Picnic Beneath the Golden Gate

San Francisco, California

Description

Amazing views of the Golden Gate and the bay. About a dozen picnic benches (some with BBQ grills). Convenient parking.

If the weather forecast looks promising, you could do a lot worse than planning a picnic at the West Bluff Picnic Area in the Presidio. This area is south of Crissy Field (closer to the bridge) and before you get to Fort Point - situated perfectly to give you an amazing view of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and downtown.

You'll find about a dozen nice picnic tables, and a handful with BBQ grills. There is also a lot of open, tiered lawn area if you prefer to keep it simple. But if you want to score one of the tables, you should plan on getting there by about 9:00am. If you need one with a grill, you'll need to get there by about 7:00am. That's pretty early, but well worth it to grab a prime spot on a sunny day in the City. There is a pretty big parking lot right behind the picnic area for easy drop-offs.

More information can be found here.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Adult Beverages

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Family Friendly

Picnic Area

Scenic

Picnic Beneath the Golden Gate Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Batteries to Bluffs Trail

The Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio is a true gem of San Francisco. It has everything you could want in a hike: a sea-side path along the ocean, relatively easy parking, gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a secluded beach that's perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying the beauty of the Bay. While the steps leading up and down the bluffs make this hike moderately more...

Surf Under The Golden Gate at Fort Point

This has to one of the coolest spots to surf in the world. The break itself is a left point that requires a healthy swell to wrap into the bay, and only gets good on occasion. But when it's good, it can be an experience you'll never forget.It's important to note, that when it's good, this is not a wave for beginners. There is a local crew that has this spot on lock and they do a great job of re...

Run to Hopper's Hands

Hundreds of people touch Hopper's Hands every day as a turn-around point on their runs in and around Crissy Field and The San Francisco Bay Trail. Running west through Crissy Field, passing the Warming Hut and pier, you follow Marine Drive until you dead end at Fort Point. If you continue through the parking lot towards the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll find a chain link fence with an infamous pla...

Ride Paradise Loop

Riding this loop has long been a popular option for San Franciscan riders looking to escape the busy city streets. This 38-mile ride with 1,600 feet of elevation, is suitable for all personalities of rider: the fast paced racer or the person just out to relax and cruise.A great place to start this ride is at foot of the Golden Gate Bridge at Crissy Field in the SF portion of the GGNRA. Point yo...

Take in a Sunset on Marshall's Beach

If you're looking for one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall's Beach gives you just that without the tourist crowds of Baker Beach.This small and hidden beach offers a narrow stretch of sand for those looking to throw a frisbee around or just hang out with friends. As it's tucked away next to some steep cliffs, it's quite tranquil with crashing waves being the only sound at t...

Camp at the Rob Hill Campground

Rob Hill Campground is a hidden treasure, located at the Presidio’s highest point above Baker Beach amid a beautiful eucalyptus grove. The campsite welcomes groups of all kinds and is also home to the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences. Rob Hill Campground offers four group campsites that can accommodate 30 people each (two are avail...