Exploring Presidio Tunnel Tops
The Exciting New San Francisco Destination
Story and Photos by Susan Alcorn
San Francisco’s Presidio Tunnel Tops, which opened July 17, 2022, lives up to the hype. It is an extraordinary example of how to transform an area that was strictly utilitarian — a busy highway — into a first-rate destination. Previously, a large slice of the northern edge of the Presidio was busy Doyle Drive. It was part of highway 101 — a main connecting route between San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County. The new, innovative design created two tunnels covering a 1,000-foot stretch of six lanes of traffic, and then draped grassy meadows, native plantings, and walking paths over the hubbub (muted with new sound walls) below.
We now have a 14-acre heart to the Presidio that has something for all ages and interests. Three new viewpoints were created offering priceless views of the Golden Gate and San Francisco Bay on the north, and the Palace of Fine Arts with the city as a backdrop to the east. Plenty of benches — constructed from fallen Presidio Cypress trees — invite visitors to stop and chat. Picnic tables are provided for those who want to picnic — whether with lunches from home or from onsite food trucks.
In the Learning Zone, youngsters, friends, and their families find the Outpost — a model of what excellent children’s playgrounds can provide: structures that foster imagination, test physical limits, and are fun. There are huge wooden structures for climbing, swinging, and balancing, stations for water play, forts or teepees to build, and tables for constructing projects using natural materials such as leaves and twigs. Hours: April-Oct 9:30 am to 6:00 pm; Nov-Mar 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. No dogs allowed inside enclosed area. All the adventures are free.
The Field Station has souvenirs and books for sale as well as educational interactive displays about the flora and fauna of the Presidio. Hours: Tues-Fri. 11 am to 4 pm; Sat and Sun 10AM-5pm.
And on beyond
After visiting the busy children’s Outpost, it’s easy to cross over to Crissy Marsh for a quieter scene. Count the shorebirds — perhaps even spot cormorants overhead. A wooden bridge on the east end of marsh takes you over to East Beach where you can enjoy a quiet stroll along the bay or build sandcastles by the shore.
Transportation
Parking and Free Shuttle buses from downtown and within the park. There are several parking lots (fee) within the Presidio. However, there are a couple of free shuttle buses. The Presidio Go Shuttle runs daily from the Presidio Transit Center. The South Hills Go Shuttle has several stops around the park. The Downtown Shuttle Go Shuttle connects to Embarcadero Bart, Van Ness/Union St., and the Transbay Terminal.
The Presidio Tunnel Tops offers something for all the senses — the views near and far, the sounds of laughter, the tastes from food vendors’ offerings, the feel of the sand, and the smells carried on the sea breezes. There is something for everybody, something different for every visit.
