Visitor Tips

Rodeo Valley Trail
Parks
Learn more about the "Leave No Trace Seven Principles" to help minimize our actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems.
Ocean Beach visitors warm up beside a bonfire in the iconic fire pits as a golden sunset illuminates the sky.
Parks
Where else can you roast s'mores while watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean? So bundle up and head out to these beaches for a memorable time out.
Yellow wildflowers on hill at Mori Point
Article
Where can you enjoy the array of seasonal flora in the Golden Gate National Parks while minimizing your impact? Follow these tips.
Coyotes
Conservation
We want you to have a howlingly good time in the Golden Gate National Parks, but we also want to protect the wildlife that howl (and those that don’t).
Humpback Whale
Park E-Ventures Article
Thar she blows! Your coastal parklands are parallel to a marine passage for migrating humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, orcas, and so many more leviathans. We talked to the experts about what you can do to enhance your chances of spotting a whale spout on your next visit.
Baker beach youth
Park E-Ventures Article
A photo is the perfect keepsake from your adventure in the Golden Gate National Parks. Our staff photographers share their top tips for being a better shutterbug while out in your coastal parklands.
Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio
Park E-Ventures Article
Here’s a handy primer—or a reminder—of some common-courtesy rules of trail etiquette.
Stinson Beach
Park E-Ventures Article
“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.
Students search for migrating raptors
Park E-Ventures Article
Every autumn, up to 19 species of birds of prey make their annual appearance over the Marin Headlands. With tens of thousands of raptors counted during the fall migration, it’s the largest flight of its kind in the western U.S.! Read on for hawk-watching tips from our Golden Gate Raptor...