What to do on your visit to the Presidio

Lodge at Presidio
Courtesy of Presidio Trust
 
Rolling Forward For general information, visit the William Penn Mott, Jr., Visitor Center at the Main Post (Moraga Ave., Building 50; www.nps.gov/prsf or 415/561-4323).
Best of the Presidio Arion Press/M&H Type/Grabhorn Institute. The typefoundry dates to 1915; the press relocated to the Presidio three years ago. Gallery open 10–5 Mon–Fri, tours at 3 Thu ($7; reservations required). 1802 Hays St.; 415/561-2542. Baker Beach. Golden Gate Bridge views. Parking off Gibson Rd. Crissy Field. The 2-mile promenade’s tidal marsh is home to native plants and birds. Crissy Field Center open 9–5 Wed–Sun (603 Mason St. at Halleck St.). Parking on Halleck St.; www.crissyfield.org or 415/561-7690. Ecology Trail and Inspiration Point. Good viewpoint or launch spot for a hike. Off Arguello Blvd., 1/4 mile from Arguello Gate; the 1-mile trail leads to the Main Post. El Polin Spring. Small meadow is nice for picnics. End of MacArthur Ave. (park at MacArthur and Fernandez St.).

Fort Point National Historic Site. The hulking fortification under the Golden Gate Bridge dates to 1853. Fort is open 10–5 Fri–Sun, free guided tours at 3 Fri-Sun. 415/556-1693.

Historic forest. Planted by army officials in the 1880s. Drive along Washington Blvd. and Lincoln Blvd. for forest views. Main Post. Where the Presidio began. Take a self-guided architectural walking tour (brochure at http://www.nps.gov/prsf/visitor center). Pet Cemetery. Beloved pets rest in peace. McDowell Ave. at Crissy Field Ave. Presidio Bowling Center. 93 Montgomery St.; 415/561-2695. San Francisco National Cemetery. Graves hold military heroes. Lincoln at Sheridan Ave. Sports Basement. Discounted sports retailer. 610 Mason; 415/437-0100. Dining Desiree Cafe. Healthful breakfasts and lunches. $; closed Sat–Sun. 39 Mesa St.; 415/561-2336. Presidio Café. Clubhouse at the 1895 golf course. $$. Presidio Golf Course Clubhouse, 300 Finley Rd.; 415/561-4600. Warming Hut Café & Bookstore. $. On the Golden Gate Promenade, across from Torpedo Wharf in Building 983; 415/561-3042
Keep Reading: