Visitor Tips

Explore our expertly curated visitor tips and how-to guides to make the most of your trip to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Whether you're hiking, sightseeing, or enjoying the coastline, our helpful resources ensure an unforgettable experience.

What's New
Visit Alcatraz Island: Tour Alcatraz for views, gardens, NEW stories

Get a sneak peek at new things to find on the island as we celebrate 50 years of Alcatraz being open to the public as a national park site, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Seal Rocks seen in the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco's Lands End.
Date Ideas in the Parks

The vast landscapes of the Golden Gate national parks in the San Francisco Bay Area offer countless breathtaking spots to impress a date, capture unforgettable photos, or even plan the perfect proposal.

A river otter pops up from the water as its swimming in Rodeo Lagoon
Where to find river otters in the Marin Headlands

The elusive North American river otter is an adorable and fierce native otter species that resides in the coastal wetlands of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Steep Ravine Trail after winter rains.
Winter guide to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Winter is a magical time to explore this stunning region, with its crisp air, fewer crowds, and breathtaking landscapes.

View of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio of San Francisco from Fort Baker.
Presidio of San Francisco and Fort Baker: How to Visit Star Trek’s Starfleet Headquarters and Starfleet Academy

Both the Presidio of San Francisco and Fort Baker, two national parks bookending the Golden Gate Bridge in the San Francisco Bay Area, often serve as the scenic inspiration for the legendary Starfleet headquarters and Starfleet Academy.

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.  

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