The Golden Gate National Recreation Area has become one of America's most popular parks. The park wraps around California's Golden Gate Straits and two peninsulas which are connected by the Golden Gate Bridge. The 114 square miles of parkland features some of history's most famous places, including the Presidio of Francisco, Marin Headlands, Muir Woods National Monument, and Alcatraz Island. This landscape scene from Baker Beach catches one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
   Baker Beach, one small section of the Pacific Coast park, is part of the Presidio of Francisco. The strategic military site was first established by the Spanish in 1776. Mexico also controlled the straits for 24 years before the U.S. Army took control in 1846. As the U.S. Army base was decommissioned, it became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
   Baker Beach is a great spot for picnicking, fishing, and sunbathing; although swimming here is highly discouraged because of dangerous currents and icy waters. Along with a great angle of the Golden Gate Bridge, scenic views of the Marin Headlands lie just across the bay, and the unique beach almost stretches to the inlet.

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