find this hidden gem just off the Batteries to Bluff Trail in the Presidio San Francisco.

There aren't any amenities at this beach, but it does offer gorgeous views of Golden Gate Bridge from the west, the bay, and the Marin Headlands. It's a great place to relax and unwind.

You will also find quite a few people (usually only about half a dozen) here sunbathing nude. Make sure to warn those in your group or avoid this beach if you plan to visit with your children.

People mostly keep to themselves, but just something to keep in mind before you visit.

>> More tips to visit Marshall's Beach

8. Soak in the Views at Baker Beach

You will find a second, larger beach just steps away from Marshall's Beach. Baker Beach is right off the Coastal Trail. You can access it from a few places, including the famous Sand Ladder.

Locals love this beach because it's large and has amazing views in every direction.

Since we rarely get beach weather in San Francisco, most residents use this recreational area as a place to hang out with friends or walk their dogs, rather than for sunbathing or swimming.

>> Read more about how to enjoy Baker Beach

9. Bowl at the Presidio

The Presidio Bowl is one of just four places to bowl in SF. It was first created in 1989 to entertain the troops on base.

Today, it offers old-school fun with modern touches, including automatic scoring, an internet-connected jukebox, and a selection of video games and pinball machines.

The grill serves up American classics, including burgers, wings, and corn dogs, as well as a full bar with a large selection of beer, wine, and spirits. Enjoy the views from their patio with a fire pit.

You'll find this Presidio SF bowling alley on the south end of the Main Parade Lawn.

Lanes fill up quickly, so it's best to make reservations in advance.

10. Kick Back at Crissy Field

Crissy Field is located along the northern waterfront of the Presidio San Francisco. It has a large beach, a running/walking trail, and plenty of green space for picnics, games, and other outdoor gatherings.

From Crissy Field, you get full views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the east, as well as Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, the dome of nearby Palace of Fine Arts, and the town of Sausalito across the bay.

On a warm, sunny day, this is one of the best places in San Francisco to hang out. You can also bring along a picnic lunch to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. (See some quick spots to grab your lunch.)

>> Discover Crissy Field pictures and visiting tips

11. Bike Around the Presidio

The Presidio San Francisco is one of the best places to go biking in the city because the streets are wide and there is very little traffic. Plus, you get great views of the bay. 

With easy access to the Golden Gate Bridge, you may even decide to ride the 2 miles over to Sausalito for an unforgettable San Francisco experience.

If you don't have your own bike, you can easily rent one. 

>> Read my tips for biking across the Golden Gate Bridge

12. Check Out the Fort Point National Historic Site

Fort Point is another highlight in the Presidio of San Francisco, especially for history buffs.

The fort, which sits at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, was built at the height of the Gold Rush, equipped with 126 cannons and 500 infantrymen.

Today you might still see a battalion of soldiers marching by as part of a Civil War reenactment.

In the 1930s, the engineers of the Golden Gate Bridge thought that Fort Point needed to be demolished to erect the bridge.

However, after careful consideration—and some outrage from local citizens—the engineers revised their plans and found a way to build the bridge around it in order to preserve this important historical landmark.

>> See pictures and tips to visit this FREE gem

13. Discover the Tennessee Hollow Watershed

Nature lovers will love exploring the Tennessee Hollow Watershed. This large area is on the eastern side of the Presidio San Francisco. It covers more than 250 acres, almost 20% of the entire Presidio park.

It offers trails, native plants, artwork, and more. It's also home to the El Polín Spring, a natural freshwater spring which has an interesting history of its own.

If you are traveling with kids, you can stop by the Presidio Wall Playground, which offers great views for the adults and slides, swings, climbing structures, and other fun activities for toddlers to older kids.

14. Hike the California Coastal Trail

The 2.7-mile California Coastal Trail runs along the western waterfront of the Presidio San Francisco and has some of the most spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the west.

You can pick up the trail at several locations within the Presidio park along Lincoln Boulevard. The south end is at Baker Beach, and the north end is just northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.

