Activities

With the pressures of the holidays upon us (and the stress of everything else that’s going on in the world), parks can be a great place to escape, re-center, and refocus. Here are some of the most peaceful spots in the Golden Gate National Parks.

“Summer” is coming. Be prepared for when the temperature soars above the 60s this fall—discover the best beaches in your Golden Gate National Parks and learn important safety tips for any trip to the surf and shore.

One hundred years ago on this date (Aug. 25), President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act that created the National Park Service.

Mount Tamalpais Trails is your one-stop, must-have resource for exploring Mt. Tam. In this exclusive interview, author Barry Spitz—one of the preeminent authorities on Tam—shares his favorite spot, his recommended hikes, and his greatest challenge in walking every single trail on the mountain.

It’s time for an adventure—in the pages of a book or on a path through our parks! Learn about free and fun activities from the San Francisco Public Library, National Park Service, and Parks Conservancy—including reading programs, ranger talks, park shuttles, and more.

Supported in part by the Parks Conservancy, an exhibition of wildflower photos by Rob Badger and Nita Winter (through March 27, 2016 at the San Francisco Main Public Library) inspires hope in reducing the impacts of climate change. See more beautiful images, captured in our parks.

With “boo”-tiful sites aplenty, the Golden Gate National Parks are full of places to take your date on Halloween (or some other dread and dreary night by the Bay)—especially if you want him or her seeking safety and comfort in your arms.

What’s the greatest number of raptor (bird of prey) species seen in one day on Hawk Hill? And what’s the highest volume of raptors spotted in a day? Read on to find out—and learn how you can witness a possible “best day” at the West Coast’s premier hawk migration monitoring spot.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for greeting-card shills, sappy romantics, and the cynics who hate them. Here in the Golden Gate National Parks, we have park sites for everybody on V-Day. Our expert staff chose the perfect place to spend the holiday—with your sweetie, with your buddies, with your puppy, or all by yourself.

On Oct. 4–5, 2014, our friends at the Presidio Trust are inviting the entire community to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly rehabilitated Officers’ Club—San Francisco’s most historic building and now a new cultural destination. Preview eight highlights of this exciting visitor gateway!