A Day at Crissy Field East Beach
Enjoy one of the best beaches in San Francisco and a walk along San Francisco Bay.
Soak in the sun at the beach and take a nature hike along the Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail SF.
Enjoy the sand and waves at Crissy Field East Beach, and then take an walk to have adventure with San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge views in the background. Along the way, you’ll experience Crissy Marsh, Torpedo Wharf, and the Warming Hut Park Store.
This itinerary includes about 1.2 miles of walking and can take 3 to 4 hours.
- Kids and Family
- Recreation
- 3-4 hours
- All Ages
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes and/or flip flops
- Beach chairs and beach towels
- Beach shelter (to protect from sun and wind)
- Picnic food or snacks
- Extra layers
See operating hours for:
Mapping Your Day
Itinerary Overview
Stop 1: Crissy Field East Beach
Stop 2: Crissy Marsh
Stop 3: Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center
Stop 4: Torpedo Wharf
Stop 5: Warming Hut Park Store
Stop 6: Final Stop – Restrooms at Crissy Field East Beach
Nearest Parking
There’s free Crissy Field parking at the lot next to Crissy Field East Beach, and a paid lot right across Mason Street.
Stop 1: Crissy Field East Beach
With great Golden Gate Bridge views, Crissy Field East Beach is popular for a range of visitors, especially families. If you’re here early, snag a picnic table with a grill. Or simply toss out a blanket on the wide beach and let the kids play in the waves. If the wind is kicking, you might see the kite surfers bounce along the waves. Note that wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking water are nearby.
Tip: If you forgot any beach items, head a half mile west to Sports Basement at Crissy Field where you can pick up sunscreen, swimsuits, and flip flops. You can even rent water sports equipment. There are restrooms here as well.
Directions: Walk 0.4 miles west on the Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail SF from Crissy Field East Beach to your next your stop: Crissy Marsh.
Stop 2: Crissy Marsh
Crissy Marsh is a restored wetland that attracts more than 300 bird species that stop in the Presidio on their Pacific Flyway journey. Stand on the bridge and watch for Caspian Terns soaring overhead or spot Belted Kingfishers and Great Egrets spearfishing in the marsh.
Tip: If you didn’t bring a picnic with you, walk over the bridge and cross Mason Street to reach the Presidio Pop Up food vendors right outside the Outpost Playground at Presidio Tunnel Tops. You’ll also find restrooms and a water refill station next to the nearby Field Station.
Directions: Continue your walk west along Golden Gate Promenade/ Bay Trail SF until you reach your next stop: the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center.
Nature Notes
Our goal is 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.
Quartermaster Reach Marsh
Another great place for birding is Quartermaster Reach Marsh, right across Mason Street from Crissy Marsh. It’s a restored, seven-acre wetland that attracts migrating shorebirds. It’s part of the Tennessee Hollow Watershed.
Stop 3: Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center
Located in a historic Coast Guard station, the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center is where families can learn about nature and wildlife. Kids can get hands-on with plankton, squid, octopus, or crabs.
Tip: Right behind the building, you’ll have easy access to a sandy Crissy Field beach as well as a green space that’s perfect for a snack break.
Directions: Continue west along the trail to your next stop, Torpedo Wharf.
Stop 4: Torpedo Wharf
Located steps from the Crissy Field West Picnic Area, Torpedo Wharf dates back to 1941. It’s the place to take a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge and watch locals do some crabbing and fishing. Kids will love watching the fishermen toss their lines in the bay. Walk to the end of the wharf to get the best view of the San Francisco skyline.
Tip: It can get chilly as the wind comes up in the afternoon. Bring an extra layer of clothes to keep warm.
Directions: Steps from the base of the pier, you’ll find the Warming Hut Park Store.
Stop 5: Warming Hut Park Store
Stop by the Warming Hut Park Store to pick up a souvenir of your day or a warm coffee or hot chocolate.
Tip: Wheelchair accessible restrooms are right next to the Warming Hut.
Directions: Retrace your steps to Crissy Field East Beach.
Stop 6: Final Stop - Restrooms at Crissy Field East Beach
Shake the sand from your shoes and change out of beachwear at the accessible restrooms and changing rooms at Crissy Field East Beach.
Getting to Your Starting Point
Crissy Field East Beach
By Car
There’s free Crissy Field parking at the lot next to Crissy Field East Beach and a paid lot right across Mason Street.
