Building 103

The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

"A National Park established in 1994 from a massive converted Army base, the Presidio is a sprawling, scenic, wild-feeling park in San Francisco proper. The grounds have plenty of attractions, but the real appeal is visual, with trails leading to scenic overlooks of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. It is perfect for folks who want a remote-feeling walk without wanting to invest time or energy in a full out-of-town hike. The Batteries to Bluffs (.7 miles), Bay Area Ridge (2.5 miles), and Lovers' Lane trails (.6 miles) are all tremendously scenic without being strenuous and, a new addition: Hikers on the Tennessee Hollow Trail can walk through a new section of restored wetlands habitat, which stretches from Thompson Reach all the way to Crissy Field." - Kimberley Lovato, Carey Jones

"For more than 200 years, the Presidio of San Francisco was one of the most important military posts on the West Coast. Now it's 1,491 acres of prime real estate, sporting amazing views and so much to do that you could easily spend a weekend and not see it all. Miles of walking trails lead through groves of eucalyptus trees and along coastal cliffs. There are restaurants, a bowling alley, and a gorgeous golf course that was an officers-only locale. Four significant works from renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy are on view, including his beloved Spire and Wood Line installations. Kids love the Walt Disney Family Museum as well as summer Sundays, when the Presidio Picnic by Off the Grid and the Presidio Trust unfurls on the Main Post lawn, with food trucks, entertainment, and activities for children. A variety of National Park Service–led tours can be arranged, and a visitor center features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits aboutthe park's past and present significance."