Amazing place for walks, hikes, or if you like exploring a former military base. But it's long since been a public space for anything you'd like to explore about the place and just enjoying the tall trees and breezy city winds. Accessible by walking and you can also take the bus to get to this park. Depending which part of the park you're at, some trails will be flatter and easier. But expect some hilly spots, much like the city itself. read more

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Wow, fun walk on a beautiful January day. The weather was perfect and it was so clear I can see into forever, or at least across the Bay. I'm a visitor and always heard it was foggy but not today. Wonderful pictures and a great exploring experience. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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What amazing things restoration and conservation can do! I have observed these transitions and restoration efforts over decades, and it is wonderful to see. The People ultimately benefit. It was great to see that familiar landscape features are still there and thriving. The lagoon had the lone stork standing there in its grandiose elegance on a clear sunny day. There were safe paths for people to walk and run years ago. Nowadays, it is much more elaborate and well-defined - the wide paths for pedestrians and bikers. There were signs and placards and demarcated areas and critical habitats for the flora and fauna found there in the Presidio. There were ample wide open spaces for humans and dogs alike to roam around freely. Be careful of the uneven terrain though off the path as there are lots of mole holes and dug-up mounds and dog poop, especially in the open fields. Enjoy the plants and signage introducing the history and the landscape. The well-organized trash and recycling receptacles are also very nice. Overall, the whole area was nice and clean. Let's keep it that way for future generations to enjoy. read more

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6/15/2025: Sigh~The Presidio . . . All the myriad of DRASTIC CHANGES from the time I was born in San Francisco CA to current year, 2025: Too many changes which some are a MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT to some changes are acceptably tolerable. First, the MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENTS were removing the Presidio's Base Exchange, Commissary, and Chow Hall because everytime I visited San Francisco, I always patronize the Presidio's Base Exchange and Commissary religiously while inhaling at the Chow Hall was a necessity. Secondly, removing familiar thoroughfares was inherently irritating especially, by the old Generals' homes facing Golden Gate Bridge. Third, Crissy Field is no longer where I used to park flying my kite and having family picnics--no longer a safe area. Fourth, my second-born daughter took her daughters and me to their swimming lessons located by the old Generals' homes facing Golden Gate Bridge which is awesome but, peculiarly small. Fifth, the Coffee Houses such as the Round House Café and The Warming Hut Park Store at Crissy Field are pretty cool places chilling while admiring the panoramic structure of the Golden Gate Bridge. Overall, as a Native San Franciscan, I must go with the flow and ride with the tide all the seas of Presidio's changes~sigh. read more

The Presidio - 6/15/2025: Cruisin' leaving Presidio. - Parks Near Me

The history of The Presidio, resting place of the fallen who served, officers' quarters now residences, barracks transformed into specialized preschools, office bungalows and therapy offices. It's a unique mix of history and everyday San Francisco life. You drive through the winding roads with peekaboo views then a smashing 180 panorama like at Inspiration Point. There are different points of entry like the Lombard or Presidio Gates or off the Golden Gate Bridge past the old Letterman Hospital now home to Industrial Light & Magic. For me, all points inside The Presidio lead to different years of my son's life, from his little Montessori preschool to the aquatics center where he's now a tall and strong member of the YPAC Swim Team. The best time to visit The Presidio is early morning when the mist is hanging low, the fog horns are sounding and it feels fairy-like, Tolkienesque, like you entered a magical kingdom. read more

The Presidio - Bit of history on this area of The Presidio - Parks Near Me

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It was just a perfect day to be outside. The views are spectacular. Breathtaking! Many sailboats were out that day. Can't wait to go back. read more

The Presidio - Parks Near Me

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Great park with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge! Great place to hangout with friends or family. There's lots of areas to sit, grassy areas, picnic tables, and there's a park for children. There's also a pizza restaurant and also food trucks in the park. Check out their website for a schedule of the food trucks! Also if the weather is clear, you'll be able to see the bridge. However you might not see it if it's foggy. read more

