The San Francisco area is rich in American History. It is also blessed with multiple National Park Sites. Check out the epic National Parks near San Francisco plus a few National Parks within a half-day drive!
National Parks near San Francisco
Whether you love scenic views, big trees, or history there is a National Park for you near San Francisco.
The 3rd most visited National Park Site in the United States is located in the heart of San Francisco...Golden Gate National Recreation Area, more than 13 million people visited the park last year!
One thing that may surprise you is a few of the least visited National Park Sites are also near San Francisco.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial only received 568 visitors last year.
While Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front NHP had less than 20,000 visitors and it is one of our favorite parks we have visited.
California is home to 28 National Park Sites including 9 National Parks! You can truly find something for everyone in these parks.
We have included both National Park Sites including historic sites, historical parks, and memorials along with full-fledged National Parks.
We truly feel that each park is worth visiting and offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about history, nature, or the area around them.
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park
Distance from San Francisco - 0 miles, Located on the waterfront in San Francisco
Top Attractions - Historic Ships, Visitor Center, Maritime Museum
San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park is located in the Fisherman's Wharf Neighborhood and provides visitors the opportunity to experience the sights, smells, sounds, and stories of the Pacific Coast Maritime History.
You can step aboard several ships including the Hercules Tugboat or perhaps take in an interpretative program.
Entrance Fee - $0.00, There is no fee to visit the park.
Lodging - Argonaut Hotel is located next to the park visitor center. Book online
Camping - There is no camping in the park.
Park Address - The visitor center is located at 499 Jefferson Street at the corner of Hyde Street
Fort Point National Historic Site
Distance from San Francisco - The park is located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge
Top Attractions - Historic Fort
Fort Point Historic Site defended the San Francisco Bay following California's Gold Rush through World War 2.
This is a great place to take in the Golden Gate Bridge, attend a special program like a cannon loading demonstration, or watch a movie Fort Point-Guardian of the Golden Gate. This is also a great time to visit the Presidio of San Francisco!
Entrance Fee - $0.00, there is no fee to visit the park.
Lodging - There is no lodging within the park
Camping - There is no camping within the park.
Park Address - Long Ave & Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Distance from San Francisco - 7 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge,
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is more than just one AMAZING Bridge! Let's not discount this is one epic bridge too!
The Muir Beach overlook has incredible sweeping views of the Pacific. There is also a short walk out to the point which makes for a beautiful picnic location.
You can take cell phone tours, touch the historic 16-inch gun at Battery Townsley, take a wildflower walk, watch the sky for migratory birds of prey and even search for red-legged frogs in ponds at Mori Point!
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse, and the first U.S. built a fort on the West Coast!
This island is best known for its Federal Penitentiary which was said to be inescapable. Several men tried, a few even made it off the island, but they were all presumed dead from drowning.
Some of Alcatraz's most famous inmates included Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Stroud "The Birdman of Alcatraz."
Entrance Fee - $0.00, there is no fee to visit the park.
Lodging - The Inn at the Presidio is located in the heart of the Presidio
Cavallo Point Lodge is located at Fort Baker, Sausalito. - Book Online
Camping - Golden Gate NRA has 4 campgrounds, Bicentennial Campground, Hawk Campground, Haypress Campground, and Kirby Cove Campground.
All campgrounds need reservations on recreation.gov
Park Address - Presidio Visitor Center - Building 210 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129
Muir Woods National Monument
Distance from San Francisco - 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge
Top Attractions - Old Growth Coastal Redwoods
If you are planning to visit Muir Woods, we highly suggest going early in the morning.
There is just something special about walking along the Redwood Creek Trail. I found all the worries of the world washed away and found a complete Zen moment walking amongst the Redwoods. It is one of my truly special moments exploring America's National Parks!
There is a visitor center and a self-guided nature walk within the park. The park is open from 8 am to sunset year-round. There are six miles of trails within Muir Woods park. The main, canyon floor trails are paved and mostly level.
