Presidio Tunnel Tops | San Francisco Must See | The Presidio (San Francisco)
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Things To Do
Attractions
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Nature, picnic sites, a playground, food vendors, and free family fun – in one easy-to-access spot.
Region
Main Post Region
Type
Scenic Overlook
, Food & Drink
, Public Lawn
, Recreation & Wellness
Interests
Education
, Kids & Family
, Food, Art & Culture
, Nature & Sustainability
, Presidio Tunnel Tops
Top Amenities
Accessible Restrooms
, Accessible Parking
, Wheelchair-accessible Picnic Tables
, Reservable Picnic Tables
, Reservable BBQ Grills
Your Gateway to the Presidio
Presidio Tunnel Tops is the front door to the Presidio — where national park adventures begin!
Made by the community, for the community, it offers unforgettable Golden Gate Bridge views, the
Presidio Visitor Center
, the
Outpost
playground
Outpost Meadow Picnic Area
and
Field Station
curiosity lab, trails and public lawns,
Presidio Pop Up
food celebrating diverse cultures, and some of the best places to picnic in the Presidio.
It’s built on and around the Presidio Parkway tunnels (hence Tunnel Tops!), making it easy and fun to walk from the center of the Presidio to the park’s beautiful waterfront at
Crissy Field
Presidio Tunnel Tops is free to all and open every day. It’s one of the very best things to do in San Francisco with family and friends.
Picnic on a lawn or at a nearby table or bench. Photo by Rachel Styer.
The Outpost playground is the place for kids to have fun. Photo by Dan Friedman.
Reserve a grill and picnic table at Picnic Place. Photo by Rachel Styer.
Enjoy a picnic and the views at the Outpost Meadow Picnic Area
Kids & Family
Here kids can have adventures in nature and let their imaginations run wild - all for free!
Outpost Nature Playground
Climb and crawl on play structures inspired by nature and history.
Field Station
Use your senses to discover the great outdoors.
Outpost Meadow Picnic Area
Enjoy a picnic with Golden Gate views.
Getting to Presidio Tunnel Tops
210 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129
By Public Transit
Muni Route: 43 Masonic
Stop: Presidio Transit Center
Muni Route: 30 Stockton
Stop: Sports Basement Parking Lot
43 Muni Schedule
30 Muni Schedule
By Presidio GO Shuttle
Route: Downtown Route
Stop: Presidio Transit Center
Presidio GO Schedule
Parking
There are paid parking areas at the south end near the
Presidio Visitor Center
and the
Presidio Transit Center
. At the north end near
Crissy Field
, there is a large parking lot near
Sports Basement
in easy walking distance to the
Outpost
nature playground. Accessible parking
is
available.
Food & Picnic Areas
Presidio Tunnel Tops is a hub for delicious food that can be enjoyed on picnic tables with a view.
Presidio Pop Up
Find food trucks, carts
and tents by the Main Parade Lawn, Presidio Plaza, and the Outpost.
View the Vendors
Il Parco
Enjoy Italian flavors with a Golden Gate Bridge view.
Picnic Place
Reserve picnic tables and charcoal grills for your group at Picnic Place.
Picnic at Transit
Located next to
Presidio
Transit Center, find both bistro-style seating and community picnic tables.
Explore Presidio Tunnel Tops
Interactive Map
Explore the top places at Presidio Tunnel Tops with this interactive map.
View Map
Map & Discovery Guide
This illustrated guide offers fun ideas for exploring Presidio Tunnel Tops.
Discovery Guide
Rent a Lawn at Presidio Tunnel Tops
Host a group event at one of the outdoor gathering spaces
at
or
near Presidio Tunnel Tops, including the East Meadow, the West Lawn, and the Main Post Lawns. We also have details on how to get permits for private events and organized activities.
Photo by Plus M Productions.
A Day at Crissy Field East Beach
Enjoy one of the best beaches in San Francisco and a walk along San Francisco Bay.
View Itinerary
Family Adventure at Presidio Tunnel Tops
Hunt for hidden objects, explore a huge nature playground, spot birds and fish, and have a picnic.
