New San Francisco Presidio Visitor Center debuts Feb. 25

SAN FRANCISCO — The Presidio of San Francisco, once a military installation that defended the Golden Gate for centuries, is taking a major leap in welcoming the public to what has become one of America’s most unique and surprising national parks.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, the William Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center celebrates its grand opening, creating a dynamic new focal point for park goers to discover all that the 1,500-acre oasis in the heart of urban San Francisco has to offer.

The building is rich in history, but the visitor center is about the future, welcoming new audiences to a second century for the national parks. Exhibits in the Presidio Visitor Center are some of the most state-of-the-art in the national park system.

A digital, interactive table in English, Chinese and Spanish, invites visitors to make connections among people, places and events that have shaped the Presidio across two centuries. Other exhibits showcase the history and natural setting of the park’s four major regions: the Main Post (the cultural heart of the Presidio); the Golden Gate (iconic views); Crissy Field (recreation); and the Southern Wilds (nature exploration).

While millions of people have discovered aspects of the Presidio, there hasn’t been a place for visitors to get to know the entire park until now. Today visitors can enjoy the Presidio Officers’ Club’s museum galleries and free concerts, films, lectures, and family events.

In addition, visitors can hike on a dozen major trails; see outdoor installations by world-renowned artists; explore museums; birdwatch at restored wetlands; soak in incredible Golden Gate views at 10 scenic overlooks and vistas; participate in outdoor events, picnics, and festivals; and enjoy a self-guided tour on a free shuttle system; and so much more.

Closed as an Army base in 1994, the Presidio’s historic buildings and natural areas have been gradually revitalized to welcome the public in a dramatic “post-to-park” transformation stewarded by three agencies: the Presidio Trust, the National Park Service, and the non-profit Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Community Day Opening Celebration, William Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center 

Date: Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Place: 210 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA  94129

Phone: (415) 561-4323

Price: Free

Start your day in the Presidio at the new William Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center. Grand Opening festivities feature an Ohlone welcome dance by the Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe and dancing by Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno, live music by the Latin fusion band Peregrinos Cosmicos, Taiko drummers, dragon dancers, kids crafts, games, food trucks, and ranger-led walking and shuttle tours. Be among the first to discover the center’s dynamic exhibits, inspiring videos, and high-tech tools. Then head out in the park for a special day of family fun. Visit our website to register.