Building 201, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123-0022
Golden Gate National Recreation Area has many sites that span over 60 miles of mostly coastal areas north and south of San Francisco. Park areas can be reached by Highways 1, 101 and 280 from the north and south San Francisco Bay Area, and by Highway 80 from the East Bay. To access park headquarters at Fort Mason, please use the entrance at Franklin and Bay Streets in San Francisco.
Winter is characterized by sporadic rain and cool weather punctuated by brilliant sunshine. In winter the grass greens. Trees and flowers dormant through winter start blooming in late February or early March and last until May or June. By July, summer fog predominates in most coastal areas of the park. Grasses and plants have now turned to the golden brown and muted grays characteristic of California summer and fall. September and October skies are clear and sunshine is abundant everywhere in the park.
Entrance Fees:
Visiting Golden Gate is free except for Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods National Monument. - $0.00
With the exception of the entrance fee for Muir Woods National Monument and the cost of the ferry to visit Alcatraz Island, there is no fee to visit lands of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The visitor center is the go to place to find out what is happening and what there is to do in the Presidio. Discovery the Presidio through a large relief map, inspiring video, engaging exhibitions on history and nature, interactive tools, and knowledgeable staff that can help you uncover the incredible array of experiences possible here.
Special Programs: Rangers answer questions and lead scheduled interpretive walks and programs. Exhibits: Headland's natural history and human history from the days of the Miwok through modern times. See a hawk fly and look through a microscope at local pond life. A shop carries a selection of books and field guides about the area.
Park Rangers are available to answer questions. Store has a selection of books, apparel, kids items, collectibles and memorabilia. Exhibits: Model of bridge tower used in testing original bridge design, artifacts like rivets and hardhats, Building the Bridge video. Outdoor exhibits in plaza area.
Facilities include visitor information, cafe & gift shop. Exhibits: Indoor exhibits and videos on the natural and cultural history of the Lands End area, Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights. Outdoor 3-D model of Lands End area.
Information about all of the National Parks located in the Pacific West Region can be found in this center. Pamphlets and other visitor information are in a room across from the information center. Volunteers are available to answer questions.