From the height of this trail, you can appreciate the waters where the SF Bay meets the Pacific Ocean.

Stop and rest at the Pacific Overlook, a stone plaza boasting unimpeded views of the Pacific coastline all the way from the Golden Gate Bridge to Lands End San Francisco.

15. Visit the Presidio Officers' Club - A Museum and Cultural Center

Established in 1776, the Presidio Officers' Club offers free exhibitions where you can learn about the Presidio of San Francisco history. 

This is also where you will find the piece "Earth Wall" by Andy Goldsworthy. 

The exhibitions trace 10,000 years of history of the Presidio in San Francisco, first as a home to indigenous peoples, then as a military base, and finally as a national park site.

The Heritage Gallery is open Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.

This is also home to the Colibri Mexican Bistro, open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and for brunch and dinner on weekends. Find out more about this and other Presidio dining options.

16. Admire the Presidio Chapel

One of my favorite stops in the Presidio San Francisco is the charming chapel near the cemetery, which is brimming with history. 

The Presidio Chapel dates back to 1931 and boasts beautiful Mission Revival architecture, a 33-foot fresco, stained-glass windows, and beautiful woodwork.

Originally Protestant, it is now non-denominational and welcomes interfaith worship.

The chapel is beautiful to admire from the outside, but if you want to step inside, be aware that they don't have regular opening hours. It is often reserved for private events like weddings.

However, it is open to the public during their concerts, which usually take place one Saturday a month at noon.

>> Visit their website to view the calendar

17. Golf at the Presidio Golf Course

Another one of the great outdoor things to do at the Presidio is hit the links. This is one of just a few golf courses within the city limits of San Francisco. This nationally recognized course is popular with both locals and visitors.

This San Francisco golf course was originally built in 1895. For almost 100 years, it was a private course just for those serving in the military. During the San Francisco Presidio renovation project in the mid-1990s, it opened to the public. Today, everyone is welcome to book a tee time.

Beautiful eucalyptus trees line this 18-hole gem. Golfers from around the world come to test out their skills on its hilly and challenging holes. There is also a driving range for those needing a little warm-up before their game.

You can find this Presidio activity on the south side of the park at the Arguello Boulevard entrance.

The driving range is open from dawn to dusk Wednesday through Monday and noon to dusk on Tuesdays to allow for mowing and maintenance.

You can book a tee time either online on their website or by calling 415-561-GOLF.

18. Learn About the Military Intelligence Service

The Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center is a small museum that reconstructs the WWII history of the Japanese American soldiers who trained as linguists for the Army and lived in this building when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

It explains what their role was before the attack and what happened when orders were issued for the mass internment of around 120,000 Japanese Americans on the West Coast.

It's open on weekends from 12 pm to 5 pm. The cost is $10 per person. It's free to enter for Veterans and kids under 12.

You will find it at 640 Mason Street on the northern side of the Presidio park near Crissy Field.

19. Pay Respects at the National Cemetery

The San Francisco National Cemetery is a large military cemetery and is the final resting place for more than 30,000 soldiers and family members.

Those buried here include Civil War generals, Buffalo soldiers, a Union spy, and Medal of Honor recipients.

The Army began using the cemetery in 1854, and in 1884, the government officially designated it the first national cemetery on the West Coast.

It's a beautiful, green 29-acre site overlooking San Francisco Bay. It's also a peaceful place from which you can admire the Golden Gate Bridge.

>> Find more details about visiting the National Cemetery

20. Enjoy Indoor Activities for Kids

If you're wondering what to do in the Presidio if you're traveling with your family, you will find fun indoor activities for kids along Crissy Field on the northern end of the park.

The first is the House of Air Trampoline Park (926 Mason Street), where your kids can literally bounce off the walls until they jump all their energy out. They're open every day except Tuesdays; weekdays from 2 to 6 pm, and weekends from 10 am to 6 pm.

