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A distant shot of people enjoying a stroll along Lovers’ Lane with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Photo by Ric Miller.

Lovers Lane Trail

Experience nature and history on San Francisco’s oldest footpath.

Region

Southern Wilds Region, Main Post Region

Use Type

Pedestrian-only Trail

Top Amenities

Paid Parking, Free Parking, Golden Gate View, Trail Connection, Muni Bus-accessible

Nature lovers, outdoor lovers, art lovers, and history lovers will find something to gush about on this enchanting trail.

It was established in the 18th century as a shortcut used by Spanish soldiers and missionaries to get to Mission Dolores three miles to the south (though it gets its name because soldiers would use the same route to reach their sweethearts). Today, you can step back in time and follow the very same path.

Choose to start at the south near Presidio Gate or at the north at Presidio Boulevard and Barnard Avenue. An out-and-back trip will include uphill and downhill walking.

East of the path is a forest of eucalyptus, cypress, and pines planted by the Army in the late 19th century. On the west side, you pass charming homes built by the Army in the 1930s.

Horizontal to Lovers Lane is Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line, an art installation in the eucalyptus forest made of felled tree trunks laid end-to-end to create a zigzagging installation that you can stroll on top of – it’s a literal art walk!

Lovers Lane also crosses a brick footbridge in MacArthur Meadow. Built around 1885, it connects to a newer bridge that leads you through MacArthur Meadow and over the creek running down Tennessee Hollow from El Polin spring.

Presidio Trails Tip

Restrooms are at Presidio Wall Playground and the Presidio Officers’ Club.

Length

0.6 miles (1.0 kilometers)

Activity Level

Moderate

Grade

Average grade: 9%
Maximum grade: 21%

Use Type

Pedestrian only

Trail Surface

Paved and boardwalk

Estimated Walking Time

30 minutes

Lovers Lane trail sign.
Lovers Lane at MacArthur Meadow.
People walking along Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line near Lovers Lane in the Presidio.
Walking along Wood Line is one of the best things to do in San Francisco. Photo by Paul Myers.
Historic brick bridge in MacArthur Meadow.
The historic brick foot bridge through MacArthur Meadow is a highlight. Photo by Paul Meyers.

Getting to Lovers Lane

Lovers Lane Trail

Map of Lovers Lane Trail

Trailheads

At the south end, pick up the trail at the Presidio Gate near West Pacific Boulevard. At the north end, pick up the trail at the intersection of Presidio Boulevard and Barnard Avenue. 

Parking & Public Transit

Very limited free parking is available on West Pacific Avenue at the south end of the trail. At the north end, consider parking in the paid parking lot near the Presidio Officers’ Club and walking to the trailhead. To get to the Presidio by bus or shuttle, visit the Public Transit page. 

Connecting Trails

 

 

Mountain Lake Trail

Mountain Lake Trail traces the southern Presidio from Baker Beach to the Broadway Gate.

Learn More
Mountain Lake, with houses visible in the background. Photo by Charity Vargas.Photo by Charity Vargas.