In the event you’re on the lookout for a day journey the place nature, historical past, distinctive artwork, and significantly good meals collide, the Presidio in San Francisco is asking your identify. With over 1,400 acres of gorgeous surroundings, 24 miles of mountaineering trails, and a lineup of distinctive experiences, it’s like a choose-your-own-adventure park for anybody on the lookout for a enjoyable SF itinerary.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, an artwork lover, or simply right here for the meals (hey, no judgment), there are many nice issues to do within the Presidio—and that is precisely how I might spend one good day there.
1-Day Presidio Itinerary
1:00 PM
Lunch at Colibri Mexican Bistro
For a style of Central Mexico proper within the Presidio, Colibri Mexican Bistro delivers daring flavors and genuine dishes that really feel like dwelling. From smoky chile rellenos to contemporary, citrusy ceviche, each chew is filled with custom. And the carnitas? They’re served within the cutest ceramic pig, which hides sufficient tender pork to fill about 5 tacos—significantly, it’s like a scrumptious magic trick.
Pair all of it with a contemporary tortilla straight off the comal and a Colibri Margarita for the complete expertise. *Don’t neglect to save lots of room for a dessert, just like the Flan al Cafe y Tequila—or simply order one other spherical of carnitas!
In the event you’re feeling one thing tremendous informal for lunch, then take a look at the Presidio Pop-up meals vehicles that hang around close to the Major Parade Garden. They serve every little thing from Pakistani avenue meals to bacon-centric dishes (sure, an entire truck devoted to bacon!). Discover a picnic desk or plop down on the campfire circle for unbeatable Golden Gate Bridge and metropolis skyline views.
Or If pizza is your love language, Il Parco is a spot that serves up focaccia-style slices which might be good for sharing—or not. I used to be a fan of their funghi and the plain ol’ pepperoni!
2:30 PM
Discover the Presidio Tunnel Tops
The Presidio Tunnel Tops is a 14 acre superbly landscaped space with wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, and the Palace of Effective Arts. There are many spots to sit down and soak all of it in. Carry a blanket and e book, or simply people-watch—it’s prime picnic territory.
Constructed proper above the Presidio Parkway tunnels, it’s like a gateway to all of the enjoyable the Presidio has to supply. From the Outpost playground to trails, public lawns, and cultural meals distributors, there’s one thing for everybody to take pleasure in.
*Don’t go away the tunnel tops with out taking a spin within the purple Magis Spun Chairs (you’ll discover them close to Il Parco). They rotate you 360 levels, like a prime!
3:45 PM
Discover Your Favourite Presidio View of the Golden Gate
The Presidio is dwelling to a number of the prettiest Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints. Whether or not you’re snapping pictures or simply soaking it in, listed here are some can’t-miss spots:
- Fort Level: Iconic views from beneath the bridge.
- Baker Seaside: A sandy stretch with unbeatable vistas.
- Battery Godfrey: My private favourite!
- Battery East: A traditional spot for postcard-worthy photographs.
- Crissy Marsh: Stroll alongside the waterfront and look ahead to birds.
Alternate Actions for Some Extra Journey:
Feeling sporty? These two locations are an effective way to combine up the day with a bit adrenaline (and possibly work off that lunch).
Try Home of Air, an indoor adrenaline park the place you possibly can bounce, flip, and dodge your strategy to a significantly enjoyable time. They’ve received trampolines for open bounce periods, aerial coaching, dodgeball (sure, trampoline dodgeball!), and even slacklining. It’s principally a playground for grown-ups who refuse to develop up.
Not into trampolines? No drawback! Head to Motion for some epic indoor mountaineering. Tucked within the coronary heart of the Presidio close to the Golden Gate Bridge, this spot has 25,000 sq. toes of climbing and bouldering terrain. Add in two yoga studios, a full health space, and views of Crissy Area, and also you’ve received the final word place to climb, stretch, and sweat—whereas sneaking peeks on the bridge between all of the motion.
5:00 PM
Examine-in + Wine & Cheese by the Fireplace Pit
Examine into the Inn on the Presidio and kick off your stick with their night wine and cheese by the hearth pit. Because the golden hour units in, unwind with a glass of vino, a plate of cheese, and the comfortable crackle of the hearth. It’s was the proper pause for us earlier than heading out for dinner.
