Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Address: Building 201, 1st Floor, Fort Mason, San Francisco
- Hours: Open daily
- Admission: Free
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Mountain Biking,
Nature & Wildlife,
Popular with Locals,
Walking/Hiking,
Beach,
Park / Garden,
Trail
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is the largest urban park in the world, covering three counties along nearly 30 mi (48 km) of pristine shorelines. The area wraps around the northern and western edges of the city, encompassing a variety of attractions. Here are some of the highlights:
Aquatic Park, adjacent to the Hyde Street Pier, has a nice swimming beach, while Fort Mason Center holds a variety of museums, theaters, and shops, often with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Marina Green is a favorite local spot for kite-flying, jogging, and walking along the Promenade. The Golden Gate Promenade is San Francisco’s most scenic biking, jogging, and walking path. The Promenade travels along the shore past Crissy Field and ends under the Golden Gate Bridge, at Fort Point.
On the western edge of the bay, Baker Beach draws sunbathers, anglers, and hikers. A little farther around the coast, Land's End provides a lower and upper hiking trail, which winds through wind-swept cypresses and pines on the cliffs above the Pacific.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area extends into Marin County, where it encompasses the Marin Headlands, Muir Woods National Monument, and Olema Valley behind the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Latest Reviews
Review by chrissy, April 2013
Doing what: San Francisco GoCar Tour
It was a beautiful sunny day in San Francisco. I rent the go car for 3 hours. Unfortunately, half hour into the trip the GPS stopped working and we had to navigate our way back using a street map. It was hectic and nerve wracking as the traffic in San Francisco is heavy. The gentleman at the rental was sorry for this problem, offered us a free trip and told me I had to go through viator for refund. I called viator and Michelle, within 5 minutes on the phone refunded me the full cost. I would recommend this tour despite our difficulty as the half hour the gps worked, it took us on some beautiful sites.
Review by Freo Doctor, March 2013
Doing what: Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour
Excellent experience. A city tour is the only way to see the highlights when there is only limited time available. Comfortable coach and very entertaining tour guide. We enjoyed our tour very much.
Review by Linda C, March 2013
Doing what: Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour
Very courteous and informative tour guide. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole tour in air conditioned very comfortable bus. Will definitely book more tours through Viator.
Practical Info
Park visitor centers are located in Crissy Field Center, Alcatraz, Fort Point Bookstore, Marin Headlands, and Muir Woods. The park headquarters and visitors center is located in Fort Mason, at the cross streets of Bay and Mason. Here you can find a wealth of maps and information about camping, hiking and other programs for the Presidio, Alcatraz, Fort Point, Fort Funston, the Cliff House, Muir Woods, and the Marin Headlands. The MUNI bus system provides transportation to the more popular sites, including Aquatic Park, Cliff House, Fort Mason, and Ocean Beach.
