A first-time guide to San Francisco’s Presidio

15.08.2024 - 07:53 / lonelyplanet.com

Aug 14, 2024 • 8 min read

The Presidio is an urban oasis, an 1,491-acre national park site full of history, art, restaurants, forests, meadows and beaches. This space offers almost unlimited recreation opportunities, yet most people start their visit the same way – gawking at some of San Francisco’s most iconic views. Depending on your location in the park, you’re serenaded with vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, downtown San Francisco and even Yoda (more on that later). 

The Presidio sits on the ancestral land of the Ohlone people and later passed through the control of the Spanish Empire, Mexico and finally, the US Army. In 1994, the Presidio was no longer needed for military purposes and it became part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Today it's a playground of culture and wilderness a stone’s throw from downtown San Francisco. Whether you come to camp, stay in one of the historic lodges or spend a few hours enjoying the park, the Presidio is a must on your next visit to the city by the bay. 

San Francisco receives the least rain from August through October. This is when the views at the Presidio are clearest and average temperatures are in the upper 60s to low 70s. That said, San Francisco’s weather is mild all year round; the Presidio only averages eight days of rain during winter months with temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s. 

With almost 1,500 acres, the Presidio rarely feels crowded but you’ll find the most solitude on hiking trails during winter or when school is in session. 

Home to a Disney museum, Yoda fountain and a historic pet cemetery, the Presidio has attractions you aren’t likely to find at other national park sites. Plan on spending two to three days to give yourself enough time to experience everything the park offers, but this isn’t to suggest the Presidio isn’t worthwhile for shorter periods. Admission is free and since it’s close to the city, it’s easy to stop by for a quick hike, beach day or a picnic at Tunnel Tops. 

The Presidio Go Shuttle offers transportation inside the park with connections to and from downtown San Francisco and South Hills. The shuttles are wheelchair-accessible and have bike racks. In addition, it’s easy to explore the park via road, hiking trails and wheelchair-accessible paths. If you prefer to peddle around, classic bikes and e-bikes are available via the Lyft app at four rental stations. 

The force is strong at the Presidio. George Lucas’s offices for Lucasfilm Ltd, Industrial Light and Magic, and other ventures are inside the park’s Letterman Digital Arts Center. The memorabilia-packed lobby is open to visitors – just check in at the front desk before you browse. Look for the fountain with a life-sized bronze Yoda statue marking the