Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Such a diverse place. We traversed portions of this as part of an urban hike. Enjoy.

Sweeney Ridge Trail, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, near Pacifica, offers great possibility for up and down hill hiking and unforgettable coastal views. Excellent place to visit and gain good health for a happy life 😊

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is an incredible destination that offers a diverse range of natural beauty and recreational activities. Spanning over 80,000 acres, this expansive park includes numerous sites, each with its own unique charm and attractions. One of the standout features of the recreation area is, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether you’re viewing it from Fort Point, Crissy Field, or Battery Spencer, the iconic bridge never fails to impress. The panoramic views of the bridge against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay are simply breathtaking and make for excellent photo opportunities. Hiking enthusiasts will love the variety of trails available, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Trails like the Coastal Trail and the Marin Headlands offer stunning views of the ocean, rugged cliffs, and abundant wildlife. The fresh air and scenic beauty make these hikes truly enjoyable. For history buffs, the park has several historic sites, including Fort Point, Alcatraz Island, and the Nike Missile Site. Each location offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with informative displays and guided tours that bring history to life. Beaches within the recreation area, such as Baker Beach and Rodeo Beach, provide perfect spots to relax, picnic, and enjoy the sound of the waves. These beaches are often less crowded than others in the area, making them ideal for a peaceful escape.

Beautiful. Good look-out point for the bridge, Alcatraz, and the Bay coastline. Liked the Lone Sailor statue as well.

It was a little more crowded than I remembered it being 15 years ago. The view is very pretty. There are vendors selling $10 hot dogs and fruit cups. People were kind enough to take your photo when asked. It was very easy to find after getting off the bridge.

The weather was cold, but the view is beautiful.

Great place to get out of the city and into nature. I loved the ponds, lake, and all the walking trails. We did see a lot of broken glass from smashed car windows, so make sure you leave no valuables inside any vehicles. I did feel safe the whole time and walked all 6 miles from the top to the ocean.

One of the most beautiful places on Earth. VAST with a plethora of things to see and things to do. Great for kids great for adults great for the elderly. Great for dogs on a leash. I take my snake there sometimes to be in the sun.

We went for a hike down to Kirby Cove and it was amazing. I walked the beautiful 4 miles with my SO and our young child. It was breathtaking. Such a pleasant surprise after some of the places we visited in the city that were less than clean or pleasant smelling.

How lucky are we to have a national park right smack in the middle of our urban area? Just one of many things that makes the Bay special. GGNRA can get crowded with tourists, but can you blame them? And there's sooo much space it's still possible to feel uncrowded if you get away from the swarms of selfie takers by the bridge. The beauty of this park is its versatility. I've picnicked in Crissy Field, biked the hills of the headlands, and marveled at the circling hawks during their November migration, and there's still so much more to see and do. Access is super easy. Units spread across SF, the Peninsula, and Marin, so you're probably closeish wherever you are in the Bay Area. I love that Muni runs an Express bus from downtown SF to the headlands. We can get there from Oakland sans car in under 90 minutes total. Runs every hour on weekends. Pretty sweet to not have to worry about driving and parking (or having your car broken into, for that matter). I'm unsure if there are parts of the park with access fees, but I've never had to pay to get in. With that said, it's incredible how much we get out of our national parks and how few resources they have. Keep your dog on a leash, pick up your trash, and be respectful of others. It's so cool we have this park as a shared resource and we should all take care of it together!

We went to the site near Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. We wanted to come up and find the helicopter crash site for about 25 years ago. If you friends mind had uncovered it recently and we went with them to see the site. Keep in mind that this part doesn't really have any facilities to talk up. Can be very hot and dry or even in the winter very cold. Bring a lots of water!

