All National Parks Near San Francisco

San Francisco has a rich and diverse history, and two major events that shaped the city’s identity are the Gold Rush and immigration.

In 1848, gold was discovered in California, and people from all over the world flocked to San Francisco in search of fortune. The city grew rapidly, and its economy boomed as it became a hub of trade, transportation, and banking. The population swelled from a few hundred to tens of thousands within a few years, transforming San Francisco into a bustling metropolis.

Built between 1853 and 1861, Fort Point was originally designed to protect the city from naval attacks. During the Civil War, it served as a crucial defense point for the Union army. Today, Fort Point is a popular tourist destination and a reminder of San Francisco’s military history.

The Golden Gate Bridge is perhaps the most iconic landmark in San Francisco, and the thing most people think of first when discussing the city. It was opened in 1937 and quickly became a symbol of the city. The bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco with Marin County. Its construction was a significant engineering feat, and it remains one of the world’s most recognizable structures.

Finally, John Muir, the naturalist and conservationist, had a deep connection to San Francisco. He lived in the city for several years and founded the Sierra Club, which has been instrumental in preserving California’s wilderness areas. Muir’s advocacy helped establish Yosemite National Park and other protected areas, and his legacy continues to inspire environmentalists today.

San Francisco’s rich history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents. From the Gold Rush to the tech boom, the city has undergone significant transformations, but its cultural diversity, progressive values, and natural beauty continue to attract people from all over the world.

Map of National Parks Near San Francisco

1. Presidio of San Francisco (Downtown)

The Presidio of San Francisco is a former military base turned national park located at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. It was established by Spain in 1776 and later served as a US military post until its closure in 1994. Today, the Presidio is best known for the famed Golden Gate Overlook.

2. Fort Point National Historic Site (Downtown)

Built between 1853 and 1861, Fort Point was originally designed to protect the city from naval attacks. During the Civil War, it served as a crucial defense point for the Union army. Today, Fort Point is a popular tourist destination and a reminder of San Francisco’s military history.

3. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (Downtown)

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is a park and museum located in the famed Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood of San Francisco. The park preserves and interprets the maritime history of the West Coast of the United States and includes a collection of historic ships, a visitor center, and a maritime museum. Visitors can explore the vessels, including a 19th-century square-rigger, and learn about the history of San Francisco’s waterfront and the people who worked and lived there.

4. Alcatraz Island (Downtown)

Across the bay from the Fisherman’s Wharf is Alcatraz Island. It was used as a military prison in the 19th century and later as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963, housing some of the most notorious criminals in American history. It is actually a part of the Golden Gate NRA, and is now an attraction where tourists can tour the former prison.

5. Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Downtown to 7 miles)

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is located in and around San Francisco. It encompasses over 80,000 acres of land and water, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, and the Marin Headlands. Its most famous spot is the Golden Gate Bridge visitor center, where you can walk under and onto the bridge.

6. Rosie the Riveter/WWII National Historical Park (30 minutes, 19 miles)

The Rosie the Riveter/WWII National Historical Park includes the historic shipyards that produced thousands of ships during the war, as well as the Rosie the Riveter Memorial, which honors the women who worked in those factories. Visitors can explore the park’s museum, exhibits, and restored buildings, and learn about the indispensable role that American workers played in the war effort.

7. Muir Woods National Monument (40 minutes, 17 miles)

The Muir Woods National Monument is located in Marin County, California, just a few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is known for its old-growth coast redwood trees, which are some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world, some reaching up to 250 feet (76 meters) tall and over 1,000 years old. The monument covers 554 acres (224 hectares) of land and offers visitors the opportunity to hike among the towering redwoods on a network of trails.

8. Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site (50 minutes, 32 miles)

The Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site is free to the public and only accessible by the free National Park Service Shuttle that picks up visitors at The Museum of the San Ramon Valley in Danville. Visitors are not permitted to drive their vehicles to the main park site, due to its location in a private, gated community.

9. John Muir National Historic Site (50 minutes, 33 miles)

The John Muir National Historic Site includes Muir’s former home, which is now a museum, and his nearby orchards, as well as the famous John Muir Trail, which stretches over 200 miles in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about Muir’s life and conservation work.

10. Point Reyes National Seashore (1.25 hours, 38 miles)

The Point Reyes National Seashore is known for its rugged coastline, scenic views, and diverse wildlife, including elephant seals and gray whales. The park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, birdwatching, and beachcombing, as well as cultural and historical attractions such as the Point Reyes Lighthouse and the historic ranches that once operated in the area.

11. Pinnacles National Park (2.5 hours, 127 miles)

Pinnacles National Park is the only true National Park on this list. It is located about 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. The park is known for its unique rock formations, including towering spires and jagged crags, which were formed by volcanic activity over millions of years. The park’s landscape is also home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species such as the California condor.