7:00 PM
Dinner at Dalida
Dalida brings the colourful spirit of the Japanese Mediterranean to life within the coronary heart of the Presidio. Impressed by Istanbul’s wealthy tapestry of cultures—Turkish, Greek, Armenian, Jewish, Arabic, and Persian.
Begin your meal with “breaking bread,” a pillowy pita served with a diffusion of olives, pickles, and dips that set the tone for dishes like Istanbul-style stuffed mussels, tender lamb chops, and layered baklava that’s as dreamy because it sounds.
Run by co-chefs Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz, Dalida combines soulful cooking with a dedication to the atmosphere and native artistry. Whether or not you’re savoring Cypriot lamb chops (delish!) or sipping a house-made blackberry cordial, the ambiance looks like a buzzing ceremonial dinner with pals—completely fashionable but welcoming.
It’s finest to make reservations prematurely, this place is busy! It was full by 6:00 on the Sunday night time once we went.
9:00 PM
Play a Few Video games at Presidio Bowl
Wrap up your night with some lighthearted enjoyable at Presidio Bowl, a 12-lane bowling heart with kid-friendly bumpers, and a grill menu that pairs completely with their spectacular lineup of beers, ciders, seltzers, and wines, it’s the proper spot for something from a solo strike session to a big social gathering.
The true spotlight? Your face will get snapped firstly and pops up in hilarious animations after each body. Peter and I bowled it out, every snagging a win, however we’ll save the tiebreaker for subsequent time.
10:30 PM
Nightcap on the Inn on the Presidio
After a fun-filled day, return to the Inn on the Presidio for a calming nightcap in your cozy room. Replicate on the day’s adventures with a glass of wine earlier than settling in your comfortable mattress for a well-deserved relaxation.
8:00 AM
Breakfast on the Inn on the Presidio
Begin your day proper with a European-style continental breakfast on the Inn on the Presidio. Suppose contemporary fruit, buttery pastries, and all the comfortable vibes you have to ease into your journey. Whether or not you’re eating within the quaint breakfast space or savoring your espresso by the hearth pit, it’s the proper strategy to gas up for the day forward.
9:00 AM
See the Andy Goldsworthy Artwork
Andy Goldsworthy, the British artist identified for mixing nature and artwork, has left his mark everywhere in the Presidio. When you’ve got a automotive, you possibly can simply hit three of his installations. PS: Be sure that to obtain the map earlier than you go.
Wooden Line
This 1,200-foot winding sculpture of eucalyptus branches, is in a grove horizontal to Lover’s Lane. Created in 2011, it’s constituted of reclaimed eucalyptus branches that seamlessly blends artwork and nature. The piece, designed to fade again into the earth over time, displays the Presidio’s evolving panorama and its wealthy historical past of forest restoration. It’s playful, Instagram-worthy, and a bit meditative for those who’re within the temper.
Spire
Only a fast hop from the Presidio Golf Membership, Spire is a towering 90-foot sculpture constituted of 37 Monterey cypress trunks. It’s a strong image of renewal, surrounded by child cypress timber that can someday envelop it. Standing there, you possibly can’t assist however mirror on change—each in nature and in life.
Earth Wall
Situated close to the Presidio Officers’ Membership, this one’s a little bit of a thinker. Goldsworthy crafted a large sphere of eucalyptus branches and buried it inside a rammed earth wall, solely to partially excavate it. It’s like archaeology meets artwork.
Earth Wall might be simply accessed both by way of Colibri Restaurant or the Presidio Officers Membership.
10:30 AM
Presidio Heritage Gallery
After absorbing all that out of doors artwork, head to the Presidio Officers’ Membership to discover the Presidio Heritage Gallery. This free exhibit takes you on a journey by way of 10,000 years of historical past, from the Ohlone individuals to the park’s present-day transformation. With hands-on shows and charming tales, it’s a must-see cease that makes historical past come alive.
11:30 AM
Dive Into Disney Magic
In the event you’re even a bit curious concerning the man behind Mickey Mouse and Disneyland, the Walt Disney Household Museum is a must-visit. This huge area chronicles Walt Disney’s life from 1901 to 1966, with interactive galleries, uncommon sketches, and a powerful mannequin of Disneyland (see if you’ll find the teacup trip!). Plus, there’s a complete part devoted to his love for miniatures (do you know he as soon as dabbled in making dioramas?).
*Permit your self no less than an hour or two to geek out over the magic behind the person.
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