Presidio Tunnel Tops
Nature, picnic sites, a playground, food vendors, and free family fun – in one easy-to-access spot.
Your Gateway to the Presidio
Presidio Tunnel Tops is the front door to the Presidio — where national park adventures begin!
Made by the community, for the community, it offers unforgettable Golden Gate Bridge views, the Presidio Visitor Center, the Outpost playground and Field Station curiosity lab, trails and public lawns, Presidio Pop Up food celebrating diverse cultures, and some of the best places to picnic in the Presidio.
It’s built on and around the Presidio Parkway tunnels (hence Tunnel Tops!), making it easy and fun to walk from the center of the Presidio to the park’s beautiful waterfront at Crissy Field.
Presidio Tunnel Tops is free to all and open every day. It’s one of the very best things to do in San Francisco with family and friends.
Kids & Family
Here kids can have adventures in nature and let their imaginations run wild - all for free!
Outpost Nature Playground
Climb and crawl on play structures inspired by nature and history.
Field Station
Use your senses to discover the great outdoors.
Getting to Presidio Tunnel Tops
210 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129
By Public Transit
Muni Route: 43 Masonic
Stop: Presidio Transit Center
Muni Route: 30 Stockton
Stop: Sports Basement Parking Lot
Parking
There are paid parking areas at the south end near the Presidio Visitor Center and the Presidio Transit Center. At the north end near Crissy Field, there is a large parking lot near Sports Basement in easy walking distance to the Outpost nature playground. Accessible parking is available.
Food & Picnic Areas
Presidio Tunnel Tops is a hub for delicious food that can be enjoyed on picnic tables with a view.
Presidio Pop Up
Find food trucks, carts, and tents by the Main Parade Lawn, Presidio Plaza, and the Outpost.
Il Parco
Enjoy Italian flavors with a Golden Gate Bridge view.
Picnic Place
Reserve picnic tables and charcoal grills for your group at Picnic Place.
Picnic at Transit
Located next to Presidio Transit Center, find both bistro-style seating and community picnic tables.
Rent a Lawn at Presidio Tunnel Tops
Host a group event at one of the outdoor gathering spaces at or near Presidio Tunnel Tops, including the East Meadow, the West Lawn, and the Main Post Lawns. We also have details on how to get permits for private events and organized activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
The Presidio is open daily, year-round. Presidio Tunnel Tops is an outdoor space that’s open like the rest of the park. However, some experiences are open during specific hours: Presidio Visitor Center, the Outpost playground, and the Field Station. Presidio Pop Up food and beverage vendors are open daily with hours that change seasonally.
Presidio Tunnel Tops is free and open to all. No tickets or reservations are needed.
Restrooms are located at Presidio Transit Center and near the Outpost playground. There are also private family restrooms at both locations.
Well behaved pets on leash are permitted in most outdoor areas of the Presidio. However, as with other parks in San Francisco, they’re not permitted in playgrounds, including at the Outpost. Only service animals are allowed inside indoor facilities.
Smoking of any substance is not permitted at Presidio Tunnel Tops, the Main Post Lawns, or within 25 feet of buildings.
Small shade tents with a maximum size of 5’x5’ are allowed on the lawns. Staking in the ground is not allowed. 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.
Transportation
Paid parking lots with accessible parking spaces are located around Presidio Tunnel Tops, including next to Presidio Visitor Center.
Bay Wheels classic and electric bicycles are available to rent in the Presidio using the Lyft app. There are stations near Presidio Transit Center and Crissy Field Center. Classic and electric bicycles are also available to rent at Sports Basement. Walk your bikes, skateboards, and scooters while visiting Presidio Tunnel Tops. Bike racks are available near the Presidio Transit Center, Outpost playground, and Sports Basement entrances. Do not bring bikes into the Outpost playground.
Food, Picnics, and Grilling
Presidio Pop Up mobile food and beverage vendors offer delicious food representing the Bay Area’s cultures and cuisines. Pop Up food is available at Presidio Tunnel Tops and near the Main Parade Lawn every day. Il Parco restaurant will open inside Presidio Transit Center in late 2023. You can also find a variety of restaurants in the Presidio.
Yes, you can reserve a picnic site at Picnic Place, which has nine wheelchair accessible tables (16’ to 23’) and 10 grills. Additionally, community picnic tables near at Picnic at Transit are available to everyone on a first-come, first-served, basis (not reservable, no grills). You can also picnic on the lawns, benches, Presidio Steps, and movable tables.
Yes, you can use one of the 10 grills at Picnic Place that can be reserved in advance. Bringing your own grill to Presidio Tunnel Tops is strictly prohibited; Picnic Place is the only place where cooking is permitted.
Outdoor Events
Yes, there are outdoor spaces to rent at Presidio Tunnel Tops for large gatherings and special events including Picnic Place and Presidio Lawns.
