Andrew Nash
Vienna Transport Strategies

Ocean Beach - Land's End - Presidio - Golden Gate Bridge - Fort Mason

You can start this tour by walking west through Golden Gate Park or taking Muni's #5 Fulton bus, or Muni's N-Judah streetcar (or several other routes) to the end of the line, Ocean Beach.

Ocean Beach and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area - The Golden Gate National Recreation Area was created by the federal government in the 1972 through the efforts of Congressman Phil Burton. The GGNRA is controlled by the US Park Service and runs from Point Reyes in the north along the coast, into the Bay, and on to San Mateo County.

Walk along Ocean Beach and watch the surfers (in wetsuits) but don't get too close to the water, it has dangerous rip tides that have taken the lives of several people over the years. The Cliff House overlooking the north end of Ocean Beach has recently been renovated to be more consistent with one of the earlier buildings on the site.

You can take Muni's #18 bus from the Cliff House directly to the California Palace of the Legion of Honor art museum, located in Lincoln Park near the GGNRA's Land's End. There's a great view of downtown from the plaza in front of the Legion of Honor and views of Golden Gate Bridge to the north.

Presidio and Crissy Field - The Presidio is the site of the original Spanish presidio built in 1776 to guard the newly founded city of Yerba Buena (the first name for San Francisco). The US Army used the Presidio until 1987 when Congress created the Presidio National Park. The Presidio National Park is unique among American national parks in being required, by 2015, to be self-supporting. The Presidio Trust, given the responsibility to meet this mandate, is struggling with its seemingly contradictory responsibilities of raising revenue and protecting the environment. The Presidio operates free shuttle bus service to major destinations within the park.

The Golden Gate Bridge photo on the right was taken from Baker Beach, a wonderful stretch of sand in the Presidio. The photo below was taken on a sunny day!

Crissy Field is located on San Francisco Bay in the Presidio. Crissy Field was originally an airport for army planes. The site has recently been restored to a wetland and sand dunes with native plants. The walking path along San Francisco Bay is one of the most popular places to walk, run, or bike in San Francisco, stretching from the Marina Green Park to the Golden Gate Bridge. Crissy Field is one of the most beautiful places in the city.

Golden Gate Bridge - The Golden Gate Bridge is a highlight of almost everyone's visit to San Francisco. There is a visitor area on both sides of the bridge; on the San Francisco side it includes history and a souvenir stand. Muni's #28 bus stops at the visitor center or you can walk up a trail through the Presidio. From here you can walk across the bridge, or just part way - highly recommended.

Fort Mason - If you walk east from Crissy Field along the yacht harbor and Marina Green you will arrive at Fort Mason. Fort Mason, also part of the GGNRA, is embarkation point from which US soldiers sailed to fight the Japanese in World War II. After the US Army left Fort Mason during the 1970s, the buildings were converted into cultural facilities with performance spaces, museums, non-profit organizations, and restaurants.

From upper Fort Mason you can walk along the Bay to Maritime Park and Fisherman's Wharf.