Presidio of San Francisco, Golden Gate National Recreation Area NPS photo, courtesy of Golden Gate National Recreation Area

China Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area Photo from NPS Digital Archives

The mission of Golden Gate National Recreation Area is to preserve and enhance the natural environment and cultural resources of the coastal lands north and south of the Golden Gate for the inspiration, education and recreation of people today, and for future generations. In the spirit of bringing National Parks to the people, this National Park reaches out to the diverse urban community of the San Francisco Bay Area, bringing the richness and breadth of the National Park experience to all including those who may never have the opportunity to visit other National Parks. It works to protect the integrity of our park's fragile resources in the challenging context of an urban setting. And, it is committed to forging partnerships with the community to strengthen the park's relevance to metropolitan neighbors and to engage the public in stewardship of the park's history and ecology.

Fort Scott, Golden Gate National Recreation Area NPS photo, courtesy of Golden Gate National Recreation Area

It is one of the Nation's most highly visited national parks, and consists of numerous individual sites in the California counties of Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo linked together with the common intent of protecting nationally significant natural, scenic, historic and recreational resources and providing much needed open space in the increasingly densely populated Bay Area. Such renowned destinations as Alcatraz, Muir Woods National Monument, the Marin Headlands, Fort Point National Historic Site, the Presidio of San Francisco, as well as Fort Mason, the historic Nike Missile Site and the Cliff House at Lands End are parts of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and each has its own unique natural, cultural and military history.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Headquarters NPS photo, courtesy of Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Much of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is within walking distance from San Francisco, with other areas up to an hour's drive away. Access to the recreation area is possible daily and year-round. Visitor information is available at Fort Mason, the Cliff House, Fort Point, Rodeo Beach, Muir Woods, Fort Funston and the Presidio. Hours for individual facilities vary, but the most common hours of operation are 10:00a.m. to 5:00pm. All visitor centers are open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For further information, visit the park's website.