San Francisco's Golden Gate Area—What to Know and Do!

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the largest urban national parks, spanning 75,398 acres of land and water, with 28 miles of coastline. It features dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, redwood forests, historic sites like Alcatraz, and plenty of outdoor activities to explore.

Due to its size, the park can be overwhelming to navigate. Spread across Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties, it is divided into sections, each offering unique landscapes and activities.

Parking and Access Around GGNRA

Nina sitting in the campervan overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge from a viewpoint.

Parking and access in GGNRA can be tricky. Some areas, like Tennessee Valley, are free, but places like Muir Woods charge an entrance fee. Be sure to check ahead for any parking fees or restrictions.

Parking lots are scattered throughout the park, but most are charged by the hour or have time limits, so keep an eye on the posted signs.

GET THE ULTIMATE WEST COAST MAP

Get our curated list of the best adventures, things to do, and places to grab a brew loaded onto your maps with just two clicks!

West Coast Map with heart icons pinned with lots of things to do on the West Coast.

GET THE MAP!

RELATED: 17 Best Hikes in San Francisco to Tackle

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Map

This area is vast and can be confusing to explore. To help, we’ve created an area map so you can easily navigate and plan your visit.

Everything here is roughly listed from South GGNRA up to Mount Tamalpais in the North.

Watch the Sunset at Baker Beach

Lady walking dogs on Baker Beach at sunset besides the Golden Gate Bridge.

Baker Beach offers a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge and is perfect for a day out with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. It’s also a top spot for sunset views.

Check Out Marshall’s Beach

A viewpoint of the Golden Gate Bridge from Marshall's Beach at golden hour.

Marshall’s Beach is quieter than Baker Beach and offers the closest view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s great for those seeking solitude, but be prepared for a short hike to get there.

Get your History Fill at Battery Cranston

A view of traffic on the Golden Gate bridge from Battery Cranston at dusk.

Battery Cranston is a historical landmark built in 1897 for coastal defense. Today, it offers incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding areas.

Visit Golden Gate Beach

Sunrise glow behind the Golden Gate Bridge from Golden Gate Beach.

Golden Gate Beach offers incredible views of the bridge, along with picnic spots and trails like Crissy Fields for a relaxing day outdoors.

Sail to Alcatraz

Alcatraz island at sunset in San Francisco Bay area.

If you haven’t visited Alcatraz Island, it’s a must-do. Not only do you explore one of the most infamous prisons in history, but you also get a scenic ferry ride with 360-degree views of the bay.

There are several tours available that offer insight into the history of the prison, along with access to the old cells where you can immerse yourself in the past.

Best Tour to Alcatraz

Hang out at Rodeo Beach

Nina walking along an empty Rodeo Beach near San Francisco.

Rodeo Beach is a favorite in the GGNRA, backed by cliffs and full of colorful pebbles like green jasper and black agate. It’s perfect for picnics, surfing, and even bird-watching around Rodeo Lagoon.

Don’t miss the historic sites nearby, like Fort Cronkhite, for a deeper dive into the area’s military history.

Lagoon Trail

A flock of seagulls flying by cliffs at Rodeo Beach in the Golden Gate National Recreational Area.

The Lagoon Trail is an easy 1.5-mile loop around Rodeo Lagoon, offering great wildlife viewing opportunities and vibrant wildflowers in spring.

This easy trail also takes you by the Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the area’s history and natural beauty.

Battery 129

This short trail takes you to Battery 129, a World War II military installation with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. It’s also a prime spot for bird watching and seeing the mission blue butterfly.

Though it was never fully completed, Battery 129 offers a historical glimpse into WWII defenses and breathtaking views.

RELATED: 15 Best Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints

Stroll to the Batteries and Forts

A dilapidated Battery Wagner overlooking Kirby Cove and the Golden Gate bridge.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is rich in history, with several harbor defenses still standing today. Key sites include Battery Spencer with its commanding views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Battery Mandell with its impressive guns, and Fort Cronkhite, a World War II mobilization post.

Learn more at the Marine Mammal Center and Whale Skeleton

Blue whale skeleton laying on the floor at the Marine Mammal Center in San Francisco.

Visit the Marine Mammal Center, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, for a chance to see how experts save and rehabilitate animals. Book in advance and don’t miss the chance to marvel at the blue whale skeleton.

Point Bonita Lighthouse Hike

This 1-mile out-and-back hike leads to the unique Point Bonita Lighthouse, perched on a rock and only reachable by a suspension bridge. The views are incredible and well worth the easy hike.

Battery 129

Battery 129 is a short 0.7-mile loop hike offering wide vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean. It’s also a great spot to see the fall raptor migration and home to the mission blue butterfly.

Kirby Cove

Kirby Cove is a peaceful spot with soft sands and stunning views. Book a campsite early to enjoy a night under the stars with city lights twinkling in the distance.

Do it all by Bike

Two bike riders entering the pathway across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is huge, and biking is one of the best ways to explore. Cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy epic views and thrilling inclines in the Marin Headlands.

Stop at H. Dana Bowers Rest Area & Vista Point – Northbound

This scenic rest area offers unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline. It’s more than just a quick stop—plan to stay a while to take in the beauty of the bay and even walk across the bridge.

Discover the Unique Fort Baker

View of Fort Baker besides houses and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on the sunny day.

Fort Baker, tucked beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, feels more like a charming village with its red-and-white buildings. You can even stay at the historic Cavallo Point Hotel, housed in former officers’ quarters.

Tennessee Valley Area

View down the steps of the Tennessee Coastal Trail in the GGNRA.

The Tennessee Valley offers scenic hikes, like the Tennessee Valley Coastal Coyote Ridge and Miwok Loop. This 6.1-mile trail offers breathtaking ocean views and rugged cliffs, perfect for hikers and bikers.

Muir Beach Area

Stairs leading down to Muir Beach on a sunny day with a view of cliffs in the Golden Gate National Recreational Area.

Muir Beach offers a peaceful alternative to the busier areas of the GGNRA. The Coastal Trails and Fire Road Loop offers a 4.4-mile scenic hike with stunning ocean views.

Muir Woods

Muir Woods is a must-visit with towering redwoods and beautiful boardwalk paths. Though it can get crowded, the majestic redwoods make the trip worthwhile.

Mount Tamalpais

Mount Tamalpais State Park offers miles of scenic trails, with incredible views over the Farallon Islands and San Francisco Bay. Towering redwoods and windswept hills make this area perfect for hiking and exploring.

Final Thoughts on GGNRA

A ferry sailing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge on an overcast day in San Francisco.

If you’re short on time, focus on the North and South GGNRA areas. For a quieter escape, head to Tennessee Beach. If you have a few days, don’t miss Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods, each deserving a full day of exploration.

Here are the best places to stay near GGNRA!

We hope this helped you plan your visit to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area!