News Release

What to Know If You Go: Your Update to Park Activities

NPS/NPS/Alison Taggart-Barone

News Release Date: May 8, 2020

SAN FRANCISCO — We know this is a difficult time for visitors who treasure our park areas. Staff and visitors alike are eager to return to the recreational opportunities that Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument and Fort Point National Historic Site provide. From Stinson Beach to Sweeney Ridge, from Muir Woods to Mori Point—we share your love of the park.

Shelter-in-place orders for six Bay Area counties have been extended through May.

We want to do our part to help with these important efforts. As a result, parking restrictions will remain in effect for the duration of the orders. Check out a complete listing of the temporary facilities closure advisory for more information. We will notify the public as park operations change and provide updates through social media channels.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Golden Gate National Recreation Area is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and we will be examining ways in which we can increase visitor access in the future. Thank you for your patience and for following social distancing guidelines.

If contemplating a visit to a national park during this pandemic, the NPS asks visitors to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees.

Visitors should avoid high-risk outdoor activities, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowded spaces. We also urge visitors to respect temporary closures and signage and plan their visit at a quiet time of the day or week. If you encounter a crowded trail or open space, please seek another location to recreate.

The NPS encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Golden Gate NRA. Visit our virtual activities webpage for a full list of digital resources, including virtual tours of the park, maps and park guides, podcasts and audio programs, interactive family-friendly activities, and links to the park’s social media accounts.

Additionally our partners have shared virtual park activities on their websites. Create your own junior ranger badge, download free coloring book pages, and find other DIY crafts projects—all from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy webpage. From the Presidio Trust's website, you can enjoy meditative videos that feature the sights and sounds of the area, download free video chat backgrounds, and learn more about the unique history of the former military fort.

Due to the constantly evolving nature of park and community response to the COVID-19 pandemic, your primary sources for information are:

• Temporary facilities closure advisory page
• Golden Gate NPS Alerts Twitter account

Thank you for your support and help during this trying time. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.