White buildings with red roofs at Crissy Field with blue bay and Golden Gate Bridge and fog behind.

National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

visit on nps.gov

Info

Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history from California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. All of this and more awaits you, so get out and find your park.

Park Photos

White buildings with red roofs at Crissy Field with blue bay and Golden Gate Bridge and fog behind.
1 of 8

Visiting Crissy Field is an ever changing experience as the fog comes in and dissipates.

Credit: NPS photo/Will Elder

White buildings with red roofs at Crissy Field with blue bay and Golden Gate Bridge and fog behind.
Mori Point view north with yellow an blue flowers, the blue-green Pacific Ocean and Mt. Tamalpais.
View over the Pacific from Bolinas Ridge; Stinson Beach, Bolinas Lagoon and head in mid-ground.
Orange Golden Gate Bridge with waves crashing in foreground and storm clouds behind.
View south with family on road in foreground and Rodeo Beach and cove in front of Point Bonita.
Row of red brick barracks with white-columned porches where infantry soldiers lived.
Closeup shot of Alcatraz Island showing lighthouse and prison with yellow flowers on slope in front.
Person jogging along a path with golden gate bridge in the background.

Activities

Biking
Mountain Biking
Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Group Camping
Picnicking
Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Arts and Culture
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Living History
Reenactments
Junior Ranger Program
Museum Exhibits
Bookstore and Park Store
Fishing
Saltwater Fishing
Surfing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Food
Dining
Shopping

Operating Hours

Although this urban park is accessible 24 hours a day in most areas, most parking lots are open between sunrise to sunset.

DayHours
Friday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Sunday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Saturday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day

These areas are open from 6 a.m. until 1 hour after sunset. Marin County: - Conzelman Rd (west, between traffic circle and Field Rd.) - Kirby Cove (except registered campers with permits) - Muir Beach - Muir Beach Overlook - Stinson Beach San Francisco County - Fort Point (north of the gate and adjacent areas) - China Beach - Fort Mason – Black Point Stairway to Van Ness Ave. - Lands End - Sutro Heights Park

DayHours
Friday
6:00AM - Sunset
Monday
6:00AM - Sunset
Sunday
6:00AM - Sunset
Tuesday
6:00AM - Sunset
Saturday
6:00AM - Sunset
Thursday
6:00AM - Sunset
Wednesday
6:00AM - Sunset

Muir Woods National Monument is open daily with hours varying throughout the year. Please check the Muir Woods National Monument park website for the most current, up to date information. In accordance with CDC, state, and local public health guidance related to COVID-19, these hours and availability of programs may vary.

DayHours
Friday
8:00AM - 6:00PM
Monday
8:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday
8:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday
8:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday
8:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday
8:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday
8:00AM - 6:00PM

We are currently open the following days/hours: Monday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Tuesday: CLOSED Wednesday: CLOSED Thursday: CLOSED Friday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Saturday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Sunday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm

DayHours
Friday
12:30PM - 3:30PM
Monday
12:30PM - 3:30PM
Sunday
12:30PM - 3:30PM
Tuesday
Closed
Saturday
12:30PM - 3:30PM
Thursday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed

The Nike Missile Site in the Marin Headlands is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm for demonstrations and programs, unless otherwise posted.

DayHours
Friday
12:00PM - 3:00PM
Monday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Saturday
12:00PM - 3:00PM
Thursday
12:00PM - 3:00PM
Wednesday
Closed

Battery Townsley is open every first Sunday of the month between 12:00pm to 4:00pm for guided tours.

DayHours
Friday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Sunday
12:00PM - 4:00PM
Tuesday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed

Fort Point National Historic Site is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm unless otherwise noted on Fort Point's website.

DayHours
Friday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday
Closed
Saturday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday
Closed

Weather info

Winter is characterized by sporadic rain and cool weather punctuated by brilliant sunshine. In winter the grass greens. Trees and flowers dormant through winter start blooming in late February or early March and last until May or June. By July, summer fog predominates in most coastal areas of the park. Grasses and plants have now turned to the golden brown and muted grays characteristic of California summer and fall. September and October skies are clear and sunshine is abundant everywhere in the park.

Events