The second is Movement (924 Mason), a large indoor climbing gym with 25,000 square feet of bouldering and climbing walls, plus amazing views. They open daily.

In the same complex of converted Army warehouses and hangars is an indoor swim school for all ages called La Petite Baleen (933 Mason). You would have to contact them ahead of time to coordinate a drop-in class. They open daily.

21. Explore the Walt Disney Family Museum

A newer addition to the Presidio San Francisco is the Walt Disney Family Museum. This is not an amusement park, but rather a fascinating look at Walt Disney, the man, and his business behind the scenes.

You will learn more about his life, view photos of his family that you will only find here, and examine how he created such a successful company. 

Longtime Disney fans will enjoy artifacts like the 13-foot model of the original vision of Disneyland and the first-known drawing of Mickey Mouse.

The museum also has speakers and shows a classic Disney movie each month.

>> Discover information about the museum's hours, exhibits, discount passes, and more

22. Romp Around the Presidio Tunnel Tops

Tunnel Tops is a large open space on the northeast side of the park with picnic areas, restrooms, and kids activities. It opened recently in 2022 after nearly a decade of planning with community input.

It's called Tunnel Tops because a seismically unsafe highway that used to run through here was converted into tunnels below ground, creating a fresh green expanse between the Presidio Main Post and Crissy Marsh.

Enjoy the grassy areas, walkways with overlooks, and picnic tables that offer views of the Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field, and the Golden Gate Bridge. There is also a campfire circle where rangers give free talks.

Free family Presidio activities here include the Field Station, with interactive exhibits for kids' senses, and the Outpost playground, where kids can climb and swing on huge play structures made from fallen trees and boulders.

Tunnel Tops is easily accessible from the Presidio Visitor Center and Transit Center.

23. Admire Wildlife at the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center

Learn more about the Farallon Islands habitat at this visitor center near Crissy Field. This is one of the fun free things to do in the Presidio with kids.

Here, you can view plankton in a microscope, hunt for sharks' teeth, see a life-sized model of an elephant seal, and observe local creatures in small aquariums. 

The interactive exhibits are a great way to learn about the diverse marine life that inhabits the large marine sanctuary just off the coast of San Francisco.

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

24. Attend an Event at the Presidio San Francisco

May - Memorial Day Ceremony: Each year on Memorial Day, there is a large ceremony at the National Cemetery. It includes a military parade, a variety of speakers, and ends with a 21-gun salute. Learn more about this year's event.

August - National Night Out: Annual community-building event promoting community and police partnerships. Demonstrations, giveaways, and kid-friendly activities including viewing the US Park Police horses up close. 

September - Chuseok Festival: The Bay Area's largest public festival honoring Korean culture. Free family fun on the Main Parade Lawn, including games dance demonstrations, traditional music and food.

December - Holiday Tree Lighting: Every year, you will find a family-friendly tree lighting ceremony here. It includes activities for the kids, a guided lantern walk, light refreshments, and more. Visit my tree lighting page for details on this annual December event.

25. Catch a Show at the Presidio Theatre

The Presidio Theatre is a gem that dates back to 1939. It was recently renovated to preserve its role in the community.

The venue is now a 600-seat performing arts center that offers a variety of shows throughout the year. 

You will find everything from concerts and dance performances to theater shows and film screenings.

Located at 99 Moraga Avenue near the Officers' Club and Presidio Bowl.

>> Click here to find tickets to upcoming shows

Presidio San Francisco Hotels

In the spring of 2012, the first Presidio San Francisco hotel opened within the park gates to great acclaim. A few years later, due to high demand, another lodging option opened in a restored historic army barrack.

Premier Amenities at Both Presidio San Francisco Hotels

What will you find at the Inn at the Presidio and the Lodge at the Presidio?

These two boutique lodging options within the Presidio national park site offer luxury amenities, a peaceful environment, and beautiful views.

Both Presidio San Francisco hotels offer modern furnishings with a classic style that highlights the building's history. 

