Golden Gate National Recreation Area - U.S. National Park Service

Thank you for contacting the Office of Special Park Uses at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. We receive more messages than we can reply to in a timely manner, so please read this information carefully. If your question is answered by the information below, please reply to let us know that we don't need to respond to your message. If your question has not been answered, please allow a few days for a reply.

Permit applications, pricing information, park regulations, and more is available at: https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/specialparkuses.htm

Note that there are different applications for events, filming, and first amendment activities.

Please note that in most cases 30 days is the minimum amount of time required for issuing special event permits and 15 days for small filming permits. It takes 4-10 business days for permit application review and often mare than 90 days for complex requests with large groups, catering, substantial equipment, etc. Submitting an application does NOT mean your activity has been approved. Your application is not complete until we have processed your application fee.

We accept applications up to one year out and all weekends across the entire park fill up almost a year in advance. However, all picnic tables in the park are first come, first served, and cannot be reserved.

Due to construction and reduced staffing availability, in most cases we are unable to offer filming or special event permits at Fort Point, Muir Woods, or Alcatraz Island. Those sites require at least 60 days notice and have significant timing restrictions. Generally we are able to issue one permit a month at those locations. The Point Bonita Lighthouse is entirely closed to permits due to safety concerns.
To start the permit review process, please submit a completed permit application by postal mail or email to [email protected]. Once we have received your application a permit specialist will instruct you on how to pay your application fee. Your application is NOT complete until this non-refundable fee is paid. This fee is due even if your application is denied. Submitting an application does not guarantee your request will be approved. We will not discuss specifics about your proposal until you submit an application form.

Some small film shoots do not require a permit. Read this page carefully to see if you fit into this category.
https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm

For GGNRA operating hours and other park regulations, please visit this page: https://www.nps.gov/goga

Please review the website carefully to ensure you are not applying for an area in Golden Gate Park (managed by the city of San Francisco) or the Golden Gate Bridge (also not managed by the National Park Service.)

Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) chronicles two hundred years of history, from the Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier and the Mexican Republic, to maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal fortifications, and the growth of urban San Francisco.

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