Picnic Areas
The Presidio is home to some of the best picnic areas in San Francisco.
If you want a day on the water, try the popular picnic areas at Baker Beach, Crissy Field East Beach, or Crissy Field West Bluff.
If you’d prefer to skip the crowds, chose the lesser-known gems – El Polin Spring, Immigrant Point Overlook, and Pershing Square.
One of the most beautiful picnic destinations is Battery Bluff, with tables overlooking San Francisco Bay and restored historic gun batteries from the Army days.
Newly opened Presidio Tunnel Tops features two formal picnic areas – Picnic at Transit and Picnic Place – as well as seating on benches, lawns, and a sheltered patio inside Presidio Transit Center.
Most picnic spots feature companion seating and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’d like to plan in advance, Picnic Place is the only one that can be reserved online. The Presidio also features several lawns that can be rented for large events.
Gather for a Presidio Picnic
Frequently Asked Questions
Grills or any other type of cooking appliance (this includes camping stoves, hibachis, etc.) may not be brought into the park. Cooking can only be done in designated areas that offer grills.
Rented tables and chairs and pop-up canopies or tents are not permitted, except in conjunction with a Park Use Permit. Groups without a permit are welcome to bring one 6′ X 30″ table. For information about Special Use Permits, email outdoorevents@presidiotrust.gov or call 415-561-4200.
Small shade tents with maximum size of 5’x5’ are allowed on park lawns; no staking into the ground is permitted. 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.
No, these can be harmful to wildlife and the park’s ecology.
Picnic, parties, and group gatherings are not allowed at the Outpost.
No, third party entertainers and vendors (e.g., clowns, face painters, etc.) are not allowed.
Picnic areas are shared spaces. A Special Use Permit is required for events with more than 50 people. This includes organized sports and events. To learn more about a Special Use Permit, visit the Plan an Event page. If you have questions about your gathering, please call 415-561-4200 or email us at outdoorevents@presidiotrust.gov. Staff may ask you to remove décor and furnishings that are prohibited. A Special Use Permit is required for events or activities that meet any of the following criteria:
- Events with caterers and/or food trucks/carts and/or alcohol sales/beverage service
- Events that go beyond the scope of “normal” park use
- Events with rented equipment
To learn about reserving space for large group picnic gatherings at Baker Beach or Crissy Field, visit the National Park Service website.
No, volleyball nets are not allowed on any of the lawns or open spaces.
Got a Question about Picnics at the Presidio?
If you have a question, please email picnic@presidiotrust.gov.
Coming in 2025: Outpost Meadow
We’re expanding Presidio Tunnel Tops to offer more of what you’ve told us you need – picnic and gathering space for family and friends.
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