Chess Game Near Pershing Square

Even on an overcast day, this area is a gathering place for chess players, having a picnic, or to gather to visit.

Crissy Field Overlool

This was completed in 2008 and offers exceptional views of the Bay, Crissy field and to downtown San Francisco.  It is part of a large project which includes a 24-mile hiking area and biking path.

Pershing Square

General John Pershing was the commander of the Presidio.  The flag pole represents the site of his home.  A fire consumed the house, killing his wife and children. 

World War II Memorial

This memorial honors American servicemen who were lost or skilled in the U.S. Pacific waters.  It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and lists the names of 413 members of the military from 1941 to 1945.

Pet Cemetery At The Presidio

This is the final resting place for thousands of pets of families who lived in the Presidio.   Grave markers date back to the 1950's and there are many legends about it including that this area was a gravesite for calvary horses and military dogs.  This is the only cemetry in the City of San Francisco as there was an ordinance that the others be  moved to Colma.

Lucas Gorgas Gate fountain

Lucas obtained 23 acres at the Presidio to develop when Lucas Films moved into the Presidio.  Here a fountain located near the Gorgas Gate opens the view to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Log Cabin and Lawn

This was a non-commissioned officers' club that was built 72 years ago and is now used for different meetings.  There is a large lawn located at the back of the building.

Spire

Artist Andy Goldsworthy visited the Presidio in 2006.  As a result of his interest in the forest, he wanted to use the trees that were being cut due to age and use them to consruct this scuplture.  New trees are being built around the Spire and they will eventually surround it.  It tells the story of the forest and the next generation of trees.

Inspiration Point

On a clear day, you can see the Bay, Alcatraz, and Angel Island.  The area is like an organic momument to de Anza's expedition from Monterey to the Bay Area.

Golden Gate Club

The Golden Gate Club is the largest meeting place located in the Presidio.  It is a popular place for wedding receptions and to have the ceremony at the Chapel, which is close to the facility.  The views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge are exceptional.

Stillwell Hall

Barracks and mess hall built for enlisted men and named for Gen Joseph Stilwell, who was stationed at the Presidio.  Due to the reconstrction plans for the Presidio, it is to be turned into a hotel on the base.

Mountain Lake

Located at the southern edge of the Presdio, it is nearly hidden.  This area was the settlement area of  the Anza party in 1776.  It provided fresh water for San Francisco during the early years. 

Doyle Drive

This freeway is in the process of being demolished along with the nearby trees and some of the buildings that are in the area and are unsafe. 

Baker Beach

Baker Beach is one-mile coast located west of the Golden Gate Bridge cliffs.  Rip currents and strong waves make the water unsafe for swimming.  It is a great place for a picnic, even in the fog.

Crissy feld Marsh

Crissy field was a pemier air field in its time.  It is now the major recreational area at the Presidio along with the beaches nearby.  There are water birds and native plants located in and near the marsh.

Officers' Row

The buildings are among the oldest in the Presidio, and they are located on the original fort.  They were contructed in the 1860's to house the officers and their families.  Working from original photographs, they have been made to reflect the era of that time. 

Earthquake Cottages

Most of the cottages that people lived in after the 1906 earthquare are gone.  There are two on display at the Presidio behind the Old Post Hospital.

Presidio Park Ranger

Park ranger honoring the playing of the Star Spangled Banner at the birthday celebration.

Happy Birthday To San Francisco

San Francisco turned 150 years old.  Each year a group of the descendants of the founders of the City gather at the Presidio to celebrate the event.  Here the officer of the Presidio Trust is speaking at the event.

Bike Path at the Presidio

The Presidio is biker-friendly.  Paths encompass the base as well as lead to the Golden Gate Bridge.  this is is from Fort Point to the Golden Gate Bridge.

General's Home

This home is the most elaborate on the base.  All the home and apartments are on a rental basis and this one rents up to $22,000 per month.  The buildings and gardening work is maintained by the base and are uniform.

Lovers' Lane

This pathway leads from he main post area to outside he Presidio Gate.  The officers used to walk this trail from the base to downtown San Francisco to their entertainment.  At night, the pathway is lit by lanterns.

Officers' Club

This building is the oldest one in San Francisco.  It is part of the the original Spanish Adobe constructed in the 1790's.