How to Spend a Day at the Presidio in San Francisco

The Presidio is a large swath of preserved land encompassing the northern tip of the city of San Francisco below the south entrance of the Golden Gate Bridge. Historically, it was a western base for the army with many buildings and barracks still standing. Many members of the armed forces are buried in a military cemetery here as well. One can explore the Presidio by either automobile or bicycle. The close proximity of many points of interest may encourage a walking tour.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Map of San Francisco
• Map of the Presidio
• Bicycle
• Good walking shoes
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Camera

1. Plan to visit during the summer or autumn. Winter in San Francisco can be famously cold. Most visitors to the city will be experiencing the more popular destinations and therefore any visit to the Presidio will primarily be shared with locals.

2. Arrive early and park in designated areas only. Parking is limited. The visit will require the better part of a day. Plan on visiting the Fort Point and the museums in the morning when fog may still be overhead. Save the outdoor activities for the afternoon.

3. Start on Marine Drive with a visit to Farallones Marine Sanctuary. There a several species of fish to view here that are common to the Pacific and the Bay area.

4. Continue down the drive to Fort Point. Located directly under the south pylon of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point was established to protect the San Francisco Bay from attack. Since no foreign enemy ever attacked the Bay, the fort was obviously successful.

5. Use the Presidio map and backtrack, accessing Lincoln Boulevard below the bridge and over to Fort Scott. Fort Scott was considered as a replacement to Fort Point. Note the difference, with barracks used as fortress walls. Note, also, the large grassy area to allow for maneuvers.

6. Continue down Lincoln, stopping at any number of batteries positioned toward the Pacific. Specifically stop and check out the disappearing gun at Battery Chamberlain. Many of these batteries are accessible by the Battery to Bluff Trail which eventually leads to Baker Beach.

7. Stop the vehicle or bike at the Presidio Trust Facility and access the foot trail that traverses over Lobos Dunes and up to Mountain Lake. The views of the Pacific Ocean and South Bay are well worth the hike.

8. Return to the car and backtrack on Lincoln Boulevard around to the Main Post and Parade Ground. Stop at the Visitor Center on Moraga Avenue. Visit Pershing Square and the flag identifying where General Pershing’s house once stood.

Resources

• Official Presidio Website