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Crissy Field Center
Rating Details »
603 Mason Presidio
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-7690
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-7690
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
6 reviews for Crissy Field Center
Four stars, only because when I last went here with my human, a person actually jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge up ahead. It was terribly tragic. We never went back ever since actually, that was maybe 5 years ago. Very sad.
If it wasn't for that, this place has some of the very best vistas you can find as a tourist in San Francisco, or as a local enjoying a fine day.
I am constantly impressed by the continued metamorphosis taking place inside the former Army based known as the Presidio. The most recent reason is housed at the Crissy Field Center. The hub of Golden Gate National Park Conservancy's environmental programs, I took my kids here for the Earth Day Stroll. My daughter had a fantastic time learning how to use archeology to determine what early settlers ate, what not to put in a storm drain, how to mush corn and make tortillas --- and the highlight, hold a brightly colored small snake. Park Service staff running the event held onto their enthusiasm as they stood out in the wind to deliver environmental lesson to attendees following maps through the stroll of activities.
The center itself is very nice, housing a kids program called Tiny Treks, a gift shop and a cafe serving organic food. The cafe didn't particularly impress me. I waited in line for 20 minutes to purchase what I think was rather overpriced food. All-in-all it was a terrific outing though. I do hope the good work keeps up at the Presidio. I really appreciate the effort I saw at the Crissy Field Center.
Check 'em out at:
http://www.crissyfeild...
No one is here! I love it! No elbowing or shoving to get the great views from this place!
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The architecture, exhibits, etc., are like the childrens' science museum from your father's generation, if your father grew up in a medium sized town in the great plains. There are holes to reach in and touch things, buttons to push that light up displays on a map, murals with far too much politics behind them for children or tourists to understand, various series of lectures and field trips, and a largish, under-maintained , mostly empty high-ceileinged institutional stone building from the early part of the century. All they need is a small dinosaur skeleton and a stuffed penguin and it's deal done!
The cafe is something of an afterthought, with a small microwave-and-toaster selection and some down-in-the-mouth but sincere youngsters telling people we're out of hot dog buns but we're happy to make that on wheat toast. Some of the condiments and juices are suspiciously identical to those in the supposedly Alice Waters-conceived Warming Hut, whichmakes me wonder what's going on here.
It's hard to dislike the place, because as thin as it is, it's sincere. Here's a snippet from their mission statement: " The mission of the Crissy Field Center is to build a sustainable and environmentally just society. . . " Who can argue with that? Godspeed. Plus, it's free.
On a weekday, during the weekend, on your average day and holidays, the Crissy Field Center is the place to be! Most Bay Area-goers know that the Crissy Field Marsh is a wonderful place to go for a peaceful stroll, whether it's with your significant other or with your favorite companion named Fido (or some other generic furry pal name). After that walk under the sun, it's most likely you're going to want to find a nice place to sit and relax, maybe grab a light snack. And the place to do that is at CFC.
With convenient fountains right outside the building, you can drop by for a few or walk in and explore the historical building that has been transformed into an awesome community center. The center is always teeming with energy; from the warm greetings you get from the staff to other visitors eager to learn more about their city and the environment.
There are handfuls of interactive activities located all around the center for parents and kids to try out (for free!) including an awesome map of the marsh that lights up in certain areas when you push different buttons (and it never gets old, trust me). All of the little activities that -will- amuse you will also teach you important facts and issues about the environment that your average every-day person wouldn't know about. It's a win-win situation, really.
Aside from all the little knick-knacks, there is also an organic caf with a selection of food more on the healthy side. Though a little bit pricey, the food is pretty tasty and the proceeds go towards the center's programs and events. (A little tip is that you can get a small discount on drinks if you bring in your own coffee mug/cup! Save money -and- the environment!).
Youth programs, senior programs, art programs, computer programs, cooking programs, almost any type of program you can think is offered at the CFC (for a nominal fee for the type of stuff they teach you). In addition to that, there are community events held year-round at the center, even on holidays that most of the time are free events.
There is so much more to the Crissy Field Center that it'd be impossible to put it all down on paper (pixels rather?). So go on and experience it for yourself. It's awesome; you'll save money, learn a few things and go home feeling good at the end of the day.
Great place to grab lunch on a visit over to beautiful, sunny Crissy Field. Personally, I like the soup the best. Super yummy! And, of course, the folks who work at Crissy Field are wonderful, committed, and thoughtful people. So, if you've got a question or you'd like someone to give you a fantastic tour, this is the place to go. Well worth a visit.
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