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The Presidio/Fort Mason, San Francisco
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The Presidio/Fort Mason, San Francisco

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The Presidio/Fort Mason tips and photos posted by real travelers and San Francisco locals.

Golden Gate National Recreational Area
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• 12 Reviews

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The Presidio/Fort Mason: Good Area to Bike, Hike and jog!
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  • The Presidio served as a military post under the flags of Spain (1776-1822), Mexico (1822-48), and the United States (1848-1994). As a U.S. Army post, the Presidio protected commerce and trade, and played a logistical role in every major U.S. military conflict from 1848 until closure. World events and those on the home front - from military campaigns to the rise of aviation, from World Fairs to natural disasters - left their mark here.

    Today, visitors enjoy the history and beauty of the Presidio. Within its boundaries are more than 500 historic buildings, a collection of coastal defense fortifications, a national cemetery, an historic airfield, a saltwater marsh, forests, beaches, native plant habitats, coastal bluffs, miles of hiking and biking, and some of the most spectacular vistas in the world.

    The park is open year-round. Information on points of interest and Presidio history is available at the Visitor Center located in Building 102, Montgomery Street. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Phone: (415) 561-4323
  • Directions: (MUNI) buses serve the Presidio via the 28, 29, 43 and 82X lines. Bus service from the North Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza is available through Golden Gate Transit. Fort Mason San Francisco, CA 94123
  • Website: www.nps.gov/prsf/
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    The Presidio/Fort Mason: Fort Mason
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  • Fort Mason is an old World War II embarkation point turned into a regional cultural center. Being that my time was so limited, I did not go into the museum. But the views of the bay are great here. It is also a great vantage point for Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

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    The Presidio/Fort Mason: The Presidio--Near Golden Gate Park
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  • We had a quick glimpse of the Presidio as we blazed past it before crossing The Golden Gate Bridge. Although we didn't visit this historic military installation, I did want to include some information on it.

    This was one of the original Spanish settlements in San Francisco (1776). It commands a glorious and strategic view of the Bay.

    Once the Americans assumed the ownership of this area after 1847, it was used for the Indian wars; later, as headquarters for the Sixth Army Command in WW2.

    The Presidio became part of the National Park Service in 1994. Seventy miles of paths and 1600 buildings in the Victorian, Spanish-revival and Electic style welcome you to the Presidio. There are plans to renovate these buildings and roll out the red carpet for tenants!

    The Letterman Digital Arts Center, is home to George Lucas's movie production company and its employees. It will occupy a 23 acre site and include a restaurant and coffee bar open to the public.

    Anyone can drive through this former base to enjoy the historic buildings, old cemetery, hiking trails, its six mile historic walk or its two ecology trails comprising over 1,400 acres.

    The visitor's center, located on the parade grounds, is open daily from 9am-5pm, but closed on major holidays.

  • Phone: 415-561-4323
  • Directions: South of the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Website: www.nps.gov/prsf
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    The Presidio/Fort Mason: Home to LucasFilm and excellent views
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  • The Presidio was once a US Army post, and home to soldiers. Now, it's an excellent place to go jogging, walking, and to take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. Furthermore, it is home to Lucas Film (George Lucas's) as well as the Palace of Fine Arts, a San Francisco landmark with its beautiful dome-shaped building. The Presidio is also right next to the Marina District (please read my VT tip on the Marina for more info).

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    The Presidio/Fort Mason: Fort Mason
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  • These buildings from the mid-19th century were the point of embarcation for 1.6 millions soldiers during WW2.
    From the top of the park, you have beautiful views of Alcatraz...

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    The Presidio/Fort Mason: Go for a run in the Presidio
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  • Do this either in the morning before a big meeting or after work (during the summer when it's still light) to unwind. It's a great place to explore and has many hills that make for a great workout!

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  • Directions: There are several ways to get into the Presidio. It depends on where you come from. Ask someone at your hotel or a friend that lives in town.
  • Other Contact: Don't run after dark!
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    The Presidio/Fort Mason: Golf the Presidio
    For less than $60 a very challenging course with all the amenities of a country club. Beautiful layout with view of the Golden Gate and Ocean.

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    The Presidio/Fort Mason: Great place to relax and enjoy the views...
    If you're heading towards the Golden Gate Bridge on the bay side of San Francisco... it's a mile or two before.

    The area is a big open space where you can have a seat and chill out! When you are facing the water, you'll have the bridge on your left... the bay and Alcatraz in front of you... and the piers and downtown on your right. It's pretty quiet and just lovely!

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    The Presidio/Fort Mason: Fort Point National Historic Site
    Fort Point National Historic Site - San Francisco
    Fort Point National Historic
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    Nestled under the Golden Gate Bridge, this Civil War era brick fortress was built by the Army Corp of Engineers between 1853 and 1861 to guard against hostiles from entering San Francisco Bay. Orginally sporting 126 massive cannons, it was never attacked. The fort also saw duty during World War II when 100 soldiers were garirsoned here to protect against enemy submarines from entering the bay. During the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, it served as a construction office. Today it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area and opened to the public. It offers a magnificient view of San Francisco, the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. Due to construction on the Golden Gate Bridge, it is currently only opened Friday through Sunday from 10AM to 5PM. Check the website to confirm hours of operation. Be sure to bring warm clothing. It can be very windy and cold. Admission if free.

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  • Phone: (415) 556-1693
  • Directions: In the Presidio under the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Website: http://www.nps.gov/fopo/
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    The Presidio/Fort Mason: Crissy Field
    This 100 acre shoreline park is located in the Presidio. Orginally a military airfield, it has now been restored to its natural state. It is a favorite with local cyclist, runners, walkers and wind surfers. The views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge are stunning. The perfect place to relax.

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  • Phone: 415 561-7690
  • Directions: Presidio of San Francisco
  • Website: http://www.crissyfield.org/
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