White buildings with red roofs at Crissy Field with blue bay and Golden Gate Bridge and fog behind.

National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

visit on nps.gov

Info

Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history from California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. All of this and more awaits you, so get out and find your park.

Operating Hours

  • Although this urban park is accessible 24 hours a day in most areas, most parking lots are open between sunrise to sunset.
    Wednesday - All Day
    Monday - All Day
    Thursday - All Day
    Sunday - All Day
    Tuesday - All Day
    Friday - All Day
    Saturday - All Day
  • These areas are open from 6 a.m. until 1 hour after sunset. Marin County: - Conzelman Rd (west, between traffic circle and Field Rd.) - Kirby Cove (except registered campers with permits) - Muir Beach - Muir Beach Overlook - Stinson Beach San Francisco County - Fort Point (north of the gate and adjacent areas) - China Beach - Fort Mason – Black Point Stairway to Van Ness Ave. - Lands End - Sutro Heights Park
    Wednesday - 6:00AM - Sunset
    Monday - 6:00AM - Sunset
    Thursday - 6:00AM - Sunset
    Sunday - 6:00AM - Sunset
    Tuesday - 6:00AM - Sunset
    Friday - 6:00AM - Sunset
    Saturday - 6:00AM - Sunset
  • Muir Woods National Monument is open daily with hours varying throughout the year. Please check the Muir Woods National Monument park website for the most current, up to date information. In accordance with CDC, state, and local public health guidance related to COVID-19, these hours and availability of programs may vary.
    Wednesday - 8:00AM - 6:00PM
    Monday - 8:00AM - 6:00PM
    Thursday - 8:00AM - 6:00PM
    Sunday - 8:00AM - 6:00PM
    Tuesday - 8:00AM - 6:00PM
    Friday - 8:00AM - 6:00PM
    Saturday - 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • We are currently open the following days/hours: Monday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Tuesday: CLOSED Wednesday: CLOSED Thursday: CLOSED Friday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Saturday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Sunday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
    Wednesday - Closed
    Monday - 12:30PM - 3:30PM
    Thursday - Closed
    Sunday - 12:30PM - 3:30PM
    Tuesday - Closed
    Friday - 12:30PM - 3:30PM
    Saturday - 12:30PM - 3:30PM
  • The Nike Missile Site in the Marin Headlands is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm for demonstrations and programs, unless otherwise posted.
    Wednesday - Closed
    Monday - Closed
    Thursday - 12:00PM - 3:00PM
    Sunday - Closed
    Tuesday - Closed
    Friday - 12:00PM - 3:00PM
    Saturday - 12:00PM - 3:00PM
  • Battery Townsley is open every first Sunday of the month between 12:00pm to 4:00pm for guided tours.
    Wednesday - Closed
    Monday - Closed
    Thursday - Closed
    Sunday - 12:00PM - 4:00PM
    Tuesday - Closed
    Friday - Closed
    Saturday - Closed
  • Fort Point National Historic Site is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm unless otherwise noted. In accordance with CDC, state, and local public health guidance related to COVID-19, these hours and availability of programs may vary.
    Wednesday - Closed
    Monday - Closed
    Thursday - Closed
    Sunday - 10:00AM - 5:00PM
    Tuesday - Closed
    Friday - 10:00AM - 5:00PM
    Saturday - 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Weather info

Winter is characterized by sporadic rain and cool weather punctuated by brilliant sunshine. In winter the grass greens. Trees and flowers dormant through winter start blooming in late February or early March and last until May or June. By July, summer fog predominates in most coastal areas of the park. Grasses and plants have now turned to the golden brown and muted grays characteristic of California summer and fall. September and October skies are clear and sunshine is abundant everywhere in the park.