Entrance Fee - $15 Adults, Kids 15 and under are free. National Park Passes are accepted.
Parking/Shuttle Bus Reservations - Reservations are required for all personal vehicles and shuttle riders visiting the park. Make a reservation online
Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.
Camping - There is no camping within the park.
Park Address - 1 Muir Woods Rd
Point Reyes National Seashore
Distance from San Francisco - 35 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Point Reyes Lighthouse, hiking trails, Pacific Coast views, Tule Elk Reserve
Point Reyes National Seashore is located just north of San Francisco. Bear Valley visitor center is very informative with great exhibits and the Earthquake trail (6/10 mile loop trail) that talks about the San Andreas Fault.
A forty-five-minute drive away is the Historic Lighthouse and visitor center. Fog and wind are common here, and you can take the stairs, all 308 steps to the lighthouse when the stairs are open.
Keep your eyes out for hawks on the fence posts; they can be found all over the fields around Point Reyes.
Entrance Fee - $0.00, There is no fee to visit the park
Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.
Camping - Point Reyes NS offers backcountry and boat-in campsites. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov
Park Address - Bear Valley Visitor Center - 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Rosie the Riveter/ WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Distance from San Francisco - 18 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Visitor center and museum, Meet a real Rosie WWII home front worker
The Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park is a fantastic place to take the entire family. The exhibits are great for adults and kids.
There is a short film talking about Rose the Riveter along with a lot of great informative displays.
The park offers visitors the opportunity to meet a real Home Front Worker from WWII on Fridays.
The visitor center and museum are filled with some of the best interpretive displays we have seen in any of the 275+ parks we have visited.
Entrance Fee - $0.00. There is no entrance fee for the park.
Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.
Camping - There is no camping within the park.
Park Address - 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond, Ca.
John Muir National Historic Site
Distance from San Francisco - 40 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - John Muir's House, hiking trails
John Muir National Historic Site is the location of John Muir's home. Muir was a famous Naturalist, often referred to as "John of the Mountains" and petitioned the U.S. Congress for the National Park Bill that was passed in 1890 establishing Yosemite National Park!
Muir's writings also helped convince the U.S. Government to also protect Sequoia, Grand Canyon, and Mount Rainier National Parks! The park and grounds are open daily from 10 am- 5 pm.
Make sure and give yourself enough time to visit both the house and the grounds.
Entrance Fee - $0.00, There is no fee to visit the park.
Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.
Camping - There is no camping within the park.
Park Address - 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553
Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail
Visitors can learn more about the Juan Bautista de Anza NHT at the Martinez Adobe within John Muir National Historic Site.
In 1775-1776, Juan Bautista De Anza led some 240 men, women, and children on a 1200 mile epic journey to establish the first non-native settlement at San Francisco Bay.
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site
Distance from San Francisco - 31 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - historic home, guided tours.
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site is home to America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright. O'Neill chose to live in California at the height of his writing career while he wrote The Iceman Cometh, Long Day's Journey Into Night and A Moon for the Misbegotten.
Just remember the park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Please check out their website before visiting as the Tao House is available on selected tours only and reservations are required. There are also shuttles to the property.
Entrance Fee - $0.00, there is no entrance fee to visit the park.
Reservations - Advanced reservations are required for tours on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
On Saturdays, reservations are not required.
Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.
Camping - There is no camping within the park.
Park Address - Shuttles leave from Danville, California
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Distance from San Francisco - 40 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Historic tour
This park is open by reservation only. You can call 925-228-8860 ext. 6520 or visit the National Park Website to make reservations. The memorial is located on an active military base.
Tours are only given by reservation made two weeks in advance. Make sure and visit the National Park website to learn about ID requirements for accessing the memorial.
Tours are only offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Entrance Fee - $0.00, There is no entrance fee to visit the park.
Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.
Camping - There is no camping within the park.
Park Address - The park is managed by the John Muir National Historic Site.
Pinnacles National Park
Distance from San Francisco - 130 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Hiking Trails, California Condors
Pinnacles National Park is less than two hours from San Francisco! It is also a birders paradise! We came to Pinnacles in search of the California Condor.
