PRESIDIO

Description

Essentials about the Presidio in brief

The Presidio is the most historically significant site in San Francisco. In 1776, a Spanish expeditionary team established a military base in the highly strategic location at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, from which they could control the entrance to San Francisco Bay. From its founding by the Spanish until 1994, the Presidio was used successively by the armed forces of Spain, Mexico, and the United States (which ruled California in historical succession). Thus, the Presidio holds the title of the longest-used military base in the United States. Today, the Presidio is no longer used for military purposes, but is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The area is especially popular with walkers, because the Presidio is crisscrossed by a number of beautiful hiking trails, from which you can enjoy great views of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean.

The grounds of the Presidio

There are 870 buildings in the two-by-three-kilometer area, about 470 of which are considered historically significant. Since the end of military use in 1994, the Presidio has been part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Many of the former quarters of enlisted men and officers have been leased to individuals and businesses after renovations and remodeling. Today, a total of about 150 commercial and non-profit businesses are located on the Presidio site (including many companies owned by star director George Lucas) and about 2,500 people live here. Because of its great location and the magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and especially the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio is one of the most exclusive residential areas in San Francisco.

Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge

The following building complexes and facilities of the Presidio are worth a visit: Probably the most popular place within the Presidio is Fort Point. This former fortification is located right at the tip of the spit of land at the Golden Gate, the entrance to San Francisco Bay. However, most visitors do not come here to see the fort itself, but to see the Golden Gate Bridge from below. Since 1937, Fort Point has been spanned by the mighty steel arch at the beginning of the bridge and is therefore a frequently photographed motif.

The former barracks and officers’ quarters

In the old core of the Presidio, parts of the first adobe buildings from 1793 are preserved, which were integrated into the former officers’ club. The so-called “Main Post” is now used as an exhibition hall. The former barracks of the enlisted men and the officers’ quarters from the 1890s around the parade ground have also been almost completely restored and provide a beautiful historical sight.

San Francisco National Cemetery and Battery Chamberlin

Also impressive is the San Francisco National Cemetery. Some 15,000 soldiers from various wars since the 1880s are buried at the national war gravesite, including over 500 unknown soldiers. Those who enjoy historic ordnance should seek out Battery Chamberlin. Several gun emplacements were built on the Pacific side of the Presidio in the early 20th century. Located near the Golden Gate Bridge, Battery Chamberlin is the only surviving disappearing gun emplacement on the West Coast and is open for tours.

Crissy Field and the Walt Disney Family Museum

Those who make their way from downtown San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge will walk along the bay over Crissy Field, a former military airfield that is now a renaturalized recreation area. And since 2oo9, Disney fans have also had a good reason to visit the Presidio. Since then, the Walt Disney Family Museum has been located here, where die-hard cartoon fans can learn about the life and legacy of Walt Disney.

Other attractions and sights in Presidio

In addition to the many historic areas on the Presidio, there are two other good reasons to visit: First, there has been an 18-hole golf course here for over 100 years. Until 1994, it was reserved exclusively for military personnel; today, all golfers are allowed to swing their clubs here. And secondly, the Presidio is generally a paradise for walkers. There are a number of scenic walking trails that lead through various parts of the property and offer magnificent views of San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Information on all the sights and walking trails in the Presidio can be obtained at the Presidio Visitor Center.