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Crissy Field: A Waterfront Park with a Storied Past

Discover stunning Golden Gate Bridge views, explore a restored tidal marsh, and delve into aviation history at this iconic San Francisco waterfront park.

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Crissy Field, a former military airfield, has been transformed into a stunning waterfront park in San Francisco's Presidio. Offering iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, it's a popular spot for recreation, nature lovers, and history buffs alike. The park features a restored tidal marsh, beaches, and walking trails, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

A brief summary to Crissy Field

Local tips

  • Dress in layers, as Crissy Field is often cool and windy due to its waterfront location.
  • Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and a chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge shrouded in mist.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching at Crissy Marsh and Quartermaster Reach Marsh.
  • Check the tide schedule for the best beach experience; low tide reveals the widest beach area.
  • Park in the free Crissy Field East Beach parking lot to save on parking fees.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Presidio Transit Center, walk north along Mason Street. Turn left onto Crissy Field Avenue and continue west. The main areas of Crissy Field will be on your right. This walk is approximately 15 minutes and offers scenic views of the park and the Golden Gate Bridge. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the Muni Route 30 Stockton bus to the Crissy Field Terminal. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. From the terminal, the park is a short walk away. A single ride on Muni costs $3.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Crissy Field exit. Follow signs for Crissy Field and parking areas. There are free parking lots available near East Beach, as well as paid parking options near the West Bluff Picnic Area and along Mason Street. Paid parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $3-5 per hour. Note that parking can be limited, especially on weekends.

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Discover more about Crissy Field

Crissy Field, located in the Presidio of San Francisco, is a vibrant and scenic park with a rich history. Once a tidal marsh and estuary used by the Ohlone people, it later became a military airfield, playing a significant role in early aviation. Today, it stands as a testament to successful conservation efforts, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical insights. In 1919, the shoreline was converted into an airfield, named in honor of Major Dana H. Crissy, who tragically died in a plane crash. Crissy Field became the first Air Coast Defense Station on the Pacific coast, witnessing aviation innovations and record-breaking flights. However, wind, fog, and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge eventually led to its decline as a primary air base. After closing as an airfield in 1974, the National Park Service took control in 1994 and, with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, began a major restoration project. The transformation, completed in 2001, involved removing contaminated materials, restoring the dune habitat and tidal marsh, and creating a mile-long waterfront park. Today, Crissy Field attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually. They come to walk or bike along the promenade, enjoy the beaches and picnic areas, and observe birds in the restored tidal marsh. The park also features the Crissy Field Center, offering youth engagement and educational programs, and the Warming Hut, a cozy spot for refreshments.

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