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Parks

A night view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Kirby Cove. The lights from the bridge glow on the water and there are stars twinkling overhead.
Expert picks: Best Bay Area stargazing spots

When the sun sets, the skies above our parks illuminate with an ever-changing tapestry of planets, stars, constellations, and galaxies – many visible to the naked eye. If you know where to look, the GGNRA offers stargazers an endless well of magic to observe year-round.  

Park Visitor Services

Looking for a meaningful memento (or a perfect gift!) from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area? Park stores, visitor centers, and campgrounds have you covered. And don’t forget: your purchases help support our conservation programs that sustain these national parks!

Scenic view overlooking the beach and bluffs of Fort Funston stretching out to the pacific ocean and gorgeous sunset
Golden Gate National Recreation Area Beaches

The coastal parklands of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) in San Francisco County and Marin County have a beach escape for everyone. See the list of the GGNRA's best beaches in the San Franisco Bay Area.

Peregrine Falcon with chicks
Expert Peregrine Falcon viewing tips from Alcatraz Biologist Lidia D’amico

For the first time, you can see the fledgling family of Peregrine Falcons growing up on Alcatraz! See expert tips how to spot these birds of prey while visiting the island.

 A peregrine falcon with its chicks in a rocky nest on Alcatraz Island in spring 2024.
Watch the Peregrine Falcon nest webcam on Alcatraz Island

Tune into the livestream from Alcatraz to see the fledgling Peregrine Falcon family grow before your very eyes.  

Person in red jacket with a blue backpack talking down the pathway at Point Bonita Lighthouse.
How to plan and prepare for day hiking in the GGNRA

Getting out into nature should be fun, accessible, and affordable. That’s why we’re here to help with a guide on how to plan and prepare for the most popular activity in the parks: day hiking.  

Flowers at the Alcatraz Gardens
Survivor plants on Alcatraz Island

Among the surviving ornmental plants are daffodils, fuchsias, agapanthus, pelargoniums, various succulents, fig trees, apple trees, walnut trees, artichokes, scented bearded iris and roses.

Graphical illustration of a mountain lion from Favianna Rodriguez
Free colorful wildlife Zoom backgrounds from artist Favianna Rodriguez

Download these colorful backgrounds for your video chats through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.

California poppies seen in the Golden Gate national parks.
Best Bay Area wildflower trails without the crowds

Make sure you preserve the bloom in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area! Check out some of our top picks for trails that have wildflowers without the crowds.

Seal Rocks seen in the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco's Lands End.
Lands End: How to find its hidden secrets

A sign at Lands End states: "Terrains that have been shaped by human activity in response to nature have a name—cultural landscapes." Here's a sampling of what you can learn on one of our member tours of the area.