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 wonderful 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 truly has a ton of sights and locations to go to.

We love Presidio of San Francisco as a result of it gives a pure retreat from the chaos of the town.

However spanning 1,480 acres (6.0 km²), it’s worthwhile to plan forward to be sure to don’t exhaust your self getting round this landmark.

That can assist you out, under are all my favourite sights in The Presidio.

What’s The Presidio of San Francisco?

The Presidio of San Francisco is a 1,500 acre footprint on a former army submit, and a nationwide historic landmark.

It’s a main outside recreation hub and pure oasis, with 330 native plant species, 323 hen 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 – stuffed with surprises and distinctive options.

From refurbished purple brick army buildings that maintain museums, eating places and lodges to dozens of mountaineering trails and even a golf course, there are a lot of 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 army fort, El Presidio was established on this place. Earlier to this it was dwelling to the native Ohlone individuals.

By means of the years it was taken over by the Mexicans after which the People in 1847. For the subsequent 150 years the Presidio in San Francisco was used as a army 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 tons of of historic buildings have been rehabilitated, native habits restored, and plenty of biking and mountaineering trails have been created with scenic overlooks and vistas.

The park can also be dwelling 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 way of 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 foremost areas, so that can assist you plan your go to, we’ve damaged the next sights up by part.

The 4 foremost sections are Presidio’s Principal Publish, Crissy Area, 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 countless issues to do and see.

Principal Publish 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 Principal 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 wide selection of meals vehicles from Thai to Vietnamese to Mexican and extra.

Seize an area craft beer and a patch of grass and benefit from the (hopefully) summer time solar.

That is additionally an excellent alternative to expertise the historical past of the place the army officers used to parade. On the sting of the bottom are additionally varied 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 may 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 comfortable fireplace with some comfortable couches you may 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’d get pleasure from at this museum. However, it appears there may be at all times room for extra Disney!

The Walt Disney Household Museum exhibits how Walt Disney was a extremely inventive and protracted 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 way of 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 acquired the inspiration for a theme park that oldsters and children may get pleasure from collectively.

There was a particular Mickey Mouse exhibit whereas we visited that advised extra of the story of Mickey. The ladies 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.

Exterior 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 photograph of Michelle Obama dancing with Chewy.

Close by right here is Classes 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 just a few video games whereas ready for it to move.

6. Discover the Palace of Tremendous Arts

Something goes in San Francisco, together with Greco-Roman colonnades and a hovering central rotunda.

One of many out of the peculiar San Francisco sights was constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It’s the one remaining constructing from that Expo.

The Palace of Tremendous Arts is value visiting for a shocking {photograph} and a stroll across the tranquil lagoon and grounds. You might even spot some turtles or child swans.

You can too see the Palace from many viewing spots across the metropolis.

It’s situated on Baker Avenue 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 rapidly study after a go to to Presidio Park. He is likely one of the world’s most gifted site-specific artists, and the Presidio Belief hosts the biggest assortment of his works.

He has 4 installations within the Presidio. (You possibly can get pleasure from all 4 on a 3 mile mountaineering loop).

We noticed Wooden Line due to 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 a bit of too lengthy to understand the wooden I used to be standing on for a photograph was truly a part of the snaking line of woods down the trail.

Once I stopped to soak up the view of it submitting up a niche within the Eucalyptus Grove, my thoughts was blown.

Lovers Lane is the oldest footpath by way of the Presidio and connects the Presidio Gate with the Principal Publish. 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 Mountain climbing Path encompasses Lovers Lane.

8. Stroll the Ecology Path & Inspiration Level Overlook & The Spire

We hiked the straightforward 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 provides you a panoramic view of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and Angel Island.

You can too 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 possibly can 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 can too stand up near the Spire on the Bay Space Ridge Path.

On the way in which again on the Ecology Path you may 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, hen 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 army 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 distinguished Presidio Golf Course was initially a personal course only for these serving within the army, however opened for public play in 1995.

It’s now acknowledged as one of many nation’s prime 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 way of stunning Eucalyptus and Monterey Pine timber in The Metropolis’s trademark hills.

E book a tee off time and study 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 facet for views of the long-lasting artwork deco Worldwide Bridge!

