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Staff Picks

Rainbow above the Golden Gate Bridge.
Seasonal Guides to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Discover the natural beauty, history, and hidden gems of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area all year long with our Seasonal Guides. 

Poppies at Black Point Historic Gardens at Fort Mason in San Francisco.
Spring guide to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Spring is one superlative season that’ll be sure to delight all the senses.

Seal Rocks seen in the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco's Lands End.
Date Ideas in the Parks

The vast landscapes of the Golden Gate national parks in the San Francisco Bay Area offer countless breathtaking spots to impress a date, capture unforgettable photos, or even plan the perfect proposal.

Steep Ravine Trail after winter rains.
Winter guide to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Winter is a magical time to explore this stunning region, with its crisp air, fewer crowds, and breathtaking landscapes.

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.  

Pole covered in yarn with Fort Point and Golden Gate Bridge in background.
Colorful Immigrant Yarn Project dazzles at Fort Point: Our favorite Instagram posts

See our favorite photos of the multicolored and thought-provoking Immigrant Yarn Project at Fort Point (open now through May 19).

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Our favorite Instagram posts of the Blue Whale art exhibit on Crissy Field

Did you hear the really BIG news? From October 2018 to March 2019, an artful, artificial leviathan landed on Crissy Field.

Hawk Hill Trail
Top Six Trails to Hike this Holiday Season

From Marin County to San Mateo County, here are the top pathways that’ll lead you to adventure while out with loved ones.

Hiking with dog
Eight Pawesome Park Sites to Take Your Pooch

Looking for a prime spot to take your pup? Check out our top picks for Rex-reation!

Our Favorite Photos of 2017

Six of our talented park photographers reveal their favorite images from the past year, and share the “behind-the-lens” stories of each photo. Revel in the fun and beauty of 2017—and get inspired to make (and capture!) more memories in the year to come.