Go from Chrissy Field to the Headlands over the GGB and one more, two more, three more valleys north and the GGNRA just gets better and better. The six-mile Bobcat-Miwok loop in Gerbode Valley from Rodeo Lagoon is a great hike or trail run with views of the City, Mt Tam, the Pacific and Tiburon. Lots of wildflowers and the occasional bobcat and deer. Hawk Camp is a fun place to backpack to with young kids who want to do a real trip without going far from the city. It's a good entry level overnight camping trip. Tennessee valley holds a 2 mile hike to the beach and even better access to the most beautiful section of the Coastal Trail. Going up and over to Muir Beach through the Zen Center and then looping back via Pirates Cove and Coastal is an ALL-TIME trail run. Dogs and mtbs allowed.

30 years since my last visit to the Golden Gate Bridge and my most recent visit on January 27, 2018 brought back the rush of all those great memories! Even better, it was a supremely beautiful day at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area that I shared with my BFF! The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is huge and includes Alcatraz, Fort Point National Historic Site, and Muir Woods National Monument along with a dozens more natural and historic places. I'll say again we were blessed that it was a gloriously beautiful clear and sunny day when we visited the Fort Point National Historic Site which is on the south end of the bridge. We were lucky to dodge the typically fog shrouded weather that rolls in unexpectedly in the Bay Area. There's a ton of exhibits to check out at Fort point which provide a great deal of detailed history on the Golden Gate Bridge construction as well as vignettes about this world class engineering marvel. Everywhere you walk at fort point, there are incredible 360 degree views of the coast. The best part of the Golden Gate experience was being able to walk from the fort point site across the Golden Gate Bridge and go north (and return back) via the pedestrian access/ walkway! As we made our way to the center span and beyond -- We were enthralled by this once in a lifetime bridge walk and IMO This was the absolute coolest unforgettable aspect of our Golden Gate Bridge experience! The Golden Gate Bridge is an absolute must visit if you are ever in San Francisco!

An obvious 5 star location. The iconic bridge is something you must walk on, walk across and walk around. Parking is a hard to find and traffic can be brutal. When visiting on the city side of the bridge arrive early before the tour busses drop tourists for bathroom breaks. Walking across the bridge is thrilling with a fantastic view (weather permitting). This is one of America's must-see sites.

What a beautiful photo op. Also I found out that if you rent a car they charge you $14 for riding on the bridge

More beautiful than if a Claude Monet painting and a Pablo Picasso masterpiece slept together, to spawn some interpicture baby portrait. Really breathtaking. Closing out my reviews of San Francisco is the gorgeous Golden Gate National Recreation Area. After great meal, figured I'd say goodbye to this amazing city by checking out some historical landmarks. Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, checking out the high mountain points in the Recreation Area and the Full House house. (Oh that crazy Tanner family) As great as it was to see where the Tanner's fictionally lived, this was the most amazing thing to see on my trip. Once you drive up the hill for awhile, you can start hiking up. Went up a bit and got to see some amazing views of everything. It was an unbelievable view of the entire city. Nice way to peace out and say goodbye. Thank you San Francisco, for such an wonderful time!

One of the things I love most about San Francisco is the proximity of the wild place. Few other large cities have this much nature so close to urban. Its 6:30 AM and 20 minutes from the city center - Point Bonita. Now I'm standing on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean and surrounded by rutting dear (1 doe and 4 bucks fighting, eating, watching, living) - phenomenal. One daybreak hour of wind, cliffs, surf, deer, birds, conifer and eucalyptus. Soul food.

Not much to see alas. We did the loop around the Marin headlands. I can't say it was disappointing, since the thick fog and excess of tourists was entirely predictable for June, as well as the stiff wind. Still, some glimpses of Land's End and other parts of the Peninsula. Perhaps a repeat later in the year would be worthwhile.

How can one not give five stars for this view. It is one-of-a-kind. It will be crowded. It is a tourist trap. There will be people looking to take your things. Be forward thinking and take your valuables and keep your head on a swivel and you'll be fine.

