Dwarfed beneath the stunning Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is San Francisco's most understated historical site. Best approached from Crissy Field on foot, the fort is an intimate attraction, which, on a clear day, offers views across the bay as far as Alcatraz and downtown.
Completed shortly before the American Civil War, this national treasure served as San Francisco's defense against enemy war vessels. However formidable the fort was, it was never attacked, and not a single hostile shot was fired. In 1970, Fort Point became a National Historic Site, and the outstanding military architecture has been preserved.
Discover the rich history of Fort Point by exploring at your own pace, or sign up for a 30-minute history tour to learn about the soldiers, cannons, architecture, and more. Award-winning short documentary videos are also displayed around the fort, or if you prefer a more hands-on approach to learning, cannon loading demonstrations also take place at the Napoleon 12-pounder field cannon. There, you can watch the drills and demonstrate your loading techniques.
Popular recreational activities in the area include fishing and crab fishing. Attend a ranger demonstration on crab fishing on the pier and haul in some red, rock, and yellow crabs of your own.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Thursday through Monday: 10am to 5pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
- Admission:
- Free
- Metro Stop:
- Muni buses 28 and 29 stop at bridge toll plaza. Follow trail signs northeast of plaza area to Fort Point at base of bluffs.
- Contact:
- Location: The Presidio, Long Ave & Marina Drive, San Francisco, CA
- Phone: 415-556-1693
- Website: www.nps.gov/fopo