Named for the Golden Gate Strait under it, not for it’s colour, the Golden Gate Bridge is acknowledged as one of many seven fashionable wonders of the world.

It attracts greater than 10 million individuals a 12 months and is simply one more reason to go to Presidio Park in your San Francisco journey.

The welcome middle will inform you extra of the story behind the bridge or you may 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 way of aromatic bluffs to the Fort Level Nationwide Historic Web site and Crissy Area.

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 matches in completely between two timber.

You can too get an excellent have a look at the outdated batteries right here that after defended the Gate.

A little bit 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 Seaside.

12. Admire views from Baker Seaside

Surprisingly, San Francisco shouldn’t be a metropolis that makes me consider seaside tradition, nevertheless it’s positively there.

Whereas swimming is certainly not really useful on this a part of the pacific ocean resulting from chilly temperatures and harmful situations, it’s a spot to take a stroll and luxuriate in among the best views of Golden Gate Bridge.

Baker Seaside 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 value visiting for the views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

There’s a 2.7 mile a method path alongside the bluffs to Baker Seaside from the Golden Gate Bridge (truly in all probability 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 Area Area

13. Throw a frisbee round on Crissy Area

One space we didn’t get to discover in nice element was Crissy Area, however, there’s at all times one thing for us to do on a return go to.

Crissy Area is situated on the northeastern facet 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 may 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 under 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 Area’s foremost locations and will get you up onto the Golden Gate Bridge.

You’ll get nice views of the 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. It is a great place for hen watching.

14. Bounce round at Home of Air Trampoline Park

Home of Air is an indoor trampoline park within the West Crissy Area part. You possibly can take part with an open leap session, or play a sport of dodge ball.

There’s a mushy play for toddlers and a restaurant for mother and pop to calm down in whereas the youngsters leap round.

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

If in case you have young children, it’s possible you’ll be in search of a playground for them to let off steam at. Whereas we’re not huge 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 stability beam, swings, climbing body and play constructions, every impressed by the character and historical past of the realm.

Some components of the park are created from pure parts, resembling fallen tree trunks and boulders.

Video: Watch us discover these items to do in Presidio of San Francisco

Issues To Do Close to The Presidio of San Francisco

Despite the fact that these two locations usually are not truly within the Presidio, they’re proper on the sting of it and price 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 tremendous cool!

The place to remain close to Presidio of San Francisco

What higher technique to get pleasure from this pure oasis and concrete escape then to remain on the Presidio? I may solely think about how fantastic it will be to stroll out your door and have all these wonderful sights in Presidio Park ready for you.

You would dive a lot deeper and be supplied a extra enriching Presidio Park expertise. This space was positively 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 submit.

It now a historic lodge of America and is situated in a stupendous pure setting not too removed from the Officer’s Membership. Most 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 throughout the Montgomery Avenue Barracks off the principle parade grounds.

Rob Hill Campground

Above Baker Seaside 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 way of October. You should definitely make a reservation and it’s tent tenting solely!

Locations to remain in San Francisco

In case you don’t want to keep within the Presidio Park, we advocate these lodges in San Francisco.

Beacon Grand Lodge

Located within the coronary heart of Union Sq., the boutique lodge, the Beacon Grand Lodge (beforehand Sir Kimpton Drake) gives a cool, but contemporary stick with spacious and comfy rooms.

We had two interconnecting rooms for our household of 4. Our women cherished having their very own house (as did we).

Our room was large – loads of house for me to do morning yoga even. The lodge 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 the town.

Transportation can also be proper at the doorstep.

Lodge Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf

Lodge Zoe gives sophistication within the coronary heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s one block away from the Mast St Cable automobile turnaround and a really brief stroll to close by sights and surrounded by grocery shops..

Close by is Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Sq., one among 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 comfy and fashionable.

The service at Lodge Zoe was among the best we’ve ever had. The valet/bellman spent a lot time sharing his insider ideas with us it was superior!

Lodge Zoe provides you entry to a 24 hour health middle throughout the street. It’s additionally Pet pleasant and has a night blissful hour and hosted espresso within the foyer every morning.

Attending to and round Presidio Park

The free PresidioGo Shuttle is a handy technique 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 possibly can decide 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 can even get you there.

Presidio Sights Map

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