Welcome to the Presidio! This inspiring setting at the Golden Gate has a remarkable history and a fascinating present as a unique national park that welcomes all. Please come for a visit!
About the Presidio
The Presidio is where San Francisco began.
This inspiring setting at the Golden Gate was home to native peoples for thousands of years. In 1776, Spain established a miltary fort on this land. After winning its independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico controlled the post and established a new pueblo nearby called
Yerba Buena (later known as the city of San Francisco).
In 1846 the Presidio became a U.S. Army post. Generations of soldiers passed through its gates, serving our nation around the world.
The Army departed in 1994, and the Presidio became a national park site. Today, the Presidio welcomes all with its beauty, nature, history, recreation, and family activities.
Discover and Enjoy Your Park
Begin your day by getting oriented at the
Presidio Visitor Center. Then learn about the park's rich history at the
Presidio Officers' Club, a museum and cultural center.
Then head outside for a hike on a
trail through the forest; see native wildflowes at
Crissy Marsh; toss a Frisbee with the kids on the
Main Parade Ground; enjoy a
picnic; or watch the sunset from a
scenic overlook. Visit the
calendar to learn about the park's many free events, from hikes to live music to outdoor festivals.
It's easy to get to the park on the
free PresidiGo Shuttle and on
public transit.
Learn more about getting to the park >>
A Partnership Park
The Presidio is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is managed through a unique partnership approach. The Presidio is managed by the
Presidio Trust, in partnership with the
National Park Service. We also receive tremendous support from the non-profit Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
