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.

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Bone-Chilling Date Spots to Warm Your Boo’s Heart

With “boo”-tiful sites aplenty, the Golden Gate National Parks are full of places to take your date on Halloween (or some other dread and dreary night by the Bay)—especially if you want him or her seeking safety and comfort in your arms.

Our favorite forest trails in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Mt. Tam

With trailheads in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties, the forests of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Mt. Tam are both accessible and timeless.

Seasonal Guides to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Discover the natural beauty, history, and hidden gems of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area all year long with our Seasonal Guides.

Poppies at Black Point Historic Gardens at Fort Mason in San Francisco.

Spring guide to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Spring is one superlative season that’ll be sure to delight all the senses.

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.

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.

Golden Gate Historic Landscaping and Maintenance

Your gift helps preserve over 84,000 acres of parkland

Park Staff Picks