1 - Sustainability at Golden Gate

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Sustainability at Golden Gate PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside is located on the south eastern corner of the Crissy Field Center and faces north towards the bay.

10 - Marsh Dynamics

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Marsh Dynamics

11 - "Sand" Francisco

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: "Sand" Francisco PANEL DESCRIPTION: Graphic panel set in metal frame. The wayside faces north, on the northern side of the trail.

12 - The Last Word in Airfields

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: The Last Word in Airfields PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces south, on the south side of the trail at the edge of Crissy Field.

13 - Aviation's Adventuring Years

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Aviation's Adventuring Years PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces south, on the southern side of the trail.

14 - Braving Wind and Waves

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Braving Wind and Waves PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces north, on the northern side of the trail.

15 - The Pacific for its Stage

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: The Pacific for its Stage PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces north east, northern side of the trail.

16 - Shaping the Bay

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Shaping the Bay PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces north, on the northern side of the trail.

17 - Enjoying Crissy Field

PANEL DESCRIPTION: Located on the western side of the Warming Hut, the kiosk is a four-sided metal structure with three interpretive panels.

18 - Setting a Deadly Obstacle Course

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Setting a Deadly Obstacle Course PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside is left of the Crissy Field kiosk and faces west.

19 - Protecting Wildlife

PANEL DESCRIPTION: Situated at the western edge of Crissy Field is a four-sided metal kiosk with 3 wayside panels.

1906 Earthquake Cottages

Restored earthquake cottages used in the relief efforts of the 1906 Earthquake in San Francisco.

2 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces east in front of the Crissy Field Center.

20 - Daring Pilots, Youthful Heroes

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Daring Pilots, Youthful Heroes PANEL DESCRIPTION: The panel faces north, on the northern side of the trail.

21 - A Tidal-Marsh Extravaganza

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: A Tidal-Marsh Extravaganza PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces north on the northern side of the trail.

22 - A Wasteland Transformed

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: A Wasteland Transformed PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces north on the northern side of the trail.

3 - "The Natural", Off-Set

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: "The Natural" Off-Set PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces south west, overlooking the lawn in front of the Crissy Field Center and beyond that, the East Beach parking lot.

4 - A Place of Renewal

WAYSIDE DESCRIPTION: At the edge of the East Beach parking lot, is a kiosk, a four-sided metal structure with three wayside panels. Facing west from the kiosk, the San Francisco Bay Trail is to your right, hugging the edge of the bay, and stretches on into the distance towards Crissy Field and to the north west, the Golden Gate Bridge.

5 - A Story of Sustainable Living

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: A Story of Sustainable Living. PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces east, on the east side of the trail.

6 - Heritage of a Bayshore Culture

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Heritage of a Bayshore Culture PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces west, on the western side of the trail.

7 - Original "Wasteland" Filled

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Original "Wasteland" Filled PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces north, on the northern side of the boardwalk.

8 - Home of the Yelamu

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Home of the Yelamu PANEL DESCRIPTION: The wayside faces south west, on the western side of the trail.

9 - Waterside Treasure

WAYSIDE PANEL TITLE: Waterside Treasure

A Mob of Soldiers: Philippines War Tour

This letter illustrates how regional and racial tensions were running high at this time in the country, and the role that these played in the Tennessee volunteers getting their reputation. August 15, 1898 Dear Uncle John, You would certainly laugh were you to visit Frisco about now, and ask a citizen about that Tennessee regiment. He would tell you they are the worst men for fighting you ever saw. The New York boys run from us.

Activities, Officers & Crowding: Philippines War Tour

Almost overnight the Presidio grew in size and importance. Now, in addition to the soldiers stationed here to defend San Francisco Harbor and the west coast, the post took on responsibilities for staging the operations in the Philippines and elsewhere in the Pacific.

Anza Expedition Camp Site

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail enters the Presidio here at Mountain Lake. The trail continues north to the edge of San Francisco, commemorating the route followed by the de Anza's expedition from Sonora, Mexico to the Golden Gate.

Arguello Restaurant

Named for former Presidio commander and first governor of Alta California, Luis Antonio Arguello, features delicious Mexican cuisine that's a major step up from the grub once served in the military chow line. The contemporary bar with craft cocktails is perfect for thirsty servicemen and civilians alike.

Arion Press

Arion Press matches the finest contemporary art with literary treasures past and present in books that are beautifully designed and produced. Tours of the historic printing and bookmaking facilities are held Thursday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. and last approximately an hour and a half.

