Park Stories

Highlighting the people, engaging programs and beautiful places that make the Golden Gate National Parks special. Can't get enough? Sign up for our monthly E-ventures newsletter, and become a member today to receive our gorgeous Gateways newsletter quarterly. More about our publications here

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Kids stretch and play, running around the Presidio Tunnel Tops lawn.
Gateways Article
This new 14-acre national park experience includes trails, meadows, play spaces, and overlooks to soak in the 360-degree views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. Special cultural events and food offerings are being planned, and Presidio Tunnel Tops will be a welcoming destination for people to gather and...
Portrait of Khafre Jay, Founder and Executive Director of Hip Hop for Change.
Gateways Article
We connected with Khafre Jay, Founder and Executive Director of Hip Hop for Change and one of 13 individuals invited by the Parks Conservancy, NPS, and the Presidio Trust to join the Activator Council, to learn about his work and the importance of parks in his life.
Laura Yin running at Crissy Field with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Gateways Article
Twelve half-marathons in 12 months through the parks is nothing short of impressive. We were able to talk with Laura Yin about what inspired her to run and support the parks.
Tamalpais Bee Lab macrophotography. Shown is a blue and yellow Osmia coloradensis.
Gateways Article
Thanks in part to the work of Tamalpais Bee Lab volunteers, we now know there are HUNDREDS of different bees on Mt. Tam. As these photos indicate, you never know what amazing, colorful bees you'll see!
East Peak of Mount Tamalpais
Article
In our parks, there are two mountain peaks within five aerial miles of the closest GGNRA beach. In just a few hours, you can take in 360-degree mountain-top views of the Bay Area and walk barefoot through the sand at sea level.
A young volunteer holds up a plant
Gateways Article
One of our Presidio Native Plant Nursery volunteers is so dedicated, he's been volunteering for half his life! Find out what he has to say to fellow volunteers and those thinking about volunteering.
National Park Ranger Alanna Smith in the Presidio.
Park E-Ventures Article
"We’re always on the lookout for what stories are not being told, whose perspectives we have not heard in some of our stories," says Park Ranger Alanna Smith. Meet Ranger Alanna and learn about how she and the NPS are interpreting stories at the Presidio and beyond.
A working dog sniffs a tray of specimen in a makeshift lab environment.
Park E-Ventures Article
Why are these dogs sniffing around our native plant nurseries? Find out how a few good pups may help our staff and volunteers as we care for a large volume of plants, with many destined for the national parks of the Bay Area.
Amy Meyer speaks at an event.
Article
Read inspiring words from Amy Meyer, who was crucial to the formation of the GGNRA 50 years ago.
Sunset at Mori Point
Gateways Article
The right time to get to the parks is whenever you can make it! Here are a few ideas on how to spend time in the parks whether you've got 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
Nudibranch observed in a park tidepool
Article
Visit a small but dynamic area of the GGNRA and learn why tide pools are being monitored closely for possible changes.
Coffee at the Warming Hut
Article
You can basically smell the coffee being brewed at nearby cafes from many Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) park sites, which neighbor some of the best coffee shops in the Bay Area. You can take their coffee anywhere, but we think it tastes best while roaming through the parks...