Presidio Tunnel Tops is a 14-acre park built directly into and around the Presidio Parkway tunnels, and it’s genuinely transformed how you can move through this part of San Francisco with a dog. Before the tunnels opened, the Presidio was split in two by Doyle Drive for nearly a century. Now you can walk easily from the center of the Presidio straight through to Crissy Field’s waterfront without dealing with traffic, and your dog gets to experience the whole thing on leash without stress.

The views alone are worth the trip. From the park you can see the Golden Gate Bridge in full, the marina, and across the bay all the way to Alcatraz. Beyond the views, there are actual walking trails and open spaces where your dog can move around and get some real exercise. Waste bags are stationed at the entrance near the Presidio Plaza, which is thoughtful when you’re spending time here.

The plaza itself is pleasant if you’re planning to stay awhile. There are community picnic tables scattered under historic cypress trees where you can sit with bay views before heading out on trails or to other spots in the Presidio. If you get hungry, the Presidio Pop Up has various food options. The Outpost playground is there too if you’re with kids, and the Field Station curiosity lab is worth a look if you’re into nature and science exhibits.

This whole thing is free and open every day, which makes it easy to justify a visit even if you’re just passing through the Presidio. The history here is substantial—the Presidio Visitor Center will fill you in on that if you want context. But honestly, most people come for the direct path between two parts of the park they couldn’t easily connect before, combined with the fact that you can actually breathe and walk your dog without worrying about heavy traffic crossing overhead.