Presidio Tunnel Tops San Francisco
A stunning new park built over a highway, offering iconic Golden Gate Bridge views, a unique playground, and vibrant community spaces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Presidio Tunnel Tops San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning new park built over a highway, offering iconic Golden Gate Bridge views, a unique playground, and vibrant community spaces.
"This park is awesome for kids! Truly incredible park, not just the playground but above it as well."
☀️ Pack Sunscreen & Layers
Even on foggy days, the sun can be strong. Layers are essential for changing SF weather.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Consider ride-sharing or arriving before 10:30 AM.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Gate Bridge Views
Various vantage points throughout the park
Iconic, breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Perfect for photos!
The Outpost Playground
Central area of the park
A unique, nature-inspired playground that kids absolutely love. A true highlight for families.
Picnic & Fire Pits
Designated picnic areas
Spacious lawns and cozy fire pits make for perfect gatherings and sunset views.
Il Parco Cafe
Near the main lawn
Enjoy delicious Italian-inspired food with stunning bay views. A local favorite!
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Pack Sunscreen & Layers
Even on foggy days, the sun can be strong. Layers are essential for changing SF weather. +1
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Consider ride-sharing or arriving before 10:30 AM. +1
🧺 Bring Picnic Gear
Plenty of open lawns and picnic tables. Perfect for a leisurely meal with a view.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends are welcome! Enjoy walks and soak in the views together.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Pack Sunscreen & Layers
Even on foggy days, the sun can be strong. Layers are essential for changing SF weather. +1
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Consider ride-sharing or arriving before 10:30 AM. +1
🧺 Bring Picnic Gear
Plenty of open lawns and picnic tables. Perfect for a leisurely meal with a view.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends are welcome! Enjoy walks and soak in the views together.
🔭 Stargazing Events
Check for monthly star parties hosted by the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Presidio Tunnel Tops is widely praised as a beautiful, well-designed park offering stunning Golden Gate Bridge views and excellent amenities. Visitors love the family-friendly playground, picnic areas, and the unique experience of a park built over a highway. Some find parking challenging and note the lack of shade.
"Very interesting; you can't even tell that you are over a busy highway when on the tunnel-top park. You can walk to the side and see through a fence the opening to the tunnel. The Park is a nice little city park, with a nice mix of paths, grassy area for picnics (also area with picnic tables) and various vegetation that is interesting. It all has a really great view of Golden Gate Bridge."
Holly
"Beautiful park in the Presidio, just a year old. Great place for a picnic, family gathering, or a stroll. Close to the Palace of Fine Arts. A pretty cool one of a kind kid's wood playground.
Il Parca Cafe serves up great options for breakfast & and lunch, and if you want something different, there are food trucks as well."
Jeff La Plante
"Beautiful use of this historic military base that, as kids, we only ever dreamed of seeing. Hats off to Pelosi for securing this land for public use! The expansive lawns to kick back on with pups and friends, having lunch from an amazing food carts (recommend the Bulgarian one). The fire pit is huge and a nice warming spot before pulling up a rocker to watch the views of the beautiful iconic bridge with kite surfers zoom below.
The playground isn’t your average playscape; it’s broken down into 4, with natural wooden structures to climb on.
Style and sustainability had to be the priority when building. 100% nailed it on landscaping and trails. Utilizing the restored historic structures to become businesses like restaurants, Inns, there’s a movie theater and so much more to see and explore. I will return. It’s clean, family and friends friendly.
Please allot at least an hour for the visitors center alone, and the gift shop is a fantastic gift buying at reasonable prices."
Diana Gladden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Presidio Tunnel Tops by car, public transport, or ride-sharing. Paid parking is available at the Presidio Green lot, or you can find street parking with time limits. Muni buses also serve the Presidio area. +1
Yes, there is paid parking at the Presidio Green lot. Street parking is also available but can be limited and has time restrictions. Arriving early is recommended. +1
Yes, several Muni bus lines stop near the Presidio, providing access to Tunnel Tops Park. Check the Muni website for the most current routes and schedules.
