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San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge at Presidio

InterContinental San Francisco

San Francisco Parks & Recreation

Name: InterContinental San Francisco
Address: 888 Howard Street, San Francisco, California, 94103, United States
Telephone: 1-415-6166500
Price range: $$$ - Best Price Guarantee When You Book Direct

A Guide to SF's Best Parks, Trails & Outdoor Activities

San Francisco is a city of stunning natural beauty, offering fresh air and inspiration at every turn. Explore our vibrant urban parks, from the innovative Tunnel Tops in the Presidio and the unique, elevated Salesforce Park to the iconic 1,000-acre oasis that is Golden Gate Park. Beyond the city's famous landmarks, discover hidden gems, shaded canyons, and craggy cliffs that define why so many leave their heart here. Find your perfect outdoor escape in San Francisco's incredible green spaces.

Featured Parks

Golden Gate Bridge

As the symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as a monumental work of art and engineering. Completed in 1937, this iconic suspension bridge spans the one-mile-wide strait connecting San Francisco to Marin County. Its distinctive International Orange color, soaring towers, and gracefully curving cables have made it one of the most photographed and recognizable landmarks in the world.

Whether seen from a distance on a foggy morning, hiked or biked across for a breathtaking view, or admired from below on a boat tour, the Golden Gate Bridge is an unforgettable sight. It represents not only a triumph of human ingenuity but also the enduring spirit and beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Salesforce Park

Suspended four stories above the bustling streets of downtown San Francisco, Salesforce Park is a 5.4-acre urban oasis designed as a vibrant community hub. Stretching over nearly four city blocks, this rooftop park features a diverse landscape, from a half-mile walking trail lined with 13 botanical gardens to a main plaza with a unique walkable glass floor.

The park is an anchor for the city's downtown, offering a variety of amenities including an amphitheater for live events, a children's play area, and a captivating Bus Fountain. Easily accessible via a free gondola ride or the Salesforce Transit Center below, the park provides a refreshing escape with year-round events, from fitness classes and bird walks to concerts and family activities.

Presidio Tunnel Tops

The Presidio Tunnel Tops are among the most anticipated, innovative, and unique attractions to arrive in San Francisco in years. This 14-acre park, built ingeniously over Highway 101, is perfect for anyone needing a breath of fresh air. Designed by the same team behind New York's High Line, it connects the Presidio's Main Lawn to Crissy Field, providing spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.

The Tunnel Tops feature scenic overlooks, trails, and picnic areas that offer stunning views of the city. Populated with 180 varieties of native plants, they are crucial to the ongoing conservation efforts within the wider Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The park is a vibrant destination for all ages, with a two-acre nature play area for children, educational activities at the Field Station, and a daily lineup of mobile food vendors at the "Presidio Pop Up."

Sunset Dunes

An oasis on the edge of San Francisco's western coastline, Sunset Dunes is a 43-acre urban park created from a two-mile section of the Great Highway. This car-free recreational space offers a direct connection from Golden Gate Park to the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced Park, making it a perfect destination for pedestrians and bicyclists. The park is a vibrant community hub, featuring a variety of amenities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy musical performances, use fitness equipment, relax in a travel lounge with hammocks, or watch the sunset from specially designed seating areas. Adorned with public murals, the park is a testament to the city's innovative approach to blending nature and recreation.

Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio of San Francisco is a magnificent national park and former military post, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once a key military installation, the Presidio has been transformed into a sprawling urban parkland with a remarkable variety of landscapes, including coastal bluffs, forested trails, and open meadows. Its prime location provides unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and Alcatraz.

Golden Gate Park

An extraordinary urban oasis, Golden Gate Park is a vast and verdant escape in the heart of San Francisco. Stretching over 1,000 acres, this iconic park is a testament to human ingenuity, having been transformed from barren sand dunes into a lush landscape of forests, meadows, and gardens. A top destination for locals and visitors alike, it offers a world of discovery.

The park is a cultural and recreational hub, home to world-class institutions like the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences, as well as serene spaces like the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers. Whether you're jogging along its miles of trails, relaxing by a placid lake, or attending one of its major music festivals, Golden Gate Park provides an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of San Francisco.

Additional Parks & Outdoor Spaces

Alamo Square Park
Dolores Park
Crissy Field
Lands End
Baker Beach

Painted Ladies houses at Alamo Park in San Francisco

Alamo Square Park

Situated in a quintessential San Francisco neighborhood, Alamo Square Park is famous for its breathtaking views and its celebrated row of "Painted Ladies." This hilltop park offers a lush, grassy expanse perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and taking in one of the city's most iconic panoramas. From here, you can gaze upon the stunning Victorian homes that line Steiner Street, with the modern downtown skyline rising dramatically in the background.

The park is a beloved spot for both tourists and locals, capturing the timeless charm of San Francisco. A visit to Alamo Square is a must for anyone wanting to experience the city's unique blend of historic architecture, vibrant urban life, and natural beauty.

Dolores Park

Situated in the vibrant heart of the Mission District, Dolores Park is a beloved urban oasis and a central gathering place for locals. Sprawling across 16 acres, this park is a microcosm of San Francisco's eclectic culture, where a diverse crowd comes to relax, socialize, and soak up the sun. The park's sloped lawns offer a perfect spot for picnics and provide a stunning, postcard-worthy view of the downtown skyline, palm trees swaying in the foreground.

Dolores Park is features a modern playground, a dog play area, and tennis courts. It’s a place where a typical afternoon might include musicians playing, artists sketching, and a lively, communal atmosphere that defines the neighborhood. More than just a park, it’s a cultural landmark that truly captures the free-spirited and laid-back vibe of the city.

Crissy Field

Stretching along the waterfront with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, Crissy Field is a cherished urban park that blends San Francisco's natural beauty with its rich history. This former U.S. Army airfield was restored to a pristine natural marsh, and is now a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Crissy Field offers a wide, flat promenade perfect for jogging, cycling, and walking, while its windswept beach is a favorite for sunbathers and kiteboarders. With a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, a café, and the Crissy Field Center for educational programs, this park is a perfect place to enjoy the fresh bay air and soak in some of the city's most spectacular scenery.

Lands End

Winding along the rugged northwestern edge of San Francisco, the Land's End Trail offers a spectacular and dramatic escape into nature. This scenic trail carves a path through windswept cypress groves and along craggy cliffs, providing breathtaking, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the crashing waves below. As you hike, you'll encounter remnants of the city's past, including the Sutro Baths, once a grand public bathhouse, and a hidden labyrinth. The trail is a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it one of San Francisco's most popular destinations for hikers and sightseers alike.

Baker Beach

Tucked away at the foot of the Presidio's rugged cliffs, Baker Beach is a secluded stretch of sand offering one of the most iconic views in San Francisco. This quiet beach provides a spectacular vantage point of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Beyond its natural beauty, the beach holds a unique place in the city's history as the original site of the Burning Man festival. Perfect for a leisurely walk, a sunny picnic, or simply a moment of quiet reflection, Baker Beach is a true hidden gem.