Parks

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Mori Point
San Mateo County

See what wonders restoration work creates at this rugged coastal promontory in San Mateo County. Thanks to community volunteers the 32-acre wetland park now has trails, red-legged frog ponds, and a revived habitat for the San Francisco garter snake, once North America's most endangered reptile.

A hiker looks out over the bay from Mount Tamalpais East Peak.
Mount Tamalpais
Marin County

It is awesome atop this 2,500-foot high mountain in Marin with its 360-degree view from San Francisco Bay to the Pacific. But anywhere on "Tam" you can find nature at its most glorious. Miles and miles of trails ribbon the mountain, crossing redwood valleys, creeks, waterfalls, and wide-open grasslands. It has been treasured turf for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians since the 1880s.

Children play at the waters edge while a parent watches at Muir Beach. Tree covered mountains are seen jutting out into the ocean just off in the distance.
Muir Beach
Marin County

Just a few miles from Muir Woods, Muir Beach is a lovely haven with a restored lagoon. Redwood Creek, home to a rich variety of shorebirds, salmon, and trout, empties here. The beach lies in a quiet and dramatic cove with its own sheltered picnic area.

Two people walking among large redwood trees in Muir Woods.
Muir Woods National Monument
Marin County

People do not just visit Muir Woods. They come from around the globe to pay homage to nature in this cathedral of redwoods. The trees' ages range from 400 to 800 years, their height up to 250 feet. Flat easy trails loop through the groves and across creeks. Parking can be an issue.

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The Presidio in the Summer of Love: The Counter-Counterculture

San Francisco has been celebrating the of the Summer of Love, an epochal moment of free love, artistic expression, and antiwar protests. But, in 1967, what was happening on the Presidio—a venerable Army post with gates only blocks from the heart of Haight-Ashbury?

Ranger Michele Gee experiences the Portal
Portal at Crissy Field to Whisk Visitors to Mexico, Iraq, India, and Other Locales

Through the magic of immersive audiovisual technology, Shared_Studios’ Portals bring together people from around the world in real-time, life-size, face-to-face conversations. In Summer 2017, step inside the Portal at Crissy East Beach—and make an unforgettable connection.

Historic Headlands Tunnel Reopens After Repairs

Just in time for summer visitors in 2017, the historic Baker-Barry Tunnel—a main artery into the Marin Headlands that’s popularly known as the “Five-Minute Tunnel”—has been reopened after significant upgrades.

Muir Woods
What Happens When a Massive Redwood Tree Falls

With the frequent and heavy rains, about a dozen coast redwoods have come down in recent months (winter of 2016-17) at Muir Woods. Learn what happens when a giant falls, how trail crews move a 10-ton redwood, and how the death of one tree gives life to so many other species.

drone
No-Fly Zone: Drones Prohibited in Golden Gate National Parks

Many shutterbugs received a drone as a gift over the holidays. We love the amazing images and video that these devices can capture, but unfortunately they’re not allowed in the Golden Gate National Parks. Learn why—and find other options for your flights.

Muir Woods Historic Redwoods
Serenity Wow: Top Spots to Get Away from It All

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.

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