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San Francisco Presidio National Park
Crissy Field
We can't think of any better place to visit in San Francisco than the Crissy Field area of the Presidio. Bicyclists, joggers, and walkers love
this flat place -- and rollerbladers do too! The views of the Golden Gate Bridge are incredible.
History:
The area has transitioned from marsh and dunes to racetrack, to airfield and back again to march & dunes. Indians, Spanish, Mexican, and
Americans have used the Crissy Field / Presidio area for thousands of years. The Presidio was under Mexican control in 1821 until the Mexican-American war when
the area transitioned to the United States. Crissy Field has always been a landing area -- for boats, and then for airplanes. In almost every major U.S. war, the
Presdio's Crissy Field was involved in some way.
During Indian times, Crissy Field was a camp where 9 species of shellfish, 31 species of fish, 25 species of birds, and 20 species of animals
could be found. The park housed sea otters, bears, seals, and elk. The California Poppy and other plants were cultivated for medicinal uses.
In 1915, San Francisco celebrated its recovery from the 1906 earthquake by hosting the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The Expo
included a Grand Prix raceway. In the 1920's, the army used the field for aviation including the first dawn-to-dusk transcontinental flight in 1924. As the
Golden Gate Bridge was constructed, the high winds began to make the runway into a yard for the army personnel to enjoy.
Crissy Field has incredible shoreline access and views of the San Francisco Bay. The Golden Gate Promenade is a perfectly flat asphalt surface
for bicycles, wheelchairs, strollers, and rollerblading. No surprise that it is extremely popular. The East beach includes picnic areas and great views of
sailboarding and sailboats. The tidal marsh is a gathering place for many beautiful birds including herons, egrets, grebes, willets, gulls, and killdeer. Near
the marsh, the sand dunes include many natural plants and are a favorite place for sunbathers. You can even fish and crab at Torpedo Wharf without even obtaining
a fishing license.
Crissy Field is anchored by Marina Green on the east side, and Fort Point on the West. The park is home to a multitude of uses and has many
public amenities. The Presidio is an island of green within San Francisco's urban jungle. The park was originally an army base to protect the country. Today,
the park instead protects many endangered species.
The restoration of Crissy Field to its original condition was a huge project for the park service. Our editors participated in some of the
early stages of this recreation. Parking in the Crissy Field is far easier than almost any other part of San Francisco. Public transit is encouraged, however
the huge space of the park makes it an easier place for cars than many urban sections of San Francisco.
Originally, Crissy Field was a 130 acre marsh with coastal dunes. Almost one-third of San Francisco was covered by coastal dunes similar to
the recreated ones at Crissy Field. The Mediterranean style climate of mild, wet winters and dry summers supported native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs.
However, in the late 1800's, the army paved over the marsh as it was considered a wasteland. The transformation of the area into a city devastated the natural
habitats. Over forty species have been replanted in San Francisco that grow in distinct bands parallel to the shoreline. Around 11 million birds of 100 species
migrate along the Pacific Coast -- 75% of them stay in the region's tidal marshes. Once the Crissy Field wetland is restored, it will be a key refuge for these
birds as they migrate.
Crissy Field Center - Highlights
Crissy Field Center is located in a historic building near the marsh and is a wonderful new addition to the park area. The building was a
commissary in the 1930's, but now serves as a community environmental center. There are many environmental programs and classes for children and adults alike.
These include workshops, family adventures, cultural events, and educational programs. The center features ecology, art, media labs, a library, a cafe, and a
store with maps and information on the area. We highly recommend that you spend a few minutes visiting Crissy Field Center during your visit to the park.
Enjoy great books and a brief snack at the Presidio's Warming Hut...
Crissy Field Ecology
Many people have worked to reestablish the wetland at Crissy Field. There goal is to restore the bayfront's diversity and work to restore the
ecological system that feeds and breeds birds, fish, animals, and waterfowl. San Francisco Bay once had 200,000 acres of perimeter wetlands, but 90% of them were
lost in the 1960's. Receding tides uncover the mudflats twice per day, where shorebirds eat from what is found in the mud. The different bird species prefer
different foods, so they rarely compete for food.
Alice Waters' Warming Hut is a busy cafe, but the same food is available at Crissy Field Center...
Telephone Numbers:
Baker Beach Information:
Baker Beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Francisco. Unlike windy Ocean Beach, Baker Beach is more protected. The beach is best
known for its small nude sunbathing area at the far end. However, nudists tend to stay in their own private area for the most part.
The beach's view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and smooth sand makes it a favorite place for San Francisco locals to visit. Make it a part of
your tour of the Presidio and you won't be disappointed!
The views across the Bay to the Marin Headlands are incredible from sunny Baker Beach. The many native plants and grasses also make this an
interesting place to birdwatch. If you love beaches, check out Baker Beach in San Francisco. Remember however, that this isn't Hawaii. Outside of the main
summer months and the fall "Indian Summer", you should always plan on bringing a few extra layers of clothes.
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