Arrival of Automobiles: Philippines War Tour

In 1903, a new problem arrived at the crowded Presidio - the automobile. At that time, Col. Charles Morris, commander of the Presidio wrote to the president of the Automobile Club of California: "It is with regret that I report that autos are utterly disregarding the posted speed limits. If drivers continued their defiance of the rules, I will be forced to take drastic measures."

Baker Beach

Baker Beach, a mile-long sandy stretch, is located in the southwest corner of the Presidio near the 25th Avenue Gate. For stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Marin Headlands, this is one prime spot. And dog friends are welcome! The picnic area is cozy and sheltered from the wind. The tables are popular when the sun comes out, so get there early to claim a spot, especially on the weekends. The site is equipped with barbeque pits and nearby restrooms.

• Baker Beach is accessible by two parking lots. The first is located along Gibson Road, the other, which has a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and is next to Battery Chamberlin, can be reached by turning right onto Battery Chamberlin Road at the intersection with Gibson Road.<br /><br />As you head towards the second parking lot at the end of Battery Chamberlin Road, the way is lined with picnic tables and barbecues along the road's right hand side. The barbecues and benches are set far back from the roadside under cover of cypress and pine trees in sandy soil. Each area has bins for trash and recycling.<br /><br />As you enter the parking lot at Battery Chamberlin, you'll see the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. The parking lot is large, with spaces along the entire perimeter, and a section in the middle for additional parking. The bathrooms, trash and recycling are on your right as you enter. A trash bin as well as the housing for a beach access wheelchair are both to the right of the entrance to Battery Chamberlin at the far end of the parking lot.<br /><br />Past the bathrooms on the right hand side of the parking lot, is another picnic area. Tables and trash bins are located along a loop in the dark sand amidst coastal scrub.<br /><br />The beach is a sandy shore a good ways lower down from the parking lot, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, rocky cliffs and across the Golden Gate, the brown and green peaks of the Marin Headlands. The beach is accessible from both parking lots by a short series of sand-covered wood stairs.<br /><br />The entrance to Battery Chamberlin at the far end of the parking lot starts off sandy, but quickly turns to concrete. The entrance is surrounded by an eight foot tall chain link fence. The battery houses a 6-inch rifled gun mounted on the only still functional "disappearing carriage." The rifle is housed inside a concrete wall, shielding the gun from view where it sits on top of a raised concrete platform five feet off the ground. A short concrete staircase along the inside edge of the wall provides access to the gun, which sits in the center of the circular platform. A second staircase gives access to the top of the wall, or parapet.<br /><br />The gun barrel is steel and painted a gun-metal gray. The barrel is a long, thin cylinder sitting on top of a circular mount with disappearing carriage that is painted olive drab. The carriage rotates and pivots the gun's position. A short ladder attached to the carriage gives access to the steering wheel controls used to aim the gun.

Baker Beach Trailhead - Presidio Coastal Trail

Follow the California Coastal Trail (CCT) for some of the most spectacular views anywhere along the CCT's 1200-mile span. For breathtaking views of the Pacific and the entrance to the bay, take a 3-mile roundtrip walk on the Coastal Trail to the Golden Gate Bridge and back.

Bakers and Cooks School: Philippines War Tour

During the Spanish-American War, less than 200 men died from battle injuries, but over 5000 died from sickness or disease. And much of the sickness was attributed to the lack of trained cooks. So, in 1905, the War Department opened the first school for bakers and cooks at Fort Riley, Kansas. It soon added schools at the Presidio, at Washington Barracks, D.C., and at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Battery Boutelle

This battery was completed and armed in 1900 and featured three 5-inch rapid fire guns designed to defend the offshore minefields against mine sweepers and fast torpedo boats. These guns had a range of seven miles and could be fired at the rate of up to thirty rounds per minute.

Battery Chamberlin

Battery Chamberlin is named in honor of Captain Lowell A. Chamberlin, First Artillery, who served with distinction in the Civil War and continued as an artillery officer until his death at the Presidio in 1889.

Battery Crosby: Guarding the Minefield

Completed in 1900, Battery Crosby was armed with 6-inch guns and designed to protect the underwater minefields outside the Golden Gate. The minefields guarded against minesweepers and fast moving boats trying to navigate through the minefields. Across the water, under and beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, you can see Fort Baker, established in 1901. This post played a prominent role in the San Francisco harbor defenses during WWII, including being the base of operations.

Battery Dynamite

Despite the army's objections, Congress appropriated $400,000 in 1888 to purchase "pneumatic dynamite guns". In non-technical terms, these were guns that shot payloads of dynamite really, really far. A 50 pound shell went as far as 3 miles and a 500 pound shell went 1 mile. The guns fired charges by means of compressed air, like a potato gun.

