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.
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!

The Parks Conservancy's fog globe collection.
Gifts for Good: 2022 Gift Guide
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.

A group portrait of NPS Park Rangers and leaders at Presidio Tunnel Tops Opening Day.
NPS: Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Parks
The GGNRA at 50: What makes this national park special
NPS park ranger, children gather and examine flowers in black and white historic photo from 1978.
50 years of the GGNRA: Timeline and key places to visit

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.

The Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Baker
GGNRA 50th giveaway: Share your favorite park site, win great prizes!

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.

Parks Conservancy, Headlands Brewing Co team up for parks

Headlands Brewing Co and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy are proud to collaborate on a series of West Coast IPAs to support the Golden Gate national parks.

Amy Meyer at National Trails Day, 2014
Our Q&A with Amy Meyer, the ‘Mother of the GGNRA’

Read inspiring words from Amy Meyer, who was crucial to the formation of the GGNRA 50 years ago.

Stairs down to Black Sands Beach
Hidden gems of the GGNRA you have to see to believe

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.

Before-and-after images crissy field
Crissy Field then and now

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. 

Black Point Gardens Before and After
Black Point Historic Gardens: Then and Now

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; MLK Day
GGNRA 50th Anniversary Volunteer Extravaganza

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!

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