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If you do anything in San Francisco, go to the Presidio. I absolutely love this place. The history and the sights are everything. From old military buildings and historic landmarks to trails, forests, and sweeping views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It is the kind of place where you can take a quiet walk, explore museums, or just sit and soak in the scenery. There is so much variety here with beaches, overlooks, wooded paths, and wide open fields, and every corner feels meaningful. The Presidio is one of San Francisco's gems and it truly feels like stepping into both nature and history at the same time. Do not miss it. read more

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Was stationed here twice in the last century. Went to visit it. Absolute Charlie Foxtrot - people all over the place, can't park, idiots on bikes and electric toys zipping in and out, have to watch out for all the morons so you don't get hit or run over one of them. Place looks like shit where the quarters are being rented out. SF has gone third world since the time that I grew up in the Bay Area and it's finally taken the Presidio with it. Just proves that if it wasn't for humans, civilization might work. read more

Stop what you doing. If you're reading this, you may live in San Francisco, near San Francisco, or you're thinking about visiting San Francisco. If so, you'd be remiss to not head to the Presidio stat. If you've been, but it's been a minute, schedule a day and head there. We started at Lover's Lane and walked about 3.5 miles to Baker Beach with the occasional Golden Gate coming into view, the wild flowers and the dirt paths, you would not think you were in the midst of San Francisco. This is what makes our City beautiful, unique and oh so special. read more

I had a pleasant experience at this park. It is very large and walking across definitely takes time and energy. You can also rent electric bikes or scooters to explore the park further if you don't have access to one and wouldn't like to walk long distances. Other than that, the park is awesome. There is a promenade, a visitor center, museums, art centers, schools, and brick buildings. Overall, I think it is a great park to visit. read more

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I am so glad that there is an option to take the PresidioGo! It headed to The Presidio and has designated stops. This is so convenient since The Presidio is so vast and it is a way to check multiple areas of the park. The driver wasn't personable but the ride was fine and the views are so amazing! Great place to spend weekends, lunch and afternoons!! read more

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The Presidio, which was a former United States Army post, is now called a park!! All of the buildings are the same on the outside, but they have remodeled them inside, turning them into museums, bookstores, lodging, etc!! The main area of the Presidio, with the huge grassy area, is where most people hang out, and sometimes there will be food trucks around or an event going on. There are plenty of hiking trails once you leave this area. Inspiration Point at the Presidio was a good find. You will also find the famous Yoda Fountain here along with Lucasfilm. There's also a Bowling Alley here, a transit center, and the Presidio Tunnel Tops Park. Plenty to do here!! read more

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ONE OF THE COOLEST PARKS in all of California. I walked this park with a friend finally after passing by it for years. It is so freaking amazing! The views of the Bay and the bridge are something straight out of a movie. They're freaking incredible! This is such a cool place to visit! I'm going to try and visit more often when on my days off. read more

Isn't it always the case that we locals visit a site only when we have out of town guests? In any case, we took our visitors to the Presidio on an absolutely gorgeous day and we're so impressed with all they've done there. We didn't stay to eat, although we have done that once before and it was excellent, the sites are amazing. The views are incredible and I would certainly bring any other visitors here in the future. read more

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This hike is absolutely stunning! You get a beautiful view of SF's coastline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County. The hike features some steps, but I would say it's moderate/easy. Because of the different elevation changes, you see different views of the coast. I loved looking at the greenery. There are patches of green, gray, brown, pink, and yellow. Featuring all sorts of shrubbery texture! read more

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So cool to see another neighborhood beautifully preserved. I don't think a lot of folks know how much history is here. There are a lot of residences here with a lot of great views of the ocean. You can also see Golden Gate, Crissy Field, and some part of the the warf. It's a park too! I love the food truck fridays here they used to have. It's a beautiful area with great views, and a mini version of muir. read more

Absolutely beautiful park and historic monuments. If you love all things beautiful and are a history buff? Go check it out.