Battery Dynamite: A Failed Experiment

In the forested area across Lincoln Boulevard is Battery Dynamite. In 1888, the US Army purchased some experimental "pneumatic dynamite guns." In non-technical terms, these guns shot payloads of dynamite for up to 3 miles out to sea. The guns used compressed air to fire charges, like a potato gun. The army set up two experimental dynamite batteries of three guns each, one here and the other at Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

Battery East

Big brick forts full of cannons, like Fort Point, became obsolete during the US Civil War as rifled cannons could knock them down. As a result, work began on several new gun positions behind earthen berms on the coastal bluffs above Fort Point. By 1873, the first emplacement, East Battery, was completed and armed with twelve 15-inch Rodman cannons. West Battery was also constructed along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific as part of this phase of coastal defenses.

Battery Godfrey

Battery Godfrey was armed with the largest weapons of the Endicott Period, 12-inch rifled guns mounted on barbette carriages. The guns could match the 12-mile range of battleship guns of that time.

Battery West: A Response To Rifled Guns

Fort Point became obsolete during the US Civil War due to a shift in weaponry to rifled cannons, which were very accurate and could knock down brick forts by hitting the same spot repeatedly. As a result, the US Army started working on several new gun positions behind earthen berms on the bluffs above Fort Point. By 1873, Battery West was completed and armed with twelve 15-inch Rodman cannons.

Bluff Lookout: Mantle Rocks Exposed

From here you can see excellent examples of blue-green serpentinite rock. Serpentinite is metamorphosed mantle rock formed in subductions zones when water from the sinking ocean crust alters the surrounding mantle rocks. Because serpentinite is less dense than surrounding rocks, it makes its way to the surface along faults, like a cork rising up to float on water.

Bringing Back Native Plant Habitats

You may notice some rather large tree stumps as you descend the stairs. These are the remnants of Monterey pines and cypresses, invasive species that were removed to encourage growth and the return of native plants. Some of these natives are rare and endangered, like Raven's manzanita and Presidio Clarkia.

Burials and Important Figures - Conclusion: Philippines War Tour

The tragedy of war is nowhere more evident that at our national cemeteries. The Philippine wars are no exception. In the early 1900s there were dozens of fresh graves in the sections to your right. The cemetery saw a huge increase of burials at this time; from 48 in 1898, to a peak of 855 in 1901. Soldier's bodies were first sent to the U.S. Army Morgue and Office of Identification in Manila.

Café RX

Healthy food, healthy people. <a href="http://caferxsf.com/">Café RX</a> is your prescription for delicious and nutritious cuisine made from the freshest ingredients.

Cavalry Stables

Each of the five cavalry stables built in 1914 were capable of housing 102 horse friends, enough for an entire company. In addition to the stables, there was a paddock, blacksmith shop and barracks that stood on the hill. The horse cavalry was phased out of the military after WWI, and the stables were eventually adapted for use as a K-9 Corps facility and a veterinary hospital.

Chapel of Our Lady

The <a href="https://www.presidio.gov/venues/Chapel-of-Our-Lady">Chapel of Our Lady</a> is a beautiful place to get hitched, but if this venue is a must for you, so must be flexibility; reservations are taken up to two years in advance.

Coastal Bluffs

The Coastal Trail extends along the wind-swept coastal bluffs, which feels like a rugged retreat into the wilderness. The Batteries to Bluffs Trail allows access up and down through some of the most intact natural habitat in the Presidio. This is an area where rare plants such as the Franciscan manzanita have adapted to serpentine soil and cool, foggy conditions.

Crissy Airfield

Crissy Field is the place for you, your friends and anyone else who wants to enjoy a stunning walk or bike ride along a flat, hard-packed promenade with iconic views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge.

Crissy Field

Crissy Field is a stunning place to walk or bike along a flat, hard-packed promenade with iconic views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Yessir, Crissy Field has it all. Beaches, picnic spots, scenic overlooks and renowned conditions for windsurfing. Dog friends welcome!

