Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Things To Do Near Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Hiking Trails

• Presidio Ecology Trail

  The Presidio Ecology Trail is a mellow trail for any athletic ability and features gorgeous wildflowers along the way. You can also enjoy redwood trees, eucalyptus, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

  Location

  Arguello Boulevard, San Francisco CA 94129

  Length

  1.7 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Point Bonita Trail

  The Point Bonita Trail leads to a lighthouse near Sausalito. This trail is paved and provides an easy walk out to the point where you can see wildlife and enjoy some excellent bird-watching opportunities. This trail has amazing views.

  Location

  94865 CA-1, Sausalito, CA 94965

  Length

  1 mile

  Intensity

  Easy

• Rodeo Beach Coastal Trail Loop

  If you want a trail with a little more challenge, try the Rodeo Beach Coastal Trail Loop. This trail is popular, following the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are some stunning views, especially around sunset, so you can get some spectacular pictures.

  Location

  Marin County

  Length

  5.1 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• San Francisco Zoo

  The San Francisco Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals of more than 250 species. It features the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna covering 3 acres full of zebras, giraffes, and kudus. The zoo introduces you to a wide variety of beloved and endangered animals. The mild temperatures in the area also allow the zoo to nurture gorgeous garden areas with both exotic and local plants. The zoo is a leader in conservation efforts and fostering an appreciation of wildlife.

  Location

  Sloat Blvd. & Great Hwy., San Francisco, CA 94132

• San Francisco Botanical Garden

  The San Francisco Botanical Garden is located at Strybing Arboretum in the Golden Gate Park. The garden covers 55 acres and houses over 8,000 different kinds of plants from all over the planet, including the Andean Cloud Forest, Australia, the Mediterranean, and the Mesoamerican Cloud Forest.

  Location

  1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122

• Alcatraz Island

  Alcatraz Island is located a little over a mile offshore in the San Francisco Bay. The island has been a lighthouse, military fortification, and a prison. Now you can enjoy a boat tour from the pier in San Francisco, where you float out and around the island. Then you can also go out on the island and tour. You can explore the old prison facility but be ready for some steep inclines. The adventure begins at Pier 33.

  Location

  B201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123

Museums

• San Francisco Cable Car Museum

  The San Francisco Cable Car Museum is a free museum on Nob Hill that will teach you about the history and development of the city’s famous cable cars. They also have a collection of historic cable cars as well as photographs and displays. Be sure to stop by the well-stocked gift shop to purchase the perfect souvenir of your visit.

  Location

  1201 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

• M. H. De Young Memorial Museum

  The M. H. De Young Memorial Museum is a museum of fine arts located in Golden Gate Park. They offer the solace of art with a variety of collections from around the world, including America, Africa, and Oceania. The museum features paintings, sculptures, and textile art from different time periods and cultures.

  Location

  50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118

• Cartoon Art Museum

  The Cartoon Art Museum is the only museum in the Western United States that focuses on cartoon art. They have an exhibition calendar that is constantly changing with major and traveling exhibits. They have a drawing room, reading room, and activity tables that will keep kids of all ages active and engaged. To help support the museum, you can stop by the museum store and get yourself a gift to remember your visit.

  Location

  781 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Westfield San Francisco Center

  Westfield San Francisco Centeris a huge nine-story mall with a dome-covered atrium. The complex houses a multiplex theater, multiple restaurants, and over 170 different stores. Shop for clothing, gifts, health and beauty products, lifestyle items, or just about anything you could possibly need. When it is time to eat, you do not need to leave since there is a variety of restaurants available as well. There are close to 30 eateries to choose from, including restaurants for sit-down meals, takeout, fast food, or just a quick snack.

  Location

  865 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

• Japan Center

  The Japan Center was formerly called the Japanese Cultural and Trade Center. It is in the Japantown area of the city. This is one of only three Japantowns in the nation, keeping the art and culture alive in the area. In this center, you can enjoy sushi, mochi, ramen, and more. There is plenty of import shopping from Japan, with many stores offering cultural merchandise, beauty and health products, and clothing.

  Location

  1737 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

• Mr. East Kitchen

  Mr. East Kitchen offers a daily brunch and a tasty dinner menu. This is a casual dining experience offering a simplified Vietnamese menu with a bit of a modern twist. They offer small plates, sandwiches, brunches, and salads. They have lots of signature meals as well, like basil chicken, shrimp pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, and many more choices, as well as a wide variety of beverages.

  Location

  276 5th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

• Fog Harbor Fish House

  The Fog Harbor Fish House is located a short walk from the Aquarium of the Bay, so you can enjoy a good dinner and a stroll. This is a great place to enjoy good fresh fish and a spectacular view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. They offer indoor and outdoor dining with an offering of wine and cocktails. They serve the whole family and have a nice kid’s menu. Make sure you save room for dessert.

  Location

  39 pier, San Francisco, CA 94133

How To Get To Golden Gate National Recreation Area

To get to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area/Alcatraz Island/Presidio of San Francisco from Interstate 5, you will start by turning off onto Interstate 505 South. At Vacaville, you will merge onto Interstate 80 West toward San Francisco. At Exit 33B, turn onto Highway CA-37 toward Novato/San Rafael. Take that highway to the US Highway 101 South, which will lead you directly to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Address

Mill Valley, CA 94941

Fee: Entry fee (adult) $10.0

A trip to San Francisco Bay will give you plenty to see and do. There are nature trails for hiking and enjoying all the outdoors has to offer, fun attractions near the bridge and along the water, and plenty of shopping. If you travel by RV, you will have the flexibility to explore at your leisure without worrying about reservations or comfort. This area is rich in history, rich in beauty, and rich in lots of activities to keep you busy.