Presidio afternoon

Question

Couple of adults here from NY for a visit: We have a few hours in the Presidio tomorrow, after meeting friends for lunch at Piccino Presidio restaurant, and before meeting family for dinner. We like walking, views, history, quirky stuff. We’d appreciate thoughts about how to pass a few hours in the Presidio. Also, how hard will it be to park near the restaurant (in Bldg D; we’re NYers, city parking is a foreign concept)?

Answer

The Presidio is a fantastic place to spend a few hours, especially if you enjoy walking, history, and scenic views. Since you’ll be having lunch at Piccino in the Presidio, you’re already in a great spot to explore several nearby attractions without needing a car.

Parking near Piccino (Building D)

Parking in the Presidio can be a bit confusing if you’re used to NYC street parking. The restaurant is located in Building D near the Main Post area. There are a few options:

Piccino has a small dedicated lot nearby, but it fills quickly during lunch hours.
Street parking is limited and often requires a Presidio parking permit or payment via pay stations.
There are several Presidio-owned parking lots around the Main Post (Lot C and Lot D) where you can pay by the hour. Plan to arrive a little early to find a spot.

Overall, it’s not terribly hard, but expect to do a little walking from your spot to the restaurant. Using a navigation app to check real-time lot availability can save stress.

Things to do in the Presidio in a few hours

Since you enjoy walking, views, history, and quirky spots, here are some options close to Piccino:

Presidio Main Post: Explore the historic military buildings, the Presidio Officers’ Club museum, and the beautiful Main Parade Ground. It’s an easy walk and gives a sense of the Presidio’s history.
Crissy Field: A short walk or drive down to the water. Offers iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, beach access, and flat walking paths. Great for photos and casual strolls.
Battery Chamberlin and Coastal Fortifications: For a quirky historical experience, check out the old artillery batteries and fortifications along the coast. Some are just walking distance from the Main Post.
Presidio Trails: If you’re up for a slightly longer walk, the Ecology Trail or the Lover’s Lane Trail offer shaded paths through forested areas with occasional views of the bridge and bay.
Disney Family Museum: If you like quirky and history, this museum about Walt Disney’s life is fascinating and right in the Presidio, though you’d need a quick visit to fit into a few hours.

Suggested itinerary for a few hours:

Lunch at Piccino (allow about 1–1.5 hours).
Walk around the Main Post and Officers’ Club for history and architecture.
Take a 30–45 minute stroll to Crissy Field for Golden Gate Bridge views and water scenery.
Optional quick visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum or a short forested trail for a different vibe.

With this plan, you can enjoy a mix of walking, scenic views, quirky spots, and history in a few hours without feeling rushed. The Presidio is compact enough that you won’t spend much time getting from one spot to another, making it ideal for a half-day visit.

Presidio afternoon

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