For many of us in the Bay Area, the Presidio of San Francisco is our closest National Park, but we often forget about it when we're thinking up weekend plans (well, not us - we work here. But maybe you do. At least, that's the assumption in this article). No longer! The Presidio has had one heck of a makeover recently and it keeps on getting better. And, if we do say so ourselves, Sports Basement is the absolute best way to start any Presidio adventure. Here are three newly updated full-day itineraries to get your imagination going!
 
 

Family Fun Day

(guaranteed to tire out even the most energetic mini-you's)

 
9:00am

Grab a coffee for you and a steamer for the kiddos at the Starbucks located in the Lucasfilm campus in the Presidio off Lettermen Dr., and swing past the Yoda statue while you're over there.

9:30am

Park at Main Post, then stroll down to Sports Basement to rent bikes for the day. We'll provide you with everything you need, including helmets and bike locks. Grab some snacks and refill your water bottles while you're here.

10:00am

Take a leisurely bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying the stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Stop along the way to take photos and explore the lookout points. The Golden Gate Bridge really is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, so soak it in!

12:00pm

Arrive in Sausalito and explore the charming town. Grab lunch at a local eatery (we love Napa Valley Burger Co. for an eco- and kid-friendly bite, or grab a sandwich from Golden Gate Market to enjoy in one of the many parks.

2:00pm

Ride back to Sports Basement, returning your bikes and gear. Spend some time exploring Tunnel Tops park, which features play areas for kids, featuring a rope bridge, slide, climbing structure and lots of interactive play areas. If you really want to take it to the next level, head up the steps from the kids section of the park and see if Fort Point is pouring beers at the food trucks. Then you can take a seat and really take a load off while the kids get themselves exposed to a ton of mud and sand and STEM appreciation (presumably).

4:00pm

Head back to Sports Basement and buy your kid new socks to replace his mud-soaked ones. Maybe that's just me.

5:00pm

Depart for the day, feeling refreshed and relaxed and not too tired after a day of outdoor adventure.
 

 
Outdoor Lover's Challenge

(recommended for two, for ultimate competitiveness)

 
8:30am

(Optional) Start your day with a bracing dunk in the Bay at Aquatic Park! If you really want to plan ahead, rent a wetsuit from Sports Basement first. We'll deliver it to your house if you like!

9:00am

Jog (or sprint!) through Fort Mason to the outdoor National Fitness Campaign gym and warm up your body a bit more with some pull ups and box jumps.

9:30am

Keep up the pace as you jog over to the Philz truck located between the St. Francis Yacht Club and the Marina Green for minty iced coffee. Or if coffee isn't your style, go all the way past Marina Green to Sports Basement and browse our massive nutrition department to find something new and flavorful to fuel the rest of the day's activity.

10:00am

Head over to Movement San Francisco and book a one-hour intro to climbing session. Understand the true meaning of grip strength.

12:00pm

Head back over to Tunnel Tops to reward your hard-working body with some delicious food truck grub. Take a breather and enjoy the stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge as you re-fuel.

1:00pm

Rent one of our mountain bikes, or try out an e-MTB to take you to the rest of your adventures for the day! We'll include a helmet and lock. Feel free to bring your cycling shoes - we'll change out the pedals if you'd like. You'll also need to pick up your camping rental gear at this point - yeah, you're going camping, too.

2:00pm

Load up and head to your campsite at Rob Hill - the highest point in the Presidio. Unload your bike and explore the many bike-friendly trails of the Presidio! We recommend starting with the Washington Blvd Trail right near you, but don't miss Cemetery Overlook and the Park Blvd Trail.

5:00pm

Return to Rob Hill and set up your campsite! If you're cooking, I hope you grabbed some grub at the Basement. If not, well, we're right here and we don't close 'til 6pm on weekends! If you really want to treat yourself, you can always stop by one of the gorgeous restaurants in the Presidio. Maybe ask to be seated outside if you really worked up a sweat.

8:00pm

Set up camp for the night. Build a campfire, roast marshmallows for s'mores, and relax under the stars enjoying the satisfaction of a tired body after a day outdoors. Swear as you realize you forgot to put any of this stuff on Strava.
 

 
Urban Explorer's Adventure

(the perfect couple's staycation)

 
9:00am

Take the 30 Stockton MUNI bus to Sports Basement. If Donut Petit has a food truck set up on the Crissy Field side of Tunnel Tops, definitely stop and grab yourself a treat.

10:00am

Once fully donutted, head into Sports Basement to rent a bike to explore the Presidio. Go nuts and rent a tandem if you really wanna test your relationship. We'll include a bike lock and helmet, but be sure to bring a water bottle - we have a filling station here for you.

10:30am

Staying closer to Crissy Field, visit the Presidio Officers' Club, the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Presidio's National Cemetery, the Pet Cemetery (something of a hidden gem if you're into that kinda thing) or the Golden Gate Overlook.

1:00pm

Circle back to Main Parade for lunch - the food trucks are always excellent, especially if you take your food to eat at the glass-walled Transit Center. If you're feeling a sit-down meal with real silverware and everything, we love Colibri Mexican Bistro up at the far end of the parade grounds.

2:00pm

Jump back on your trusty aluminum steed (that's your rental bike) and head farther out from the Presidio to continue your urban exploration. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts, head out for a slightly longer bike ride to the Legion of Honor, or check out the Wave Organ. Not feeling that much biking? Stay close and go bowling instead!

5:00pm

Head back to Sports Basement to return your bikes, and reward yourself with a recovery drink and a snack to tide you over until dinner. Spend some time relaxing and exploring Tunnel Tops park, which boasts the most incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge maybe ever.

6:00pm

Stay long enough to watch the sunset, then depart for your dinner reservation at the Presidio Social Club or Sessions at the Presidio, feeling enriched and inspired by the city's culture and history.