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San Francisco, California / Parks and outdoors

Crissy Field

A stunning waterfront park on San Francisco's northern shore, transformed from a former U.S. Army airfield into a public recreation area with iconic Golden Gate Bridge views.

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Crissy Field
www.parksconservancy.org, og_image_www.parksconservancy.org

What is Crissy Field known for?

Crissy Field is a mile-long waterfront public recreation area on San Francisco's northern shoreline, known for its restored tidal marshes, beaches, and a flat promenade offering iconic views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.

What are the hours?

Crissy Field is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Is there parking available?

Yes, free parking is available at the Crissy Field Beach lot, and additional paid parking is located across Mason Street.

What activities can I do there?

Visitors can walk or bike along a flat, hard-packed promenade, picnic at East Beach, and visit the Warming Hut at the west end for tea, hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks.

What is the history of the site?

Named after Major Dana Crissy, it was the military's first Air Coast Defense Station on the Pacific coast and a former U.S. Army airfield. After closing as an airfield after 1974, it was restored by the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, reopening to the public in 2001.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Crissy Field is a public recreation area located on the northern shore of the San Francisco Peninsula, positioned just east of the Golden Gate Bridge. Once the military's first Air Coast Defense Station on the Pacific coast, the site was named in honor of Major Dana Crissy. It served as a U.S. Army airfield until it closed in 1974. After the airfield closed, the area fell into disrepair. In 1994, the National Park Service took control of the site, which they described as a 'derelict concrete wasteland'. Through private funding and community support, including contributions from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund and Colleen and Robert Haas, the area was restored. The completed park reopened to the public in 2001. Today, the park is a mile-long waterfront park that enhances public access to the shoreline. It features a flat, hard-packed promenade for walking or biking, restored tidal marshes, and beaches. The Crissy Field Center, located at Building 603 on Mason Street, serves as a hub for youth engagement and environmental education programs for families and schools. Visitors can enjoy a picnic at Crissy Field East Beach, which offers amazing views of San Francisco landmarks. At the west end of the park, the Warming Hut provides tea, hot chocolate, Equator Coffee, and packaged snacks from local California producers.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the Warming Hut at the west end for hot chocolate or Equator Coffee to enjoy while walking.
  • Use the free parking lot at Crissy Field Beach; if full, paid parking is available across Mason Street.
  • Take advantage of the accessible restrooms and changing areas at Crissy Field East Beach.

Nearby context

Crissy Field is part of the Presidio of San Francisco and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, linking nearby open spaces and providing a direct, scenic route toward the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sources

Evidence and links