Amazing place near the Golden gate bridge. Take a walk around and visit the nearby Walt Disney family museum and enjoy the food trucks

The Presidio stands as a captivating blend of history and natural beauty, beckoning visitors with its 1,500 acres of lush landscapes and iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Steeped in military history, the park seamlessly integrates historic military structures with expansive greenery, creating a picturesque setting. The well-maintained trails offer opportunities for hiking and biking, winding through cypress and eucalyptus groves, providing not only exercise but also stunning vistas of the bay and city. Walking around is so much fun and they offer tennis and pickleball courts too! History enthusiasts will appreciate the meticulously preserved military posts, barracks, and officer residences that now house museums, offering insight into the Presidio's pivotal role in shaping the region. The Presidio's commitment to preservation and accessibility, coupled with its diverse range of activities, makes it a must-visit destination if you're in SF. Whether you're exploring historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor recreation, or simply savoring the serene atmosphere, the Presidio stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and history in the heart of San Francisco. read more

This review is for the Main Parade Lawn at the Presidio. It's the place where you can stand at one spot and have a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Alcatraz. Beautiful view of the ocean. Such a peaceful place even when there's a lot of people around. Clean surroundings. Clean restrooms inside a building and not a port-a-potty. Green grassy lawns to have a picnic. Dogs are allowed. Beautiful buildings. One of the buildings has the Disney Museum. Spacious. Plenty of parking both on the streets and in the parking lots. Parking lots costs $3/hour. I wish this place is not too far from the South Bay. Took about 1 hour from Palo Alto to get here on a Saturday mid-morning. Will definitely return and next time will explore the surrounding trails. A must check out place in SF. read more

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New Year, New Hikes! After that major storm we got NYE, it was a beautiful day out so I had to take advantage. Got my Nikes on and my pup Mila and we embarked on a journey to explore the Presidio. From an outdoor perspective there's just so much to see and do. Honestly I think it's the best outdoor space in the entire city. From the Tunnel Tops, Disney Museum area, and crazy beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, what's not to love. When you stop to take a look at the entire map of the park, it's crazy how massive it is. Multiple trails of varying difficulties, you can spends hours in here. Near the visitors center, they had a couple of food trucks setup so if you need a bite to eat, there's something there. I haven't personally tried them, but the porchetta sandwich did look really good. What I love about the Presidio is that there's always parts of the park that aren't very busy. Whenever I need time away from the daily grind, it's nice to get lost in nature and soak up the beauty that is San Francisco. I typically would rather not pay for parking, so what I do is park in the Marina/Cow Hollow Area and enter the park from there. Another spot would be from the Pac Heights entrance, there's typically a lot of parking up there and most spaces have time limits Monday-Friday, making it a great option for free parking on the weekends. I'd avoid parking anywhere near the Palace of Fine Arts because that's where a bunch of break-ins occur, which is why they have signs everywhere saying not to leave valuable in the car. Do yourself a favor, don't keep anything of value in you car if you don't have to. read more

Beautiful piece of History The Presidio is a former military base that is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Walt Disney Family Museum is located at the Presidio. The old red brick military buildings have been converted to restaurants, hotels and attractions including the Walt Disney Family Museum. Also, look for the Yoda Fountain at Lucasfilm Headquarters at the Presidio. We visited the San Francisco National Cemetery, the Torpedo Wharf fishing pier, Baker Beach and we enjoyed panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field. Fort Point National Historic Site was not to be missed... visited 3 times! Admission is FREE! The Presidio has lots of recreational area and nice trails to go hiking, jogging, cycling and do other activities. This place is an enjoyable area to visit and is not to be missed when visiting San Francisco. NOTE: some activities or places may have limited access due to COVID-19 restrictions. Review #2076 read more

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The Presidio is a special place. A special arrangement with the US government allows the Presidio to operate as a self supporting property. The income from business tenants and residences help support the running of this great space. The wide open spaces allow for nature to exist in the City. What other urban environment has coyote and other wildlife roaming about? The vista of the Bay, the wetlands of Crissy Fields, the historic cemetery with Civil War veterans. The Presidio is special. Let's protect and defend this treasure...part of our nations heritage. read more

