Great Meadow Paths Trail

Golden Gate Bridge views from the paths at Fort Mason

Kirke Wrench/National Park Service

From Golden Gate National Recreation Area headquarters at Fort Mason (the big, green-roofed building), follow the winding, paved pathway across the Great Meadow...beloved by locals as one of San Francisco's most popular "backyards." On sunny weekends, you'll find its grassy expanses covered by San Franciscans lounging, picknicking, and soaking up the Golden Gate views (if you join them, don't forget to pack out what you pack in).

Be sure to pay your respects at the dramatic statue of Phillip Burton, posed in full and fiery oratorical flight. The Congressman helped establish this amazing national park, back in the early 1970s.