The Presidio
Category: Local Flavor [Edit]
San Francisco, CA 94101
- Good for Kids: Yes
20 reviews
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
"oh what is there to say about telegraph except that you have to go there at least once in your life. it's that memorable."
50 Reviews for The Presidio
I love the Presidio.
Its one of the best Sean Connery movies around.
I especially like the way he says "Welcome to the Preshidio".
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Having lived here, I have to say the housing is depressing. Yes, it's "historic" but military-style, all-grey housing isn't the most beautiful place to live. I have to say the surrounding forests and trails are great for walking dogs and for really mellow hiking. There is a huge abandoned, vandalized mental hospital at the entrance from Park Presidio Ave. It's supposed to be haunted. The interesting thing about living in the presidio is all the wildlife. Raccoons will dig through your trash and make a mess, mice and skunks eating my dog's food in the backyard, falcons, owls, and herons perched on fences (well, the herons are huge and will wander around the yard looking for the mice and gophers to eat), and coyotes and all sorts of birds (birdwatchers always come with their binoculars--- or else they are pervy people looking at something else?)
SF'S own Never-Neverland!
The Presidio is a great way to get away from the city, if not just to see grass and trees then for a quick walk, run, or hike without actually leaving the city.
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When I was 13 I got drunk for the first time, and for about 15 minutes, everything seemed possible. This is the feeling I get when inside the Presidio.
San Francisco is home to many beautiful places to visit, and The Presidio is one of them. Being born and raised in San Francisco, and being the grandson of someone who served in the military, I was almost always at The Presidio every weekend. I remember when you'd go through the gates and see the tall trees and just be in awe of it's beauty. I remember playing in the water while my parents shopped at the commissary. When I go there it is as beautiful as I remember. I know they renovated some parts but they did so without ruining the flow of this National Landmark. A definite must visit if you're from out of town.
On a gorgeous day spring day, the Presidio is one big ol' green oasis.
I took my Stairway Walks of SF book with me & got lost in our northwestern corner of heaven. Literally.
I didn't see many stairs but the long stretches of winding road will turn your stellar sense of direction completely around, but it didn't matter. I hiked to a less popular spot, around Fort Winfield Scott complete with old Spanish style buildings & even a natives nursery. Even got a peak at the big ol' blue (the Pacific). It's marvelous to see the park in evolution: from the Spanish style architecture & old cannons to the tiny Yoda standing loftly in the fountain at the George Lucas complex.
Worth all the sore leg muscles you'll have afterwards.
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If I could afford to live in one of those Generals Homes....I would move in a heart beat. But alas I can't, so driving or walking in the Presidio will just have to suffice. I was a little worried when Lucas and his crew decided to take up residence in the Presidio, but they have only made the place that much better :)
The Presideo is a great place to walk and enjoy nature. There is a path starting behind the old hospital at 15th and Lake Street with a curved boardwalk through fields of wildflowers. Takes you right out to Baker's Beach. I've also been amazed at the art exhibits at the Officers Clubs -- really top notch -- and free. From there you can walk out to Inspiration Point and back for lunch La Teressa for a relaxing afternoon.
Growing up in SF, I've only been to the Presidio a few times for bbq's at Baker Beach or Shakespeare in the Park. It's wasn't easily accessible by public transit and my mom would get lost driving through it. This all changed a couple of years ago. My boyfriend at the time lived in the heart of the Presidio and invited me into his haven. The Presidio was still enigmatic and mysterious to me, but I also discovered peaceful moments driving or walking with him through the woods, having the sun cast shadows of the leaves on his wall, or hearing the sound of the fog horn at night.
It's been a while since I've revisited the Presidio but I am glad I did. I drive here to run and hike on weekends now and have rediscovered the wonders and beauty of this place ... watching the sunset from the coastal trail, hiking down a million steps from batteries to bluffs trail to discover Marshall's Beach (avoiding the nudists' side), running from Warming Hut (where you can pick up a free map if you get lost) along the beach to Fort Point and touching Hopper's Hands, or finding blooming magnolias at the new Letterman Digital Arts Center. During these moments, the Presidio does seem too good to be true before I'm reminded of why I love this city.
