Inspiration Point at the Presidio

Inspiration Point is right across from the Presidio Golf Course. It has a beautiful view of Alcatraz, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Angel Island. Across the street there is the
Spire by Andy Goldsworthy. It’s a tall structure inspired by architecture made of trees that were felled as a part of the reforestation project. Several little trails lead right up to it.

Inspiration Point is like a secret spot inside the Presidio right on Arguello Blvd. It’s a few yards away from the Presidio Golf Course and in front of Andy Goldsworthy’s Spire.
You have a view of Angel Island, Alcatraz, Palace of Fine Arts and the East Bay. It’s not a 360 degree view like some other vistas, and the Golden Gate Bridge’s view is obstructed by the Eucalyptus trees so you have a partial view of the bay.
On a clear and sunny day, the view from here can be spectacular as you are surrounded by greens in the middle of the city which lends an optical illusion as if you are somewhere among the forests of California. It’s a huge contrast from the concrete jungle that is usually the norm in the city.
If you decide to explore the surrounding areas, you can take the Ecology Trail just off to the right of the vista and just follow the steps down below. It’s a short hike towards the more secluded areas of Presidio and there are some nice treats along the way.
You can bring your four-​legged friends to have some adventures and let your imagination run wild. There’s a spot of trees down below the vistas where you can leave your mark in an organic kind of way. Don’t be scared now and this ain’t no Blair Witch Project as some people might mistake at first glance. Maxie and I decided to expand on some of the pre-​existing artwork left by others, and it’s a good way of relaxing and being in the moment.
You can let yourself get lost and feel like you are miles and miles away from the city, but yet you are basically right in the heart of the city.
And the best part of all is that it doesn’t cost a dime and the parking is free. There aren’t too many places in the city where you can park for free.
I am inspired to keep coming here, and you cannot put a price tag to it.

Drove here on a whim when I was around Presidio. It’s an okay view. You don’t really get a great view of the city… or anything, for that matter. I’d definitely drop by, but don’t expect to feel inspired.

Drive in through the Arguello gates, Past the Presidio golf course… and to your right. Ta Da… you’ve hit inspiration point.
On a beautiful day the views of Alcatraz, the east bay, downtown San Francisco are just priceless. Yes the parking lot is small and can get crowded… but you can hike to it as well.
Great make-​out place at night… but I wouldnt know about that…

Meh. It had a nice view, and it was a nice stroll, but it wasn’t very «inspirational.»

Breezy with a nice view of Alcatraz and SF bay. Can be accessed by car or trails (I think). Free or metered parking nearby. Sometimes schools take field trips here. Met a group of students. Also people mediate here sometimes too.

For my #600 review, I must share this breathtaking piece of landscape in SF. I will also keep this short and sweet. Indeed, we all must be inspired to come here from time to time.
This place is ZENFUL! Take a walk, enjoy the view, set your mind free. One of my favorite spots in the city besides Lands End.
Pure simplicity in this magical universe!

Fab spot for a wedding. Accommodates about 80 – 100 seated guests. Limited parking though.

Doesn’t get much better than this if you’re looking for a striking view of the Bay. You can CLEARLY see Alcatraz from Inspiration Point and a sweeping panorama of the East Bay. Parking usually is not a problem and there is a staircase down to wonderful trails below. I like to bring my dogs for a nice looped walk on a windy day since it’s more sheltered from the wind.

I’m fortunate to live in the Presidio and I get to drive by this amazing view every day. This point can go one of two ways:
1) Calm — people just sitting and enjoying the view, maybe a tourist taking a picture…
2) Rowdy — youngins blasting music, sitting behind the wall making out…
Either way, the view is still the view. The parking is free and it’s right by the golf course.

Great relaxing view of the SF Bay.

As usual, I spent a lot of time mulling over what I would Unilocal about for the milestone #700 review. Turns out a work-​related event introduced me to a place I never knew existed, and this I definitely want to share! Inspiration Point is located just inside of Arguello Gate to the Presidio and the Overlook is a fairly large hardscaped area available for rental during May-​October (holds approximately 175 people standing). The view of the bay is spectacular on a clear day. You won’t see much of the City, but there are plenty of trees and the dome of the Palace of Fine Arts shining brightly above them, as well as Alcatraz and Angel Island, and the bridges. I wonder how many dreams were started here. I could meditate here. The scenic vista is one thing, being part of the amazing Presidio is another — and then there’s the fact that it’s dog-​friendly and a few nice, easy trails are accessible from this spot. Four paws and an extra star for that!

This is a fantastic hidden spot in SF.
Great view
Romantic
Good trails
A top chill spot
The name kinda says it all.

What a nice spot to get some great views of the City. Of course parking blows, but that is any place in the City. There is plenty of places to sit and just relax and enjoy the beauty of the bay. If I lived in the City I would definitely come by often just to enjoy a packed lunch and relax.

Great name. Good view. See the round tops of Palace of Fine Art, and the Bay and Alcatraz. A curved cement seating to take it all in. In the middle of Presidio park, so it’s like a little escape in the middle of the forest ;)

Aptly named. Sweeping views of the Presidio stretching over a couple of miles. You can see the top portion of the Palace of Fine Arts. From the parking lot you can take the Ecology Trail down into the natural watershed. What? A nice discovery. I feel like a modern day explorer of the city I’ve taken granted of for far too long.
Come in through the Arguello Blvd gate entrance or drive up the hill if coming in from the Lombard St gate entrance.
Next time I plan to come back and hike down the Ecology Trail. That’ll be another review.

Clear your thoughts from the daily stressors of life…
Take a few breaths of fresh air…
Enjoy the views this Inspiration Point has to offer…
Release the negative energy…
Invoke some positive inspiration…
Spend some time alone and enjoy…
Sit, relax, and return to a peace of mind…
Just breathe.
[#17 of 100 Unilocal CHALLENGE 2013]

San Francisco Guide to Fireworks: Good for 4^th of July, bad for New Year’s Eve, KFOG Kaboom.

Appropriately named.
An easy walk up from the Main Post or down from the Arguello Gate, with ample parking for the oil burner crowd. Interpretive signs so you know why you’re looking at what you’re looking at. A clear view down a wooded valley through the park, with — OMG! — the Palace of Fine Arts and Alcatraz all in your face!
A hugely inspiring view, worth a few minutes of your time just to look when you’re in the ‘hood.
P. S.: Be careful walking along the road; there are some stretches without sidewalks.

Wow! What a great view at the top! It makes me want to grab my guitar and bust out some Spanish guitar music. Inspirational, for sure! A must for SF visitors.
I can’t believe I use to work a few blocks away years ago and never went here or noticed this place. Go, and be inspired!
Dog friendly area. Woof!

Absolutely gorgeous! It is definitely an inspiration point although the hikes around the area isn’t too difficult. You get a nice view of the bay with the palace of fine arts. I definitely wouldn’t mind coming back!

I came here to meet up for a volunteer event and had lunch on the ledge, and the view from here is amazing! The hike around the area is not bad either, and its somewhat close to a nice neighborhood.
This is the perfect place to use as a stopping point or as a destination when going for a run. Hell take a date up here for a picnic for all I care. i don;t have much to say about it really, except if you’re looking for a good view, consider this spot, beside twin peaks and the top of Dolores park.