History

Seal Rocks seen in the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco's Lands End.
Lands End: How to find its hidden secrets

A sign at Lands End states: "Terrains that have been shaped by human activity in response to nature have a name—cultural landscapes." Here's a sampling of what you can learn on one of our member tours of the area.

The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from China Beach.
San Francisco’s China Beach: The Eras Tour

China Beach, the small, sandy cove nestled between Baker Beach and Lands End, isn’t just a hidden gem, it’s a prized jewel.

A sunset photo of the rainbow pride flag flying in the parks.
Here's where you can hike through history with Pride in the GGNRA

Time travel is a walk in the park in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). For Pride Month and beyond, let’s make our way through some of the queer history in the parks.

A historical photo of an incarcerated gardener watering plants in the gardens of Alcatraz.
Alcatraz Incarcerated Gardeners

Learn about the stories of Alcatraz Island's incarcerated gardeners.

An Alcatraz incarcerated gardener stands in Officers' Row
History of Gardening on Alcatraz Island

Discover the fascinating history of the Gardens of Alcatraz.

People hiking down a winding path through trees at Rancho Corral de Tierra, sloping hillsides are visible ahead and in the background.
Big park, bigger stories: 50 years and beyond in the GGNRA

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, and we're celebrating the milestone 50th anniversary year of their founding!…

NPS Park Ranger gives a presentation to visitors at the Presidio Campfire Circle
Guided Walk: Presidio Changes Through Time

This half-mile, level walk shows the historical changes to the Presidio, from the Spanish fort all the way to the new Tunnel Tops. Who benefitted from these changes, and who did not?

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.

Amy Meyer at National Trails Day, 2014
Our Q&A with Amy Meyer, the ‘Mother of the GGNRA’

Read inspiring words from Amy Meyer, who was crucial to the formation of the GGNRA 50 years ago.

'The Big Lockup' exhibit at Alcatraz Island
'The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States'

A permanent exhibit on Alcatraz Island tells the story of the United States prison system through the voices and experiences of those formerly incarcerated, scholars, and criminal justice advocates. 

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