Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
1
Crissy Field
PARK
War is for the birds in this military airstrip turned nature preserve, featuring Golden Gate
Bridge panoramas. Bird-watchers huddle in reclaimed tidal-marsh lowlands once paved
with oil-stained asphalt, and the landing strip is now patrolled by preschool kite-fliers and
lolling puppies. On blustery days, stop by denim-insulated Warming Hut (
Click here
) to
browse California nature books and warm up with fair-trade coffee.
(
www.crissyfield.org
;
1199
East Beach;
;
30, PresidioGo Shuttle - Crissy Field Rte)
2
Baker Beach
The city's best beach is a mile-long stretch of sand beneath windswept pines, offering fish-
ing from waterfront rocks and exposing goose bumps on the breezy, clothing-optional north
end. Yes, you're still in the city, with spectacular views of Golden Gate Bridge and Lincoln
Park to prove it. Crowds come on weekends, braving currents and c-c-cold water.
(
sunrise-sunset;
BEACH
;
29, PresidiGo Shuttle - Presidio Hills Rte)
3
Palace of Fine Arts
MONUMENT
When San Francisco's 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition was over, the city couldn't bear to
part with this Greco-Roman plaster palace. California arts-and-crafts architect Bernard
Maybeck's artificial ruin was recast in concrete, so that future generations could gaze up at
the rotunda relief to glimpse Art under attack by Materialists, with Idealists leaping to her
rescue.
(
www.lovethepalace.org
; Palace Dr; admission free;
28, 30, 43)
4
Presidio
LANDMARK
