The Municipal Golf Course Hidden Inside a National Park

Presidio Golf Course sits within a national park called Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s also the former site of a military base. Originally, play was restricted to military officers and private club members. But after the base was closed, the course opened to the general public.

The course is tucked beneath towering cypress and eucalyptus trees within the Presidio, making it hard to believe you’re only minutes from downtown San Francisco.

With the sculpted fairways and cool air rolling through the forest, the course has a completely different rhythm from most municipal layouts. It feels more like a walk through Golden Gate Park where you happen to play golf too.

What makes Presidio memorable isn’t just the setting; it’s the people who choose to spend their time there. The early morning walkers, after-work foursomes, tourists and locals getting reps in at the range give the place a sort of melting pot atmosphere. It’s a place where the game feels accessible and yet unquestionably timeless.

At the end of the day, there’s something special about finishing a round and realizing you’ve spent the last few hours surrounded by nature, yet you’re still in one of the country’s most recognizable cities.