When it comes to natural attractions, the Bay Area is admittedly spoiled for choice. But there’s only one place where you’ll find breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Michelin-caliber dining experiences, an active archeological dig and a fountain in honor of Yoda from Star Wars: the Presidio of San Francisco.
Transformed from its former life as a military barracks, today the Presidio is a veritable oasis of flora, fauna, culture and attractions intended to cater to visitors of all ages and incomes. Encompassing 1500 acres of pristine California coastline, forests and historic landmarks, the Presidio’s status as a National Historic Landmark is bolstered by its popularity. As one of America’s most visited national park sites, it welcomes 7.5 million people annually.
At a moment when its future has been unexpectedly and frighteningly thrown into question, the time has never been better to plan a visit to this local oasis ripe with opportunity for unforgettable adventures. Here are 10 of the top attractions to enjoy during your next trip to the Presidio.
Feature photo by Paul Myers.
Top Free Attractions
Want to add some world-class art to your stroll through the woods? At the Presidio, you can take in the majesty of four site-specific sculpture works by world renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy. Linked together via a three-mile hiking loop, highlights include his tapering skyward tower of 37 Monterey cypress tree trunks (Spire) and the zig-zagging eucalyptus branches (Wood Line, seen in feature image) that run adjacent to the Presidio’s oldest footpath, Lovers Lane.
This local secret makes you earn it by only being accessible via one of the Presidio’s numerous hiking paths. In this case, you’ll need to take the Batteries to Bluff Trail (foot traffic only) to find this secluded slice of sand where some brave souls have even been known to sunbathe in the nude. Regardless of your plans, the reward is well worth the effort as Marshall’s Beach is widely regarded as San Francisco’s “most hidden” beach.
Equal parts sweet and creepy, you’ll find 424 unique handmade headstones at the Presidio Pet Cemetery. Offering a final resting place for the furry friends of the U.S. Army families who once called the Presidio home, this peculiar but moving testament to the bonds formed between humans and animals can be found on McDowell Avenue near the Park Archives and Records Center. See if you can spot the tombstones for Mr. Iguana, Cupcake and Skipper (“The best damn dog we ever had”).
Perched above the Presidio Parkway tunnels is the park’s newest attraction: a dazzling stretch of park that includes firepits, lounge chairs, reservable picnic areas, food trucks and more. Kids can run wild climbing the giant fallen tree, Woodland Wall and other natural attractions of Outpost Playground, while indoors the Field Station serves to satiate children’s curiosity and inspire fresh adventures.
It’s hard to beat the backdrop you’ll find at Torpedo Wharf. Enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge while casting a line at this beloved pier where folks often come to fish and crab. Offering arguably the place in all the Presidio for the perfect shot of San Francisco’s famous orange landmark, Torpedo Wharf is also a slice of history in and of itself given it’s been standing since 1854.
Top Paid Attractions
Fresh off finishing as a finalist on Season 21 of Top Chef, Laura Ozyilmaz and her husband Sayat are riding high on a wave of acclaim for their new Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, Dalida. With mouth-watering options ranging from Cypriot lamp chops to house-made cordials, the cozy setting and warm hospitality have already earned Dalida (open since mid-2023) accolades from the Michelin Guide and James Beard Foundation. Bonus tip: If possible, see about sitting in the backroom for a chef’s table experience!
Reflecting one of the most fascinating chapters in the Presidio’s long and colorful history, the inauspicious confines of this “unassuming former aircraft hangar” once served as the venue for a secret school where the U.S. Army provided training to Japanese American soldiers who would go on to see combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Today the space has been transformed into a museum that honors these courageous recruits while juxtaposing their long-secret bravery with the shameful story of the U.S. government’s mass incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during the same period.
How many national parks have a 12-lane bowling alley? Last we checked, only the Presidio can make such a claim. Adorable and brimming with old-school charm, Presidio Bowl isn’t big on bells and whistles. That said, it has you covered on the basics like bumpers, beers and burgers. Beyond that, the sheer novelty of being able to throw a few frames after hitting the beach, exploring a marsh or hiking to a scenic overlook is something you simply must experience at least once. Bonus tip: Book your lanes in advance as they fill up quickly!
Notable as one of the two campgrounds located in San Francisco, Rob Hill offers million-dollar views at bargain rates for those willing to pitch a tent and rough it for a night or two. Plush with basic amenities like restrooms, parking, shuttle access and BBQ grills, Rob Hill also offers a way to enjoy a full camping experience while still being close to home. Reservations for spots can be made in advance for the season, which runs annually from April 1 to October 31.
Billed as a place devoted to “[pulling] back the curtain on the life of Walt Disney and the creation of beloved Disney favorites,” the Walt Disney Family Museum features both permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions in addition to hosting an ongoing schedule of film screenings, workshops, and other special events. Conveniently located just off the Presidio’s Main Parade Lawn, the Walt Disney Family Museum is also a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of animation.