The park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring paved paths and accessible facilities, making it easy to navigate for everyone.
To avoid crowds at SF Tunnel Tops, visit on weekday mornings or evenings. Weekends, especially during peak hours, can get quite busy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Presidio Tunnel Tops is free to enter and open every day, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors.
Some picnic areas and grills require reservations through Presidio.gov, especially for larger groups or specific locations. It's best to check the official website for booking information.
Presidio Tunnel Tops is open daily, offering access to its beautiful grounds and amenities throughout the year. Specific facility hours may vary.
Yes, there are clean and well-maintained bathrooms available within the park, including at the transit center and other facilities.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Tunnel Tops Park SF, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy the views and open spaces.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photo spots offer stunning Golden Gate Bridge views. Look for vantage points along the overlooks and near the picnic areas.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides beautiful lighting for photos. Evenings offer stunning sunset views over the bridge.
Explore the natural landscaping, the unique playground structures, and the historic elements of the Presidio for creative photography.
Absolutely! Tunnel Tops offers some of the most iconic and unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a photographer's dream.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the bridge or distant landmarks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, food trucks are often available at Presidio Tunnel Tops, offering a variety of cuisines. Check the park's schedule for current vendors.
Besides food trucks, Il Parco Cafe offers Italian-inspired dishes. You can also bring your own food for a picnic.
Yes, there are designated areas with grills available for reservation, perfect for a barbecue with friends and family.
Food trucks at Tunnel Tops often feature diverse options, including pizzas, empanadas, and other local favorites.
Il Parco is a popular cafe located at Presidio Tunnel Tops, serving breakfast and lunch with beautiful bay views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The expansive lawns are perfect for running around, and the Field Station provides educational fun. Pack a picnic or grab a bite from the food trucks for an easy family meal. Remember to bring layers as SF weather can change quickly, and sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. Parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or using ride-sharing services to make your family outing smoother.
🐶 Dog Lovers
While dogs are welcome, always ensure they are leashed and under control. Remember to bring water for your pet, especially on warmer days. The beautiful views and open spaces make it a delightful experience for both you and your dog.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the bridge at different times of day, from the soft light of morning to the dramatic colors of sunset. Beyond the bridge, explore the park's unique landscaping, the innovative playground, and the historic Presidio setting for diverse photographic subjects. Don't forget to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and a telephoto lens for details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Park Over Tunnels
The result is a serene environment where visitors can enjoy expansive lawns, scenic trails, and stunning views without the intrusion of traffic. The park's name itself, 'Tunnel Tops,' directly references this unique architectural achievement. It's a place where nature and infrastructure coexist harmoniously, offering a peaceful escape within the bustling city.
This innovative approach to park development has been widely praised, demonstrating a commitment to creating green spaces that enhance the quality of life for city residents and visitors alike. The success of Tunnel Tops serves as an inspiration for future urban park projects.
Family Fun at The Outpost
Beyond the main playground, the park also includes the Field Station, a curiosity lab that offers hands-on activities and educational exhibits for young explorers. This combination of active play and learning makes Presidio Tunnel Tops an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and enriching outing.
Parents often rave about how much their children enjoy The Outpost, noting its creative design and the sheer amount of fun it provides. It's a place where kids can burn energy, develop motor skills, and create lasting memories.
Capturing the Iconic Views
Beyond the bridge, the park itself is a visual delight. The carefully curated native landscaping, the unique architectural elements, and the vibrant atmosphere all contribute to a rich photographic experience. Consider visiting during the golden hours for the most dramatic lighting, or capture the city lights as dusk settles.
Many visitors express that no photograph can truly capture the awe-inspiring feeling of being there. The combination of the majestic bridge, the vast bay, and the lively park atmosphere creates an unforgettable sensory experience that transcends the lens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit