Fort Baker Beach on Horseshoe Cove

Fort Baker is a historic army post at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge that was built in the early 1900’s. It’s now a park within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. On the waterfront of Fort Baker is Horseshoe Cove. There is no typical sandy beach here, but it’s a good place to put in a kayak for a trip to Sausalito and back. Signs say that swimming is not allowed here, but kids are often playing at the water’s edge in the cove. The park has many other things to enjoy that are not water-related. Several trails meander through the Fort and while walking around you should visit Battery Cavallo and Battery Yates, two historic gun installations facing San Francisco Bay. Kids will enjoy the Bay Area Discovery Museum which offers endless ways for children to play while learning. Fishing and crabbing is allowed from the small wooden fishing pier at Fort Baker and fishing licenses are not required. The Presidio Yacht Club has boat harbor and clubhouse inside the breakwater in Horseshoe Bay. Sailing lessons and boat rentals are available to military members. Anyone can stay at Cavallo Point, The Lodge at the Golden Gate which is a luxury lodge in restored buildings at the Fort. These guestrooms for rent are former officers’ residences with stunning views of the Fort and the San Francisco skyline. From Fort Baker you can take incredible photos of Golden Gate Bridge and the old Lime Point Lighthouse building under the bridge.

Address

557 McReynolds Rd
Sausalito, CA 94965

Park Name

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Other Names

Horseshoe Bay

Owner

National Park

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash on Fort Baker grounds, except at Chapel Trail and the pier

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Sailing, Kayaking, Fishing, Crabbing, Walking, Wildlife Watching, Picnicking

Amenities

Fishing Pier, Military Sites, Historic Lodge, Museum, Trails, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Cell Phone Tour

Links

Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart