El Polín Spring
Experience nature and history at this peaceful refuge in the park’s largest watershed.
Located off the Ecology Trail within Tennessee Hollow – the Presidio’s largest watershed – El Polín Spring is central to Presidio history and a peaceful place to experience nature.
El Polín is a natural spring that provided fresh water to the Ramaytush Ohlone people, Spanish soldiers, and the U.S. Army. In the early 1800s, when the site was just outside the original fort of El Presidio (the first fort), Spanish Colonial businesswoman and landowner Juana Briones lived here with her family. Later, the U.S. Army built housing near here, putting much of the creek system underground.
After more than two decades of habitat restoration, today you can watch an Anna’s hummingbird drink, enjoy a history walk, and have an intimate picnic.
Getting to El Polín Spring
El Polin Loop, San Francisco, CA 94129
Why We Love El Polín Spring
Leave the crowds behind at this lesser–known Presidio gem. A walk in nature around the loop provides a true escape from busy city life and gives you a window into the historic Presidio.
Accessibility at El Polín Spring
El Polín Spring features picnic tables with companion seating and an accessible restroom.
Insider Tip
If visiting with kids, you’ll find a little “book nook” near a bench with fun tools to experience nature at El Polín Spring. Kids can also visit Presidio Wall Playground, one of the best playgrounds San Francisco. It’s just a short walk up a spur trail from El Polín Spring.
Where Presidio History Meets Nature
Not every Presidio visitor makes it to El Polín Spring. Those that do discover a real gem.
Take a Walk
The best way to get to El Polín Spring is on foot. Access it from the Presidio Ecology Trail or the Mountain Lake Trail. Or walk up MacArthur Avenue past homes built by the Army in the 1960s and today occupied by park residents.
Bring Your Binoculars
This is a birdwatching hotspot. Bring your binoculars for a chance to see California Towhees, Black Phoebes, American Robins, White-crowned and Song Sparrows, and Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds.
Enjoy a Picnic
El Polín Spring features a small sheltered picnic area with a single barbeque grill. Come enjoy a meal in a peaceful park setting.
Encounter the History of the Presidio
In 1776, Spain established a fort or “presidio” within walking distance of the spring. By 1812, colonial families had set up a community of adobe houses, making El Polín Spring San Francisco’s first suburb. Today, it’s a place of ongoing archaeological investigation. El Polín is the only part of the Presidio with interpretive signs in both English and Spanish.
Legend Has It
There’s an old legend that says if a woman drinks from the naturally occurring fresh waters of El Polín Spring under the full moon, she’ll have many children and a long life. The myth was widely circulated in the 19th century among the soldiers of the early Spanish Presidio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A fun fact is that El Polín has the only compost toilets in Presidio. They are open daily from dawn to dusk.
No, there is no food service at El Polín Spring. About a 15-minute walk away, find Presidio Pop Up food trucks near the Presidio Visitor Center. See a list of all Presidio food options.
A pioneer in multiple fields, Doña Juana Briones de Miranda (1802-1889) was one of the first three settlers in Yerba Buena — later to become San Francisco. Born in present-day Santa Cruz, she moved to the Presidio in 1812. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
Yes. To find out about living in the Presidio, visit Rent a Home.
Nature Notes
It’s our goal to make sure people can enjoy the Presidio’s natural beauty for generations to come. We work to protect native plants and animals while reducing our impact on the environment.
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The Presidio is San Francisco’s national park site, with endless trails, fun events, and unforgettable vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge.