Either choice makes for a quiet retreat from a major, thriving city and is the closest you could possibly stay to the city's iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Both are LEED Gold-certified eco-friendly buildings, and are just steps away from the park's many trails and attractions.

Whether you choose the Inn or the Lodge, you'll get:

• Complimentary shuttle to/from downtown San Francisco and around the Presidio
• Complimentary continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese reception
• Front porch with rocking chairs; outdoor patio with fire pit
• Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, docking stations
• Overnight self-parking (for only $9 a night—this is a steal in San Francisco!)
• Pets welcome with a $40 fee
  

Keep in mind that rooms often sell out, so you'll want to book early. Also, weekends require a two-night minimum stay.

Inn at the Presidio

42 Moraga Avenue

The Inn at the Presidio is located at the historic Pershing Hall, once an elegant home for bachelor officers when the Presidio was a military post. It was remodeled to include 22 spacious rooms.

Here are just a few of the unique features of this bed and breakfast:

• Rooms with private balconies
  
• Suites with gas fireplaces
• Slightly more tucked away than the Lodge

Rooms here start at around $405 a night

>> Read recent guest reviews, view photos, and find the best deal on the Inn at the Presidio

The Lodge at the Presidio

105 Montgomery Street

The Lodge at the Presidio is located in the historic Montgomery Street Barracks. It is a slightly newer and larger than the Inn, offering 42 spacious rooms.

Here are just a few of the unique features of this bed and breakfast:

• Incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, and the Presidio forest
• Right in front of the expansive, green Main Post lawn

Rooms here start at around $405 a night

>> Find more details about the Lodge at the Presidio

Other Hotels & Motels Nearby

If you prefer to stay nearby the Presidio San Francisco, but just outside of the park, you will find several more affordable options within steps of its gates. Here are a few more options to consider.

Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco (2755 Lombard Street): 2-star hotel with high marks from its guests. Just half a block east of the Presidio park, at the Lombard Street gate near One Letterman. Read recent reviews and check for availability.

The Laurel Inn (444 Presidio Avenue): This cute hotel is just five blocks south of the southeast gate at Presidio Boulevard and Pacific Avenue, in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. This 3-star hotel is also close to several great local restaurants. Read guest reviews from here and find rooms.

Monte Cristo Bed & Breakfast (600 Presidio Avenue): Just across the street from the Laurel Inn is the cute, 3-star Monte Cristo Bed & Breakfast. This small hotel offers antique furniture and an elegant lounge area for you to relax after a long day of exploring. Discover recent reviews and check for rooms and rates.

Camping in the Presidio San Francisco

The Rob Hill Campground offers four large group campsites (up to 30 people) among the cypress trees. 

They are available for reservation between April 1 and October 31 up to six months in advance. Bring your tents and leave your pets at home; no RV or vehicle camping is allowed.

Each reservation gives you access to a fire ring, a BBQ grill, food storage lockers, picnic tables, and parking spots, as well as shared water, restrooms, and bike racks.

The Presidio campground is located next to the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail on the western side of the park.

Presidio San Francisco Restaurants

There are now a variety of places to eat within the Presidio San Francisco. Here are just a few of the top options.

Casual, Grab-and-Go Options

Warming Hut (983 Marine Drive): This is a popular quick stop to relax and warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate as you explore Crissy Field. As for food, they only serve packaged snacks, but the cafe doubles as the Park Store, where you can find keepsakes to remember your park visit. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Cafe RX (1013 Torney Ave.): Located in the former Letterman General Hospital (hence the name RX) is another great casual breakfast and lunch spot. The chef is from El Salvador, so you will also find some tasty Latin-inspired dishes, such as pupusas and tamales. Open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 2:30 pm. In the building, you'll also find free art galleries.

