State Parks and National Parks

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area provides a green space for the San Francisco Bay Area. The park encompasses the entrance to the city's harbor at the Golden Gate, Alcatraz Island, five campgrounds and land north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge including Muir Woods and Fort Point.

The park offers tours of Alcatraz, picnicking, fishing, biking, swimming, short hikes, scenic walks and cultural programs.

There are five campgrounds in the recreation area. Reservations and permits are required. One campground closes from Oct. 31 to April 1 and the others are open all year. There is a backcountry campground that requires a 3.5-mile hike to reach it.

Fees are charged for Alcatraz tours and for entrance to Muir Woods.

For Alcatraz Island tickets, call 415-705-5555.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Richard Frear, courtesy of National Park Service. Photo by Richard Frear, courtesy of National Park Service. Photo by Richard Frear, courtesy of National Park Service.