What’s New at the Presidio (Summer 2021)

​​​​​San Francisco, CA (June 24, 2021) – Summer vacation time is here, and the Presidio is a great spot to enjoy, for locals and returning visitors alike. During the pandemic, San Francisco’s national park site in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area has been a beloved respite due to its outdoor space, fresh air, recreation, nature, and scenic views. As city and county health guidelines relax, the park’s visitor-​serving businesses are expanding their hours, further enriching an experience at the Presidio. Here’s what to expect in the park this summer.

Starting Your Visit

Begin a Presidio adventure by checking out our updated online welcome page which provides an overview of Top Attractions and park logistics. For in-depth resources, visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center or the recently reopened Park Store at Crissy Field’s West Bluff. The Golden Gate Welcome Center, located in the visitor plaza at the bridge’s southern end, is an interesting opportunity to learn about the bridge through special exhibits and remnants from the construction in the 1930s. It’s also a place to pick up park gifts and bridge merchandise. Open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm.

The Warming Hut is a welcome stop along Crissy Field for drinks, snacks, and to purchase locally made souvenirs, park gear, and books from the curated gift shop. Open Thursday through Monday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Getting Around

There are various ways to navigate the Presidio’s vast 1,500 acres, car-free.

• • By Bike: Bay Wheels, operated by Lyft, are dockless electric pedal-assist bikes perfect for navigating the Presidio’s 25 miles of sometimes-steep terrain. Visitors can also rent a traditional pedal bike, e-bike, or a six-person “surrey” from
    Presidio Sports Basement at Crissy Field.

• • By Shuttle (free!): Hopping on the park’s complimentary Downtown Presidio GO Shuttle is an easy way to access the park from downtown locations. The Presidio Hills shuttle operates on a continuous loop every 30 minutes and allows for riders to hop on and off at various stops that include Inspiration Point, Pershing Square, Baker Beach, and more.
    Available weekdays only.

• • ​By Bus: The Muni 30 enters the Presidio on Mason Street near Crissy Field and ends at the Sports Basement parking lot across from Crissy Marsh. The Muni 28 enters the Southeastern corner of the Presidio and stops near Baker Beach. There are also Golden Gate Transit buses that stop at the Golden Gate Plaza. Advance tickets or exact cash required to board. See the Muni and Golden Gate Transit sites for more details.

Outdoor Fun

The Park is known for its picnic areas with BBQ grills and views, 24-miles of trails, open grassy spaces, beaches, playgrounds, public art and scenic overlooks. Download our new mini-Visitor Guide​ with updated park map and itinerary suggestions. For some fun, free, family-friendly activities in the park, check out the Top 10 Things to Do in the Presidio.

Presidio archaeologists are excited to get back into the ongoing live dig at the site of El Presidio de San Francisco on Pershing Square, which reopens mid-June. This spot was the original fort occupied by Spain and Mexico from 1776 to 1846. The US Army reused the adobes here until the 1906 earthquake. Archaeological excavation has revealed artifacts dating back to the Spanish, Mexican, and American occupations of the area. Docents are on site on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am – 2:00 pm to answer questions.

Recreational Facilities Reopen

The Presidio offers a plethora of recreational activities for all ages, abilities, and interests, and hours are expanding this summer. The newly reopened Presidio Bowl welcomes bowlers seven days a week. There’s a full menu of salads, sandwiches, and pizza plus 45 beers, ciders and seltzers, 19 wines by the glass, and a full bar. Reopened facilities at Crissy Field include indoor trampoline park House of Air, Batter’s Box SF batting cages, swim school La Petite Baleen, Planet Granite climbing gym, the bike store that has everything, Roaring Mouse Cycles and outdoor gear specialists Sports Basement, for rentals or purchases. The historic Presidio Golf Course, with its Presidio Café, is a lovely spot to while away 18 holes or grab a bite. Book a tee time or a lunch date now. Some Park businesses offer summer camps or virtual classes for kids.

Fitness, Culture, Dining and more

Presidio fitness business, like the Presidio Community YMCA are offering a variety of options for your comfort level – be it virtual, outdoors, or indoors. Check their websites to see health guidelines and class schedules. Restaurants in the park welcome guests for indoor and outdoor dining, with seasonal dishes and holiday specials this summer, as well as grab-and-go picnic baskets and artisanal products. Visit the website of Sessions at the Presidio for hours and to make a reservation. See all Presidio visitor-serving businesses here.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is fully open—its main galleries as well as special exhibition The Walt Disney Studios and World War II, an immersive exhibition featuring the compelling and multifaceted story of The Walt Disney Studios’ contributions to the Allies’ World War II effort with an array of original artwork, film clips, photos, literature, and more to explore. Opening hours are Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm, and pre-purchased, timed tickets are required for entry.

Self-Guided and Virtual Experiences

Kids and families will enjoy Summer Stride, a partnership between the San Francisco Public Library, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Presidio Trust, and National Park Service to encourage reading adventures in Bay Area national parks.

StoryWalks are self-guided walks allowing kids to hike and read along the trail at the same time. Pages from a children’s book are placed on signs and posted along a trail in three locations. Featured tales include Alison Farrell’s The Hike, Lizi Boyd’s I Wrote You a Note, and Shawn Harris’ Have You Ever Seen a Flower? will be introduced at Crissy Field in July. Throughout the summer at Nature Boost Fridays, kids can virtually “meet” national park rangers and Presidio Trust experts, learn more about local plants and animals, and much more. Visit the San Francisco Public Library’s master calendar to see more events.

Stay in the Presidio

The park offers lodging in two historic boutique hotels, perfect for any San Francisco get-away. The Lodge at the Presidio and the Inn at the Presidio are an escape into nature, just a short distance from downtown attractions. Have a national park camping experience at Rob Hill Campground, which offers four group sites and many amenities.

Plan Your Special Event

Special events are back on the table! With sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay, Presidio venues and outdoor spaces are ideal for special experiences like weddings, reunions, and corporate meetings. Choose from intimate chapels, elegant reception sites, and conference facilities such as the Golden Gate Club, the Chapel of Our Lady, Presidio Officers’ Club, and the Log Cabin. Or host an outdoor event on one of our Main Post Lawns. The Presidio offers a complete event experience that includes catering and convenient accommodations at the Lodge at the Presidio and the Inn at the Presidio.

Park Safety

The Presidio Trust and the National Park Service are following local and state guidelines for COVID safety, which continue to evolve. Visitors may be asked to wear masks inside federal buildings and shuttles, while it may not be necessary for vaccinated individuals to wear masks inside all park businesses. Masks and social distancing for vaccinated people are not required in outdoor spaces.

Photos are available upon request.