Presidio of San Francisco

Presidio of San Francisco featuring a garden, a monument and landscape views
Presidio of San Francisco which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and a bridge
Presidio of San Francisco
Presidio of San Francisco showing a park and landscape views
Presidio of San Francisco featuring tropical scenes


This former military base is the place to head to uncover fascinating history and culture as well as enjoy tremendous views.

It was the Spanish who first made this spot their base back in 1776. It briefly came into the hands of the Mexicans, but soon after it was taken by the Americans. They made it the longest serving U.S. military base until it was decommissioned in 1994. Since then the Presidio Military Reservation has been a designated National Historical Landmark District.

Spanning almost 1500 acres, among the highlights you'll find on this site are a golf course, a cemetery, hiking trails, and even the Letterman Digital Arts Centre, a campus of filmmaker George Lucas's company. Here you can walk for miles on end, with over 40 kilometres of hiking trails to follow along the Californian coast.

Explore Crissy Field, a sandy stretch of restored marshland in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, always popular with cyclists, joggers and rollerbladers. It is a great place for a picnic, too.

If you have children with you or you simply want to explore, you can also pay a visit to the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Battery Chamberlain, and the Crissy Fields Centre.

Enjoy a glimpse into the military heritage of the Presidio by visiting the parade grounds at Moraga as well as the San Francisco National Cemetery, where tens of thousands of American veterans are buried. There is simply so much on offer here, whether you want to take a hike through the beautiful forests, swim in the Pacific Ocean, or see the Yoda Fountain at the Letterman Digital Arts Centre.

The Presidio is located on the very north of the San Francisco Peninsula and is just south of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can reach the area by taking the Muni bus, Golden Gate Transit service, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), or the PresidiGo shuttle service, which will also take you around the area's key highlights. A great way to get around the park is by bike. Or if you're driving, paid parking is available here too.

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Things to do near Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio of San Francisco offers a wealth of activities for visitors, including breathtaking sunsets, vibrant art installations, and engaging theatre performances. You can explore the area's natural beauty, partake in outdoor adventures, or immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a captivating show, the Presidio serves as a perfect backdrop for memorable experiences in this iconic city.

Shopping

Ghirardelli Square, located 4.8km from the Presidio, offers a delightful mix of shopping and entertainment. Nearby, the Winery Collective and Boudin Bakery, both 4.8km away, provide a taste of local flavours and unique gifts, perfect for souvenirs.

Recreation

At the Presidio Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes and fresh air, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. For entertainment, the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium offers a vibrant atmosphere for concerts, while Oracle Park, although further afield, brings an exhilarating sports vibe to your visit.

Adventure

Embark on the Coastal Trail for a scenic 3.2km hike with breathtaking views of the coastline. Enjoy skating at the Union Square Ice Rink, located 4.8km away, or explore the outdoor vibes along Perimeter Road, 8.0km from the Presidio, perfect for leisurely strolls.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Presidio of San Francisco offers delightful options like the Orpheum Theatre, where culture and romance flourish, just 4.8km away. For a cinematic experience, Sundance Kabuki Cinemas is 3.2km away, providing a charming atmosphere. Don't miss the engaging Morrison Planetarium, also 3.2km distant, for a unique evening adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio of San Francisco offers a delightful mix of urban parks, streets, and beaches for visitors to explore. Ideal for those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and urban adventures, the area invites travellers to engage with its rich history and beautiful landscapes. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the scenic trails and enjoy the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration.

  • Golden Gate Park: This expansive urban park offers a serene escape from the bustling city, boasting lush gardens, tranquil lakes, and vibrant flowerbeds. Perfect for family outings, you can enjoy picnics, strolls, or engage in outdoor activities amidst its stunning natural beauty.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: An iconic symbol of San Francisco, this historic bridge offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage. Walking or cycling across the bridge provides an exhilarating experience with stunning vistas of the bay and skyline.
  • Alcatraz Island: Explore the infamous former prison set on an island surrounded by scenic waters. The guided tours offer insights into its intriguing history, while the stunning views of the San Francisco skyline create an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Best time to go to Presidio of San Francisco

The best time to visit Presidio of San Francisco is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Presidio of San Francisco

To save money during your visit to the Presidio of San Francisco, consider travelling in February or from November to December when accommodation prices are lower. Fridays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and consider booking a package that combines flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities in the area and utilise public transport to explore the city economically.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Presidio of San Francisco are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Presidio of San Francisco is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Presidio of San Francisco is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation in the Presidio of San Francisco with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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