San Francisco National Parks Overview
On March 1 1872, President Ulysses Grant signed into existence the world's first national park. Since then, hundreds more have been established. These parks are awe inspiring natural wonders and offer glipses into our history. California has several of these National Parks and Monuments. Point Reyes, Muir Woods, Golden Gate and Fort Point are four National Seashore, Monuments, Recreation Areas and Historic Sites found in the San Francisco region.
TIP:The National Park Service offers FEE FREE DAYS to some National Parks on select weekends through the Summer. Use this link to view available dates.
|
San Francisco National Parks
BACK TO TOP
Point Reyes National Seashore is located just one hour north of the San Francisco Bay area along highway 1 (PCH). A wide variety of landscape including forest, marsh lands, rocky coast and grassy plateaus filled with wildflowers can be found here. Recreational opportunities include 147 miles of hiking trails, backcountry campgrounds, and numerous beaches, kayaking, biking, hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing. A paved path leads to the Point Reyes Lighthouse where the strong ocean breeze can often times be a powerful gust. A Miwok indian cultural center portrays their 5000 year old history in this region.
Point Reyes National Seashore
1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, California 94956
(415) 464-5100
Map |
Park Map |
Accommodations |
Website |
Other Ideas
Muir Woods National Monument is located 30 minutes north of the San Francisco Bay area along highway 1. Naturalist John Muir once said about this region, "This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world". The forests in the north coast region are personally, the most beautiful we have ever seen. Muir Beach offers astounding coastal views. Stinson Beach is a large sandy beach and is popular with surfers. Olema Valley is a hikers paradise with trails through forest, grassy meadows, and steep ridges.
Muir Woods National Monument
Mill Valley, California 94941-2696
(415) 388-2595
Map |
Park Map |
Accommodations |
Website |
Other Ideas
Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses Fort Point in northern San Francisco to as far north as Muir Woods National Monument. Fort Mason, Fort Point, Nike Missile Site, the Presidio and Alcatraz are some of its historic sites. Tomales Bay is part of the 59 miles of pristine shoreline contained within the area. Golden Gate NRA is one of the states most visited National Parks due to its variety of offerings and proximity to large urban population.
Golden Gate NRA
Fort Mason, Building 201
San Francisco, California 94123
(415) 561-4700
Map |
Park Map |
Accommodations |
Website |
Other Ideas
Fort Point National Historic Site is located at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Fort Point was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1853 and 1861 to defend against a hostile fleet entering into San Francisco Bay. This large brick structure was built to hold 126 cannons, which are no longer present. It has served as lookout point for the submarine net strung across the bay during WWII and the headquarters for the Golden Gate Bridge's construction. Candlelight tours are popular and reservations must be made far in advance.
Fort Point NHS
Fort Mason, Building 201
San Francisco, California 94123
(415) 556-1693
Map |
Accommodations |
Website |
Other Ideas
|
