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Golden Gate Bridge Views with a Presidio Picnic

Enjoy views of the Golden Gate, bay, and city at Presidio Tunnel Tops, and finish with a picnic.

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Enjoy a short route that’s wheelchair-accessible and stroller friendly, finishing with a picnic with a view.

Presidio Tunnel Tops is the front door to the Presidio — where national park adventures begin!

This route follows the paved Cliff Walk where you’ll experience nature and history from three scenic viewpoints. After your adventure, pick up lunch from Presidio Pop Up food vendors at the Main Parade Lawn, and enjoy your meal at one of the many picnic tables nearby. 

This itinerary is 0.3 miles in length and takes about two hours.

Interests
  • Nature and Sustainability 
  • Recreation 
  • Presidio Tunnel Tops 
Estimated Time
  • 2 hours 
Age Level
  • All ages
What to Bring
  • Sunscreen 
  • Extra layers

See operating hours for: 

Mapping Your Day

A map indicating the stops on the Golden Gate Bridge Views and a Presidio Picnic itinerary.

Itinerary Overview 

Stop 1: Presidio Visitor Center
Stop 2: Bay Overlook
Stop 3: Crossroads Overlook
Stop 4: Veterans Overlook
Stop 5: Presidio Pop Up Food Vendors
Stop 6: Picnic (various options)
Stop 7: Final Stop – Restrooms at Presidio Transit Center

Nearest Parking

There is a large parking lot with accessible spaces near Presidio Visitor Center across Lincoln Boulevard next to the Main Parade Lawn. Additionally, there is a passenger loading zone on the east side of Graham Street across from Presidio Transit Center for drop off and pick up.

Stop 1: Presidio Visitor Center

Presidio Visitor Center is a great place to start your adventure. You’ll find interactive exhibits, touchscreens, maps, books, and a large model of the park. Exhibits are set at a height that allows full visibility and access to visitors in wheelchairs.

 

Tip: On many afternoons at 4 pm, the National Park Service offers a 30-minute Park Ranger talk at the Campfire Circle, which is accessible with companion seating. Ask about the schedule at Presidio Visitor Center, and plan to return for a talk later in your day.

 

Directions: Exit the Presidio Visitor Center and head northeast through Presidio Plaza toward the San Francisco Bay, taking the right fork of the path. Pass two picnic areas on your right and continue until you reach your next stop, the Bay Overlook.

The interior of the Presidio Visitor Center with a large relief map.Start your adventure at the Presidio Visitor Center. Photo by Rachel Styer.

Stop 2: Bay Overlook

From the Bay Overlook, take in views of the San Francisco skyline, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Alcatraz, set against the natural backdrop of San Francisco Bay and Crissy Marsh. If you look down and to the right, you’ll also see Quartermaster Reach Marsh, where seven acres of wetlands were recently restored.

 

Tip: A storytelling panel at the Bay Overlook describes how the Presidio is a biodiversity hotspot, home to native plants and animals that have been lost elsewhere. For history, look out to your right to spot the lighthouse on Alcatraz Island.

 

Directions: Follow the Cliff Walk to your left. Along the way, check out the gardens and bay views. Pause when you reach your next stop, the Crossroads Overlook.

View of Alcatraz from Bay Overlook at Presidio Tunnel Tops.Take in the view of San Francisco Bay. Photo by Russell Bombon.

Stop 3: Crossroads Overlook

Look down the Presidio Steps, over the Outpost playground, and across Crissy Marsh to spot the Golden Gate Bridge. After a few minutes here, you’ll understand what makes this one of the best Golden Gate Bridge view points.

 

Tip: In the summer, spot a Great Blue Heron flying above Crissy Marsh. In the fall and winter, look out for the sharp black and white plumage of Buffleheads. 

 

Directions: Backtrack slightly to stay on the accessible path that leads you westward along the Cliff Walk toward your next stop, Veterans Overlook.

People having a toast at Crossroads Overlook at Presidio Tunnel Tops.Enjoy views from the center of Presidio Tunnel Tops. Photo by Rachel Styer.

Nature Notes

It’s our goal to make sure people can enjoy the Presidio’s natural beauty for generations to come. We work to protect native plants and animals while reducing our impact on the environment.

Presidio Tunnel Tops Plants

As you travel along the pathway, enjoy the 200 varieties of plants at Presidio Tunnel Tops. They’re part of a sustainable palette that supports the biodiversity of the Presidio.

Learn More
Plants at Presidio Tunnel Tops.

Stop 4: Veterans Overlook

Walk past the curvy cypress benches, inspired by driftwood that might be found at the nearby Crissy Field Beach. Their wood comes from Presidio cypress trees reclaimed as part of our reforestation program. Pause here to enjoy another vista of the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

Tip: Look southwest to see San Francisco National Cemetery where 30,000 military veterans have been laid to rest.

 

Directions: Follow the curving path back through Golden Gate Meadow. Pass the Presidio Visitor Center, cross Lincoln Boulevard, and turn right towards the Main Parade Lawn.

A person sitting in a red chair looking out at the Golden Gate Bridge.Take in views of National Cemetery and the bridge. Photo by Rachel Styer.

Stop 5: Presidio Pop Up Food at the Main Parade Lawn

After taking in all the sights, it’s time for some delicious food celebrating the Bay Area’s diverse cultures and cuisines. Check out Presidio Pop Up mobile food trucks, carts, and tents and pick up your picnic lunch.

 

Tip: Presidio Pop Up is available every day. The website lists what vendors are on hand each week.

 

Directions: Take your food back across Lincoln Boulevard and enter Presidio Tunnel Tops at Presidio Plaza. Take the walkway on the right to get to the picnic areas. 

Presidio Tunnel Tops food vendors located near the Main Parade Lawn.Enjoy an array of food trucks and carts. Photo by Rachel Styer.

Stop 6: Picnic at Presidio Tunnel Tops

Enjoy your food at one of the three picnic areas at Presidio Tunnel Tops: the wind-sheltered pavilion inside Presidio Transit Center, the tables Picnic at Transit, or the tables at Picnic Place near the East Meadow. All three have companion or accessible seating.

 

Tip: If you prefer to plan in advance, you can reserve a table at Picnic Place.

 

Directions: Head toward Presidio Transit Center to end your journey.

Wheelchair accessible picnic table at Presidio Tunnel Tops.Have your picnic under the Torrey Pines at Presidio Tunnel Tops. Photo by Rachel Styer.

Stop 7: Final Stop - Restrooms at Presidio Transit Center

If needed, you can find all-gender wheelchair accessible restrooms inside Presidio Transit Center.

Presidio Transit exterior with sign.Presidio Transit Center is a stop for the free Presidio GO Shuttle. Photo by Myleen Hollero.

Getting to Your Starting Point 

Map showing the location of Presidio Transit Center within the Presidio of San Francisco.

By Public Transit

  • Muni Route: 43  
  • Stop: Presidio Transit Center 

By Presidio GO Shuttle

  • Route: Downtown Route 
  • Stop: Presidio Transit Center 

By Car

There is a large parking lot with accessible spaces near Presidio Visitor Center across Lincoln Boulevard next to the Main Parade Lawn. Additionally, there is a passenger loading zone on the east side of Graham Street across from Presidio Transit Center for drop off and pick up.