View Itinerary
Park Itineraries
Need help planning your day at the Presidio? We’ve put together some itinerary ideas for things to see and do in the park. Whether you’re planning to spend a few hours or an entire day, there’s something for everyone at the Presidio.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
When is Presidio Tunnel Tops open?
The Presidio is open daily, year-round. Presidio Tunnel Tops is an outdoor space that
’s
open like the rest of the park. However, some experiences are open during specific hours
Presidio Visitor Center
, the
Outpos
t playground,
and the
Field Station
Presidio Pop Up
food and beverage vendors are open daily with hours that change seasonally.
How much does Presidio Tunnel Tops cost?
Presidio Tunnel Tops is free and open to all. No tickets or reservations are needed.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located at
Presidio Transit Center
and near the
Outpost
playground. There are also private family restrooms at both locations.
Are dogs allowed?
Well behaved pets on leash are permitted in most outdoor areas of the Presidio. However, as with other parks in San Francisco, they’re not permitted in playgrounds, including at the
Outpost
. Only service animals are allowed inside indoor facilities.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking of any substance is not permitted at Presidio Tunnel Tops, the Main Post Lawns, or within 25 feet of buildings.
Are tents and umbrellas allowed?
Small shade tents with a maximum size of 5’x5’ are allowed on the lawns. Staking in the ground is not allowed. No umbrellas or pop-up structures are allowed. You may be asked to take down a tent by a staff member if winds create a potential safety hazard.
Transportation
Is there parking at Presidio Tunnel Tops?
Paid parking lots with accessible parking spaces are located around Presidio Tunnel Tops, including next to
Presidio Visitor Center.
Can I rent a bike near Presidio Tunnel Tops?
Bay Wheels classic and electric bicycles
are available to rent in the Presidio using the Lyft app. There are stations near
Presidio Transit Center
and
Crissy Field Center
. Classic and electric bicycles are also available to rent at
Sports Basement.
Walk your bikes, skateboards, and scooters while visiting Presidio Tunnel Tops. Bike racks are available near the Presidio Transit Center, Outpost playground, and Sports Basement entrances. Do not bring bikes into the
Outpost
playground.
Food, Picnics, and Grilling
Can I buy food at Presidio Tunnel Tops?
Presidio Pop Up
mobile food and beverage vendors offer delicious food representing the Bay Area’s cultures and cuisines. Pop Up food is available at Presidio Tunnel Tops and near the Main Parade Lawn every day. Il Parco restaurant will open inside Presidio Transit Center in late 2023. You can also find a variety of
restaurants in the Presidio
Can I reserve a picnic site?
Yes, you can reserve a picnic site at
Picnic Place
which has nine wheelchair accessible tables (16’ to 23’) and 10 grills
. Additionally, community picnic tables near at
Picnic at Transit
are available to everyone on a first-come, first-served, basis (not reservable, no grills).
You can also picnic on the lawns, benches, Presidio Steps, and movable tables.
Is grilling allowed?
Yes, you can use one of the 10 grills at
Picnic Place
that can be reserved in advance
. Bringing your own grill to Presidio Tunnel Tops is strictly prohibited; Picnic Place is the only place where cooking is permitted.
Outdoor Events
Can I have an outdoor event at Presidio Tunnel Tops?
Yes, there are outdoor spaces to rent at Presidio Tunnel Tops for large gatherings and special events
including
Picnic Place
and
Presidio Lawns
We thank ALL community members, leaders, community partners, and supporters for helping bring the Presidio Tunnel Tops vision to life.
TAGS
Main Post Region
Scenic Overlook
Food & Drink
Public Lawn
Recreation & Wellness
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible Parking
Wheelchair-accessible Picnic Tables
Reservable Picnic Tables
Reservable BBQ Grills
Paid Parking
Bike Parking
Golden Gate View
Playground
Muni Bus-accessible
Shuttle-accessible
Venue for Rent
Education
Kids & Family
Food, Art & Culture
Nature & Sustainability
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Recreation