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Golden Gate National Recreation Area

, California

NPCA REGION: Pacific Regional Office

Acreage: 74,819.91

Category: National Recreation Area

Date Established: 10/27/1972

More Info: http://www.nps.gov/goga

Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses more than two dozen natural, historic and cultural sites in and around the city of San Francisco.

Experience the isolation of Alcatraz, America’s first “supermax” prison. Stroll beneath the towering trees in Muir Woods. Walk on the beach at the Marin Headlands. Tour half a dozen operational and shuttered military facilities, including the still-active NIKE Missile Site. Hike miles of trails, and enjoy unforgettable ocean views. Scan the horizon from the 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse.

More than 200 years of history are waiting to be explored in Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Whether you’re interested in American Indian culture, the expansion of the Spanish Empire, the California Gold Rush or the evolving presence of the U.S. military in the Bay Area, you’ll find plenty to see and do.

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Comments

This year we finally made the trip to "The Rock" after several years of procrastination during prior visits to San Francisco. What an amazing story and experience. Access was effectively unlimited and the National Park personnel were helpful, informative and gracious in all respects. Well worth making the time (about two hours) to see this legendary location. Also we undertake a customary "morning run" across the majestic Golden Gate bridge - not to be missed if you've got the courage, it's a haul. However, this year we came up to the bridge through the Persidio and found another great reason to explore more of the National Park system and Golden Gate Recreation Area. We found the Walt Disney Family Museum, but lacked the time. Surely, it will be on our list of things to do the next trip. Keep up the great work and thank you to all the staff and administration of the Pacific Regional Office for all your efforts in maintaining these components of the National Park system and specifically for the fine work in preserving the Golden Gate Recreation Area.

Submitted by John R at: February 18, 2010

The year was 1972, June-July. The location was Golden Gate Park. My parents took the family to a Santa/ Christmas -themed amusement park that was located in that area. It had a number of attractions all related to Christmas season. The people who worked there were dressed as Santa's Elves. It must not have lasted long because I have found nothing remotely related to it in Golden Gate history even in 1972. I have been searching for ANY clues to this place; photos, stories, etc., but have found nothing. If anyone could provide ANY information about this place it would be greatly appreciated!

Submitted by Bruce at: August 19, 2009

Having been born and raised in the city(San Francisco) I thought I actually knew everything there was to know about the area. As a third generation SanFranciscan I had heard wonderful stories about everything from the Barbary Coast to the Great Earth-Quake and Fire of 06. One day I saw a lot of work going on by Fort Point and realized someone was going to turn our best kept secret of a hidden Beach and picnic spot on the bay into a tourist trap. Was I ever mistaken! First an influx of funding really improved the area but they kept the flavor and beauty of an isolated area. I think sadly what appeals to me a a native who had birthday parties at the hidden beach and who's children and grandchildren had birthday parties on the shore of an isolated cove in the SanFrancisco Bay means tourists have to really work hard to explore the Golden Gate recreational area. However that is also what keeps it beautiful and pristine. One of my favorite places in all the world. Many many memories from the city by the Bay all happened on these old retired army bases.

Submitted by The Park at: February 28, 2009

Please keep up your good work! In particular your opposition to the proposed construction and development of the Presidio Main Post. One individual should not be allowed to dictate location and design of a facility which would essentially destroy the historic San Francisco landmark.

Submitted by Sapphire at: August 16, 2008

I found this comment on the nps website - A good place to begin exploring the Golden Gate National Parks is at Park Headquarters in Building 201, a gracious, white three-story structure in upper Fort Mason. The visitor information center here also provides park maps and other information for the Golden Gate and other western national parks. Unfortunately, the visitor center is not opened on Saturday nor are their informational brochures at Fort Mason where I chose to start to experience the Golden Gate Recreation Area. As someone from out of town, I felt I needed more orientation to where and what the Golden Gate NRA included.

Submitted by Karen at: June 7, 2008