Presidio Tunnel Tops

Park Overview

Tucked within the larger Presidio national park site is the 14-acre escape known as Presidio Tunnel Tops. Having opened its gates in July 2022, this innovative park was cleverly built atop the Presidio Parkway tunnels, creating a seamless connection between the Main Post area and the waterfront at Crissy Field.

The panoramic views of San Francisco Bay are quite impressive. You can spot the Golden Gate Bridge standing majestically in the distance, Alcatraz Island rising from the waters, Angel Island dotting the horizon, and the city's distinctive skyline. Many visitors consider this viewpoint among the most beautiful on the West Coast. The creative minds at James Corner Field Operations (yes, the same folks behind New York's famous High Line) designed this space with diverse landscapes and features for everyone to enjoy.

Park Zones

Presidio Tunnel Tops unfolds across three distinct zones. First, there's the flat "platform" area that sits level with the Presidio's main parade ground. This section extends from the historic military base and rewards you with stunning 360-degree views.

Meandering down the park's slope is the second zone, the Cliff Walk - a network of trails and gathering spaces that offer ever-changing perspectives of the surrounding landmarks.

At the lower portion of the park, you'll discover the third zone, home to the Outpost playground and educational facilities where kids can let their imaginations run wild.

Natural Elements & Accessibility

The park embraces nature with over 200,000 plants and trees, many native to the Presidio. Since opening day, the thoughtfully landscaped gardens have matured beautifully, adding to the park's natural charm.

Accessibility was clearly a priority in the design. Paved walking paths welcome wheelchairs and strollers alike, and the well-maintained grounds ensure visitors of all mobility levels can enjoy the experience.

Recreation & Amenities

Throughout the park, you'll discover various places to sit and soak in the views - distinctive red chairs, wooden benches, and picnic tables scattered strategically around the grounds. There's a generous grassy area great for spreading out a blanket for a picnic with the bridge and bay as your backdrop.

Kids particularly love the Outpost playground, a refreshingly different play area that trades plastic slides for natural wooden structures. Here, children can climb, balance, and engage in creative play among logs and trunks. There's even a water play feature (pro tip: you might want to bring extra clothes for the little ones).

On those typical San Francisco foggy or windy days, the campfire circle offers a cozy gathering spot to warm up.

Visitor Services

Practical amenities include clean, accessible restrooms near the visitor center and café. When hunger strikes, Il Parco Café serves up food and drinks, while food trucks frequently make appearances on weekends and during special events.

For families with curious minds, the Field Station provides interactive learning experiences where children can try activities like drawing and map making while learning about the local ecology.

Dog-Friendly Features

Your four-legged friends are welcome in most areas of the park (they need to be leashed, though, and can't join the fun at the Outpost playground). The open spaces and fresh air make this a popular spot for dog walking adventures.

Development Background

Bringing Presidio Tunnel Tops to life was truly a team effort involving the Presidio Trust, the National Park Service, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

The project represented a significant investment at $118 million, with $98 million coming from private donations.