Take BART to the Presidio: One of the most visited National Parks in the US

One of the top US landmarks sits right in San Francisco, and BART gets you there. Photo courtesy of the Presidio National Park.

The Presidio is a National Historic Landmark, one of America’s most visited national park sites, and home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Today’s Presidio is a city within a city – and an oasis for rare wildlife. It’s a global visitor destination – and accessible by millions of people via public transit. 

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Taking public transit to the Presidio

The Presidio Go shuttle takes you straight to the park. Photo courtesy of the Presidio Trust.

Getting to and around the Presidio is easy with BART and the free Presidio Go shuttle. The Downtown Route offers round-trip service between the Presidio Transit Center and downtown San Francisco, with limited stops along the way. It operates seven days a week, running from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Take BART to the Embarcadero Station and enjoy a short 25-minute ride on the Downtown Route (red line). This route will drop you off at the Presidio Transit Center, where adventure begins! 

Explore the Presidio

The Presidio is divided into four areas, each offering its own district experience: The Golden Gate, Crissy Field, Main Post, and Southern Wilds. The Presidio Go South Hills Route picks up passengers at the Transit Center and makes multiple stops throughout the park. Keep reading to learn about what each area has to offer. 

Photo courtesy of Scott Sawyer.

The Golden Gate 

Explore the scenic entrance to San Francisco Bay and get up close to San Francisco’s most beloved icon, the Golden Gate Bridge. Start your adventure at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center and then hit the California Coastal Trail. Find breathtaking vistas at the Golden Gate Overlook, where you can connect to the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. Or simply enjoy sunset views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach. 

Presidio GO Shuttle 

• Route: South Hills  
• Stop: California Coastal Trail 

• Stop: 25th Avenue 
• Stop: Baker Beach 
• Stop: Stilwell Road 

Enjoy a walk with a view in Crissy Field. Photo courtesy of the Presidio Trust.

Crissy Field

• Routes: Downtown, South Hills 

• Stop: Presidio Transit Center 

Spend a sunny afternoon at Outpost playground. Photo courtesy of the Presidio Trust.

Main Post

The Main Post is the park's beating heart. It’s where the Presidio was founded as a military post – and where national park adventures begin today. The Main Post features an incredible mix of history, architecture, nature, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s home to the Presidio Visitor Center, the park’s new gateway at Presidio Tunnel Tops, and the Presidio Officers’ Club, the park’s oldest building with free history exhibitions. Both hotels and many restaurants are on the Main Post, as well as picnic sites and public lawns where you can enjoy the sun. The Main Post will keep you coming back to visit the museums, catch a performance at Presidio Theatre, or walk on the Presidio Promenade Trail.

 

By Presidio GO Shuttle 

• Route: Downtown Route
• Stop: Presidio Transit Center

 

Photo courtesy of the Presidio Trust. 

Southern Wilds

Enjoy a surprising blend of untamed nature, spectacular recreation, and restful solitude in the park’s Southern Wilds. This is the Presidio’s biggest region, encompassing nearly half the park. The headline is nature, with native plants and wildlife on display at Mountain Lake, El Polin Spring, and in the vast Presidio forest. It’s also a place to play, with Presidio Wall Playground and Presidio Golf Course offering different kinds of “swings.” And two of Andy Goldsworthy’s artworks – Spire and Wood Line – play with your imagination. Enjoy it all on miles of Presidio trails and from three scenic overlooks. And if you want to immerse yourself, book a stay at Rob Hill Campground. 

 

Presidio GO Shuttle

• Route: South Hills Route 

• Stop: Inspiration Point 
• Note: Best shuttle stop for Presidio Golf Course, El Polin Spring, Spire by Andy Goldsworthy. 
• Stop: Rob Hill Campground 
• Note: Best shuttle stop for Immigrant Point Overlook, Batteries to Bluff trail. 

Have you been to the Presidio?

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