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Woman reading names inscribed on the World War II West Coast Memorial to the Missing in the Presidio.

World War II West Coast Memorial to the Missing

Pause at this beautiful memorial to honor servicemen lost at sea during World War II.

Region

Golden Gate Region

Type

Military & Historic Site

Interests

History

Top Amenities

Free Parking, Accessible Parking, Muni Bus-accessible, Shuttle-accessible

One of the Presidio's most poignant monuments, the World War II West Coast Memorial to the Missing looks out over the vast Pacific Ocean.

Located a short walk from Immigrant Point Overlook, this memorial is a site of profound beauty and remembrance.

Dedicated on November 29, 1960, it takes the form of a curved wall of California gray granite. Inscribed on its face are the names of 413 American soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, and airmen lost or buried at sea while serving their country during World War II.

Set against a backdrop of Monterey pine and cypress trees, the site also features a bench and a statue of Columbia, a robed female figure who gazes out in tribute and reflection

Getting to World War II West Coast Memorial to the Missing

World War II West Coast Memorial, Washington Boulevard, San Francisco, CA

Google Map of the Presidio

By Public Transit

Muni Route: 43 Masonic

Stop: Presidio Transit Center

Directions: From Presidio Transit Center, take the free Presidio GO Shuttle to Stop 8.

Muni Route: 29

Stop: Baker Beach

Directions: Walk north on the California Coastal Trail to reach the memorial.

By Presidio GO Shuttle

Route: South Hills Route

Stop: Kobbe Avenue, Stop 8

WWII Memorial Parking

Limited free parking is available in a lot next to the memorial.

Why We Love World War II West Memorial to the Missing

Breathtaking views make this poignant memorial a top destination for those visiting the Presidio’s stunning Golden Gate Area. Here, you can remember that the Presidio was a place of service and sacrifice during its long history as a U.S. Army post.

Accessibility at the WWII Memorial

There is one spot for those with mobility limitations in a small parking lot next to the memorial. The memorial is easily accessed by taking the Presidio GO Shuttle South Hills Route, with busses that can each accommodate two wheelchairs. The plaza offers a bench for sitting.

Insider Tip

The Presidio is home to many memorials and monuments. Consider including others in your visit, like the Korean War Memorial or the Monument to the Unknown Soldier Dead, located inside San Francisco National Cemetery.

Man viewing the statue of Columbia at the World War II West Coast Memorial to the Missing in the Presidio.Photo by Rachel Styer.

Honoring the Missing

History and Construction

Constructed at the behest of the American Battle Monuments Commission, this memorial was designed by San Francisco architects Hervey Parke Clark and John F. Beuttler and debuted in 1960. The late Bay Area landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, who later designed the meadow surrounding the Presidio’s Letterman Digital Arts Center created the beautifully tended surroundings.

Black and white photo of the memorial’s dedication ceremony in 1960. Photo by the Associated Press.
Photo by Associated Press.

Meet Columbia

Standing at one end of the memorial is the statue of a robed female figure. Forever staring out at the Pacific Ocean, this is Columbia, who was a common figure in political and wartime imagery through the end of World War I. Used to represent a female personification of America, by the 1920s, Columbia had largely been replaced by a new symbol: the Statue of Liberty. This iteration of Columbia would go on to earn the artist responsible, French sculptor Jean De Marco, a Henry Hering Memorial Award in 1965.

Hikes on Presidio Trails

The memorial is located near the intersection of the California Coastal Trail​, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail, so it’s easy to continue exploring the Presidio in any direction.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

The nearest public restrooms can be found at the Golden Gate Bridge or at Baker Beach.

The closest option is the Roundhouse Café at the Golden Gate Bridge

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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