The Presidio has long been a Bay Area playground for its green oases within arm’s reach of the Golden Gate Bridge. Some are attracted to its groves of eucalyptus, beaches, and panoramic views. Others like its golf greens, hiking trails, and historical museums. Joggers, dog walkers, and bicyclists are drawn to its 1,500-recreational-acres. And something you may not know, this former military base is now home to more than 3.400 residents and 200 businesses.

The Presidio Trust, along with its partners, the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, have guided The Presidio through an ambitious post-to-park transformation. It offers the local community and visitors from around the world a place to connect with history and nature and some luxurious places to stay. Originally built in the late 1890s as a US Army barracks, a few years ago The Presidio Lodge (along with its sister property Inn At The Presidio) was renovated into a contemporary colonial-style boutique hotel.

Located in the heart of the former army base, the reimagined 42-room property exudes nostalgic Americana charm with spacious guest rooms, stunning views, a lavish Continental breakfast, and evening wine reception. Nearby, there's the Walt Disney Family Museum, an expansive lawn for romping with your dog, and San Francisco's newest green space, Presidio Tunnel Tops: a 14-acre park connecting the historic Main Post with Crissy Field and Marin Headlands. 

Situated above the newly tunneled Presidio Parkway (formerly Doyle Drive), the richly planted parkland is filled with wide waterfront walkways, gathering spaces, interactive playgrounds, a food truck pavilion, elevated bluffs, and extraordinary views.

This fall, just in time for the San Francisco summer chill to wear off, free family-fun is on tap at First Sunday Afternoons at Presidio Tunnel Tops, starting September 4, from 1 to 4 pm. The event features pop-up food vendors, live performances by MC, Honey Gold Jasmine, DJ Marc Stretch and a ranger-led campfire talk. 

A trip to The Presidio is not complete without dinner and drinks at Colibri Mexican Bistro. A Union Square mainstay for 18 years, Colibri closed during the pandemic, landing in a new home at the Presidio Officer’s Club. With a spacious outdoor patio, plenty of old world flair, and executive chef Edgar Castro’s made-to-order guacamole and handmade tortillas, the new eatery promises to be just as popular. 

Craft cocktails include a Gruñon drink which arrives to the table in a smoky glass-encased box, and margaritas spiced with fire roasted jalapeños, orange liqueur and lime juice. 

A delicious filet mignon is stacked on goat cheese mashed potatoes then drizzled with chipotle Chile’ sauce, and a show-stopping carnitas-stuffed Chile Relleno comes on a bed of creamy black bean sauce.  Open daily for lunch and dinner, weekday happy hour, and weekend brunch.