Golden Gate National Recreation Area / GGNRA: 50 Years!
Celebrating your Bay Area national parks
The Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands and Mt. Tam seen in an aerial image.
Kirke Wrench / NPS
On Oct. 27, 1972, a collection of former military, private, and public lands across the Bay Area was united and officially designated as public parklands for all. Those lands are the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), and we’re celebrating the milestone 50th anniversary year of their founding!
These parks are full of stories, and you can check out some of that history on this page. From where we stand in contemporary times, we can continue to learn and appreciate where we’ve been and where we’re going. Here’s to the next 50 years and beyond—we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Gateways Article
Here's where you can get started to learn more about the history of the GGNRA: The spots that were critical to the formation of the parks and a timeline of how we got here.
Events
Is there a park you love to visit and a friend or family member you want to enjoy it with? Head over to Instagram and let us know in the comments on our post.
Give
Headlands Brewing Co and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy are proud to collaborate on a series of West Coast IPAs, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Parks
The Golden Gate National Parks stretch 70 miles north and south of the Golden Gate, creating a 80,400 acre greenbelt along the Pacific. Come experience this spectacular coastline that truly defines the San Francisco Bay Area.
Article
Read inspiring words from Amy Meyer, who was crucial to the formation of the GGNRA 50 years ago.
Gateways Article
Here’s an insider’s guide to some of our favorite hidden gems of the GGNRA. From secret beaches to undiscovered redwood groves, these spots provide a chance to get into nature and steer clear of the crowds.
Parks
Looking for that perfect holiday gift for the park-lover in your life? Check out park-inspired gifts and visit our stores for more shopping inspiration.
Parks
Learn more about the Golden Gate National Recreation Area from the National Park Service.
Our Work
At every turn in GGNRA and national park history, there are women and non-binary people who have overcome adversity to make lasting impacts in and around these lands.
Our Work
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is part of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, which are places “connecting past struggles to today’s movements for human rights and social justice." Read more about Black history in the Golden Gate National Parks and beyond with the articles below:
Our Work
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is part of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, which are places “connecting past struggles to today’s movements for human rights and social justice."
Park E-Ventures Article
Remember when Crissy Field was a barren parking lot with tumbleweeds rolling through? Interactive sliders show just how much it’s changed for the better, as we look to the future with Crissy Field Next. Play around with the before and after images to see the change.
Parks
Together with the National Park Service, and with the help of donors, volunteers, and community partners, the Parks Conservancy removed 65 years’ worth of overgrown vegetation, collected and disposed over 2,000 pounds of trash, and replanted 8,000 native plants. See the difference for yourself using interactive sliders.
Volunteer
Volunteer
The GGNRA is turning 50 years old on October 27, 2022! Help us celebrate the 50th anniversary by rolling up your sleeves and giving the parks some TLC!
