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.
