Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Presidio of San Francisco adventure.
The Presidio combines rich history, nature trails and beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. This part of the city has a vibrant neighborhood, a historic fort, parklands, and a nine-hole golf course to boot.
Hop on one of a dozen well-marked hiking trails to see the city from a different perspective. Park Trail goes through a wooded section that offers cool shade on warm days. Pro tip: the fog can roll in and cool things off quickly, even at the height of the summer. Bring a sweater!
The Batteries to Bluffs Trail starts with a tour of concrete fortifications that once belonged to the fort and it ends with a majestic view of the Pacific Ocean just west of the Golden Gate Bridge. Some trails have picnic areas, so enjoy a lunch on your hike.
The Spanish founded the fort known as The Presidio in 1776, a full 75 years before the gold rush of 1849. The settlement, with some 200 colonists, became the first European colony on the west coast. The oldest parts of the fort date back to 1812, when the Spanish rebuilt the fort after an earthquake. In 1847, Mexico ceded The Presidio to the U.S. government. It served as a U.S. Army installation until 1994. During World War II, the outpost was a jumping off point for many soldiers headed to the Pacific Theatre to fight against Japanese forces.
Today, The Presidio is a sprawling complex for anyone to enjoy. It's full of cultural activities, a large tree sculpture, outdoor art, and exciting restaurants. The red roofs stand out amid the green trees and blue ocean as a counterpoint to the natural beauty of the area. Even though the Presidio is a national park, it feels more like a living, breathing community.