The Presidio

The Presidio is a former military post on the northern tip of the San Francisco peninsula in California that is now a national park site, with its main Visitor Center at 210 Lincoln Blvd. The area covers rolling hills, eucalyptus forests, historic barracks and a shoreline along the Golden Gate. Highlights include Crissy Field, a restored shoreline with a wide beach and promenade facing the Golden Gate Bridge, and Tunnel Tops, a park built over the roadway with lawns, play areas and viewpoints. The Walt Disney Family Museum occupies a restored barracks building and tells the story of Walt Disney's life and work. Trails thread through the forest, and the Presidio Promenade, Lover's Lane and the Batteries to Bluffs route give varied views of the bridge and the bay. Because the park is large, a visit typically lasts half a day, and visitors often choose two or three areas rather than trying to see everything. The park is open daily with no admission charge, though the Visitor Center, Tunnel Tops and some attractions have their own hours that are listed at presidio.gov. A free PresidiGo shuttle connects the park with the Embarcadero and the Marina, and Muni buses 43 and 30 also serve the area, so a car is not required. Weekday mornings are the quietest times for walks and photographs, while weekends bring families, cyclists and event crowds to Crissy Field and Tunnel Tops. Fog is common in summer mornings, and layers are useful because the wind off the water can be cold even on sunny days. Cafes and food trucks within the park provide meals, and picnic areas have bay views.