Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
It’s obvious why Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most visited units of the National Park System, with over 13 million visitors a year. The two hundred years of history boast Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier, the Mexican Republic, maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal fortifications and the growth of urban San Francisco. Explore the many areas of the park, stretching from northern San Mateo County to Southern Marin County and including several areas of San Francisco. As diverse as it is expansive, famous tourist attractions in the park include Muir Woods National Monument, Alcatraz and the Presidio of San Francisco.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Brian O'NeilPhone Number: 415-561-4700
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: The Presidio of Francisco; Fort Point National Historic Site; San Francisco Port of Embarkation; Alcatraz Island; San Francisco Bay Discovery Site (Portola Site Acquisition Monument); Golden Gate Bridge; Bolinas Ridge; Fort Baker; Fort Cronkhite; Gerbode Valley; Kirby Cove; Marin Headlands; Muir Woods National Monument; Muir Beach; Muir Beach Overlook; Nike Missile Site; Olema Valley; Point Bonita Lighthouse; Stinson Beach; Tennessee Valley; Alcatraz Island; Baker Beach; Battery Chamberlin; China Beach; Cliff House & Sutro Baths; Crissy Airfield; Crissy Field Marsh & Beach; Crissy Field Center; Fort Funston; Fort Mason; Fort Point National Historic Site; Lands End; Ocean Beach
Important Dates
Established as Park: October 27, 1972By The Numbers
Acres: 31,067.00Annual Visitation: 13,486,824 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :37.804490 / -122.467520 (map it)
State: CA
Nearby Big City: San Francisco, CA
Gateway Communities: Stinson Beach, CA; Mill Valley, CA; Corte Madera, CA; Greenbrae, CA; Sausalito, CA; San Francisco, CA
Nearby Airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO); Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Golden Gate, 1725
National Park Service
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National Park Service
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National Park Service
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In Detail
Animals Endangered Birds The endangered California brown pelican have been observed roosting at Seal Rocks, Alcatraz Island, Hyde Street Pier, Bird Island, and Kent Island in Bolinas Lagoon. Brown pelicans ... read more.
At A Glance Contact Information Location To access Fort Mason, please use the entrance at Franklin and Bay Streets. To access Fort Mason Center, please use the entrance at Marina and Buchanan Streets. Address ... read more.
Camping Outdoor Activities Bicentennial Campground Open Open All Year Phone (415) 331-1540 Details Bicentennial Campground is the most accessible campground in the Park, approximately 100 yards from the pa ... read more.
Geology Pillow Basalt FAQ Where does pillow basalt form? Pillow basalt is a volcanic igneous rock that forms when lava of basaltic compositionis erupted underwater. The rapid cooling of the lava by cold wate ... read more.
History Lime Point, 1866-1869 Although a large fortification had been designated for Lime Point under the Plan of 1850, the military was unable to acquire the land until 1866, through a purchase that includ ... read more.
In A Nutshell Frequently Asked Questions Q: How do I get the to Golden Gate National Parks? I can't find any directions. A: Golden Gate National Parks is comprised of more than 75,500 acres. The park spans across ... read more.
Just For Kids For Kids In the Park! When you earn your Junior Ranger badge or certificate, you'll learn what park rangers do to help protect natureâplants, animals, birds, landâand how we work with diffe ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging There are four campgrounds, as well as two youth hostels in the park. Because Golden Gate is surrounded by residential and commercial areas, there are numerous lodging possibilities close to ... read more.
Natural World Nonnative Species As human have traveled around the earth, they have purposefully and accidentally brought plants and animals with them and introduced them to new continents. Natural barriers to the ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Defensible Space Protect Your Home from a Wildland Fire A wildland fire in this area could threaten hundreds of homes. Emergency resources may be spread thin and it's possible that fire crews may not ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Accessibility Welcome to the Accessibility Sites at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This location will be designated for Accessibility Information to help you enjoy your visit at our park. All ... read more.
Plants Cape ivy control Cape Ivy is the California coast's biggest and baddest weed. If the Park Service had their way, we would be circulating a mug shot of this bright green vine. It is such a pain that i ... read more.
