Golden Gate National Recreation Area

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is the largest urban national park in the world. The total park area is 74,000 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.

Comprised of many locations, Golden Gate NRA has more information on specific sites like 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 with its own unique natural, cultural, and military histories, GGNRA is one of the most visited locations.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Fort Mason, Building 201
San Francisco, CA 94123-0022
(415) 561-4700 - Visitor Information

By Plane
San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose International Airports service the San Francisco Bay Area.

By Car
Golden Gate NRA can be reached by Highways 1 , 101, 880 and 280. From the north, south or east parts of the San Francisco Bay Area.

By Plane
There are various buses that run through the park. Depending on which area you are interested in, it is best to refer to the transit information site.

Getting Around
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 (MINI) 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.

The climate is Mediterranean, so it tends to be windy and cold throughout much of the park. During the summer months, fog is common along the coastlines. Dress in layers is recommended. Hiking boots are appropriate in some areas. Comfortable shoes are also recommended within the San Francisco area, which are most comprised of asphalt or concrete.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking

Recommended Activities
Check out our newest issue for Fall 2000 -"Seasonal Changes on the Move." ParkNEWS Online is our quarterly publication on recreational and interpretation opportunities within the Golden Gate NRA.

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