This is HUGE, people! It covers Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, the Presidio and Fort Mason, and miles of coastline and mountains in Marin County. I love all of it! I've given to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. It's tax deductible, and I'm supporting my local trees. Plus I got a cool black sweatshirt with Mount Tamalpais on the front! I love walks on the beach, MY beach. Watching hang gliders and exploring the gun batteries. Hiking up mountains. Looking in all the dark corners at Fort Point. Watching the waves crash and spray over my head on the breakwaters. Looking at the amazing view of Golden Gate Bridge from Baker's Beach. All the fine parties and fairs at the docks in Fort Mason. Teaching classes in the warehouses. Driving around the hills in the Presidio, looking at all the old architecture. Admiring the new architecture down at the Letterman Center. Staring in amazement at the lagoon which used to be the land we would sit on to watch the fireworks. Watching outdoor movies on summer nights in the Marin Headlands. I could go on about this forever.

This is quite simply one of the most beautiful places in the country. It never fails to amaze me to drive out of the city, across the bridge and have this beautiful parkland. Most people who are visiting just drive up to the first parking area and then turn around. You're missing all the fun! Get out of your car! Take a little hike, there are more great views just around the corner. Even on busy weekends, the hiking trails are never crowded. Keep your eyes open: the last time we were there, a coyote walked right in front of us. Love it, love it, love it. I'd be there right now if I could!

The Conservancy stretches 70 miles north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, basically a 75,500+ acre greenbelt along the Pacific Ocean. "From Tomales Bay in the north to the San Mateo watershed in the south, the parks include ancient redwoods, historic landmarks, miles of trails, rocky shorelines, rare and endangered species, lush coastal wilderness, and breathtaking vistas." Think about Crissy, Alcatraz, Land's End, Fort Funston, Muir woods, Marin Headlands, The Presidio... Places that make San Francisco all the more spectacular & enjoyable. There is a dedicated team who works constantly to make sure the national treasures are safe, clean, preserved and beautiful for all who visit. Check out their Volunteer Schedule and grab a group of friends to work at a park that means the most to you... it's so worth your time & you'll always remember the experience when you return to the park. They also have drop in sessions -- so get on out there! :)

My heart belongs in San Francisco and this place is one of the reasons why. There are few cities in the world with such close proximity to nature and the wild. It never fails to mesmerize and one can truly get lost and meander the day away enjoying the vistas and sights. The majesty of this place cannot be understated, there's so much to explore and it never becomes unexciting. If I'm ever lacking motivation with my photography, I come to this place to gain inspiration because this place is one of the most photogenic places on earth.

The largest urban national park in the world. The #2 most visited travel destination spot in California, after Disneyland. (The Golden Gate Bridge is part of that stat) Windmills, archery ranges, lakes, bison, free concerts, gorilla runs, SO MUCH MORE... I could prattle and ramble on until I was blue in the face, and you were blue in the bum. Go out and explore your city....

What a cool natural place right outside of San Francisco! This National Recreation area is located not far from San Francisco. In fact, one of the borders is just right outside the Golden Gate Bridge and it spans all the way up to part of Point Reyes! It's huge and just driving the whole length can take about 1 hour, part of it is because the roads can get really windy and you cannot drive all that fast. We drove through this, but didn't have time to really make many stops as we spent most of the day at Point Reyes and were on a schedule to get into town. The only point we stopped at was Point Vista (you can read my review on that for more info). The drive throughout is beautiful and you feel like you are in another world. There are lots of trails to take, and so many beaches to stop at along the way. The famous John Muir woods is also here and it has it's own visitor center as well. I'm not sure if you have to pay for parking, but I didn't notice anything about fees. This area is huge and spans through a few cities and there are small towns in between too. They are very cute. Who knew you could practically travel to another world without going far away at all!! The views are gorgeous! The pacific is so beautiful! There are many places you can pull out to look at the scenery, so please do that if you are driving! Don't try to look as you drive because that is VERY dangerous! I wish we had more time to stop at the many beaches and to do some hikes. Next time!! I will be back! When going through this, I think it's best to take your time, hike, and enjoy the sights!

Apparently this is among the hot spots for tourists to enjoy...but I feel like I was one of the only of my friends to have visited here. Talk about a untrodden San Francisco gem by many of us urbanites! We only have to go over the bridge ppl! My friends and I used to rent bikes from Blazing Saddles and sail through the trails here for multiple hours. Point blank: It's gorgeous and you've got great weather. There is nothing better to do on a early spring or fall day but come over here - by youself, a friend, or with a man-friend. I don't believe it's "legal" to drink adult beverages here...but woah, I just love admiring the view of the Golden Gate drinkin' a few glasses of wine. Just don't tell my mom. or the po-lice.

