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Presidio Tunnel Tops: A Park Reimagined

A revolutionary park in San Francisco's Presidio, offering iconic views, nature play, and a seamless connection to Crissy Field.

4.8

Presidio Tunnel Tops, a 14-acre park built atop highway tunnels, seamlessly connects the Presidio's Main Post to Crissy Field, offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline. This innovative space features gardens, trails, a nature play area, and picnic spots, providing a unique urban oasis for all.

A brief summary to Presidio Tunnel Tops

  • Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly.
  • Take advantage of the free Presidio Go shuttle for easy access from various points in the city.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns or reserve a picnic table with a grill in advance.
  • Visit the Presidio Visitor Center to learn more about the park's history and current activities.
  • Check the schedule for ranger chats, walking tours, and other special events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the free Presidio Go shuttle to the Presidio Transit Center, which is adjacent to the Presidio Visitor Center and Presidio Tunnel Tops. Alternatively, the Muni 43 bus also stops at the Presidio Transit Center. From the East Bay, you can take BART to Embarcadero Station and transfer to the Presidio Go shuttle. The Muni 30 bus provides service to Crissy Field, from which you can walk to Presidio Tunnel Tops.

  • Walking

    From Crissy Field, follow the signs towards the Presidio Tunnel Tops. The walk involves a gradual incline and takes approximately 15-20 minutes. From the Presidio Main Post, the park is easily accessible via a network of trails and staircases.

  • Car

    From Highway 101, follow the signs for the Presidio. Paid parking is available near the Presidio Visitor Center and the Presidio Transit Center. Parking rates vary, but typically range from $3-5 per hour. Free parking is available at Crissy Field East Beach, with a short walk to the Tunnel Tops area. Be aware that parking in the Presidio is enforced seven days a week.

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Discover more about Presidio Tunnel Tops

Presidio Tunnel Tops is more than just a park; it's a testament to innovative urban planning and community collaboration. Opened in July 2022, this 14-acre green space was ingeniously built on top of tunnels that carry Highway 101, effectively reconnecting the Presidio's historic Main Post with the Crissy Field waterfront. The park's design, led by James Corner Field Operations (the firm behind New York City's High Line), incorporates a variety of features that cater to diverse interests. Scenic overlooks provide breathtaking 360-degree views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. Walking trails wind through gardens showcasing native plants, while spacious meadows invite visitors to relax and picnic. Families with children will particularly enjoy the Outpost, a two-acre nature play area with structures built from natural materials found within the Presidio. The Field Station offers indoor activities where kids can explore the Presidio through art and science. Presidio Tunnel Tops is not only a place for recreation but also a space that honors the Presidio's rich history. The park's design subtly integrates elements that reflect the Presidio's military past, while also creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. The project began with a vision to replace the seismically unsafe Doyle Drive Bridge. Landscape architect Michael Painter proposed the idea of using tunnels to carry the highway, which would then allow for the creation of a park on top. This vision was realized through years of planning, community input, and engineering innovation.

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