Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Presidio?
The Presidio is where San Francisco began. Once a U.S. Army post, today the Presidio is a national park unlike any you've experienced before. This dynamic visitor destination is home to museums, restaurants, recreational destinations, art installations, trails, and the best views of the Golden Gate in San Francisco. It's also a
National Historic Landmark District where important stories about our country are shared. The Presidio's former military buildings are animated by more than 3,000 residents and 200 organizations — including high tech start-ups, innovative non-profits, and others that offer a surprising mix of visitor experiences. Thousands of visitors are discovering the park each year.
Where is the Presidio?
The Presidio is located in the northwest corner of San Francisco at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge.
When is the Presidio open?
The Presidio is open 24 hours a day year-round.
How much is the entrance fee?
It's free to visit the Presidio; there is no entrance fee.
How big is the Presidio?
The Presidio is 1,491 acres, about five percent of San Francisco. To offer a sense of scale, it's about a 2.5 mile walk from the easternmost entrance at the Lombard Gate to Baker Beach on the Presidio's western shore. And it's a beautiful walk!
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome in the Presidio but must be on leash.
What's the weather like?
The San Francisco climate is mild, but be prepared for chilly conditions, especially as the famous fog rolls in. Dress in layers!
How do I get to the Presidio?
The free
Presidio GO Downtown Shuttle offers round-trip service on weekdays between downtown San Francisco the Presidio. The
Presidio GO South Hills Shuttle offers free service to 25 destinations within the Presidio. Shuttles are equipped with bike racks. The Presidio is served by Muni 30 and 29 lines that reach Crissy Field and Baker Beach. You can also reserve a Bay Wheels eBike using the Lyft app, rent a bike at Sports Basement, or reach the park via taxi, Lyft, or UBER. For those who must drive,
paid parking is available around the park.
Visit the Transporation section for more information >>
Do you have a Visitor Center?
The Presidio Visitor Center is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Learn more >>
Do you have maps of the Presidio?
To get to know the Presidio, view the
Visitor Map.
What can I do at the Presidio? Is there a Visitor Guide?
There are dozens of
places to visit and visitor-facing
Businesses in the park, activities to experience, and free
events to enjoy. View the
Visitor Map for ideas.
Where do I begin my visit?
The Presidio Visitor Center is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. On weekdays, see our
Welcome page for more information, or visit the
Golden Gate Welcome Center or the
Warming Hut Park Store.
Is there lodging in the Presidio?
The 26-room
Inn at the Presidio and the 42-room
Lodge at the Presidio are located on the Main Post. These hotels are very popular, so be sure to make your reservation well in advance. The Presidio also offers a group campground at
Rob Hill. Reservations and a permit are required. No RV parking is available in the park.
Where can I eat?
Several restaurants are in the park, as well as a half dozen picnic areas.
Visit the Food section >>
Who manages the Presidio?
The Presidio is managed by the
Presidio Trust, in partnership with the
National Park Service. In addition to raising philanthropic funds, the non-profit
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy works with the Presidio Trust and National Park Service to offer stewardship and educational programs.
Visit the Partners page >>
How many people live and work in the Presidio?
There are approximately 225 organizations located in the Presidio, and about 4,000 people come to work here each day. About 3,000 people live in the Presidio in 21 different neighborhoods. Learn about
living and
working in the Presidio.
How many buildings are in the Presidio?
There are more than 700 structures, 433 of which are historic. The Presidio is home to one of the finest collections of military architecture in the United States, representing two centuries of use under three flags. Nine prevalent architectural styles can be found on the Presidio.
How many native plants are here?
The park shelters 13 distinctive plant communities supporting 300 native plant species, ranging from wildflowers to oak woodlands. Sixteen species are rare or endangered, including five protected by the Endangered Species Act. Examples include the San Francisco lessingia and the Presidio clarkia (wildflowers found in only two locations worldwide), and the Raven's manzanita.
How many trees are in the Presidio?
The Presidio features a 300-acre historic forest planted by the U.S. Army beginning in the 1880s. There are about 60,000 trees in the park today.
How many species of birds use the Presidio?
Bring the binoculars! More than 300 bird species are seen here, including year-round residents like Anna's Hummingbirds, Red-shouldered Hawks, Great Egrets, and Great Horned Owls to migratory species like Violet-green Swallows and Red-throated Loons.
El Polin Spring and
Crissy Marsh are great places for birdwatching.
Are there coyotes in the Presidio?
Yes, coyotes returned to the Presidio in 2002 and are now seen here regularly. Community awareness is key to successful human and wildlife co-existence. Learn more about coyotes in the Presidio >>
What other wildlife can be found in the park?
The Presidio is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, aquatic species, and invertebrates. These include native Pacific chorus frog, the western pond turtle, the San Francisco alligator lizard, the three-spined stickleback fish, and 30 kinds of butterflies.
How many trails and overlooks are in the park?
The Presidio features a dozen major trails – 24 miles in all – and eight scenic overlooks.
View all the trails and overlooks >>
Can I volunteer?
Volunteering is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Presidio, with park volunteers responsible for helping to restore native habitats, repair trails, and welcome visitors as docents. While volunteering is currently on hold, stay tuned for upcoming volunteering opportunities.
Can I rent space for a wedding or meeting?
Yes! Intimate chapels, elegant reception sites, and conference facilities are a beautiful backdrop for weddings, celebrations, meetings, and retreats.
Learn more about celebrations and meetings >>
