Did you know that Fort Point is the only fort on the West Coast built before the Civil War that remains virtually unchanged? This brick fortress, completed in 1861, was designed to hold 126 massive cannons yet never fired a single shot in battle. Today, this remarkable structure stands proudly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, offering visitors a unique blend of military history and breathtaking views.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Fort Point National Historic Site is located at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Presidio of San Francisco. The closest major airports are San Francisco International Airport (SFO), approximately 24 km (15 miles) away, and Oakland International Airport (OAK), about 32 km (20 miles) away.
By Car
If driving from downtown San Francisco, take Highway 101 North and exit right before the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp, then left onto Lincoln Boulevard. Take the first left onto Long Avenue and follow it to Marine Drive. Fort Point is at the end of this road.
Free parking is available in the lot directly in front of the fort, though spaces can fill quickly on weekends and holidays.
Public Transportation
Take the Muni 28 bus and get off at the Bridge Toll Plaza, then follow the trail signs to the fort. The Presidio also offers a free PresidiGo Shuttle from downtown San Francisco, which takes about 25 minutes. From the Presidio Transit Center stop, it’s a short hike to Fort Point.
For the more adventurous, walking or biking along the waterfront from Crissy Field provides a scenic 1.6 km (1 mile) journey with spectacular views.
Best Time to Visit Fort Point
Recommended: Spring (March-May)
Spring offers mild temperatures averaging 15-20°C (60-70°F) with fewer crowds. The clearer skies provide better visibility of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Wildflowers bloom in the surrounding Presidio, adding color to your visit.
Also Good: Fall (September-October)
Fall brings San Francisco’s warmest weather with temperatures around 18-22°C (65-72°F). The famous fog is less prevalent, offering clearer views. Tourist crowds have thinned after summer, making for a more relaxed experience.
Avoid: Summer (June-August)
Counterintuitively, summer is often foggy and windy at Fort Point, with temperatures around 14-18°C (58-65°F). The famous San Francisco fog, nicknamed “Karl,” frequently obscures views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Bring layers even in summer!
Weather Tip
Fort Point is notoriously windy year-round due to its exposed location beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Always bring a jacket or windbreaker, even on seemingly warm days. Morning visits often provide the clearest views before afternoon fog rolls in.
Where to Stay
While there’s no lodging at Fort Point itself, the surrounding areas offer numerous accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.
Nearby Neighborhoods
- The Presidio – Former military post with upscale Lodge at the Presidio
- Marina District – Charming area with boutique hotels and B&Bs
- Fisherman’s Wharf – Tourist-friendly with many hotel options
- Union Square – Central location with abundant accommodations
Accommodation Tip
Hotels in the Presidio and Marina District offer the closest access to Fort Point, but accommodations in these areas tend to be pricier. For budget options, consider staying in neighborhoods with good public transportation connections to the Presidio.
Getting Around Locally
Exploring the Fort
Fort Point itself is compact and easily explored on foot. The fort has multiple levels connected by staircases, with the rooftop offering spectacular views. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the stairs are steep and the brick floors uneven in places.
Surrounding Area
The Presidio offers extensive hiking and biking trails that connect to Fort Point. The Coastal Trail and Bay Trail both provide scenic routes to and from the fort. Bike rentals are available in nearby Marina District if you’d like to explore the broader area on two wheels.
Dining & Local Cuisine
While Fort Point doesn’t have food services on-site, several dining options are available nearby.
Picnic Options
Many visitors bring picnic lunches to enjoy on the grounds surrounding Fort Point. The area offers several scenic spots with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Crissy Field, just a short walk away, has additional picnic areas with tables and grills.
Nearby Restaurants
- Warming Hut Café – Located at Crissy Field, offering sandwiches, salads, and hot drinks
- Presidio Café – Casual dining with American fare at the Presidio Golf Course
- Sessions at the Presidio – Gastropub with craft beers and California cuisine
- Marina District – Numerous restaurants along Chestnut Street, about 2 km (1.2 miles) from Fort Point
For a true San Francisco culinary experience, don’t miss trying sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, or clam chowder in a bread bowl at one of the city’s many seafood restaurants.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Fort Exploration
The fort itself is the main attraction, with three tiers of brick arches surrounding a central courtyard. Explore the barracks, officer quarters, and artillery rooms that offer a glimpse into 19th-century military life. Don’t miss the cannon displays throughout the fort.