I love SF. The views are amazing regardless of where you are in the GG National Recreation Area, and even under less than ideal weather conditions (even fog, which cloaks everything in chilly dreaminess). Make sure you explore both sides of the bridge! I especially like the views you get of GGB and the city from the Marin headlands. And definitely check it out at different hours of the day and night-- seeing GGB aglow with commuter headlights with SF glittering in the background is just magical. Love love love!

GGNRA...GOGA...or Golden Gate National Recreation Area is epic! This park is made up of many...Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Marin Headlands, Crissy Field, The Presidio, Fort Point, Lands End, Milagra Ridge, Mori Point, Rancho Corral del Tierra, Bolinas Ridge, Fort Mason, Ocean Beach, Stinson Beach, Olema Valley, Tennessee Valley, Fort Miley, Sutro Heights, Fort Funston, and now Golden Gate Bridge...and there's probably even MORE places! All of them are awesome and all of them protect special places in San Francisco and the United States history and also offers swimming, hiking, biking, accessible trails, birdwatching, swimming, surfing, tidepooling, tours, talks, visitor centers, shopping, boat rides, and much more. No less than 5 stars! You can certainly find something you'll enjoy in Golden Gate.

What really want to do is give both a 1 and a 5. I obviously love our outdoor parkland. So much so that I'm planning to have my wedding there in a few weeks. However, despite having filed my application there for a permit 6 months ago, we still have not gotten one. I have followed up once a month every month since then and each time I'm told it will be "a few weeks." So now who knows if I have a wedding ceremony site or not. I really just want to be able to celebrate the city I love. San Francisco, why do you have to make our relationship so high-maintenance sometimes?

I hate them. Don't worry, I have reasons... it's not an irrational hatred. I think the hatred began around when they started Trails Forever, ie: tearing down trees and plants that generations of small animals surely called home, under the pretense of an arbitrary "habitat restoration" to a habitat that hasn't existed for a century or more, but seemingly with the actual purpose of making parks more accessible to tourists and those who want parks without all the "parky" stuff like dirt and trees obscuring their "scenic" view. So, they tore down trees, put in paved pathways (little known fact: all pathways were paved before Europeans settled here... it's the natural habitat), and put in some native shrubs to be pretty for tour groups and joggers (so they don't feel like they're just jogging on the sidewalk), little creatures who actually called it their home be damned (I've still yet to see raccoons and foxes at Lands End since construction started). So now, once relatively proper "parks" have paved paths, glorious parking lots and restroom facilities that look like the design was ripped from some rest area through Kentucky, and surely thousands of little animals who called it home have been killed or displaced all so tourists and joggers don't have to step in mud after it's rained. Lovely. And self-righteous volunteers get to feel good about themselves for "helping", not to mention get to garden in lieu of a garden of their own, and SF transplants get to focus their attention on community gardens and wanky "temporary parks" and live in blissful ignorance while patting themselves on the back for putting some benches and a track of grass in a Mission/Hayes Valley parking spot. But I digress, as always. In the meantime, dogs are increasingly banned (or at least ban proposals) from areas, because clearly *they're* the ones damaging the "natural habitat" (expanded parking lots, construction crews, and encouraging hoards of people to visit don't harm that at all, obviously, and the trash they leave is all biodegradable, which the dog crap left by irresponsible dog owners - the minority - isn't). I don't know. I'm bitter. Most parks have been left alone - or at least mostly - so it's not fair of me to claim the GGNPC is destroying everything (maybe not even most). But maybe if they had the money... (the day Point Reyes gets paved paths for "improved visitor experience" is the day i start mumbling to myself along Market St) I bathe, I flush the toilet, I don't live in a tent... so I'm not trying to go all zealot. It just seems like the first priority for an organization overseeing parks, and the people who support them, should be respect for what's there (ie: go as if you were visiting someone else's home), rather than an egotistical drive to shape it to their wants for a nice picnic day. And this is something the GGNPC has failed miserably at the past several years (at least as much as they've been able).

