Presidio of San Francisco, Former military post and park in San Francisco, United States

The Presidio of San Francisco is a large former military base now open as a public park, located on the northern tip of the peninsula with coastal trails, sandy beaches, and dense woodlands throughout. The grounds roll across hillsides offering views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay beyond.

Juan Bautista de Anza chose the site in March 1776, and José Joaquín Moraga's party built the Spanish presidio that same year; its 1783 garrison counted only 33 men. The U.S. Army took over in 1848, and generals from William Sherman to John Pershing were stationed here. Congress ended its active military role in 1989, and on 1 October 1994 the National Park Service took over management as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with the Presidio Trust created in 1996.

The name presidio is Spanish for a fortified military post, and the site's Spanish origin is recalled by El Presidio de San Francisco. The former Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic and LucasArts offices occupy about 61,000 square metres, and Star Trek's Starfleet is based here in the 23rd century. The film Presidio: Base militaire, San Francisco is largely set on the grounds.

The grounds are easy to explore on foot or using the free shuttle system, with parking and trailheads scattered across the property. Wear good shoes as the paths are hilly and coastal weather tends to be windy and changeable.

More than 60,000 trees grow on the grounds, planted by the US Army in the late 1800s in what was once bare dunes. This planted forest completely transformed the landscape, creating woodland where only sand existed before.