Presidio - San Francisco, CA Area Guide

This centuries-old military base turned national park is now primarily a place of residence, although tourists flock there as well. Nearly 5,000 people live in the Presidio and thousands more visit there each year.

One of the most popular destination spots in the Presidio is the Walt Disney Family Museum. Occupying nearly 40,000 square feet of space, the Walt Disney Family Museum highlights the life and legacy of icon Walt Disney. The museum transports visitors into the world of Disney with videos, illustrations and interactive exhibits.

In spring, runners participate in the annual Presidio 10, a run across the nearby Golden Gate Bridge. This family-friendly event welcomes everyone from athletes to couch potatoes.

No trip to the Presidio is complete without a visit to the work of environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy that makes its home in the park. Titled "Spire and Wood Line," the work is constructed from trees to create larger-than-life natural sculptures.

Though somewhat removed from the hullabaloo of San Francisco proper, the Presidio houses restaurants and clubs of its very own that make it worth the trek out there. American traditional is the fare most common in this neighborhood. Restaurants like the Acre Cafe and Presidio Social Club are neighborhood favorites for American cuisine. The Commissary, a popular restaurant, serves Spanish specialities.

The highest rated food joint in the Presidio is the food truck Cholita Linda. Every Sunday from April through October, Cholita Linda rolls over to the "Main Lawn Post" off Montgomery Street in the Presidio, where it serves up Spanish-inspired menu items, including the locals' favorite fish tacos. Plus, this Spanish fare is inexpensive so it won't break the bank. The Presidio itself doesn't offer a raucous nightlife, so when the sun goes down, Presidio residents and visitors pass the time by knocking down pins at Presidio Bowling Center or by retiring early and simply gazing out the window at the nearby majestic Golden Gate Bridge. If you have a little more energy to burn, drop by the Presidio Officers Club, which features regularly scheduled live music and dance. The staff consistently updates the venue's calendar.

Although not the most conveniently located neighborhood in San Francisco, the Presidio scores high in walkability and is reachable by some of San Francisco’s public transportation options, including Muni and Golden Gate Transit. To get to the heart of San Francisco, the Muni bus costs $2.25 while Golden Gate Transit costs $4.50. Looking to get around Presido? The neighborhood offers a free shuttle service to residents and visitors who are looking to travel to select stops in the city.

Drivers have easy access, thanks to ample parking. Hailing a taxi in this neck of the San Francisco is challenging so plan ahead and line one up ahead of time. You can also employ services like Lyft or Uber with just a few clicks on your smart phone.

Conveniently located off Highway 101, the Presidio is easy to find and accessible for both drivers and cyclists. Highway 101 and nearby Crissy Field offer bike lanes for adventurous types looking to cycle over to the Presidio or across the nearby Golden Gate Bridge.

Because it is recognized as a national park, the Presidio is free and open to the public. Walk its historical grounds or bike along the nearby scenic San Francisco Bay. The tree-dense Presidio exudes a majestic quality that's ideal for couples wishing to take a romantic stroll as well as families looking to spend a day out in nature. Runners, hikers and bikers love this neighborhood, too, because of its many pedestrian-friendly trails. Even dogs are welcome, as long as they leave nothing behind.

Each year, the Presidio hosts the "Free Folk Festival," a fun and free event featuring music and dance workshops, craft stations and live entertainment. The festival attracts nearly 3,000 attendees and depends solely on the help of nearly 200 volunteers. Additionally, the performers at this large-turnout event donate their own time and effort free of charge.

The proliferation of tech companies since the dot-com boom has increased competition for rental properties and driven up rents. Everywhere in San Francisco is expensive, and Presidio is no exception. For a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 a month, which is about on par with rents elsewhere in the city. Dining and drinking out can be relatively expensive. For example, a pint in this neck of the woods costs, on average, $7.00.

If you want to do some serious shopping, the Presidio is probably not the ideal choice to get that done. The Presidio is known much more for its beauty and historical richness than as a shopper’s paradise. That said, you can find incidentals as well as some frivolities at nearby Laurel Village Shopping Center. Laurel Village contains chain stores as well as one-of-a-kind boutiques and cafes. The chain stores in this outdoor mall include Gymboree, Gap Kids Books, Inc., and Papyrus.

Visit Terrestra Elegant Gifts, also located in the Laurel Village Shopping Center, for a unique selection of home goods and accessories. Give your kitchen collection a face lift from Terrestra's extensive line of stoneware, glassware, environmentally friendly "greenware" and dishes made from wood.

As for groceries, Cal-Mart presents a convenient option for locals needing groceries in a pinch. Another option is Bryan's Grocery. Bryan's makes many of its own items in-house including its signature Sonoma Chicken Salad and tomato soup that tastes "better than grandma's." Bryan’s also carries a stellar array of meat and seafood options that cater to the many “foodie” customers in the area. Foodies can also stop by "Off the Grid" on Sundays for the Presidio's weekly farmers' market.