Who wouldn't love running in the city when you've got such a beautiful place like the Presidio to run through? I trained with Nike Club Run SF in the summers and we usually run through the Presidio to get to the nice areas off of Lake St. But I always feel challenged running through all of those trails, going up Lovers' Lane, and trying not to get lost all at once. Lovers Lane is this really steep hill that you try not to look up when you're running, so when you finally get to the top, you have the most gorgeous view. I love it. It has the best terrain if you love running.
this is one of those perfect san francisco spots: woods meets water. which is more or less all it takes to make me happy.
plenty of places to walk around, get lost, enjoy the sun (or gloom), and relax. really relax, and remember what you like best about being alive.
annoying to get to unless you drive, though, which makes it a little less appealing to me.
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By night, this is the perfect spooky destination to pretend you're a victim in a horror movie, whether your heart's beating out your chest on one of the deserted roads away from the houses with those headlights that follow you for a while and then disappear, in the woods tripping over your feet as you feel someone watching you, or by the abandoned hospital that's straight outta Session 9 (actually waiting for the scare was better than the actual scare in that flick). Probably has something to do with the history of souls long gone that you can feel seeping through the area, as well as the lack of lighting and over-development (so far).
By day, it's a great place to commune with nature with lots of trees, trails and views or to enjoy the man-made paths and recycled water rapids flowing down to the lagoon by the Letterman Digital Arts Center. Lots of runners, bikers, families, and dog-walkers keep the ghouls at bay while the sun is up. There's a Starbucks opening up in January - weird. It's down the way from Pres a Vi 'global cuisine' and wine bar, which has an outdoor patio that I'd like to give a try in the future. As long as they keep the area somewhat wild and completely public, it's all good.
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I was driving home one night from my sister's house in the Richmond, planning to take the long way and cut through the Presidio. Driving on El Camino del Mar towards Baker Beach, I noticed what looked like a dog trotting along the side of the road. But something about it told me that this was not a dog - something about its gait, its shape, the lack of an owner nearby. Holy cow, that's a coyote! I thought to myself. I've had a soft spot for coyotes ever since Johnny Cash voiced one in my all-time favorite Simpsons episode. I slowed down to watch it. It continued on it's way, trotting down the street. He kept glancing over at me. Maybe even a little nervously.
I have heard that several coyotes live in the Presidio. There's even a coyote crossing sign on that road further up the hill. Still, some people don't believe me when I tell them this story. Nah, they say. It was probably a dog. But I know what I saw.
I love the Presidio.
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So beautiful! Hard to get around though. I think next time I'll take a tour on Mr Toad's ride (or whatever it's called).
I love taking a walk here. Connecting with nature and seeing the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge when rounding the bend my first response is always an awe. Been here plenty of times and every time I come here I also find something new. The smell of the water and nature, I feel so at peace and connected. The wonderful thing is that it's within the city limits. If you need to take a break from the city, taking a walk here can release the stress and the grime. I am truly lucky to have this place as my backyard. The only thing I have a problem with is that people have no respect in keeping the place clean. There is a reason why trash cans are in designated areas. To throw trash into, not on the ground.
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The U.S Army doesn't just engineer democracies on conquered sand, they also make entire forests! Of course, the U.S. army pulled out of their magically fabricated ecology project when the price was right, leaving the Presidio to be run over by heartless yuppies and their spiraling streets of faux-spanish townhouses.
(http://www.shapingsf.o...)
Still, it's pretty beautiful. If only someone would bulldoze the houses, tear down the country club and un-christen "Inspiration Point." A name like "Inspiration Point" should only refer to "points" that are not 50 feet from a golf course parking lot, I believe that law is in the Bible (somewhere in the testament with the angry God).
The only building to be spared my violent reformation would have to be the derelict adobe movie theater at the bottom of the hill. I demand that this theater in the woods re-open immediately and show Zodiac on loop from sunset to sunup. Of course, with no parking for miles, you'd have to walk to and fro through the dark backwoods of America ... and just when you'd think you were safe, you'd find yourself in the Marina as the bars emptied out... (cue zombie moogs)
Now that would be worth an 11 dollar ticket.