The Presidio - You can get more patriotic than simultaneous founding as the United States of America! - Parks Near Me

Plan your visit!! It's definitely a beautiful place to visit. I love what they did with the main lawn area. Very great photo areas! The views are amazing! Ample parking. And other transportation options available. Gender inclusive restrooms. They do a great job keeping the restroom area clean. Pet friendly environment. Definitely a place to visit when coming to San Francisco! read more

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As a former US Army Officer, I am always pleased to drive thru The Presidio in San Francisco. Formerly the oldest Army post in the USA, it's good to see it's facilites and grounds being preserved and finding new uses. Perhaps a visitor might not understand why there's so much open ground among the buildings. Those most likely were fields where troops stood in formation, exercised, or did training. At the northern most point in SF, The Presidio held strategic ground. It helped to defend the entrance to SF Bay, - the Golden Gate. Before the days of warplanes and missiles, SF Bay was defended by ships, troops, and coastal artillery. You can still find remnants of old coastal artillery batteries. These were heavy gun positions. Today, websites and TV shows talk about secret tunnels and vaults under these gun positions. There's no mystery here, these were tunnels used to move ammo and supplies between gun positions. Today, The Presidio is a beautiful piece of history. It's also an example of how former military bases can be reused and repurposed. The Presidio is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and is a California Registered Historical Landmark. The Presidio grounds include: The San Francisco National Cemetery, Crissy Field, and Presidio Golf Course. read more

Presidio is a very nice outdoors area in the middle of the busy SF city. Good amount of hiking trails to explore. The parking area was closed when we came. Right next to the Golden Gate Bridge area. Fresh air is always needed when you have been in the city all trip! read more

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During Covid we have limited our trips to avoid taking the bus. Our usual route has been Arguello with views of the cemetary and the Golden Gate Bridge. Eventually when you get to the horses, you decide whether to continue on to the Bridge or head towards the Main Post. Either is wonderful, both require a bus back at our ages which we are avoiding. (We are good for 4 to 5 mi). This time we changed our approach into the park, gingerly because we are unfamiliar with the Lyon Steps entrance to the Presidio. Years ago I got lost somewhere in the Presidio. We approached it by way of the Lyon Steps which are beautiful in itself. Were we going west? Were we going north? Probably both. I just didnt want to walk home by way of the steep Divisadero Hill so I didn't want to get too close to Yoda Fountain because the return trip would be UP. Had a nice walk, met a couple flying their drone in the trees. Fascinating. I could briefly see Alcatraz. I am anxious to explore more and the mapping function on my phone helped when I was at a decision point returning home. I saw which path I needed and then turned it off. Another nice day today. I think I will go back for those glorious trees and smells. Now I have two options, Arguello, still my favorite, and Lyon. I think I will try Lyon again. read more

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Gorgeous park with beautiful architecture. Quite busy. There are benches and many people were sitting on the grass enjoying the sunny day! Parking can be a pain. read more

The Presidio - Parks Near Me

Such a nice area to hike, bike, and just walk around! The views here of the water and Golden Gate are amazing! I don't think I would rent a bike in the Presidio area just because it's pretty hilly, but if you can do it, go ahead! We did the Batteries to Bluffs trail, which offers great views of the Bay! The hike starts with many steps down to the water level, so make sure you can hike back up lol. Love how everything is free! Try to uber here because parking is a mess! read more

