Main Parade Lawn
The Main Parade Lawn’s bountiful grass is the ideal place to picnic, toss a Frisbee, or take in the
Located in the heart of the Presidio, Main Parade Lawn is where San Francisco goes to relax.
On a typical day, you’ll find footballs flying, Presidio food trucks frying, and plenty of people sunk in the grass with a good book. Whatever the occasion, the beauty of the Main Parade Lawn is that you’ll also be steps away from other top Main Post attractions like Presidio Tunnel Tops, the Presidio Visitor Center, and The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Getting to Main Parade Lawn
Lincoln Boulevard and Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129
Why We Love the Main Parade Lawn
The Main Parade is one of the best people watching spots in the Presidio. There are seven acres of beautiful lawn where you can enjoy the show and make your own fun.
Accessibility at Main Parade Lawn
The Main Parade Lawn is easy to access by bus, shuttle, bike, or car. It has nearby lots with parking spaces for those with mobility limitations and nearby restrooms at Presidio Transit Center.
Insider Tip
Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and a picnic from home. Or pick up a great meal from the Presidio Pop Up food trucks right next to the lawn. Note: don’t use tent stakes or anything that would damage the grass. It’s ok to toss a Frisbee or ball, but organized sports aren’t allowed.
A Great Green Gathering Space
The Main Parade Lawn is right off the Presidio Promenade trail between Montgomery, Lincoln, Graham, and Sheridan Streets, next to the Presidio Visitor Center. Framed by rows of historic buildings, it’s the perfect green space for relaxing in the outdoors.
So Many Things to Do in the Presidio
The Main Parade Lawn is at the center of it all. It’s just steps from Presidio Tunnel Tops, The Walt Disney Family Museum, free history exhibits at the Presidio Officers’ Club, and several San Francisco Presidio restaurants.
Outdoor Space for Rent
The Main Parade Lawn is one of several outdoor venues on the Main Post that can be rented for celebrations, corporate events, and gatherings of all kinds. It’s big – the lawn can hold up to 6,000 people. To learn how to rent it, visit the Plan an Event section.
An Historic Gathering Space
The Main Parade was established in 1898 and was a dusty training site where the soldiers who lived in the adjacent red brick barracks conducted drills and participated in military ceremonies. In 1937, it became a parking lot. In 2011, two-thirds of the lot was transformed into a green gathering space for all to enjoy.
Sharing is Caring!
What’s a big lawn without a comfortable place to sit? Pull up one of the “Share Chairs” – moveable seating available for everyone to enjoy. They’re easy to spot thanks to their vibrant red color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Restrooms can be found at the north end of the lawn at Presidio Transit Center.
Yes. Visit the Plan an Event section for details on how to rent this or other nearby lawns.
No. Picnics and gatherings of 50 or fewer participants do not require a special use permit. Note that inflatable bounce houses and organized sports are not allowed.
Yes. Responsible alcohol consumption is allowed.
Yes, well-behaved pets on leash are allowed on the Main Parade.
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Experience the Presidio
The Presidio is San Francisco’s national park site, with endless trails, fun events, and unforgettable vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge.