• Crissy Field is a large green grass field, roughly half a mile long from the intersection of Old Mason St and Marine Drive to the western edge of Crissy Field marsh. If you include the area east of the marsh all the way to East Beach and the Crissy Field Center, Crissy Field is about one mile in length. <br /><br />Located on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, Crissy Field offers incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands, whose dramatic, hilly terrain provides a stunning backdrop to the blue-green waters of the bay. The San Francisco Bay Trail runs along the northern waterfront side of Crissy Field, providing a flat, well-kept path wide enough for bikers and pedestrians. A network of dunes serves as a buffer between the field and the bay, running the length of the field from its western terminus at Torpedo Wharf all the way to East Beach.<br /><br />The field is bisected three times at roughly equidistant intervals by paths that take you from the San Francisco Bay Trail to Old Mason Street. In addition to these straight line paths across the field is one diagonal route, that cuts across the field starting at the north eastern corner of the field just west of the marsh, all the way to Old Mason Street at about the halfway mark of the field's length. Along the southern side of the field is an asphalt two-lane bike path with an extra lane for pedestrians that parallels Old Mason Street. Across Old Mason Street are many cream-colored buildings with red tile roofs, historic buildings of the Presidio, that today, house a variety of Presidio tenants and the Military Intelligence Service Learning Center. <br /><br />To the west of Crissy Field along the water you'll find Torpedo Wharf, an L-shaped fishing pier, and if you continue further west along Marine Drive you will eventually come to Fort Point, directly below the Golden Gate Bridge.<br /><br />To the east, you'll encounter Crissy Field marsh, a restored wetland that feeds into the bay. The wetland is roughly the shape of a rectangle, as it is bordered by the San Francisco Bay Trail to the north and Old Mason Street to the south. The water level rises and falls with the tide. <br /><br />Further east from the marsh is East Beach, a renowned location for kite surfing, but also a prime location for a regular beach holiday. East Beach has bathrooms, barbecues and food, at the Beach Hut Cafe, which is part of the Crissy Field Center. The Center is a low-impact green LEED certified green building that hosts educational environmental leadership programs for Bay Area youth.<br />

Crissy Field - Warming Hut

<b>TEMPORARILY CLOSED</b> <br /><br />Please visit the <a href="https://www.parksconservancy.org/services/warming-hut-park-store-cafe-closed">Parks Conservancy</a> website for the most up to date information about the reopening of the Warming Hut.

William Penn Mott Jr. Presidio Visitor Center

• William Penn Mott Jr. Presidio Visitor Center
• The visitor center is the go to place to find out what is happening and what there is to do in the Presidio. Discover the Presidio through a large relief map, inspiring video, engaging exhibitions on history and nature, interactive tools, and knowledgeable staff that can help you uncover the incredible array of experiences possible here.

• Presidio Birdwatching
• Birdwatching in the Presidio.

• Crissy Field Birdwatching
• Birdwatching in Crissy Field

• Archives Visit
• Always open by reservation, The Park Archives and Records Center is excited to host visitors, researchers, and park staff. Here the Presidio's past is bridged to its present by the images, documents, and objects preserved. Come and experience the park by revisiting its past.

• Bike the Golden Gate Bridge
• Bike the Golden Gate Bridge!

• Torpedo Wharf Fishing
• Fishing at Torpedo Wharf near Fort Point and Crissy Field.

• Crissy Field Restored Wetlands
• Walking along the Crissy Field Promenade is a great recreational activity as well as a good wildlife and sightseeing adventure.

Batteries To Bluffs

This walking tour starts in the Langdon Court parking lot. It's an approximately 1.5 mile loop with varied elevation that will take you along a beautiful scenic trail highlighting historical and natural points of interest. Watch your footing along the cliff and be mindful of poison oak. There are no bathrooms or water stations along the trail.

First and Last Stop: Philippines War Tour

Hear first hand accounts and news reports from the period, giving you a flavor of what it was like to be here during the busiest time in the Presidio’s history… as soldiers made their first and last stops here while on their way to and from war in the Philippines. This audio tour will reveal the many ways in which the soldiers and the citizens of San Francisco interacted, forever changing the face of the Presidio and the city.

Goldsworthy in the Presidio - Self Guided Art Hike

All four sculptures on this tour can be experienced on a self-guided 2.7 hike (check Tree Fall and Earth Wall hours beforehand) in addition to a free monthly guided hike--registration on Eventbrite. This tour has no particular order, though we suggest Earth Wall, Spire, Wood Line, then Tree Fall. For questions, call (415) 561-2767. The Goldsworthy in the Presidio sculpture collection was made possible through partnership with the FOR-SITE foundation and Presidio Trust.

Presidio Bronze Cannon Tour

Discover some hidden history! Explore the bronze cannon that now decorate this park. Learn about the creation of the Spanish Presidio and the American expansion during and after the Spanish American War. Investigate old technology through the description and locations of various emblems and markings found on these intricate weapons. Examine and question their necessity by understanding why and how they are here.