• View of the Golden Gate Bridge, taken from the Marin Headlands, looking across the bay back towards San Francisco, seen in the distance.

    Golden Gate

    National Recreation Area California

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Tunnel to Marin Headlands Closed

    The tunnel on Bunker Road from Alexander Avenue in Sausalito towards the Marin Headlands is closed for construction. Please follow the detour signs to Conzelman Road (just above the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge) to go up over the hill. More »

  • Muir Beach (but not nearby Muir Woods) parking lot closed June-November 2013

    Muir Beach parking lot will be closed from June-November 2013 due to construction. Restrooms or nearby parking will not be available at Muir Beach during this period. Pacific Way is closed except to residents. Check back for updates or call (415)561-3054 More »

  • CAUTION: Post Storm Damage to Coastal Trail

    The Presidio Coastal Trail segment just north of the Pacific Overlook and adjacent to Lincoln Blvd remains CLOSED indefinitely. We have posted signage to alert bicyclists and hikers and with information for safe trail alternatives. More »

Sensible Habitats

Sensible Habitats-1313

Students exploring the natural ecosystem of the Fort Point area.

NPS

Teachers new to Sensible Habitats must attend the Teacher Workshop on January 10, 2013.

Ever kiss a banana slug? From hillside to bayside, the environment around Fort Point National Historic Site displays an intriguing diversity of plant and animal life. Applying the senses, students engage in activities that help them develop an appreciation for terrestrial and aquatic habitats. They observe, describe, compare, and experience the wildlife to be found, from songbirds to rock crabs and all the little creatures in between.

 
NEWsensible habitat -2053

Program Description

Sensible Habitats utilizes a cooperative learning model. Lessons are organized so students can build on the knowledge they have already gained. The program helps meet California Science Standards for K-1.

  • Pre-visit activities initiate student thinking about the needs of living things. In the classroom, the teacher acts as a facilitator while the students begin to formulate their own ideas about life and habitats.
  • In the park, students continue their inquiry of living things and their needs. During their visit, students create their own criteria for living and non-living things, then, through further activities, examine their standards and re-evaluate their ideas.
  • Post-visit activities allow students to further examine their criteria and assumptions for living and non-living things and habitats. Through creative art, they demonstrate what they learned and how they learned during their national park experience.
 
What do we see, is it alive, how can we tell?

Did You Know?

Granite block at Crissy Field

Some granite on the beaches of San Francisco arrived here from China as ballast in ships during the Gold Rush.