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Four stars for the people there, for the work that has been done, and for the vision that is being created. Something had to be done... it isn't just going to sustain itself. But I am cautious... cautiously optimistic, about the future of the park. Frankly, I would love to live in one of those houses.
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A runner's paradise. It offers trails and challenging hills while at the same time offering Crissy Field and it's perfect view of the GG Bridge. I like to run down to the Presidio to Crissy Field and then up to the bridge and across.
The Presidio is a great place within the city to get away from the city. I love to run here because it's close to my home and there's not much car traffic on weekend mornings.
One of my many favorite running routes into the Presidio is from the 15th Ave gate.
-15th Ave Gate: pass the closed run down hospital
-This takes me onto Battery Caufield Road then merges with Washington Blvd.
-On Washington Blvd. you will see Immigrant Point Overlook on your left and Rob Hill Campground on your right. You have to stop and look at Immigrant Point Overlook. Breathe-taking view of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Rob Hill Campground has running trails for those trail lovers.
-Continue on Washington Blvd and WWII Memorial will be on your left. Definitely something to take a moment to look at if you never seen it. This memorial names 413 members of the armed forces who were lost or buried at sea.
-Continue on Washington till it merges into Lincoln
-Right onto Lincoln Blvd and follow Lincoln to Crissy Field Ave.
-Stay on Crissy Field Ave and it will take you past the Pet Cemetery.
-Right on McDowell which merges to Park
-Stay on Park which merges with Washington Blvd.
-Stay on Washington which merges to Battery Caulfield Road.
-Battery Caufield Road takes you back to the 15th Ave Gate.
Alot of runners get lost in the presidio. So, its probably best to take a look at a map. Have fun!!
http://www.presidio.go...
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Choice place to walk, commune with nature, or MTB, or roadie.
Toward the marina are many new pubs and restaurants. And so close to the Inner Richmond. Easy way to explore, just head straight up Arguello and keep going, eventually you'll see the path to Crissy Fields. And you will see Acatraz too.
Though there are, doubtless, many great things about the Presidio, ranging from its many scenic viewpoints to its historical buildings and nature walks, I'm giving the Presidio five stars based solely on the fact that it's the best place I've found to take a motorcycle ride without leaving the city.
There are a bunch of smooth winding roads with no traffic that loop, more or less continuously, through the woods. Ride in on Lincoln from 25th, wind up the Presidio bluffs and down towards Lombard. Hang a right before you hit the Marina and do some woods.
Fun riding.
I adore The Presidio and have very fond memories as a child. Maybe it's because 1) I was born at Letterman General Hospital when it was an active military base (yes, I'm aging myself!); and 2) My parents would take me there on weekend excursions to the commissary and exchange. Yes, dad was military, and I loved going to the commissary, bowling alley, and having lunch at the base. I'm glad that the city has preserved The Presidio, as much as they're able to, and that the Lucas buildings have stuck to the 'look/feel' of The Presidio, though modern.
This is a beautiful park for all to enjoy.
Except for the incredibly creepy, abandoned hospital--that scares the poop out of me EVERY time I go by and happens to be near my house, http://www.flickr.com/... , the Presidio is AMAZING. It is so nice to be able to ride my bike or walk around it whenever I want to escape City life.Two of my favorite spots are Inspiration Point near the Arguello gate and Immigrant Point off of Washington Street, which faces the mouth of the bay.So much history and natural beauty abound.
I always laugh when people are shocked to hear I Iive in the Inner Richmond because most people are directionally challeged and say "it's so far from the city" (p.s. by the way, it's in the city - duh) , but I'm glad they react the way they do. That just means I get to keep the Presidio to myself.
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A friend of mine used to live here with a view that killed.I loved it when I was over because we went out on his balcony and relaxed with our drinks.
Nice to see a clear view of the ocean with no clouds.I want to live here.
Beautiful.
