Family Guide to the San Francisco Presidio

The Presidio, former army base turned sprawling national park right past the Golden Gate Bridge, might be our favorite place for a fun and rewarding day out in San Francisco. There's so much to do and see in the Presidio, from historical sites and museums to hiking trails and beaches to restaurants and even a bowling alley, that you'll have no shortage of activities for family fun throughout the year.

Here's our family guide to this magical place, which highlights our favorite attractions and things to do at the Presidio. There's so much more to do and see here than we can cover in a short article, so check out the Presidio website for a comprehensive guide to everything it has to offer.

History at the Presidio

Did you know the Presidio as we know it began in 1776? That's the year that the Spanish military established an outpost on the site. The post passed to the Mexican army in the 1820s, to the United States army in 1848, and to the National Park Service in 1994. The park is full of historical buildings and artifacts and is even home to an active archaeological dig, but there are two places you should visit to immerse yourself in the history of the Presidio.

• Explore the rich history of the park with a visit to the Presidio Officers' Club, which started out life in the 18th century; in the Mesa Room you can literally see the different layers of history, from the original adobe walls subsequent additions by the US military through the 1930s. Moraga Hall, a Mission-revival style common, features a grand fireplace and comfy seating. It's a great place to relax by the roaring fire on a chilly day.
• The Officers' Club has museum outlining the history of the Presidio, from the original Ohlone village on the site to the current national park.

• Fort Point, located underneath the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge, is another piece of the Presidio's unique history that we love to visit. Built in 1858 to protect the entrance to San Francisco, it's the only Civil War-era brick fort west of the Mississippi and a unique glimpse into live back in that era. Their living history weekends, which take place twice a year, are really like stepping back in time, with costumed re-enactors offering period demonstrations and music.
• Admission to both the Presidio Officers' Club and Fort Point is free. The Officers' Club is open Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm and Fort Point is open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 5 pm. 

Active Family Fun at the Presidio

An incredible outdoor oasis in an urban area, the Presidio offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation for all ages and levels of experience..

• Tunnel Tops boasts the Outpost Playground, a natural play area where kids ages 2 to 12 can climb and explore.It's unique and unlike any other playground you've experienced before!

• Trails at the Presidio include the flat bayside Golden Gate Promenade to the more challenging Ecology Trail and Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Keep in mind that some trails have a substantial elevation change.
• We always love to walk through the woods on the Lovers' Lane Trail, which features Wood Line, an environmental sculpture by British artist Andy Goldsworthy made from fallen tree trunks.

• Splashing and playing in the water at Crissy Field East Beach is always a lot of fun for families, especially on a warm and sunny day.
• The Presidio is home to Rob Hill Campground, the only group camping area in San Francisco, which is open April through October for tent camping.
• Presidio Bowl is an old-school bowling alley that also offers a restaurant and a full bar. Bumper bowling is available for the kiddos and it's a great place to hold a birthday party.

Arts, Culture & Science at the Presidio

The Presidio is basically one giant outdoor history museum (see the section about history above), but you can find many more opportunities to experience arts and culture in the park.

• Renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy has created numerous artistic installations throughout the Presidio. In addition to Wood Line on Lovers' Lane, you can find Spire, Earth Wall (at the Officers' Club), and Tree Fall, an indoor installation.
• The Walt Disney Family Museum, housed in an historic building adjacent to the Main Parade Ground, tells the story of Walt Disney and his creations. It's always a lot of fun to visit, and it also offers film screenings and hands-on workshops and classes for all ages.

• The historic Presidio Theatre is home to numerous productions throughout the year, including shows from the Children's Theatre Association of San Francisco and holiday performances.
• Presidio Tunnel Tops is home to murals, outdoor art installations, and other examples of public art.
• Explore the natural history of the area at spots like Crissy Field, El Polín Spring, and Mountain Lake, and the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center. Watch for birds and wildlife and learn about the plants and animals that call the Presidio home.

Dining & Lodging at the Presidio

If you spend the whole day at the Presidio, and trust us — you can, you and the kiddos will probably get hungry. You even have the option of staying overnight and making your visit a mini staycation!

• Presidio Pop Up brings a rotating roster of the Bay Area's finest food trucks to Tunnel Tops and the Main Post. Food trucks will be on hand every day, with an expanded selection on weekends. Check out the schedule here.
• The new Il Parco cafe at the Presidio Transit Center offers breakfast, coffee, focaccia-style pizzas, sandwiches, and more.

• You don't have to bowl to dine at Presidio Bowl Grill, which serves up burgers, tacos, pizza, sandwiches, and more. Their outdoor patio, complete with fire pits, offers amazing views of the parade grounds and San Francisco Bay.
• Stay over at one of the two boutique hotels at the Presidio: the Inn at the Presidio and the Lodge at the Presidio. Both are housed in renovated historic buildings and are just steps away from all the presidio attractions. The Inn at the Presidio can be found near the Officers' Club and the Ecology Trail and the Liodge is adjacent to the Main Parade Ground. 

Getting to the Presidio

The Presidio is located at the north end of San Francisco just over the Golden Gate Bridge. Driving there is easy, but you can also access the Presidio via public transportation. Most parking in areas like Crissy Field and the Presidio Main Post is paid, but free parking is available at the Crissy Field Beach Parking Lot near the East Beach Picnic Area off Mason Street. The Presidio is served by Muni buses 28 and 30, some Golden Gate Transit lines (most stop at the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza), and the Presidio GO Shuttle, which offers free service around the park. Learn more about getting to the Presidio here.