Crissy Field

War is for the birds at Crissy Field (parksconservancy.org/parks/crissy-field), a military airstrip turned waterfront nature preserve with knockout Golden Gate views. Where military planes once zoomed in for landings, bird-watchers now huddle in the quiet rushes of a reclaimed tidal marsh. No more secret Army missions here – just puppies chasing kite fliers, joggers pounding beachfront trails and kitesurfers skimming bay waters. This is also a popular beginner surf beach. On foggy days, stop by the certified-green cafe Warming Hut to browse California field guides and warm up with fair-trade coffee.