Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Copyright: National Park Service Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Description - San Francisco's Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is the largest urban national park in the world. The total park area is 76,500 acres of land and water. Approximately 28 miles of coastline lie within its boundaries. It is nearly two and one-half times the size of San Francisco. Within its boundaries are ocean beaches, dramatic headlands, redwood forest, lagoons, historic military properties and the the infamous Alcatraz Island.

Attractions - Golden Gate NRA comprises numerous sites, including Alcatraz, Marin Headlands, Fort Funston, Fort Mason, as well as Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, and the Presidio of San Francisco. Each has its own unique natural, cultural, and military history.

Recreation - The Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers multiple and diverse recreation opportunities, all within immediate access of San Francisco. There are hundreds of scenic trails, paved roads, fire roads available for hiking, walking, scenic driving, road biking, mountain biking in the GGNRA. The recreation area also offers picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, boating, sea kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, camping, bird watching, wildlife viewing, golfing, cultural programs, guided tours, museums and viewing of historic sites.

Climate - The climate is Mediterranean, so it tends to be windy and cold throughout much of the park. Summers are foggy, with the best weather in spring and fall. Dress in layers. Hiking boots are appropriate in some areas. Comfortable shoes are recommended in the areas in San Francisco, as there will be much walking on asphalt or on sidewalks.

Location - GGNRA is located in three San Francisco Bay Area counties: San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo. Much of the GGNRA is within walking distance from San Francisco, with other areas up to an hour's drive away.

The recreation area follows San Francisco's northern and western shoreline, extending down the peninsula. Across Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, follow any of the various access roads off of Highway 101, including Alexander Avenue, Shoreline Highway and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, to the recreation area. The Municipal Railway (MUNI) bus system serves Rodeo Beach in Marin on Sundays. Visitor information is available at Fort Mason, The Cliff House, Fort Point, Rodeo Beach and Muir Woods, Fort Funston and the Presidio. GGNRA lands in San Mateo County are accessible via Skyline Blvd.

LAT: 37.8499275
LONG: -122.5177518