Just be prepared as both Old Pinnacles Trailhead and Bear Gulch Trailheads are rather small and fill up quickly. We arrived around 10 am and found ourselves parked down below exploring the Bench Trail.
We were still excited as we saw numerous bird species including Acorn Woodpeckers, Turkey Vultures, and Western Scrub-Jays. Even the drive into the park was stunning!
Entrance Fee - $30 vehicles, $25 motorcycle, $15 walk-in/bicycle
Lodging - There are new tent cabins available in the campground.
Camping - Pinnacles Campground has 134 sites both RV with electrical hookup and tent sites.
Park Address - There are no through roads through the park.
For the East Side of Park (Pinnacles Visitor Center):
36.493545, -121.146646
For the West Side of Park (Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station):
36.477700, -121.226136
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Distance from San Francisco - 250 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Hiking Trails, Scenic Drive, Camping
Lassen Volcanic National Park is just barely over four hours from San Francisco, and all I can say is WOW! This is an amazing park!
The Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is breathtaking and is one of the most scenic drives in the National Park system. It passes two incredible alpine lakes; Emerald Lake and Lake Helen that will surely blow your mind!
For those wanting to go for a hike hit the Bumpass Hell Trail! Just check to see if it's open before arriving at the park as it can be closed due to snow and ice.
Entrance Fee - $30 Vehicle, $25 motorcycle, $15 individual valid for 7 consecutive days.
Lodging - Drakesbad Guest Ranch is located within the park.
Camping - There are 7 campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic NP
Park Address -
- Loomis Museum (Northwest Entrance): 29489 Lassen National Park Hwy, Shingletown, CA 96088
- Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (Southwest Entrance): 21820 Lassen National Park Hwy, Mineral, CA 96063
Yosemite National Park
Distance from San Francisco - 170 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, Hiking, Half Dome, El Capitan
Yosemite National Park is a true American Icon! Names like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridal Veil Falls are instantly recognizable to anyone ever hearing of this park. Yosemite Valley just feels like a place where the likes of Norman Rockwell sat for hours gaining inspiration for their work.
It's easy to see why photographers fall in love with this place like Ansel Adams and why John Muir was so passionate about Yosemite that he petitioned the U.S. Congress which led to it becoming a National Park.
Entrance Fee - $35 vehicle
Reservations - Reservations are required from May 20 - September 30, 2022, for anyone entering the park between 6 am and 4 pm.
Lodging - Yosemite lodging includes the Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, and more! We suggest making a reservation as soon as you know when you will be visiting the park.
Camping - Yosemite has 13 campgrounds with 4 in Yosemite Valley and the remainder spread throughout the park. Reservations are incredibly important when trying to camp in Yosemite.
Park Address - 9035 Village Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, United States
Redwood National Park
Distance from San Francisco - 320 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Coastal Redwood Trees, Hiking Trails, Camping
Redwood National Park is managed in partnership with California State Parks including Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Redwood National and State Parks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
Entrance Fee - Redwood National and State Parks are fee-free with the exception of day-use areas within the Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Parks.
Lodging - There are 8 basic cabins located within the state park campgrounds.
Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park - 4 cabins
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - 4 cabins
Camping - Redwoods Campgrounds include Jedediah Smith Campground, Mill Creek Campground, Golds Bluff Campground, and Elk Prairie Campground.
Park Address - Park Headquarters address - 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531
Sequoia National Park
Distance from San Francisco - 263 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Giant Sequoia Trees, Hiking, Camping
Sequoia National Park is home to some of the largest Sequoia groves in the world. Visitors can explore the Giant Forest, see General Sherman Tree the world's largest living tree, hike up Moro Rock, and so much more.
Entrance Fee - $35 for a private vehicle, $30 motorcycle pass good for 7 days.
Lodging - Wuksachi Lodge is located within the park. Book online
Camping - There are 7 Sequoia NP Campgrounds that are open at varying times of the year.
