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Picnic Areas

The Presidio is home to some of the best picnic areas in San Francisco.  

Find a picnic spot that’s perfect for you and your crew.

If you want a day on the water, try the popular picnic areas at Baker Beach, Crissy Field East Beach, or Crissy Field West Bluff.

If you’d prefer to skip the crowds, chose the lesser-known gems – El Polin Spring, Immigrant Point Overlook, and Pershing Square.

One of the most beautiful picnic destinations is Battery Bluff, with tables overlooking San Francisco Bay and restored historic gun batteries from the Army days.

Newly opened Presidio Tunnel Tops features two formal picnic areas – Picnic at Transit and Picnic Place – as well as seating on benches, lawns, and a sheltered patio inside Presidio Transit Center.

Most picnic spots feature companion seating and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’d like to plan in advance, Picnic Place is the only one that can be reserved online. The Presidio also features several lawns that can be rented for large events.

Gather for a Presidio Picnic

A large group gathers at two picnic tables at the West Bluff Picnic Area. Photo by Myleen Hollero.
Photo by Myleen Hollero.
People eating at several tables at Picnic Place, with grills in the foreground. Photo by Dan Friedman.
Picnic Place. Photo by Dan Friedman.
Two groups gather at tables at Battery Bluff, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Photo by Myleen Hollero.
Tables at Battery Bluff. Photo by Myleen Hollero.
People gather at four picnic tables at Crissy Field East Beach. Photo by Myleen Hollero.
Picnic tables at Crissy Field East Beach. Photo by Myleen Hollero.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Grills or any other type of cooking appliance (this includes camping stoves, hibachis, etc.) may not be brought into the park. Cooking can only be done in designated areas that offer grills.

Rented tables and chairs and pop-up canopies or tents are not permitted, except in conjunction with a Park Use Permit. Groups without a permit are welcome to bring one 6′ X 30″ table

Small shade tents with maximum size of 5’x5’ are allowed on park lawns; no staking into the ground is permitted. No umbrellas or pop-up structures are allowed. You may be asked to take down a tent by a staff member if winds create a potential safety hazard. 

No, these can be harmful to wildlife and the park’s ecology.

Picnic, parties, and group gatherings are not allowed at the Outpost.

To learn about reserving space for large group picnic gatherings at Baker Beach or Crissy Field, visit the National Park Service website.

Two people and a dog walk at Crissy Field East Beach.

A Day at Crissy Field East Beach

Enjoy one of the best beaches in San Francisco and a walk along San Francisco Bay.

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Exterior of Presidio Transit Center.

Family Adventure at Presidio Tunnel Tops

Hunt for hidden objects, explore a huge nature playground, spot birds and fish, and have a picnic.

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Park Itineraries

Need help planning your day at the Presidio? We’ve put together some itinerary ideas for things to see and do in the park. Whether you’re planning to spend a few hours or an entire day, there’s something for everyone at the Presidio. 

Got a Question about Picnics at the Presidio?

If you have a question, please email picnic@presidiotrust.gov.

Picnic area at Battery Bluff. Photo by Rachel Styer.

Coming in 2025: Outpost Meadow

We’re expanding Presidio Tunnel Tops to offer more of what you’ve told us you need – picnic and gathering space for family and friends.

Illustration of the future lawn at Outpost Meadow. Credit: James Corner Field Operations.

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