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About Fort Point National Historic Site in San Francisco, California

Fort Point National Historic Site doesn’t have a sandy beach, but it’s location at the Golden Gate makes it a top waterfront destination in San Francisco.

Who wouldn’t want to stand on top of a historic fort directly under the Golden Gate Bridge? It’s a sublime location surrounded by water on three sides with a feel that’s hard to describe. The roof of this fort is open to visitation and comes with outstanding views and a lighthouse too. The courtyard of the fort building is open for tourists too and has cannons and other relics to view.

At ground level there is no easy beach access but nearby is West Crissy Field Beach and Marshall’s Beach (but that one is clothing optional). Close by is Fort Point Fishing Pier (aka Torpedo Wharf) where you can get out over the water and take amazing photos of the bridge and the fort.

The Battery East Trail begins near Torpedo Wharf and climbs up the hill to several military batteries and the Golden Gate Bridge. This trail also connects to the Bay Trail / Presidio Promenade for longer hiking options.

Fort Point was constructed between 1853 and 1861 as a protection system for San Francisco Bay. It never saw battle but was used during World War II to guard the entrance to the bay from submarine attacks. The engineers of the Golden Gate Bridge decided to extend the bridge deck over the fort in the late 1930s thus saving it from demolition. Fort Point became a national park in 1970.

To get to Fort Point NHS from either direction on Highway 101, take exit 439 for Lincoln Boulevard and follow signs to the Presidio and Fort Point. Stop at the Warming Hut on your way to or from the fort for a hot drink and a memento.

Address
201 Marine Dr
San Francisco, CA 94129
Phone
415-561-4959
Park Name
Fort Point National Historic Site
Owner
NPS
Pet Details
No dogs inside Fort but ok on grounds outside
Fees
Free parking
Activities
Walking, Photography, Fishing, Hiking
Amenities
Historic Sites, Military Structures, Lighthouse, Bridge, Viewpoint, Pier, Restrooms, Guided Tours
Map of Fort Point National Historic Site
San Francisco County, US
5:43 pm, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 56°F
L: 51° H: 56°
Feels like 54.99 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 4 m/s
UV Index: 0.36
Precipitation: 0.01 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 7:00 am
Sunset: 7:29 pm
Humidity 68 %
Pressure1016 mb
Wind 4 m/s

Nearby Beaches

Marshall's Beach

0.6 miles away

Marshall’s Beach is a long narrow secluded beach that stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point National...

View beach

North Baker Beach

0.8 miles away

North Baker Beach is the clothing-optional north end of Baker Beach in San Francisco. This secluded area has excellent...

View beach

Nearby Lodging

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