Presidio
The mature stands of eucalyptus, Monterey cypress, and Monterey pine here are one of San Francisco's scenic highlights. Planted a century ago as an Army beautification project, they offer the promise of solitude, a picnic in dappled shade, a morning jog, or a quiet walk down curving forest aisles.

The Presidio also shelters remnants of San Francisco's natural heritage communities of native plants, rare and endangered species, important wildlife habitat, and the last free-flowing stream in the city.

Historic Fort Point, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1853 and 1861 to prevent entrance of a hostile fleet into San Francisco Bay, was designed to mount 126 massive cannons. The fort was ccupied throughout the Civil War. Eventually, the advent of faster, more powerful cannons made brick forts such as Fort Point obsolete. In 1886 the troops were withdrawn, and the last cannons were removed around 1900.

Between 1933 and 1937 the fort was used as a base of operations for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. During World War II, the fort was occupied by 100 soldiers who manned searchlights and rapid-fire cannons mounted atop the fort in conjunction with the protection of a submarine net strung across the entrance to the Bay.

Permit Information
Permits are required for camping for scout groups, commercial filming, and outdoor events such as weddings, fairs, and races. Contact the Special Park Uses Group at (415)561-4300.

Directions
From the north, cross the Golden Gate Bridge (Hwys 1 and 101); from the east take Lombard Street (US 101); and from the south take Hwy 1. San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) buses serve the Presidio via the 28, 29, 43 and 82X lines.

Information Center
The Presidio Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday; for info call (415)561-4331. The Presidio visitor center can be reached at (415)561-4323. The Fort Point visitor center can be reached at (415)556-1693.

Activities