Park Staff Picks

Plan your visit with expert tips, trail guides, and must-see spots in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Discover top recommendations and insider favorites from Parks Conservancy and National Park Service to help you experience the Golden Gate National Recreation Area like a pro. From scenic trails to hidden gems along the coast, these hand-picked guides offer practical tips and inspiration for every kind of adventurer.

What's New
A night view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Kirby Cove. The lights from the bridge glow on the water and there are stars twinkling overhead.
Expert picks: Best Bay Area stargazing spots

When the sun sets, the skies above our parks illuminate with an ever-changing tapestry of planets, stars, constellations, and galaxies – many visible to the naked eye. If you know where to look, the GGNRA offers stargazers an endless well of magic to observe year-round.  

Pole covered in yarn with Fort Point and Golden Gate Bridge in background.
Colorful Immigrant Yarn Project dazzles at Fort Point: Our favorite Instagram posts

See our favorite photos of the multicolored and thought-provoking Immigrant Yarn Project at Fort Point (open now through May 19).

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Our favorite Instagram posts of the Blue Whale art exhibit on Crissy Field

Did you hear the really BIG news? From October 2018 to March 2019, an artful, artificial leviathan landed on Crissy Field.

Trail along Milagra Ridge
Top Six Trails to Hike this Holiday Season

Discover the top Bay Area hiking trails to explore this holiday season, featuring scenic forest walks, coastal overlooks, family-friendly hikes, and iconic national park pathways.

Hiking with dog
Eight Pawesome Park Sites to Take Your Pooch

Looking for a prime spot to take your pup? Check out our top picks for Rex-reation!

Our Favorite Photos of 2017

Six of our talented park photographers reveal their favorite images from the past year, and share the “behind-the-lens” stories of each photo. Revel in the fun and beauty of 2017—and get inspired to make (and capture!) more memories in the year to come.

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