Things To Do Near Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Hiking Trails
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Presidio Ecology Trail
The Presidio Ecology Trail is a mellow trail for any athletic ability and features gorgeous wildflowers along the way. You can also enjoy redwood trees, eucalyptus, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Location
Arguello Boulevard, San Francisco CA 94129
Length
1.7 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Point Bonita Trail
The Point Bonita Trail leads to a lighthouse near Sausalito. This trail is paved and provides an easy walk out to the point where you can see wildlife and enjoy some excellent bird-watching opportunities. This trail has amazing views.
Location
94865 CA-1, Sausalito, CA 94965
Length
1 mile
Intensity
Easy
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Rodeo Beach Coastal Trail Loop
If you want a trail with a little more challenge, try the Rodeo Beach Coastal Trail Loop. This trail is popular, following the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are some stunning views, especially around sunset, so you can get some spectacular pictures.
Location
Marin County
Length
5.1 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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San Francisco Zoo
The San Francisco Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals of more than 250 species. It features the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna covering 3 acres full of zebras, giraffes, and kudus. The zoo introduces you to a wide variety of beloved and endangered animals. The mild temperatures in the area also allow the zoo to nurture gorgeous garden areas with both exotic and local plants. The zoo is a leader in conservation efforts and fostering an appreciation of wildlife.
Location
Sloat Blvd. & Great Hwy., San Francisco, CA 94132
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San Francisco Botanical Garden
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is located at Strybing Arboretum in the Golden Gate Park. The garden covers 55 acres and houses over 8,000 different kinds of plants from all over the planet, including the Andean Cloud Forest, Australia, the Mediterranean, and the Mesoamerican Cloud Forest.
Location
1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122
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Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is located a little over a mile offshore in the San Francisco Bay. The island has been a lighthouse, military fortification, and a prison. Now you can enjoy a boat tour from the pier in San Francisco, where you float out and around the island. Then you can also go out on the island and tour. You can explore the old prison facility but be ready for some steep inclines. The adventure begins at Pier 33.
Location
B201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123
Museums
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San Francisco Cable Car Museum
The San Francisco Cable Car Museum is a free museum on Nob Hill that will teach you about the history and development of the city’s famous cable cars. They also have a collection of historic cable cars as well as photographs and displays. Be sure to stop by the well-stocked gift shop to purchase the perfect souvenir of your visit.
Location
1201 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
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M. H. De Young Memorial Museum
The M. H. De Young Memorial Museum is a museum of fine arts located in Golden Gate Park. They offer the solace of art with a variety of collections from around the world, including America, Africa, and Oceania. The museum features paintings, sculptures, and textile art from different time periods and cultures.
Location
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
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Cartoon Art Museum
The Cartoon Art Museum is the only museum in the Western United States that focuses on cartoon art. They have an exhibition calendar that is constantly changing with major and traveling exhibits. They have a drawing room, reading room, and activity tables that will keep kids of all ages active and engaged. To help support the museum, you can stop by the museum store and get yourself a gift to remember your visit.
Location
781 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Westfield San Francisco Center
Westfield San Francisco Centeris a huge nine-story mall with a dome-covered atrium. The complex houses a multiplex theater, multiple restaurants, and over 170 different stores. Shop for clothing, gifts, health and beauty products, lifestyle items, or just about anything you could possibly need. When it is time to eat, you do not need to leave since there is a variety of restaurants available as well. There are close to 30 eateries to choose from, including restaurants for sit-down meals, takeout, fast food, or just a quick snack.
Location
865 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
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Japan Center
The Japan Center was formerly called the Japanese Cultural and Trade Center. It is in the Japantown area of the city. This is one of only three Japantowns in the nation, keeping the art and culture alive in the area. In this center, you can enjoy sushi, mochi, ramen, and more. There is plenty of import shopping from Japan, with many stores offering cultural merchandise, beauty and health products, and clothing.
Location
1737 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
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Mr. East Kitchen
Mr. East Kitchen offers a daily brunch and a tasty dinner menu. This is a casual dining experience offering a simplified Vietnamese menu with a bit of a modern twist. They offer small plates, sandwiches, brunches, and salads. They have lots of signature meals as well, like basil chicken, shrimp pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, and many more choices, as well as a wide variety of beverages.
Location
276 5th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
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Fog Harbor Fish House
The Fog Harbor Fish House is located a short walk from the Aquarium of the Bay, so you can enjoy a good dinner and a stroll. This is a great place to enjoy good fresh fish and a spectacular view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. They offer indoor and outdoor dining with an offering of wine and cocktails. They serve the whole family and have a nice kid’s menu. Make sure you save room for dessert.
Location
39 pier, San Francisco, CA 94133