Nice also during fleet week too.
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I lived here for one summer in the historic governor's corner while working on an excavation and absolutely adored the place. Nothing can beat waking up to the sound of a fog horn...if that isn't San Francisco, I don't know what is! There are wonderful hiking trails in the Presidio, and the views of the Bay are beyond comparison. I especially love the bowling alley in the Presidio...it's got an interesting mix of locals to mix with!
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I can't imagine living in a more beautiful place. I like to take people who think living in the city can be loud and show them the Presidio. There is so much history in this place it's crazy. The abandoned military hospital, Inspiration point, campgrounds in the middle of SF, the bike trails, the trees, the lack of noise and traffic, the drive to Baker Beach along the coast, the free shuttle....I could go on and on about how awesome this place is.
Plus I like giving taxi drivers directions on how to get out of the Presidio b/c most of them seem to have never been in that part of the city before.
Love the Presidio. Best trees around.
If you ever meet the park ranger on horseback named Todd, be nice to him. If you ever wander into a big house with 10 roomies who are all playing group party games with a group of undisclosed christian straight edgers, leave right away and definitely BEFORE truth or dare starts because it will stain your memories of the Presidio forever.
Shhhh, don't tell Golden Gate Park, but you are my favorite. oxoxox
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The Presisio is an excellent place to go for a picnic and an adventure. There are a lot of really scenic areas near the coast throughout the Presidio, and a lot of interesting places you can stop your car at and explore. There is also a big abandoned building filled with graffiti, that is worth trying to find if you have an opportunity (photos at http://www.flickr.com/...).
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It's a weird old decommisioned military base where yuppies now live...but it has baker beach within it !
You know how Luke doesn't now what he's doing with this Jedi stuff in the first movie? And in the second movie he goes to this place that's rich with the natural world?
That's how I see the Presidio.
I go there when I need to kick my jedi powers up a level.
Its like manna for the soul.
Sometimes I even stop in and pet Yoda on the forehead and say something quirky like, "Do or do not, there is not try"
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After hitting Nob Hill, Chinatown and North Beach we took a break from the "Eating my way through SF" weekend tour to take a scenic drive through The Presidio and enjoy some of the beautiful vista points it has to offer with breathtaking views of the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and the City skyline.
As a former naval base, I didn't think it would get too excited about this place but I did. The TREES!!! There's so much greenery in The Presidio and tall trees! I also thought the structures, buildings and homes were reminiscent of architecture I've seen in the East Coast.
With spots like Fort Point and Baker Beach The Presidio should be a spot all tourist and visitors put on their list of things to see in SF.
This is the second installment of "Neighborhoods I've Lived In." The subtitle could be "The Yuppie and the Hippie," see my review of The Marina if you want the backstory.
Hippie Chick moves in with me in the Marina and is understandably distressed by having a 94123 zip code so immediately starts searching for hipper digs.
Now, since she's WAY too hip to be a corporate drone or work for the man she is chronically unemployed yet feels compelled to continually bitch about the free ride she's getting. But I'm working 100+ hour weeks and putting on some weight and she's 21 and hot so I don't really mind too much.
She finally settles on the Baker Beach Apartments in the Presidio...and I have to say that it was a great choice. We get a 3 Bedroom, with brand new hardwood floors and appliances for only a wee bit more than I'd been paying for my 1 bedroom in the Marina.
It was a phenomenal place to live...long hikes in the woods...about a 300 yard stroll from our front door to the beach. Hippie Chick was in heaven...which makes me happy. I even let her drag me to the nude beach periodically. From our bedroom window we would go to sleep at night to the sound of waves crashing on the beach....which made up for the fact that my suits all came to reek of patchouli and Nag Champa incense.
There were some distinct negatives. There is one MUNI line that serves Baker Beach...it advertises an average wait time of 30 minutes which turned into a standing joke. Luckily I was driving in to work at 4:00 AM so it wasn't much of an issue for me. There also isn't ANYTHING within 2 miles...no jiffy marts, no restaurants, no nothing.
