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Putting San Francisco’s historic Presidio on the map as a stand-alone destination when it opened in 2012, the Inn at the Presidio places visitors right in the heart of this former military-post-turned-national park.
The three-story boutique property is an exquisite adaptive reuse of Pershing Hall, once a home for bachelor officers. A Georgian Revival-style structure, it features 22 contemporary guestrooms (many with fireplaces), a front porch adorned with rocking chairs for admiring the surrounding scenery, and an outdoor firepit.
Green-certified and a Historic Hotel of America, the inn’s nightly wine-and-cheese reception is a favourite. The Golden Gate Bridge is particularly close-by, as are many of the Park’s best walking trails – and there are complimentary bikes for exploring too.
Right behind the hotel is the ‘Ecology Trail‘, one of the Presidio park’s best walking trails. This lovely 1.4-mile walk takes you through a variety of wildlife-filled habitats leading to a superb viewpoint looking over the bay. There’s an occasional giant redwood, and even hummingbirds.
The Inn’s sister property, the Lodge at the Presidio, opened in 2018 and is the closest hotel in San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s just steps from the newly opened Tunnel Tops which is a new area in the Presidio comprised of 14 acres of stunning parkland built over tunnels. The Lodge offers similar amenities as the Inn including an outdoor firepit (this one has great bridge views), complimentary breakfast, a complimentary wine/cheese reception each night, bicycles, and more.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[2.5 miles]
With spectacular scenery, a breathtaking Bridge, barking sea lions, and rich maritime history, the largest estuary in the U.S. already stands-out as a fine place for a sail.
Best for ages: 8+ | £50 | 1.5-3 hours
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3 miles]
A highly regarded art collection showcasing American art from the 17th-21st centuries, as well as international contemporary art, costumes and textiles.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.1 miles]
One of the world’s greatest natural science museums. An aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and four-storey rainforest – all housed in an architectural masterpiece.
Best for ages: 4+ | £35
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.1 miles]
One of the world’s most famous bridges – a red-hued, 1.75-mile suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate Strait, where the Pacific Ocean meets San Francisco Bay. San Francisco’s most iconic landmark.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[0.5 miles]
This fascinating museum is dedicated to the life and achievements of the Great Imagineer ‘Walt Disney‘. Interactive galleries feature early drawings and animation, movies, music, and a 12-foot diameter model of Disneyland. The lobby holds 248 awards Walt won during his career, including an honorary Oscar for Snow White and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Best for ages: 6+ | £20
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[2.7 miles]
The elaborate Victorian greenhouse at the Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest building in the park, constructed in 1878 and rising 60ft (18m). Plants and flowers from around the world are housed in a variety of climate-controlled galleries, including Highland Tropics and Lowland Tropics. Closed on Mondays.
Best for ages: 8+ | £11
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.2 miles]
Escape the city mayhem in the immaculate, contemplative Japanese Tea Garden, which was first developed in 1894 to showcase a traditional Japanese village for the California International Exposition (World’s Fair). An additional tea house and pavilions were built and the garden became a permanent fixture of the Golden Gate Park.
Best for ages: 13+ | £5
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.4 miles]
Hailed as the U.S. home of Irish coffee. Legend has it that in 1952, the cafe’s then-owner Jack Koeppler challenged a well-known travel writer to recreate a drink he’d had at Ireland’s Shannon Airport, and this local landmark has been serving them up (in an endless line along the bar) ever since.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
California, United States of America (USA)
Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.
