The Presidio has numerous picnic grounds. Typically, permits are required only for large, organized groups. However, rules may differ for individual sites. See below for information about Presidio picnic areas.

El Polin Spring

El Polin Spring is located in a picturesque meadow in the Tennessee Hollow Watershed, not far from the Lombard and Presidio Gates. The site is nestled against a wooded hillside, surrounded by eucalyptus, native willows, and nearby hiking trails. The El Polin Spring picnic area is available from 10 a.m. to dusk seven days per week on a first-come-first-served basis. No permit is required. The site is equipped with picnic tables, barbeque grills, and portable toilets. The maximum guest count for groups is 50 people. Amplified music is not permitted. Seven parking spaces are available on site, with additional parking available at the southern end of Portola Avenue. For more information, contact Presidio Trust Special Events at (415) 561-5444.

Baker Beach

Baker Beach is located on the western edge of the Presidio near the 25th Avenue Gate. Its picnic areas are protected from the wind by sand dunes. Picnic sites are equipped with barbeque pits, benches, and restrooms. A permit is required for groups of fifty or more people. The site is managed by the National Park Service Special Park Uses Group (SPUG). Visit the SPUG website for additional information, or contact them by phone at (415) 561-4300.

East Beach Picnic Area at Crissy Field

The East Beach Picnic Area at Crissy Field is located near the Mason Street Gate. Picnic sites are equipped with barbeque pits, benches, and restrooms. The site offers spectacular bay and bridge views. Available parking is limited, The site is managed by the National Park Service Special Park Uses Group (SPUG). Visit the SPUG website for additional information, or contact them by phone at (415) 561-4300.

West Bluff Picnic Area at Crissy Field

The West Bluffs, located near historic Fort Point at Crissy Field, offer magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and Angel Island. Picnic sites are equipped with barbeque pits, benches, and restrooms. The site is managed by the National Park Service Special Park Uses Group (SPUG). Visit the SPUG website for additional information, or contact them by phone at (415) 561-4300.

Immigrant Point Overlook Picnic Area

Immigrant Point Overlook is located on Washington Boulevard near the World War II Memorial and Rob Hill Campground. A small nearby picnic area offers five tables where visitors can pause after a hike or bike ride to take in the magnificent Pacific Ocean vista. The picnic area is on the route of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, and connects to the Bay Area Ridge Trail nearby. No reservations are required. For more information, contact Presidio Trust Special Events at (415) 561-5444.