Also, the Baker Beach Apartments were overflow housing for SFSU students, so every other window had either a a beer bong or an actual bong on prominent display and the sounds of the waves crashing at night were frequently drowned out by competing strains of Phish and SlipKnot. My neighbors all called me dude. And I still had to put up with the 3AM cries of "I'm SOOOO drunk...woohoo!!!" which was a big part of the reason I'd left the marina.
But Hippie Chick eventually tires of the novelty of dating a yuppie. I guess keeping her in housing and batik skirts and organic tofu didn't make up for my occasional rants about the inherent unfairness of double taxation of dividends.
So she shacks up with a pierced and tattooed web designer who regales her with his visions of a worldwide Marxist/Leninist state...which somehow didn't stop him from charging $140/hour for basic HTML coding that a 6th grade drop out could learn from a "Web Design for Dummies" book in about 40 minutes. San Francisco was nuts in 1999. I guarantee he's working at Starbucks now.
So I pack up a U-Haul and move my broken yuppie heart to a short-term sublet on McCoppin St...Hippie Chick still owes me for the security deposit...she just moved back to the Bay Area from Alaska, so maybe I can get it back in trade. :)
...to be continued with my review of "Deco Ghetto"
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I lived here when it was still a military base. It's a nice, woodsy contrast to the bustle of the city.
Presidio has foxes, but not the same kind that jog along the Marina.
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The Presidio is a cold, foggy and hilly incarnation of NYC's Central Park.
Bring a jacket, it's cold here. Keep a Kleenex around too. Perhaps that gorgeous sunset will bring tears to your eyes or maybe you will just end up with a runny nose.
Thank God for google maps is all I have to say. We got in a cab in North Beach and proceeded to direct our insane cab driver to the party we were going to...and since that party was thouroughly fun, I am giving my first experience with the Presidio 4 stars. Losing one star for zero cab traffic so we had to take a Blair Witch-esque walk out of there to get a cab home from Geary. Yay for the prepared friend with a FLASHLIGHT! sweet...
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The underdog to GG Park! I actually like this park far better. Legendary military history, variety of terrains, exceptional Inspiration Points, glorious winding scenic routes, and includes a lot more than GGP.
You will find in here: national cemetary, pet cemetary, nudie beach, historic officer barracks, Lucas Arts (as in "Luuuke, I AM your father!"), golf course, residual mustard gas (yes, I was shocked too when I read the warning sign), bowling alley, private school, abandoned theater, big ass canons, a log cabin!, spot where Jimmy Stewart tossed Kim Novak into the bay, etc... somewhere in there you will, in fact, find a kitchen sink.
It's a place I purposely get lost in. The Officers Club has rotating photo/art/culture exhibits. Last time I was there, they were excavating inside and were displaying some great wartime trinkets.
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Contrast rotting war era soviet inspired design builidngs with sheer cliffs and infiite horizons of ocean and sea life and you have the presidio.
It's worth exploring....especially if you like to run. My favorite run is described here: http://www.woohoo.org/...
You haven't really seen the city until you expore the outer boudaries of the presidio on a run like this...beach, to gg bridge, to marina riff raf (make sure you run along crissy field) to laural heights wealth. amazing
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Please excuse me for the really shallow reason that I love this place... My friends and I LOVE to come here at night to scare the hell out of eachother.
We've been here a couple times, usually its late at night and we're in a packed car just driving around the really old housing and cemetary. We dare eachother to run in between the abandoned houses, but no one ever does. We imagine figures in the empty windows, and scream and yell until we've had our fill.
OHH we must go this summer. Try it out. hahaha.
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I went to the Presidio on vacation in San Francisco. I am in love-- the Presidio is gogeous, with beautiful trees, green spaces, and wonderful beach and views. We sat and people watched for at least 3 hours-- watching dogs on the beach, boats on the water, and on and on... one warning- we walked FOREVER. While normally I love hiking and walking, I wasn't prepared- was in jeans and not great shoes. Tthe Presidio is huge! While it was great being outside knowing it was below 20 at home, I am pretty sore by the time we finally got to the beach!
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