Golden Gate National Recreation Area
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Golden Gate National Recreation Area at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Hike the Bolinas Ridge Trail
- Nearby city
- San Francisco, CA
Explore this park
About Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history from California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. All of this and more awaits you, so get out and find your park.
7 current NPS alerts
- Park Closure: Temporary Road and Lot Closures for Half Marathon November 1, 2026
- Information: Ocean Beach No-Burn Season: November 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027
- Information: Presidio Trust Trails Annual Coyote Pupping Season is April to October
- +4 more in the Alerts tab
Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 12, 2026). Official Golden Gate National Recreation Area page on nps.gov
Weather Information
- Winter
is characterized by sporadic rain and cool weather punctuated by brilliant sunshine.
In winter the grass greens. Trees and flowers dormant through winter start blooming in late February or early March and last until May or June. By July, summer fog predominates in most coastal areas of the park. Grasses and plants have now turned to the golden brown and muted grays characteristic of California summer and fall. September and October skies are clear and sunshine is abundant everywhere in the park.
Operating Hours
Parking Lots
Although this urban park is accessible 24 hours a day in most areas, most parking lots are open between sunrise to sunset.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Day Use Areas
These areas are open from 6 a.m. until 1 hour after sunset. Marin County: - Conzelman Rd (west, between traffic circle and Field Rd.) - Kirby Cove (except registered campers with permits) - Muir Beach - Muir Beach Overlook - Stinson Beach San Francisco County - Fort Point (north of the gate and adjacent areas) - China Beach - Fort Mason – Black Point Stairway to Van Ness Ave. - Lands End - Sutro Heights Park
- Monday6:00AM - Sunset
- Tuesday6:00AM - Sunset
- Wednesday6:00AM - Sunset
- Thursday6:00AM - Sunset
- Friday6:00AM - Sunset
- Saturday6:00AM - Sunset
- Sunday6:00AM - Sunset
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is open daily with hours varying throughout the year. Please check the Muir Woods National Monument park website for the most current, up to date information. In accordance with CDC, state, and local public health guidance related to COVID-19, these hours and availability of programs may vary.
- Monday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Tuesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Wednesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Thursday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Friday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Saturday8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Sunday8:00AM - 6:00PM
Point Bonita Lighthouse (beyond the tunnel)
Point Bonita Lighthouse is open every third Saturday from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- ThursdayClosed
- FridayClosed
- Saturday12:30PM - 3:30PM
- SundayClosed
Nike Missile Site
The Nike Missile Site in the Marin Headlands is open on the first Saturday 12pm to 3pm for demonstrations and programs.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- ThursdayClosed
- FridayClosed
- Saturday12:00PM - 3:00PM
- SundayClosed
Battery Townsley
Battery Townsley is open every second Saturday of the month between 12:00pm to 4:00pm for guided tours.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- ThursdayClosed
- FridayClosed
- Saturday12:00PM - 4:00PM
- SundayClosed
Fort Point National Historic Site
Fort Point National Historic Site is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm unless otherwise noted on Fort Point's website.
- Monday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- Thursday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday10:00AM - 5:00PM
Common questions
Planning Golden Gate National Recreation Area
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts and Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 2 reservation types on the Permits tab, including Golden Gate National Recreation Area Tours and Point Bonita Lighthouse Guided Sunset Tour. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