THIS is why I love where I live. There's a reason why the GG bridge and surrounding trails/views make for the 2nd most visited spot in CA. If I ever hear someone complaining of the weather, I remind them of the obvious - we are so spoiled. Get out there and enjoy people. Stop reading this and head over.

Why San Francisco is one of the greatest cities in the entire country. I never feel like I need to "get out of the city" because you can get out of the city w/o actually ever leaving. One of the best things of this place, and makes me wonder if there's another place that can even come close to it.

Hummm......Nike Missiles. My better half once wanted to take a romantic drive through the Golden Gate Nat. Rec. area. After stopping and sighing at the beautiful picture postcard view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, we meander dreamily along the winding road past the Pt. Bonita Lighthouse, old cement military bunkers and continue on towards the Marin Headlands. We see a sign for a Nike Missile Site and see what looks like an elevator silo. Wtf. Not that I have a thing for weapons of mass destruction, but I do have a curiosity for such things when these types of things are pretty much in our own back yard. Closed down only in 1979, it is now open for tours. This was just one site of 280 in the US. Kinda creepy but still interesting in that cold war sort of way. Oh, the Marin Headlands area is very pretty. Like David said, this place is humongous. http://www.nps.gov/goga/nike-missile-site.htm

The GGNRA is the best part of the SF Bay Area. The views are outstanding, and you can't believe that you are seeing such beauty. From the bridges to the Headlands, it's all filled with hiking trails, photo ops, and adventure.

I experienced the golden gate bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge did have some beautiful scenery around the Bridge it was nice and cool but the thing that I really didn't like traffic and I hate the toll roads they charge you to use the bridge they say they use that money to remodel street and the bridge. I have not seen that bridge remodeled since it was built so where is all that money going too. And it doesn't take all that money to do repairs to that bridge there's a lot of people that drive through that bridge in a daily basis Bridge looks like s*** streets in San Francisco are all f***** up horrible ugly city. And that's my opinion

Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most vast National Parks, going as far south as San Francisco's Fort Mason, and as far north as Pt. Reyes Station. Pt. Reyes National Seashore is part of it. It encompasses the Earthquake Trail, Drake's Beach, the iconic lighthouse, Tomales Bay and Bolinas Lagoon, along with the Marin headlands. It's a geologically fascinating place as the San Andreas Fault forms the Olema Valley of the Pt. Reyes Peninsula. There's plenty of hiking. A spectacular urban/rural setting.

There is no other place like this in the US. Most of it is FREE (except for Alcatraz). GGNRA is a flurry of parks to see starting south of SF to the Marin Headlands. You can be in SF and 15 min drive to Marin you're in wilderness. I don't know of any city that combines urban living within being in the redwoods. The views are heaven on earth.

No place like home !!! I love this area... I seriously go here like twice a week and I live like way across town and it still never gets old. Its always clean and people are so friendly.

I've been coming here for more than 20 years, it has changed so much. Way to many people. Used to go on the weekend and you may be the only one there. After driving through the tunnel, and seeing a endless line if cars heading back, totally turned me off of ever coming back. After going up and seeing the sights, walking down to the light house, we decided to head back, only to sit 2 hours to get through the tunnel, they need to fix this problem, since it's the only way in and out of this amazing place.

GGNRA covers a large region from near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco thru Muir Woods. It might even cover near Point Reyes but I can't be sure. Definitely a lot of great places for sighseeing, hiking, or relaxing in a car looking towards a scenic view.

Our car's window was smashed and broken in for only 20 minutes parking, the safety in this park and in the whole San Francisco is a joke, don't go there if you are a traveler like me, the street criminals are targeting in you and you will not get any protection from the securities. we lost around 12000 dollars properties included passports and ID cards, police did nothing to this and the online research told me there are around 300 times cars break in in San Francisco.