Pop Up: This fun, casual, outdoor option consists of rotating food trucks and local vendors that pop up mostly at the Main Parade Lawn, but also at a few other locations around the Presidio park. Coffee and pastry vendors often open around 9 am, while the savory options usually open around 11 am and stay until 3 pm on weekdays or up to 5:30 pm on weekends. Open daily.

While you might just find two or three stands on weekdays, there is a larger selection (more than a dozen) on weekends, often with music and a festival atmosphere.

Full Service Presidio Restaurants

Colibri Mexican Bistro (50 Moraga Ave.): Step into the Officers' Club for tasty Mexican dishes and tortillas made fresh in front of you. There is heated outdoor patio seating where dogs are welcome! Weekday lunch is 11:30 am to 3 pm; weekend brunch is 10:30 am to 2 pm; dinner served daily from 4 to 9 pm (10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays). They also offer tasty cocktails and a weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 pm.

Sessions at the Presidio (1 Letterman Drive): One of my favorite places for dinner is Sessions. They serve lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. I love them for their hanger steak and burgers. Their vegan burger and meat and cheese tray are also amazing. If you love craft beers or wine, you won't go wrong spending an evening here sampling from their large selection. You will find Sessions on the One Letterman campus, just inside the Chestnut Gate at Lyon Street.

Getting to the Presidio in San Francisco

Getting Here by Car

This is one of the few places in San Francisco where it is easy to park. However, make sure you read the signs carefully before you leave your car.

There is a large paid parking lot on Anza Avenue near the Main Post, across the street from the Visitor Center. As it is adjacent to the Main Parade Lawn, this lot is central to several Presidio attractions and events.

There are also parking lots for Crissy Field and Baker Beach. Some lots are dedicated to those with permits during the week but are usually open to the public on weekends.

You'll find public parking lots marked with a black "P" on my Presidio San Francisco map at the the top of the page.

You can also sometimes grab a spot on the street outside the Lombard Gate. 

If you plan to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, here are a few additional parking options.

Getting Here by Bus

Muni bus is another great option. I have also marked all the routes and their Presidio stops on the map.

From Union Square, you can take the 1 California to the Arguello & California stop and then transfer to the 43 Masonic.

The 43 Masonic has several stops right in the Presidio, including the Transit Center near the Visitor Center, so you can easily get to the heart of the action.

Another option that recently opened along the Presidio's northern end is the 30 Stockton. You can pick up the 30 from Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, or Union Square and ride it directly to the bus terminus at Crissy Field without having to transfer. 

The 28 19th Avenue travels through the entire Presidio, but it only stops at the Golden Gate Bridge and just outside the park. It does not have other stops within the park because it follows the highway.

An additional option is to take the 45 Union bus to the eastern edge of the Presidio. It will drop you off outside the Lombard Gate at Lyon and Greenwich.

You can then either walk around or take the Presidio GO Shuttle to get to your destination. 

Getting Around the Presidio San Francisco

Presidio GO Shuttle

The best way to get around the Presidio San Francisco once you arrive is by taking the Presidio GO Shuttle. This is a free shuttle service with designated stops throughout the park. There are two routes (find all the stops marked on the map).

You will need to be a little careful with this option if you're on a time crunch, though, as the shuttle does not run frequently (only about every half an hour) and sometimes gets behind schedule.

Downtown Route

• Connects downtown SF to the Presidio Transit Center with limited stops along the way
• Runs from 6 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 6 pm on weekends
• On weekdays during rush hour, service is limited to Presidio residents and employees with a pass (Check the schedule so you can use the free service during non-commute hours when it is open to all)

South Hills Route

• Operates within the park only and takes you many of the Presidio's major attractions, from Goldsworthy's Spire sculpture all the way to Baker Beach
• Runs from 6 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 6 pm on weekends
• Open to everyone during these hours and never requires a pass

Walking

My favorite way to explore the Presidio is on foot. You can walk up the hills to get some great views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the city of San Francisco.

The streets here can be a bit confusing, so this is one of the easiest ways to get around.

Other Ways to See the Presidio

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