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San Francisco, California / Parks and outdoors

Crissy Marsh

A restored 20-acre tidal shoreline habitat in the Presidio, serving as a thriving sanctuary for over 100 avian species and offering scenic waterfront views.

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Crissy Marsh
presidio.gov, og_image_presidio.gov

What is Crissy Marsh known for?

Crissy Marsh is a 20-acre shoreline habitat in the Presidio known for attracting over 100 to 120 avian species.

What is the history of Crissy Marsh?

The site was previously used as an Army airfield and industrial area, and served as the Army's dump site before being filled for the 1915 International Exposition. It was restored as a tidal marsh and debuted to the public in 2001.

How do I get to Crissy Marsh?

You can reach Crissy Marsh via the Muni Route 30 bus line. For those driving, accessible parking is available at the nearby Crissy Field East Beach lot.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, accessible restrooms are located nearby at East Beach and are open daily.

What are the hours?

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

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 Marsh is a 20-acre shoreline habitat located within the Presidio, designed as a re-creation of a much larger historic wetland that once extended nearly to Fort Mason. This pristine stretch of coastline is now a sanctuary for more than 100 avian species, with some reports indicating over 120 bird species have returned to the area since its restoration. The site's history is a study in transformation. For decades, this area served as a United States Army airfield and industrial zone, and it was even used as the army's dump site for years before being filled for the 1915 International Exposition. The broader 100-acre shoreline restoration project, led by the Golden Gate Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service, was publicly revealed in 2001. Today, the marsh stretches over a mile along the Promenade, providing a peaceful escape from the urban environment. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is now an urban national park that attracts both locals and tourists for its natural beauty and scenic waterfront views. Visitors can explore the habitat through accessible paths, linking nearby open spaces and enhancing public access to San Francisco's northern shoreline. The area is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing for flexible exploration of the restored tidal marsh and beaches.

Visitor tips

  • Use the Muni Route 30 bus line to reach the marsh for a car-free experience.
  • Park your vehicle at the Crissy Field East Beach lot for nearby accessible parking.
  • Visit the nearby East Beach for accessible restrooms, which are open daily.
  • Stop by the Warming Hut at the west end of Crissy Field for tea, hot chocolate, or Equator Coffee.

Nearby context

Crissy Marsh is situated within the larger Crissy Field recreation area, just east of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is located right next to Crissy Field East Beach and across from the Presidio Tunnel Tops, providing a seamless transition between restored nature and modern urban parkland.

Sources

Evidence and links