I was in the Fort Mason part of this park. I always seem to visit here sometime when I am in the city. Nice place to just relax. Plenty of grassy rolling small hills that overlook part of the bay to just kick back on. I have never seen it too crowded that you are being bothered by the people trowing balls and things for their dogs. The air here is fresh and clean off the bay. Love that smell of the saltwater coming off the bay.

There are so many great and unique things about GGNRA - the Presidio in San Francisco, the rugged Marin Headlands, the miles of conserved countryside, Point Reyes, Fort Cronkite and the Headlands Center for the Arts, Marine Mammal Rescue Center etc - fabulous etc. But at this point I want to review a true oddity: Nike Missile Battery SF-88! It is a preserved battery of "Nike," nuclear tipped anti-aircraft missiles (disarmed of course), which you can visit while you listen to helpful explanations given by the now elderly veterans of that nuclear arm - scrapped in the early 70s. Have fun poking around a classified facility that would have cost you your life just a few decades ago. It is one of a series of Nike batteries that were scattered all around the Bay Area and coastal cities of the U.S., each holding about a dozen missiles, radar and maintenance facilities - all under extreme high security. In spite of being widespread, it was a system that remained almost completely unknown to the public. Or, as one of the vets said rather brusquely - knowledge was on a "need to know basis" and since they were there to defend the bay's once extensive roster of military bases and not the "general public" - I guess the general public didn't need to know! That's the cold war right there! It is especially worthwhile to come meet the vets on the 1st Saturday of the month - some of them are on the salty, cranky side - but compared to complete nuclear annihilation, I think it's an entertaining way of learning about the cold war! Go Battery SF-88!!

Who doesn't love a day at the GGNRA? Just one of the most beautiful places on earth!

What a beautiful hike on Saturday! This outfit has it going on. They are organized, clearly communicate and their docents tell great stories. Such a great way to learn about the Bay Area. We plan on volunteering, too. It's difficult to find family volunteering opptys that can include kids below 16. Look for their schedule and map. The map itself is fantastic - just to be able to see the layout of the parks is pretty cool. Membership is just a small donation.

Great trails to hike, run and bike on, you just need to try them out and see what you like best! Tourist traffic can be problematic but it is worth figuring that out. This is a gorgeous area, even when the fog rolls in and cools things down or limits the views. If you get outside the fog, you can see it dance over the hills and that is beautiful to watch.

I absolutely loved Golden Gate National Rec Area. I can't imagine it gets much more beautiful than this! The hike to Point Bonita Lighthouse was great as well! So amazing!

Go take a stroll around Golden Gate! It is such a large park, and there's so many things to see! We stumbled upon an Angler fishing club as well as small bison area! Also, the man made lake is pretty cool. Overall, great place for a nice tranquil walk. I wish I was in the city more so I could run a few miles around it!

Better views of the Golden Gate from this angle. This place great and I'd make it a stop everytime I visit if time allows. A couple of things to keep in mind. - its free which means it's packed. - the drive up could be scary for those not accustomed to driving on a two lane road with such huge changes of grade. - it gets packed but don't be discouraged. You get great views right away which is probably why most stop at the first lot they see but parking could be difficult in those areas. - The true beauty is reaching the top. Its also where there's a tunnel to view the beach side of the area. There's also a single one way lane road to drive down to Black Sand beach and the lighthouse. Once you've gone that far you could just jump on the local streets to get to your next destination.

Can catch more than 100 candy of Squirtle one day. There are so many kinds of pokemon there.

this is the gateaway place for me besides point reyes and sweeney ridge. tamalpais, muir woods, stinton beach, bird island and i can go on and on the list. i would definately try to get to east peak of tamalpais when its kinda foggy at the low land to see the fog coming into the bay. and then get to the west side where we could look at the vast pacific ocean. just park at the parking spot and trek about 15-20 minutes and you would be able to find a good spot for you to enjoy the breathtaking view.

This is why I live where I do. The GGNRA is conveniently close to the Marina district of San Francisco. After a run through the GGNRA, I love to go reward myself with a hearty brunch from any of the amazing restaurants on Union or Chestnut Streets.