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Sections of Park Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail Closed to Dog Walking

To reduce the potential for coyote/dog conflict, we’ve proactively closed large sections of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail to dog walking. This annual closure is temporary; we’ll reopen these trails to dog walking in fall after pupping season ends. All 24 miles of hiking trails in the Presidio are open to people.
Baker Beach in the Presidio with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Photo by Myleen Hollero.

San Francisco Beaches

Quality time with friends and family awaits at one of the Presidio's world-class beaches.

Sand, surf, and spectacular Golden Gate Bridge views make for memorable experiences at the Presidio, a national park site home to five unique beaches.

Located at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, the Presidio is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. That adds up to just one thing – beach day!

There are many experiences to be had. Toddlers love the gentle waves of Crissy Field East Beach – and windsurfers love it, too. Or pair a beach day with grilling at Crissy Field West Bluff Picnic Area.

Baker Beach is the park’s most famous beach, a great place to watch the sunset beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Nearby, daring visitors enjoy the seclusion of rugged Marshall’s Beach.

For an entirely different experience, try the tiny beach at Mountain Lake, and let the kids get the wiggles out at the nearby playground.

Despite the occasional fog, Presidio beaches are where San Francisco comes to enjoy a dose of nature and fun.

A family walking on Crissy Field beach at sunset with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Photo by Scott Sawyer.
Sunset on the beach is an unforgettable experience. Photo by Scott Sawyer.
Mountain Lake in the Presidio.
See a Pacific chorus frog at Mountain Lake.
Crissy Field East Beach in the Presidio. Photo by vpimages.
Soak up the sun at Crissy Field East Beach. Photo by vpimages.

Park Itineraries

Need help planning your day at the Presidio? We’ve put together some itinerary ideas for things to see and do in the park. Whether you’re planning to spend a few hours or an entire day, there’s something for everyone at the Presidio. 
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Frequently Asked Questions

No, the beaches in the Presidio are free to visit.

Crissy Field East Beach is probably the most popular for families with young children as parking and restrooms are close by. Baker Beach is also a great choice for families. And while small, Mountain Lake lets kids glimpse a Western Pond turtle or a Chorus frog, and there is a playground nearby.

Yes, there is parking near the Presidio’s beaches with one exception – secluded Marshall’s Beach can only be reached on foot off the rugged Batteries to Bluffs Trail

We recommend that you pack sunscreen, water, and snacks as many beaches in the Presidio are not near restaurants. You should also bring a jacket as the fog can roll in unexpectedly.

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We’re Here to Help

Have a question about the park? Want help planning your next visit? We’ve got you covered.

Representatives from the National Park Service, Parks Conservancy, and Presidio Trust standing in front of the Presidio Visitor Center