There are 23 different National Parks to visit in California, 13 of which are located in the Northern California region. Here are 8 national parks around San Francisco that you can visit for free!

1. Fort Point National Historic Site - San Francisco
Fort Point National Historic Site, 201 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
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Right in the city, this is a wonderful and scenic national park with historical significance. Fort Point was key in defending the San Francisco Bay following California's Gold Rush through World War II. Make sure to get to the top level and marvel at the archways of the Golden Gate Bridge!
2. Muir Woods National Monument - Mill Valley
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
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Enjoy classic redwoods and mammoth trees that will surely impress most anyone nearby in Mill Valley. Muir Woods contains 6 miles of trails and has views of thousands of old-growth coast redwoods that are some of the tallest in the world. Mill Valley is also home to some of the most popular hiking trails in California.
3. Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes
Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
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The Point Reyes National Seashore has over 150 miles of trails that go through the rolling hills of Point Reyes. The main attraction is the 60 miles of shoreline, and walking along it is one of the most relaxing things to do outside in California.
4. Presidio - San Francisco
Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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The Presidio was established in 1776. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and draws thousands of people from all over the world each year. Here you'll find a wealth of history, centuries of architecture, a national cemetery and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Unbeatable for sure!

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1. If you’re looking for the best parks in California, Angel Island grants incredible and serene views of the city and the Bay.
Angel Island, Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
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6. Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site - Danville
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site, 1000 Kuss Rd, Danville, CA 94526, USA
NPS CulturalLandscapes/Flickr
Located in Danville in the East Bay of the San Francisco area, the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site is named after this Nobel Prize-winning playwright. His most memorable plays include The Iceman Cometh, A Moon for the Misbegotten, and Long Day's Journey Into Night, just to name a few.
7. San Francisco Maritime Historical Park - San Francisco
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
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The rich Pacific Coast maritime history higlighted at the San Francisco Maritime Historic Park is certainly among the reasons why its considered to be one of the best National Parks to visit in San Francisco. In addition to visiting the collection of floating historic ships, you can take in the simply awesome views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
8. John Muir National Historic Site - Martinez
John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
The John Muir National Historic Site, located in the town of Martinez in the East Bay of the San Francisco area, preserves the Victorian home of John Muir, arguably America’s most famous conservationist and naturalist whose work is still felt today. The site is surrounded by 9 acres of beautiful fruit orchards and 326 acres of oak woodland.

Have you been to any of these places? Let us know. Share this story. Also, check out The 7 Most Beautiful Hikes In All Of San Francisco.

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National Parks to visit in around San Francisco

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 02, 2022

Are there any lesser-known state parks to visit around San Francisco?

I’m glad you asked! There are several that I would not necessarily say were lesser-known, rather “underappreciated state parks.” Among them are Butano State Park in Pescadero, and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Park in Guerneville. Each offers its own unique flavor and flair of the San Francisco Bay Area.

When searching online for fun things to do outside in California, riding in a hot air balloon came up. Where can I do that?

Whether it’s your first time, or you’ve done it multiple times, riding in a hot air balloon is so much fun. There are several companies in Napa that offer this amazing soar-above-the-clouds adventure.

After enjoying a good hike, I’d like to find some hot springs. Do you have any suggestions?

You should definitely check out Indian Springs. Located in Calistoga, about an hour anand a half north of San Francisco, it is California’s oldest continuously operated pool and spa facility. The pools are naturally heated so even on a cool day or evening you’ll feel warm and toasty all over!

I’ve heard that Mori Point is a great place to go hiking in San Francisco. What can you tell me about it?

Mori Point is named after Stefano Mori, an Italian immigrant who settled here in the late 1800s. Visitors here will find 110-acres of beautiful coastal scrub habitats, wetlands, and grasslands that together make it a unique hiking destination.

Is Golden Gate Park one of the best parks in California?

Many people say that Golden Gate Park is one of the most enchanting places ever! Most people don’t know that it is actually larger than Central Park in New York. Here’s you’ll find several museums, a bison paddock, bandshell music venue, golf course, Japanese Tea Garden, and a Conservatory of Flowers, just to name a few of its awesome attractions.

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