Last updated: September 6, 2024
Thing to Do
Presidio Birdwatching
An island of green in an urban matrix, the Presidio’s location on the northwest tip of the San Francisco Peninsula offers a stopover location to many birds before crossing the Golden Gate Straights, or as an entrance gate to the rich wetlands of the San Francisco Bay. Native habitats and introduced forest are regionally important to locally declining species such as the California quail, western screech owl, wren tit, and Hutton’s vireo. The landscaped areas of the Presidio also attract some interesting birds. The hooded oriole reaches the northern limit of its breeding range in the Presidio due to the royal palms planted throughout this former Army Post. Explore different areas like El Polín Spring, Lobos Creek, and Battery Godfrey for a variety of wildlife in the Presidio.
Bring your binoculars and explore what the Presidio has to offer!
Bring your binoculars and explore what the Presidio has to offer!
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Activity
Birdwatching
Search the trees and skies for birds in the Presidio.
Age(s)
This is an all ages activity.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Dogs are welcome in the Presidio but must be on leash.
Please visit the park's website and the Presidio website for more details.
Please visit the park's website and the Presidio website for more details.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
El Polin Spring
El Polín Spring is a great place to start birdwatching in the Presidio. Other good locations include Lobos Creek in the south west area of the Presidio and in the bluffs along the batteries like Battery Godfrey in the north west Presidio.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
As with all wildlife watching, the best times to birdwatch can depend on the species. Birds are prevalent in the Presidio most of the year, but more activity occurs during the migratory times of the spring and fall.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn
Accessibility Information
Most areas of the Presidio are generally accessible. At El Polin Spring, there is a picnic and barbeque area here, featuring tables, grills, and nearby restrooms (open 6 am to 6 pm).
El Polín Spring is located just off the Presidio's Ecology Trail. If arriving by car, there's two-hour parking near the spring and street parking near Presidio Wall Playground.
Another area to visit is Lobos Creek and the Lobos Creek Overlook. It's just inside the 14th Avenue Gate, minutes from the Richmond District. Walking or biking is the best way to get here, but a few paid parking spaces are available nearby for those who must drive.
Battery Godfrey is just off of Lincoln Blvd. There is parking available nearby and there is access to view the Coastal Bluffs and either the Coastal Trail or the Batteries to Bluffs Trail.
Accessibility in Golden Gate National Recreation Area
El Polín Spring is located just off the Presidio's Ecology Trail. If arriving by car, there's two-hour parking near the spring and street parking near Presidio Wall Playground.
Another area to visit is Lobos Creek and the Lobos Creek Overlook. It's just inside the 14th Avenue Gate, minutes from the Richmond District. Walking or biking is the best way to get here, but a few paid parking spaces are available nearby for those who must drive.
Battery Godfrey is just off of Lincoln Blvd. There is parking available nearby and there is access to view the Coastal Bluffs and either the Coastal Trail or the Batteries to Bluffs Trail.
Accessibility in Golden Gate National Recreation Area