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San Francisco, California / History

San Francisco National Cemetery

Established in 1884, this historic 28-acre military cemetery in the Presidio is the first national cemetery on the West Coast, serving as a breathtaking final resting place for 30,000 veterans and their families.

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San Francisco National Cemetery
www.cem.va.gov, og_image_www.cem.va.gov

What is the San Francisco National Cemetery known for?

It is a historic 28-acre military cemetery in the Presidio of San Francisco and was the first national cemetery established on the West Coast.

What are the hours?

The cemetery is open daily for visitation from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Is it free to visit?

The cemetery is open to visitors and all are welcome to visit.

Where is it located?

It is located in the northern section of San Francisco within the Presidio, overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

What is the history of the cemetery?

Established on December 12, 1884, the cemetery serves as a final resting place for approximately 30,000 soldiers and their family members.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The San Francisco National Cemetery is a historic 28-acre site situated in the northern center of the Presidio of San Francisco. Established on December 12, 1884, it holds the distinction of being the first national cemetery on the West Coast of the United States. The grounds serve as the final resting place for approximately 30,000 soldiers and their family members, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the site is a place of solemn reflection where the government maintains the gardening and cleans the tombstones. While it remains open to the public, the cemetery officially closed to new interments in 1973, with the exception of reserved gravesites. This closure ensures the preservation of the existing military history etched into the landscape. Beyond the individual markers, the cemetery contains significant collective memorials. One notable feature is a mass grave containing 474 unknown dead who were sent here from early Western frontier camps and stations located in the Philippine Islands. This site allows visitors to connect with the broader reach of American military history through the stories of those buried there. Today, the cemetery continues to be a focal point for remembrance. Local organizations and volunteers often gather here for events, such as the Memorial Day flag-planting ceremonies used to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces.

Visitor tips

  • Visit between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for daily access.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the cemetery covers 28 acres of terrain.
  • Maintain a respectful silence and demeanor, as this is an active place of mourning and remembrance.

Nearby context

The cemetery is located within the Presidio of San Francisco, one of the oldest military installations in the United States. Visitors can easily combine a visit here with a stroll through the wider Presidio grounds or a walk to see the murals and sculpture installations on the JFK Promenade.

Sources

Evidence and links