Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Stretching for 70 miles along the Pacific Ocean, the 75,398 -acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) combines both elements of an urban park with formal landscaped gardens and historic buildings and a wildlife preserve where hawks, deer, mountain lions and bobcats live. Within the GGNRA you’ll find:

• 116 square miles of open space
• 10 historic forts
• 79 shipwrecks
• 2 redwood forests
• 1,250 historic structures
• 100 miles of trails
• 27 rare and endangered species
• 5 lighthouses

Run by National Park Rangers in partnership with a number of non-profit organizations, the GGNRA receives over 2 million visitors each year – more than any other National Park in the United States. Some of the most popular areas within the GGNRA include the following:

Alcatraz Island
Site of an historic fort, the infamous maximum-security prison, and a Native American protest. Ranger-led programs cover the island’s history as well as its current state as a nature preserve.

Cliff House
A San Francisco institution, offering unparalleled views of the Marin Coast. The National Parks Visitor Center provides a plethora of information about the birds and marine life you can see from here.

Fort Funston
Another spot with exceptional views. Also a popular spot for hang gliders.

Fort Mason
The site of GGNRA Headquarters as well as a full spectrum of museums, galleries, and educational and recreational programs.

Fort Point National Historic Site
The site of an active military post from 1776 through World War II. Programs focus on what life was like for the soldiers stationed here and on the construction of the nearby Golden Gate Bridge.

Marin Headlands
Hiking, biking or camping in the windswept ridges and protected valleys of the rugged headlands provides a wonderful escape from the city of San Francisco. A multitude of educational and recreational programs are provided here including horseback riding, art events, and exhibits on conservation.

Muir Woods National Monument
One of the GGNRA’s two redwood forests. Picking up a self-guided nature trail booklet and a hiking map at the Visitor Center will help you learn about the area’s natural history and make sure you get the most out of a visit to these beautiful woods.

Ocean Beach
A four-mile stretch of sandy coastline and the home of the snowy plover, a threatened shorebird. Popular with joggers and hikers.

Phleger Estate
Another gorgeous spot for hiking. Contains another redwood forest and mixed evergreen woodlands.

The Presidio of San Francisco
Until recently, the Presidio was a military base. Bit by bit the facilities are being converted to house cultural, historical and educational programs.

Stinson Beach
This beach stretches beneath steep hills with great ocean and headland views. Swimming is recommended only in the summer months when lifeguards are on duty.

Sutro Baths
Walking through the ruins of the baths, a popular meeting spot at one time, can feel a little odd, but the pleasant views and the generally quiet atmosphere make this an enjoyable pastime.

Sutro Heights
Once the home of Adolph Sutro; now a splendid park with excellent views of the Marin Coast.

For more details about visiting the GGNRA, visit its comprehensive web site.