Landmark + Museum + Park

About

This inspiring setting at the Golden Gate was home to native peoples for thousands of years. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In 1776, Spain established a military fort on this land. After winning its independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico controlled the post and established a new pueblo nearby called Yerba Buena (later known as the city of San Francisco).

In 1846 the Presidio became a U.S. Army post. Generations of soldiers passed through its gates, serving our nation around the world. 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Army departed in 1994, and the Presidio became a national park site. Today, the Presidio welcomes all with its beauty, nature, history, recreation, and family activities.

The Presidio is 1,491 acres, about five percent of San Francisco. To offer a sense of scale, it's about a 2.5 mile walk from the easternmost entrance at the Lombard Gate to Baker Beach on the western shore.

The Presidio Visitor Center is the place to begin your ​​visit to the the park. Center offers engaging exhibits, maps, videos, retail items, and ideas for things to do in the Presidio. It is located at 210 Lincoln Boulevard and open daily from 10 am to 5 pm

There are approximately 225 organizations located in the Presidio, and about 4,000 people work there each day. About 3,000 people live in the Presidio in 21 different neighborhoods There are more than 700 structures, 433 of which are historic. The Presidio is home to one of the finest collections of military architecture in the United States, representing two centuries of use under three flags. Nine prevalent architectural styles can be found on the Presidio. The Presidio features a dozen major trails - 24 miles in all - and eight scenic overlooks. For more information: www.presidio.gov

The Presidio is managed by the Presidio Trust, in partnership with the National Park Service. In addition to raising philanthropic funds, the non-profit Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy works with the Presidio Trust and National Park Service to offer stewardship and educational programs

Nearby Points of Interest

Golden Gate Bridge: arguably one of the world’s most beautiful bridges, the Golden Gate Bridge is an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco. Over 45 million vehicles cross the bridge annually!

Golden Gate Park: Where else can you see carnivorous plants, a herd of bison, centuries-old artwork, and year-round concerts? Golden Gate Park has something to offer everyone. Rent a paddleboat on Stow Lake, bike on a surrey around the park, or take a Segway tour and learn the park’s history. Whatever activity you choose, you are sure to have a blast!

Lands End and Ocean Beach: Along the Pacific Ocean Lands End and Ocean Beach offers forested cliff lined shoreline transitioning to 3.5 miles of wind swept beach

Sausalito: is a waterfront city located on the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Visit this unique and charming city! Take the ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf or return across the bridge.