- State: CA
- NPCA Region: Pacific
- Est. Date: 1972
Air Quality Conditions
View the Polluted Parks ReportVisibility
Unsatisfactory
Health
Unsatisfactory
Nature
Unsatisfactory
Climate Change Threats
This 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 towering trees in Muir Woods. Walk on the beach at the Marin Headlands. Scan the horizon from the 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse. Tour half a dozen operational and shuttered military facilities, including an active missile site. Hike miles of trails and enjoy unforgettable ocean views.
-
Blog Post
Objects at Hand: 10 Curious Park Artifacts
The National Park Service manages one of the largest museum systems in North America, preserving more than 45 million artifacts, from the artful to the odd.
-
Magazine Article
Lands of Protest
A visual history of racial justice demonstrations in America's national parks.
More about Golden Gate
-
Read more about Stuck Indoors? 10 Great Books About National Parks
Blog Post Stuck Indoors? 10 Great Books About National Parks These 10 nonfiction books will deepen your appreciation for pivotal events in American history and the national park sites that commemorate them.
-
Read more about Urban Stargazing: See More of the Universe at Night
Blog Post Urban Stargazing: See More of the Universe at Night Longer nights and clearer skies during winter make it an ideal season for stargazing, and fortunately, some national parks offer dark skies near major urban areas.
-
Read more about 7 National Park Sites That Tell the Story of Immigration
Blog Post 7 National Park Sites That Tell the Story of Immigration From Castle Clinton National Monument to Golden Gate National Recreation Area, national park sites explore the stark contrasts of the immigrant experience.
-
Read more about The Country’s Oldest Trail-Running Race Is a Grueling Trip Through Beautiful Parks
Blog Post The Country’s Oldest Trail-Running Race Is a Grueling Trip Through Beautiful Parks The Dipsea Race began as a bet between friends 115 years ago and now passes through two national park sites on its strenuous 7.5-mile route. The history and rules of this longstanding contest are as quirky as the scenery is beautiful.
-
Read more about The 12 Most-Visited Winter Parks
Blog Post The 12 Most-Visited Winter Parks National park sites can provide an ideal adventure or an escape from the cold during the winter months.
-
Read more about 10 Scenic National Park Drives
Blog Post 10 Scenic National Park Drives These 10 parks offer incredible views of some of America's most beautiful places with plenty of opportunities to get out and explore along the way.
-
Read more about 'Harsh is Truth'
Magazine Article 'Harsh is Truth' In this divisive political era, is it possible for the Park Service to support contemporary art that grapples with hot-button issues from immigration to climate change? At these parks, the answer is yes.
-
Read more about Get Your Binoculars: The 25 Best National Parks for Birding
Blog Post Get Your Binoculars: The 25 Best National Parks for Birding Find out which national park sites have the most bird species, with a highlight of what you might see at each place.
-
Read more about Final Dog Rule Improves Conservation and Recreation at 2nd Most Visited National Park
Press Release Final Dog Rule Improves Conservation and Recreation at 2nd Most Visited National Park The final rule creates zones for where on-leash, off-leash, and no dogs are allowed, allowing the public to choose the experience they want to enjoy.
-
Read more about Claiming the Rock
Magazine Article Claiming the Rock The 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island, from 1969 to 1971, marked a turning point in American Indian activism.
-
Read more about FAQ: Golden Gate National Recreation Area Dog Accommodations and Rule
Talking Points FAQ: Golden Gate National Recreation Area Dog Accommodations and Rule The National Park Service has recognized that dog-related recreation in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is threatening the park’s natural resources and degrading the park experience for many user groups. GGNRA’s new zoning plan will replace an outdated, 1979 “pet policy” that was developed without considering scientific research and the diverse park uses.
-
Read more about Regarding the Mid-Crissy Field Site
Letter Regarding the Mid-Crissy Field Site Letters from major donors to Presidio Trust regarding the Mid-Crissy Field site
-
Read more about Center for State of the Parks: Alcatraz Island
Report Center for State of the Parks: Alcatraz Island This report is a brief summary of the challenges the Park Service faces in caring for Alcatraz’s cultural and natural resources. Also included is information on the work the National Park Service is doing to protect the island’s irreplaceable resources into the future
Donate
Preserve Our Parks
Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.
Donate Now