Ranger Programs
National Park Service rangers offer informative talks at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm on days the fort is open. These 15-minute presentations provide an excellent overview of the fort’s history and significance before you explore on your own.
Special events include Living History Days (February and August) where reenactors in period uniforms demonstrate military drills and civilian life of the 1860s.
Museum Exhibits
The fort houses several museum exhibits detailing its construction, military significance, and the daily life of soldiers stationed there. A small theater shows informative films about the fort’s history and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The exhibits are spread across multiple floors, with artifacts, historical photographs, and informative displays that bring the fort’s past to life.
Golden Gate Bridge Views
Unique Perspectives
Fort Point offers some of the most unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge you’ll find anywhere. The fort sits directly beneath the southern end of the bridge, providing a dramatic perspective of this engineering marvel from below.
The rooftop of the fort is particularly spectacular, offering 360-degree views of the bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. It’s a photographer’s dream location!
Photography Tips
- The third floor cannon windows provide perfectly framed views of the bridge
- Morning visits often offer clearer skies before the fog rolls in
- Bring a wide-angle lens to capture both the fort and bridge together
- The golden hour before sunset can create magical lighting on the bridge’s red structure
- Be prepared for wind, which can make handheld photography challenging
Safety Note
The rooftop area can be extremely windy. Secure loose items and hold onto cameras and phones carefully when photographing from exposed areas.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Coastal Trails
Fort Point connects to several scenic hiking and biking trails. The Golden Gate Promenade offers a flat, paved path perfect for walking or cycling along the waterfront. The Coastal Trail provides more challenging terrain with rewarding views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge.
Water Activities
The waters around Fort Point are popular for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, offering unique perspectives of the fort and bridge from the bay. Several outfitters in San Francisco offer guided kayak tours that pass by Fort Point.
On good days, you might spot surfers catching waves at Fort Point’s famous surf break, known for its challenging conditions beneath the bridge.
Wildlife Viewing
The area around Fort Point is rich in birdlife, including pelicans, cormorants, and gulls. Harbor seals can often be spotted in the waters nearby, and during migration seasons, you might even catch glimpses of whales passing through the Golden Gate.
Bring binoculars for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Practical Travel Tips
Hours & Admission
Fort Point National Historic Site is open Friday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is completely free! The site is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
No reservations or tickets are required, though special events like the Candlelight Tour (offered on select Saturday nights in winter) do require advance booking.
What to Bring
- Layers of clothing – even on sunny days, the wind can be quite cold
- Comfortable walking shoes for navigating uneven brick surfaces
- Camera for capturing the spectacular views
- Water and snacks if planning an extended visit
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing and detailed looks at the bridge
Accessibility
The ground floor of Fort Point is wheelchair accessible, including the museum exhibits and theater. Upper floors are only accessible via stairs. The parking lot has designated accessible parking spaces close to the entrance.
Safety Considerations
Important Safety Tips
- The fort has steep, narrow staircases – use caution when climbing
- Strong winds are common – secure loose items, especially on the rooftop
- If parking in the lot, leave no valuables visible in your vehicle
- Fog can roll in quickly – be prepared for sudden temperature drops
Visitor Comments About Fort Point
“An incredible piece of history with the most spectacular bridge views! The juxtaposition of 19th-century military architecture beneath the modern marvel of the Golden Gate Bridge created unforgettable photos.”
“The architecture took my breath away. Much more impressive than photos show. I especially loved peering through the cannon windows to see perfectly framed views of the bay and bridge.”
“Perfect combination of American history and natural beauty. Don’t miss the cannon demonstrations! And definitely bring a jacket – it was freezing even on a sunny day!”
Step Into Living History Beneath the Golden Gate
Fort Point National Historic Site offers a rare opportunity to experience a perfectly preserved piece of American military history in one of the most spectacular settings imaginable. From the impressive brick architecture to the unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, this free attraction delivers an experience that combines history, engineering marvels, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re a history buff, photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique San Francisco experience off the typical tourist path, Fort Point rewards visitors with its fascinating exhibits and breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss this hidden gem tucked beneath San Francisco’s most famous landmark. The fort’s story of preservation—saved from demolition during the bridge’s construction—mirrors the care taken to maintain this important piece of California’s heritage for future generations to discover and enjoy.
The above is subject to change.
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