San Francisco is about to have one more attraction to brag about. A new national park destination is set to open on July 17, 2022. Known as the Presidio Tunnel Tops, and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this brand-new outdoor space is in the historic Presidio neighborhood. The site was created by the designers of New York’s High Line and will offer even more gorgeous views in San Francisco.

Presidio Tunnel Tops in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

As if San Francisco didn’t already have so many glorious views, the Californian city now has more. Opening on July 17, 2022, the Presidio Tunnel Tops is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located in the historic Presidio neighborhood, the new outdoor space has been created by the designers of High Line in New York.

Speaking of the new space, Lisa Petrie of Presidio Trust explained that it is the same idea of creating green space over derelict infrastructure. The new 14-acre outdoor space is built over two freeway tunnels leading to the Golden Gate Bridge, hence its name.

From the new space, the panorama of San Francisco Bay, with Alcatraz and Angel Island, unfurls before you. Meanwhile, to the southeast, the views of the city skyline are framed by the neoclassical Palace of Fine Arts, making another breathtaking view.

However, the new outdoor space isn’t just about the gorgeous views. Presidio Tunnel Tops is intended to bring the national park experience to city dwellers.

“It encompasses the democratic ideal that the park is for everyone,” Petrie said. “The goal is local. If you can’t go to one of the big national parks, you can get a little taste of national parks in the city with a ranger talk and a campfire chat,” she added.

More about Presidio Tunnel Tops

Visitors will enter Presidio Tunnel Tops by walking past what was a guard center, but has been restored into a visitor center. From that point, pathways take visitors to grassy fields where the family can fly a kite. Another pathway takes you to a cypress- and Torrey pine-shaded picnic table area with grills.

Yet another pathway takes visitors past meadows and gardens that include 180 varieties of plants native to the Presidio. Along the way, visitors can find a boulder-surrounded campfire circle, as well as a field station with hands-on exhibits.

Most importantly, there are a number of wheelchair-friendly and accessible trails, including the cliff walk and bluff walk. The choice of venues for San Francisco city folks to get out into nature is almost endless. Meanwhile, there are plans for campfire chats, ranger walks, or simply gazing at the spectacular views as part of the national park experience. Not to forget, there is also a food hall, with sit down and take out options.

There are plans for ranger walks, campfire chats, and simply taking in the glorious views as part of the national park experience. A food hall has both dine-in and take-out options.

When it comes to the kids, a two-acre playground called the Outpost will allow them to crawl, swing and generally have fun on play structures made from boulders, fallen tree trunks and other natural materials. Petrie described this as part of the natural playground movement.

She explained that the overall theme is connections – a chance to connect with nature and connect with friends and family. However, it will also be a space to celebrate different cultures. “We will be providing space for Carnival and the Choate Korean festival, for example,” she added.

How to get around

Tunnel Tops physically connects the Presidio with Crissy Field on the waterfront of San Francisco. In fact, visitors will be able to walk from the Presidio down to the waterfront. According to Petrie, you haven’t been able to do that since 1936.

Meanwhile, opening day is Sunday, July 17, 2022. On that day a season of free family-friendly events and activities will be launched, running from July through October. From there on in, Presidio Tunnel Tops will offer a national park experience in the urban heart of San Francisco.