Preservation Designations of National Park System Units The numerous designations within the National Park System sometime confuse visitors. The names are created in the Congressional legislation authorizing the ... read more.
Sights to See Cliff House & Sutro Baths For almost one hundred and fifty years, visitors have traveled to the Cliff House at the westernmost tip of San Francisco's coastline to experience the magnificent natural s ... read more.
Things To Do Things To Do Whatever you are looking for in a national park, chances are Golden Gate has it. There are so many trails, historic structures, natural areas, and public programs in the Golden Gate Nati ... read more.
Visitor Services Contact Public Affairs By Mail: Golden Gate National Recreation Area Fort Mason, Building 201 San Francisco, CA 94123-0022 By Phone: Visitor Information (415) 561-4700 Special Event & Commercial Fi ... read more.
Recent News
- Crowds Observe World AIDS Day In GG Park December 2, 2008, 12:56 pm
- National Park Foundation and The Conservation Land Trust Host Wildlands Philanthropy Forum October 23, 2008, 1:40 pm
- National Park Name Sought for Golden Gate July 9, 2008, 10:48 am
- Golden Gate Bridge toll could skyrocket May 8, 2008, 7:40 pm
- San Francisco: Cavallo Point opening soon April 29, 2008, 6:16 pm
- Abused Mori Point leaps back to life April 28, 2008, 3:16 pm
Golden Gate In Depth
News from the Parks
Light Pollution Harms Not Just Stargazers
December 2, 2008 - 1:03pm
For students of astronomy, Sunday and Monday night is the equivalent of a World Cup Final, a new Mac operating system, and a Zeppelin reunion show all rolled into one. That’s because, as Horizons guest blogger Pete Spotts noted in his post Sunday, Jupiter, Venus, and the moon will gather to direct a lopsided frown at North America, an arrangement that won’t happen again for another 44 years.
December 2, 2008 - 1:03pm
For students of astronomy, Sunday and Monday night is the equivalent of a World Cup Final, a new Mac operating system, and a Zeppelin reunion show all rolled into one. That’s because, as Horizons guest blogger Pete Spotts noted in his post Sunday, Jupiter, Venus, and the moon will gather to direct a lopsided frown at North America, an arrangement that won’t happen again for another 44 years.
Tourists Bite on ‘Twilight’ Vampire Tours of Forks, Washington
December 2, 2008 - 12:59pm
Fans of the hit movie “Twilight,” inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series, are swarming tiny Forks on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where the novels are set, and checking out “Twilight”-themed tours, hotel packages and even food.
December 2, 2008 - 12:59pm
Fans of the hit movie “Twilight,” inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series, are swarming tiny Forks on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where the novels are set, and checking out “Twilight”-themed tours, hotel packages and even food.
Crowds Observe World AIDS Day In GG Park
December 2, 2008 - 12:56pm
People from across the country gathered in Golden Gate Park's National AIDS Memorial Grove Monday to observe the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
December 2, 2008 - 12:56pm
People from across the country gathered in Golden Gate Park's National AIDS Memorial Grove Monday to observe the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
Grounded in God, Green and Glaciers
December 2, 2008 - 12:37pm
Remember when Arizona Sen. John McCain criticized spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fund the DNA of grizzly bears in Montana during one of the presidential debates? “That’s us,” said David Restivo, a Roberts Wesleyan College alumnus and visual information specialist at Glacier National Park in Montana.
December 2, 2008 - 12:37pm
Remember when Arizona Sen. John McCain criticized spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fund the DNA of grizzly bears in Montana during one of the presidential debates? “That’s us,” said David Restivo, a Roberts Wesleyan College alumnus and visual information specialist at Glacier National Park in Montana.
Smokies' Formation Began 500 Million to 600 Million Years Ago
December 2, 2008 - 12:35pm
As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park prepares to celebrate its 75th year, students of history and geology are pondering questions that go back much farther than the park's creation in the 1930s. The most fascinating queries to them concern the actual formation of the mountains, their age and topography.
December 2, 2008 - 12:35pm
As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park prepares to celebrate its 75th year, students of history and geology are pondering questions that go back much farther than the park's creation in the 1930s. The most fascinating queries to them concern the actual formation of the mountains, their age and topography.
