San Francisco is often called a city within a park—and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) makes that more than just a saying. Spanning over 82,000 acres across San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties, these parklands are a big part of what makes the Bay Area so unique; where world-class city life and wild, open spaces exist side by side.
Here are some of our favorite iconic destinations to get you started.
From a historic island prison to ancient redwood forests, these are the crown jewels of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area—and some of the most-visited national park sites in the country. Plan your visit now.
The GGNRA is where city life meets wild beauty—and with more than 82,000 acres to explore across three counties, there's always more to discover.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, and Fort Point National Historic Site comprise the Golden Gate unit of the National Park Service. Together, they're often among the top 3 most-visited units of the 417 parks under the NPS, sometimes attracting over 19 million visitors in a year—more than the visitation to Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon national parks combined.
Stretched across more than 82,000 acres north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, these parks also constitute one of the world’s largest national parks in an urban setting. They feature:
Our role in connecting people to parks
Muir Woods. Crissy Field. Alcatraz. The Marin Headlands. Stinson Beach. Lands End. The Presidio. And 30 more national park sites north and south of the Golden Gate. Only one nonprofit supports them all: the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Since 1981, the Parks Conservancy has partnered with the National Park Service and Presidio Trust to make the GGNRA welcoming and accessible to all. Together, we've provided over $861 million in support to the parks, rallied more than 275,000 volunteers, and pioneered innovative stewardship and education programs, all guided by our vision of Parks for All Forever.
We believe these parks are reflections of our shared humanity, and our work is rooted in care for the land, for each other, and for the future we're creating together.
Explore our programs and learn how you can help. Become a member, donate, or volunteer.
Most GGNRA parklands are free to visit, including Crissy Field, Lands End, Ocean Beach, and most trails. Parking in the Presidio requires a fee at most lots, though free street parking is available in some areas. Some destinations require paid reservations: Alcatraz ferry tickets must be purchased in advance and Muir Woods requires a paid parking reservation. Plan your visit here.
Parking availability varies by location. Muir Woods has limited parking and requires a parking reservation. Crissy Field and the Presidio have free and paid parking lots as well as street parking, though they fill up on weekends. Taking public transit or the Muir Woods shuttle is encouraged.
The parks are open year-round. Spring and fall tend to offer the most comfortable weather. Summer is peak season and can be foggy in San Francisco, but Muir Woods and Marin are often sunny. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds. Read our seasonal guides for more tips.
Parking at Muir Woods requires a reservation, especially on weekends and during peak summer months when the lot fills up fast. If you'd rather skip the parking hassle altogether, the Muir Woods shuttle is a great alternative. It runs from select locations in Marin and is a stress-free way to get to the park. Once you're there, no reservation is needed to walk the trails. Plan your Muir Woods visit here.
Alcatraz is only accessible by ferry from Pier 33 in San Francisco. Tickets should be booked in advance, especially during summer, as tours sell out weeks ahead. Plan your visit to Alcatraz Island now.
The GGNRA has a range of lodging and camping options for every type of visitor. In the Presidio, you can stay at historic lodge accommodations right inside the park site. At Fort Baker in the Marin Headlands, Cavallo Point is a luxury retreat with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, the GGNRA has several campgrounds across San Francisco and Marin counties. Reservations are required and can be made through Recreation.gov.
Yes! The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is actually one of the most dog-friendly national park sites in the country, with miles of dog-accessible beaches, scenic trails, and open spaces across San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties. It's also the only National Park Service site with designated off-leash areas, like Fort Funston and parts of Crissy Field, where dogs can roam under voice and sight control. In most other areas, dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Note that some sensitive habitats have seasonal restrictions to protect wildlife. See all dog-friendly park sites and rules here.
You can pick up park gear, gifts, and souvenirs at several locations throughout the GGNRA. The Warming Hut Park Store at Crissy Field, the Muir Woods Visitor Center, the Lands End Lookout, the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, the Fort Point Store, the William Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center, and the Alcatraz Island Stores all carry a range of park-themed apparel, books, prints, and gifts. You can also shop online anytime at the Parks Conservancy Store, where your purchase helps support conservation programs in the parks. See all visitor services and store locations here.
The GGNRA has added some exciting new trails and national park experiences in recent years. Launched in 2026, the Golden Gate Dozen Trail is a roughly 13-mile hike or bike ride that strings together 12 beloved national park sites in San Francisco into one unforgettable route, from Crissy Field to Fort Funston. Want to go for all 12 at once, or tackle it in chunks? Check out our route map and find full turn-by-turn directions.
Presidio Tunnel Tops is another newer addition to the parks that's still new to many visitors—a stunning park built over the Presidio's highway tunnels with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, open lawns, a playground, and regular food trucks.
In the Marin Headlands, recent improvements to Hawk Hill have made one of the Bay Area's most iconic viewpoints even more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.
The GGNRA has some great dining options right inside the parks. At Crissy Field, the Warming Hut serves up coffee, snacks, and light bites with iconic Golden Gate Bridge views. Equator Coffees is a local favorite with locations at the Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Mason. The Presidio Officers' Club is also a great spot for a meal in a stunning historic setting, and the Presidio Mess Hall, a brand new dining destination, is opening summer 2026. For a more casual outdoor experience, Presidio Tunnel Tops hosts regular food trucks with some of the best views in the city. See more food and dining options in the parks.
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