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Love this park. Except the word park, I think cheats all the glory that encompasses The Presidio. Maybe 'open space', but even that I feel doesn't do it justice. This huge 1500 acre plot of prime land was exclusively used for the military. Until the mid 90's where it was finally released and slowly developed for public use. There are old features like the golf course and miles of trails that were always here, but now available to the public. And there are newer developments where older buildings were modernized to get them to fit with the times, like the Walt Disney Museum. I just love how the past lingers all over but the modern use now just seems so progressive and logical. I mostly come here to hike and explore. So many coastal trees, some elevation changes, trails galore and views almost every corner you turn. And when the fog is out, which is the majority of the time, the look out here is simply classic SF, which always pull at my heartstrings. And this area is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, The Marina, Pac Heights and the Richmond. So many options on the off shoots. When I do a day trip and urban hike in SF, The Presidio, will always be factored into the equation. Nothing but love for this place! read more

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The new park and over pass they put in at the parade grounds in the Presidio are beautiful. So many thoughtful touches with spots to sit, picnic, let your dogs hang out, kids to run and play. Clean gender inclusive bathrooms and plenty of space. Being able to walk from the presidio to Chrissy field quickly is a huge plus. Can't wait to go back. read more

The Presidio - Parks Near Me

It is such a peaceful gem-just walk 10 minutes into the forested trails and you will be in another world. I live here and often don't encounter another soul when walking my dog in the early morning. Coyotes at dusk, owls in the night, great blue herons in the morning. Tunnel tops is a pleasant spot for viewing the bay. Food trucks on the weekend have nice variety. Also-bonus-bowling! read more

Of all of the large parks in the greater San Francisco area, and there are a number of them, The Presidio might be my favorite as it gives visitors a wide range of things to do, whether it's hiking, running, kite-flying, inter-mural sports, picnicking, or simply hanging out at the beach, the Presidio is so vast with a wide variety of topography that it feels like a multitude of parks rolled into roughly two and half square miles. The park is characterized by many wooded areas, hills, and scenic vistas overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. As both a registered state and national landmark, the reason why the Presidio exists to this day in the wonderful state that it remains is because through a Congressional act creating the Presidio Trust in 1996 to oversee the interior part of the park with the National Park Service managing the coastal section including all the trails and beaches. The fact that it managed to successfully transition from a former U.S. Army military fort to a successful park with museums, schools, private businesses and and hotels is because these organizations worked together to achieve their goal of turning the Presidio into a sustainable park years ahead of schedule. And that growth hasn't slowed down since then as there more more parklands coming that will cover the new Doyle Drive and tunnels that lead to the toll plaza of the Golden Gate Bridge and I personally cannot wait to see what they eventually turn out to be. Although I have visited the Presidio park many times from walks along the coastal trails to visits to the beaches on that rare warm fogless San Francisco day, but one trip I took with a few friends on a sunny San Francisco spring day really gave me a new found appreciation for the entire acreage of the park as we arrived at the park on a Saturday afternoon after noontime and we managed to get lucky and found parking at the Vista Point Parking lot along Arguello Boulevard. With a beautiful view of Inspiration Point which overlooks much of the eastern part of the park we then started walking down the Ecology Trail which is a nicely manicured trail, which if you continue heading east past a modern baseball and soccer field which eventually leads you past a number of eucalyptus trees called Lover's Lane and more trails which then leads you to a natural piece of artwork that was created almost a full decade ago called Andy Goldsworth's Wood Line which is stunning winding eucalyptus tree sculpture that even youngsters can climb on and walk up and down. It truly represents what artwork in an open space is intended to look like. If you follow the Lover's Lane trail, it takes you in a northwestern direction over the MacArthur Meadow which after a few turns will lead you past former army buildings and barracks that have interestingly been repurposed as schools and even a YMCA community and fitness center. Then it's as if you are in a regular small local town as the paths turn into a main street, Lincoln Boulevard where one will see regular traffic for cars and the PresidGo bus shuttle which takes visitors from downtown San Francisco and all points in between to the park, which is a great free resource, especially for those on the weekends who have to get to an event in the Presidio. Many of which events occur at your next stop, the Main Post Lawn, from Off the Grid, which features a wide variety of independently owned food trucks, where visitors could picnic on a vast open lawn space under the big blue sky, it's the only way to spend a long afternoon on the weekend. We actually decided to keep walking along Lincoln Boulevard as you would have a view of both the Presidio's National Cemetery on one side and Crissy Field on another side of the street. If you keep walking along the park trail, it leads you to a horse paddock where you can see two beautiful thoroughbreds that are ready for their close up. More walking and then you will arrive at the Battery East Trail which leads you to some nice vistas with beautiful views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. They even have some nice picnic areas, where we enjoyed our lunch, after which we kept on walking on the trail as it leads you the underneath the Golden Gate and the beautiful cliffs and beaches that overlook the ocean. It's here you get a little history of the park's fortified location, which it has been since 1776 when the Spanish set up their fort at this strategic location and through history it has evolved in western lookout during World War II and that could be seen through all of the decommissioned batteries that still exist that are perfect for skateboarders and less so for lovers of untouched landscapes. By this time, you've seen enough beaches, cliffs and moors of the western coast of the city and you've gotten so much steps ion to give one a real appreciation of everything that the Presidio has to offer locals and tourists alike. read more

