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 Magazine. More about our publications here

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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...
Legacy News article
We recently caught up with Silver Lupine Circle member Leslie, who shared with us her long connection with Ocean Beach and Lands End.
Person holds a tote bag with forest scene while gazing at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Article
Looking for that perfect holiday gift for the park lover in your life? Check out these fun items, plus ideas for giving experiences and giving back to the parks.
Legacy News article
Jan Blum made a lasting impact with her time, energy, and resources on the health of our parks and for current and future generations of habitat as well as visitors, combining her passion for both parks and community.
Visitors examine information about incarceration on red and black panels at Alcatraz.
Article
Alcatraz Island is full of doors that lead to the past, and right now there are several unique and new experiences on the island to check out.
Adventure Guides sit at a park bench, stamping Presidio Adventure Passports.
Article
Create your own adventure in the parks with the help of the Leo Helzel Adventure Guides. Launching at the opening of Presidio Tunnel Tops in spring 2022. These youth leaders will be based at the Field Station and Outpost within the new 14 acres of public green space, serving as...
Ranger Rebecca Au poses with a butterfly drawing in a flower field.
Park E-Ventures Article
In 2016, Park Ranger Rebecca Au, a former art teacher with a Master’s degree in museum education, drove from Massachusetts to California. She estimates she visited around 10 national parks along the way, including Badlands, Grand Tetons, and Bryce Canyon. It was the NPS centennial, and the grand fanfare around...