Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a national recreation area run by the National Park Service in California.

In the park service’s words

Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history from California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. All of this and more awaits you, so get out and find your park.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Hawk Hill Birdwatching (1 to 2 Hours): Birdwatching in the high hills of the Marin Headlands at Hawk Hill Overlook.
• Rodeo Lagoon Birdwatching (1 to 2 Hours): Birdwatching in Rodeo Lagoon
• Nike Missile Site in the Marin Headlands (30 to 90 Minutes): Visit and explore a Nike Missile site and learn about the role of the military installations here in the Marin Headlands.
• Visit the New Industries Building (30 to 60 Minutes): Visit the New Industries Building to see exhibits on Prison Labor and the commemorative exhibit, Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later. Red Power on Alcatraz tells the story of their 19 -month Occupation of Alcatraz, a watershed moment in the history of Alcatraz Island, the Native American civil rights mov
• Hike the Bolinas Ridge Trail (1 to 11 Hours): Admire redwood forests and expansive views of the Olema Valley on this dog-friendly, multi-use trail. This up-to-11-mile-long trail begins at either at the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or at the trail's southern end at the Fairfax-Bolinas Road's junction with the West Ridgecrest Rd. Allow a
• Walk the Cross Marin Trail (1 to 5 Hours): The up-to-10.6-miles- roundtrip Cross Marin Trail is a relatively flat, easy trail that follows the historic North Pacific Coast Railroad right-of-way paralleling Lagunitas Creek. Pets are permitted on the Cross Marin Trail and must be on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times. Allow about 5 minutes to drive from Bea
• Bike the Bolinas Ridge Trail (1 to 3 Hours): Enjoy open, grassy hillsides, redwood forests, decent climbs, and bumpy downhills on this multi-use trail. This trail begins at either at the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or at the trail's southern end at the Fairfax-Bolinas Road's junction with the West Ridgecrest Road. Allow about 5 minut
• Presidio Birdwatching (1 to 2 Hours): Birdwatching in the Presidio.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee. Parking: Parking/shuttle reservations are required for all vehicles and shuttle riders visiting Muir Woods National Monument. Entrance fees may be purchased in advance with your reservation via GoMuirWoods.com or upon arrival to the park at the visitor center. Entrance fees may also be covered by annual passes. Please note the parking/shuttle reservation fee is still required at Muir Woods on national entr

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. Although this urban park is accessible 24 hours a day in most areas, most parking lots are open between sunrise to sunset.

Camping

Lodging

• Cavallo Point Lodge: Cavallo Point Lodge offers a variety of fine experiences for guests from dining, luxury stays, spa treatment and more.
• Inn at the Presidio: Come stay the night at the beautiful historic Inn at the Presidio . Inn at the Presidio offers an authentic historic experience and exceptional recreational opportunities in a setting of immense natural beauty. The historic hotel in San Francisco is located at Pershing Hall, an elegant home for bach
• Lodge at the Presidio:

Getting there

Golden Gate National Recreation Area has many sites that span over 60 miles of mostly coastal areas north and south of San Francisco. Park areas can be reached by Highways 1, 101 and 280 from the north and south San Francisco Bay Area, and by Highway 80 from the East Bay. To access park headquarters at Fort Mason, please use the entrance at Franklin and Bay Streets in San Francisco.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• William Penn Mott Jr. Presidio Visitor Center: Daily, 10:00AM - 5:00PM. The visitor center is the go to place to find out what is happening and what there is to do in the Presidio. Discovery the Presidio through a large relief map, inspiring video, engaging exhibitions on history and nature, interactive tools, and knowledgeable staff that can help you uncover the incredible array of experiences possible here. The PVC is open every day (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and NYD), 10-5, and our telephone number is 415-561-4323
• Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 6:00PM. Due to Covid-19 and state and federal health recommendations, hours may vary slightly.
• Lands End Lookout Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Lands End Lookout is open 7 days a week 9am to 5pm. At the northwestern corner of San Francisco, there is wild and windy trail with stunning views at every turn... Lands End's trails winds their way around rocky cliffs above the ocean, moving through shady stands of cypress and eucalyptus and emerging on to spectacular views of the shore, headlands, and Golden Gate. A trip down the trail is also a journey through the history of Lands End, offering glimpses of the past at every turn.
• Muir Woods National Monument Visitor Center: Daily, 8:00AM - 4:30PM. Muir Woods National Monument is open daily with hours that vary throughout the year. The Muir Woods Visitor Center is open 8:00 am to 30 minutes before the park closes.

Weather

Winter is characterized by sporadic rain and cool weather punctuated by brilliant sunshine. In winter the grass greens. Trees and flowers dormant through winter start blooming in late February or early March and last until May or June. By July, summer fog predominates in most coastal areas of the park. Grasses and plants have now turned to the golden brown and muted grays characteristic of California summer and fall. September and October skies are clear and sunshine is abundant everywhere in the park.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Pinnacles, about 124 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Golden Gate National Recreation Area (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.