Park Address - Foothills Visitor Center, 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271
Kings Canyon National Park
Distance from San Francisco - 241 miles from downtown San Francisco
Top Attractions - Giant Sequoia Trees, Hiking, Camping
Kings Canyon NP includes the General Grant Tree the second largest tree in the world. Visitors can explore the Grant Grove area, explore hiking trails, or explore further to Cedar Grove and Mineral King.
Entrance Fee - $35 for a private vehicle, $30 motorcycle pass good for 7 days.
Lodging - John Muir Lodge, Cedar Grove Cabins, and Cedar Grove Lodge are located within the park.
Book John Muir Lodge online
Camping - Kings Canyon Campgrounds are spread between the Grant Grove area and Cedar Grove area of the park.
Park Address - Kings Canyon Visitor Center - 83918 CA-180, Grant Grove Village, CA 93633
Lodging in San Francisco
There are a couple of National Park Lodges available in San Francisco Maritime NHP and Golden Gate NRA within San Francisco.
Argonaut Hotel
The Argonaut Hotel is located within Fisherman's Wharf historic Haslett Warehouse building with epic views of San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz.
Book here.
Cavallo Point
Cavallo Point is located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. This epic hotel offers both historic lodging and contemporary rooms.
Book here.
Additional San Francisco Lodging includes:
Kimpton Alton Hotel - Fisherman's Wharf - Close to Lombard Street, Kimpton Alton Hotel - Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel provides a free daily manager's reception, a coffee shop/cafe, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a deep-tissue massage or a facial. The onsite restaurant, Abaca, features Filipino cuisine. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a bar and a 24-hour gym.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf - located close to Lombard Street, and provides a free breakfast buffet, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a gym. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour business center.
Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf - 4-star hotel near Pier 39. Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco provides a terrace, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite restaurant, Brick and Beam, features American cuisine. In addition to a 24-hour gym and a 24-hour business center, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Marriott Courtyard San Francisco - Located close to Lombard Street, Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf provides a coffee shop/cafe, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a gym. In addition to a business center and a restaurant, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf - 4-star hotel. Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, which provides dry cleaning/laundry services, a bar, and a gym. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Red Fin, the onsite restaurant. Stay connected with in-room WiFi (surcharge), and guests can find other amenities such as a business center.
If you are unable to book a stay in a park lodge or are looking for other options click on the map below to see current rates for vacation rentals and hotels near San Francisco.
Camping near San Francisco, California
There are National Park Campgrounds located in a few of the larger National Park sites.
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando
San Francisco Guided Tours
If you only have one day in San Francisco make sure and make the most of it!
Check out some of the epic tours you can take in San Francisco Bay to experience the maritime history of the area.
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and around notorious Alcatraz Island. Discover San Francisco's history via an award-winning audio commentary, available in 16 languages.
Wharf and Waterfront Segway Tour - Explore the wharf and waterfront of San Francisco on a 2.5-hour Segway tour and get panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the back of a unique self-balancing vehicle. See historic sights, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, loop through Little Italy and more.
Hop On Hop Off City and Night tour - The 1-day Day Hop-On Hop-Off Pass combines two tours on one incredible value ticket! It gives you the opportunity to explore all the must-see sights of San Francisco by day and at night.
San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise - Enjoy spectacular views in a casual and fun atmosphere. Sail past Alcatraz, around Angel Island, along Tiburon and Sausalito, and under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Escape from the Rock Bay Cruise - Sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, while listening to accounts of the chilling escape attempts and the notorious criminals that called Alcatraz prison home.
List of National Park Sites near San Francisco
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- Fort Point National Historic Site
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park
- John Muir National Historic Site
- Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
- Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site
- Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
- Pinnacles National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Redwood National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
As you can tell, San Francisco is blessed with so many great National Parks sites! Just think of it as you now have 15 different excuses to plan a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area!
Check out all of the California National Parks along with neighboring Arizona National Parks, Oregon National Parks, and National Parks in Nevada
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
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