Parks

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.

Mile Rock Beach

Beach

On the Mile Rock Trail, you'll pass by this short path while hiking the Coastal Trail at Lands End. In just a short distance, you'll have a spectacular overlook of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and even Point Reyes on a clear day.

Crissy Field East Beach

Beach

East Beach provides a safe space for all to play in the bay waters and for people-watching. Bring food from home for a picnic or something to throw on the grill and enjoy a meal outdoors overlooking the Bay.

The Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands and Mt. Tam seen in an aerial image.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area / GGNRA: 50 Years!

On Oct. 27, 1972, a collection of former military, private, and public lands spanning three Bay Area counties 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!

A park visitor walks along Crissy Field East Beach with a view of Alcatraz in the distance.

San Francisco Beaches

From expansive beaches that seem to stretch on forever to tiny pocket beaches nestled into coastal bluffs, the sandy shores of the GGNRA have something for every beach lover.

MUNI 43 arrives at the Presidio Transit Center

Getting to Presidio Tunnel Tops: How to ride, walk, roll, or park

With the opening of Presidio Tunnel Tops, it’s never been easier to have a national park site experience. Located between the Presidio Visitor Center (210 Lincoln Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94129) and the Presidio Transit Center, it’s also never been easier to get to a national park experience!

Food at Presidio Tunnel Tops

Food

Delicious food at approachable prices celebrating the Bay Area's diverse cultures and cuisines is offered by mobile trucks, carts, and tents at Presidio Tunnel Tops on a rotating schedule seven days a week.

Children playing on Bluff Slide at Outpost

Kids can grow with nature at the Outpost playscape at Presidio Tunnel Tops

Given the opportunity to climb a tree, a child will choose one of countless ways to navigate from limb to limb. The story of how the Outpost playscape at Presidio Tunnel Tops came together revolves around this concept.