This former military base makes a great day out with plenty of history and culture as well as open spaces that offer spectacular views.
The longest running military base in US history, Presidio Military Reservation was set up by the Spanish in 1776. After a brief occupation by the Mexicans, the Americans held the outpost until 1994. Today, it’s a National Historical Landmark District.
Covering almost 590 hectares, the area is home to hiking trails lined with evergreen pines, a championship golf course, and even one of the campuses of George Lucas’s company, the Letterman Digital Arts Centre. With over 40 kilometres of coastal hiking trails, the Presidio is a wonderful place to explore. Head to the west to beautiful Baker Beach, and enjoy the fantastic views over the ocean.
Cyclists, joggers and roller-skaters should make their way to Crissy Field, a large area of restored marshland that sits in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. The ideal place for a picnic, Crissy Field is San Francisco’s only beach that is actually on the shore of the bay.
There’s plenty to see and do in the Presidio, including the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and the Battery Chamberlain. Both educational and fun, these centres are great for all the family. Visit the Yoda Fountain at the Letterman Digital Arts Centre.
Go back in time and learn about the Presidio’s military past at the parade grounds at Moraga. The San Francisco National Cemetery is a thought-provoking location where you can see the graves of over 30,000 American military servicemen and their families. The Presidio makes for a full and diverse day out, with educational centres, beautiful hiking trails, and gorgeous beaches.
Situated to the south of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can reach the Presidio via public transport. Muni buses, the Bay Area Rapid Transit, Golden Gate Transit services and the PresidioGo shuttles all go to and from the park. Once inside the park, you can make use of the free PresidiGo shuttle service to travel to the major points, or alternatively, you can hire a bike and explore the area yourself.
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