Exploring Beyond the Presidio Tunnel Tops
Enjoy the wonders of Tunnel Tops and more
Article and photos by Susan Alcorn
Exploring the new Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco is indeed a great way to spend quality time on your own, with family, or with friends — but there’s also a great deal more to enjoy for those with an extra hour or so.
During our July weekday visit to Tunnel Tops, where we made a circuit around the amazing new park, we found that it was easy to continue downhill from the children’s Outpost to Crissy Marsh — going from a lively scene to a quieter one along the bay. This map helps get oriented to Tunnel Tops.
A Close-in Walk
After dropping down to Crissy Marsh, we continued west along the Golden Gate Promenade (aka Bay Trail). One could continue west to reach historic Fort Point or to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, but we chose a shorter walk that was also packed with history and scenic views.
We crossed a pedestrian bridge back over the marsh and worked our way uphill to reach the Presidio Pet Cemetery at 667 McDowell Avenue. Here is where many military personnel, past and present, have given their beloved pets a final resting place. There are 424 headstones commemorating dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles, fish — and one iguana. Visitors are welcome to enter the small cemetery to read the poignant and sweet messages left by the pet owners.
We passed the Cavalry stables and stopped briefly to look in the National Cemetery, which I was amazed to read was built in 1884 and has 32,000 graves. It’s closed to new interments, but visitors can enter daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We followed the pathway as it rose gently uphill to reach Battery Bluff — a quiet spot for bay views — and stopped often to absorb the beauty of the contoured grounds and abundance of colorful shrubs. Thousands of new, native plants have been added to both Tunnel Tops and the surrounding area — many are small seedlings now, but they will fill in over time.
As we returned to the Main Post where we had parked, we reminisced about previous times we had come to the Presidio. There is always something interesting to do — perhaps a visit to the Disney Museum, a brief stop in front of Lucasfilms to see the bronze statue of Yoda, a peek into the elegant Lodge at the Presidio and the country-chic furnished Inn at the Presidio, a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants.
There’s also the Presidio Bowl, which has been in existence for decades. It’s a small bowling alley, 12 lanes, but plenty of fun. If you want to bowl, or come to one their special events, reservations are recommended. Currently you can make your way to its walkup bar and grill every day of the week, but check their schedule before you head over for times and any changes.
To end our loop, we headed back to the Presidio Tunnel Tops to choose our lunches from one of the many food trucks and carts. The selections are diverse with foods from many cultures. The food venders are selected on a rotating basis and are currently there seven days a week: Sat — Sun: 9:00 am-5:30 pm; Mon — Fri: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Art in the Presidio
Another option for a hike would be a three-mile tour to take in the art installations by renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy. Showcasing art became a priority when the earlier U.S. Army Post came under the care of the Presidio Trust, the National Park Service, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in 1994.
The walk will take you past four art pieces by Goldsworthy: Tree Fall, Earth Wall, Spire, and Wood Line. He has used materials, such as logs and branches, collected in the vicinity. A suggested loop to take in all four pieces would start at The Post on Anza Street, continue on Lovers’ Lane, Mountain Lake Trail, and Ecology Trail, and return back by the Officers’ Club to the starting point.
Note: Because the Presidio Tunnel Tops is so new, some maps don’t show it — that includes this for the art installation walk. However, this current map of the presidio will help you find your way around, and the Tunnel Tops map here is current and may be helpful.
However you spend your time in the Presidio, it promises to be a rich experience in a place offering something for everyone — history, scenic views, fun, healthy exercise, peaceful spaces, and lots of fun!
Find more of Susan Alcorn’s articles and stories at Susandalcorn.com and Backpack45’s Musings: Thoughts from a Seasoned Backpacker, Hiker, Traveler, Writer
