Our Work

Installation Locations for @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz

Ai Weiwei created seven large-scale sculpture, sound, and mixed-media site-specific artworks for installation in four places on Alcatraz Island: the two-story New Industries Building, where "privileged" inmates were permitted to work; the main ward and psychiatric observation cells of the Alcatraz Hospital; the A Block cells, the only remaining section of the military prison that was constructed in the early 20th century; and the Alcatraz Dining Hall. With the exception of the Dining Hall, these spaces are not usually open to visitors, but all were open to the public throughout the run of the @Large exhibition.

Ai Weiwei, Trace 2014 (New Industries Building, Alcatraz)
@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz

Presented by the FOR-SITE Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei brought his works to Alcatraz Island until spring of 2015.

Princeton Tigertones perform at the Eastern Trail Overlook at Lands End
Tunes on Trails

Tunes on Trails, a program from the Art in the Parks initiative, brings musicians to perform on trails in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. These free pop-up performances invite passersby on the trails to stop and enjoy the music--and the scenery

Humpback Whale
Expert Tips for Whale Watching in the Golden Gate National Parks

Thar she blows! Your coastal parklands are parallel to a marine passage for migrating humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, orcas, and so many more leviathans. We talked to the experts about what you can do to enhance your chances of spotting a whale spout on your next visit.

Trail Mixer
Summer 2018 for the Hip and Happening

Summertime in San Francisco is about as warm as winter everywhere else! Escape the summer “brrrs” and cozy up with us at one (or all) of events and happenings taking place in the parks from June through August, 2018.

Library Summer Stride Reading
Life, Liberty, and Libraries: Our Summer Literary Lineup

This summer, feed your sense of adventure at free and fun activities from the San Francisco Public Library, National Park Service, and Parks Conservancy—including the fourth edition of our StoryWalksⓇ series on Crissy Field, reading programs, ranger talks, park shuttles, and more.

People enjoying the sunset from China Beach
China Beach

Learn more about efforts to rehabilitate the beloved bathhouse at China Beach.

Baker beach youth
Nine Photography Tips from Our Park Photographers

A photo is the perfect keepsake from your adventure in the Golden Gate National Parks. Our staff photographers share their top tips for being a better shutterbug while out in your coastal parklands.

Nursery volunteers
The Power of Community: How Our Volunteers Left One Intern in Awe

To commemorate Volunteer Appreciation Day at Golden Gate, multimedia intern Lauren Gee made a video about why volunteers choose to donate their time in the parks. Lauren noticed one thing in common with everyone she interviewed: Undeniable joy as they opened up to her about their volunteer experiences.

Soil mixing
Our (Not-So) Secret Recipe for Making National Park-Quality Soil

On a crisp morning in April, the Parks Conservancy and the Presidio Trust made in a 46-cubic yards of soil, enough to feed tens of thousands of native plants throughout the parks. The “recipe” and procedure behind this many-handed effort is a must-read for any dirt devotee.

© 2025 Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. All rights reserved.