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On a list of must see while in the Bay area along with Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and a few others. The Presidio is rich in history dating back to the Civil War. Located just off the water underneath and beside the Golden Gate the Presidio is a massive 1,500 acre park that is a hub of recreation from hiking, biking and golfing. There really is something for all. The grounds are well maintained and mostly debris free., I have done the self guided tour of Fort Point which was a military out post during the Civil War. It's design is Spanish Colonial. Headphones are provided at a minimal cost in the visitors area. I have also enjoyed hiking the trails which extend miles. Bring a camera and a wind breaker and be cautious of zipping bikes on the narrow path. The views are exquisite and the terrain flat which is a nice departure from the city. My visits to the Presidio never get old. Parking is limited but available. Add to your touring list. read more

Love the Presidio... So much to do, So much to see Nature, Beaches, History and of course all that military history... A real must see whether your a local or a visitor!! ENJOY!!! read more

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Fantastic view - visited during sunrise, day, sunset and night. In every single time was different and beautiful - most unique was night- sunrise. Breathtaking place. So many places to explore. read more

The Presidio - Parks Near Me

Came to the area for a quick exercise/jog (of course while social distancing). It is still open right now for those that are working out only but no picnics or attractions are open at this time. This area is massive with beautiful sights all over. The presidio has many attractions in the area such as the Walt Disney Family Museum. It's a beautiful place for sight sighting for visitors and tourists when things reopen. You can see many of the famous views of San Francisco at this park it's truly so beautiful! I definitely will be back and love this area so much. I would encourage people to visit and enjoy the area once the quarantine is over. read more

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If you're looking for an escape from metropolitan reality, look no further than the Presidio. This magical span of land is GIANT and houses some of the most scenic views in the entire city. There's trails tucked away in every nook and cranny of the space, so many trails I couldn't even imagine to have set foot on them all. My personal favorites are the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The trails all merge at some point near the Golden Gate Bridge, which is a beauty in any condition. The trails are crushed gravel or dirt, so great from runners who want to escape the pavement of marina green. But beware, hills are a must and you just can't avoid them - embrace the burn and turn up those calves muscles. Highly recommend a sunrise run through the trees or a sunset hike with some friends and a rosé to go in your yeti wine cooler (I won't tell anyone)! Seriously put this on your bucket list and spend a couple hours getting lost in the presidios beauty, I sure do every single morning I'm there. read more

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The Presidio has been my go-to hiking, instagramming, and general escape from city streets destination. I'm so lucky to have this neighborhood accessible from my house with just a brief 15 minute walk. My favorite places to visit are: -The Crissy Field Overlook (cool skyline view) -Cemetery Overlook -Fort Point Overlook (awesome GGB views!) -Entrance at the top of the Lyon Street Steps -Batteries to Bluffs trail Grab a bite at: -Sessions at the Presidio -Warming Hut -Arguello Honestly, this part of the city really does have it all. Also, exploring it offers a wonderful FREE activity in SF. I'm a big fan. read more

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