Crissy Field

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Crissy Field is a beautiful place to enjoy the San Francisco Bay. Restored in 1999 with the help of donors, volunteers, and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy efforts, Crissy Field consists of 22 acres of dunes, a promenade trail, beaches, tidal marshes, outdoor amenities, and a nature education center. Bring a jacket, because this place is notorious for high winds beginning in the early afternoon.

Stretching from the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marina on the picturesque Presidio shore, Crissy Field offers front-row views of the city and the Bay and a chance to get to know the local environment. Bird watchers can find dozens of the 135 bird species that have been identified in the marsh, including herons, ducks, egrets and gulls.

Parents can walk with their little ones on the stroller-friendly path. Fishing fans can cast their reels from Torpedo Wharf, where licenses aren’t required to make a catch. And locals or vacationers seeking a relaxing day at the beach can stick to the shoreline, combing the retreating tide for pebbles and sea stars.

Take advantage of the resources offered at the Crissy Field Center while you’re here. In addition to hosting field trips and after-school programs, the Crissy Field Center welcomes guests to a range of scheduled public programs about the urban and natural environment. These include community campfires, performances, exhibits, family festivals, and ranger-led classes or hikes among the 100,000 native plants found in the area. Check out the website for registration info.

When all the outdoor business takes a toll on your energy level, Café Crissy or the Beach Hut are good places to order some organic eats while appreciating the view. While the Old Crissy Field Center Program Facility is closed for construction, Cafe Crissy is still open to the public via Old Mason Street. The new/temporary Crissy Field Center located at 1199 East Beach Drive has the Beach Hut open 7 days a week next to the new, green certified Crissy Field Center Program Facility.

HelloSanFrancisco Tip: Volunteer at Crissy Field through an individual, group, or special event program, when you can contribute to habitat restoration and learn about landscaping, native plant care and wildlife at the same time.

- by Renee M. Rutledge, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Renee M. Rutledge

Renee M. Rutledge currently writes articles on local travel and culture for Red Tricycle, Parents' Press, Oakland Magazine, and Alameda Magazine.