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Fort Point National Historic Site

Designation: National Historic Site

Location: California

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point defended the San Francisco Bay following California's Gold Rush through World War II. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of 3rd system brick masonry and interacts gracefully with the Golden Gate Bridge.

🌤 Weather Information

Fort Point is typically cold and windy throughout the year. Fog is especially common in the summer months. Come prepared with layers and windbreakers for maximum comfort.

🚗 Directions

Fort Point is located at the south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge at the end of Marine Drive on the Presidio of San Francisco. By car take Highway 101 N or S, exit at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza at south end of bridge. From S turn right at end of exit ramp, or from N go straight on Merchant Drive. Turn left onto Lincoln Boulevard. Take a left onto Long Avenue and follow onto Marine Drive.

Images

Fort Point with visitors approaching on road in front and Golden Gate Bridge above.

Fort Point offers stunning views from under the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Credit: NPS photo/Will Elder

Golden sunset light on the roof of Fort Point with Golden Gate Bridge and bay behind.

Visitors can enjoy winter sunsets from the top of Fort Point.

Credit: NPS photo/Will Elder

Arched red brick casemates extend into the distance at Fort Point.

Fort Point is known for its masterful masonry work.

Credit: NPS photo/Will Elder

A cannon stands in front of Civil War re-enactors talking to the public.

Visitors can interact with Civil War re-enactors twice in January and August at the Fort.

Credit: NPS Photo/Will Elder

View of Fort Point lighthouse through red brick arches

Fort Point has a historic lighthouse mounted on its top.

Credit: NPS photo/Will Elder

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday
10:00AM - 5:00PM

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Friday, May 15

Sunny

Sunny

High: 75.9°F | Low: 50°F

Humidity: 71%

Wind: 15.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 8.5

Sunrise: 06:00 AM

Sunset: 08:13 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (5%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 53.2°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, May 16

Sunny

Sunny

High: 63.9°F | Low: 51.8°F

Humidity: 65%

Wind: 20.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 8

Sunrise: 05:59 AM

Sunset: 08:14 PM

Moon: New Moon (1%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 49.8°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Sunday, May 17

Sunny

Sunny

High: 63.3°F | Low: 51.2°F

Humidity: 66%

Wind: 14.8 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 8.8

Sunrise: 05:58 AM

Sunset: 08:14 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (0%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 50.3°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (2)

⚠️ Beach Hazards Statement (Moderate)

Beach Hazards Statement issued May 14 at 12:04PM PDT until May 18 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA

Effective: May 14, 2026 3:04pm
Expires: May 15, 2026 8:00am

* WHAT...Strong northerly winds will generate very rough
conditions at area beaches along with strong rip and long shore
currents.

* WHERE...Greatest impacts will be along west facing beaches of
the Pacific coastline.

* WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous wind and wave conditions will impact beaches
and water activities such as swimming, surfing, boating, and
tide pooling. Rough seas can sweep up the beach and over rocks
and jetties, pulling people into a cold turbulent ocean. Rip
currents will be stronger than normal and long shore currents
can move people and items in the water quickly away from the
point of entry. Local beach and cliff erosion is possible. Water
temperatures will also cool rapidly due to strong upwelling
conditions during this time. Large tidal swings can cutoff
access to beach walkers.

⚠️ Fire Weather Watch (Severe)

Fire Weather Watch issued May 14 at 10:24AM PDT until May 18 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA

Effective: May 14, 2026 1:24pm
Expires: May 15, 2026 8:00pm

The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a Fire
Weather Watch for gusty winds and low humidity, which is in
effect from late Friday night through Monday evening.

* Winds...North winds 15 to 25 mph. Gusts 35 to 45 mph, locally up
to 50 mph around the Delta.

* Humidity...Daytime minimum humidities of 9 to 15%.

* Highest Threat...Along the Interstate 5 corridor in the
Sacramento Valley. Strongest winds are expected Sunday into
Monday.

* Impacts...The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can
cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity. Outdoor
burning is not recommended

Park Alerts

Spare the Air Alert: Fire Restrictions in Effect for February 5 Caution
When the Bay Area Air Quality Management District declares a Spare the Air Day, NO campfires, beach fires, or outdoor grills are allowed in the park. Your compliance reduces pollution and improves air quality. See Recreational Fires webpage for more details about universal fire regulations in the park.

More Info

Auto-Theft Warning - Only Bring What You Need to the Park Caution
You can prevent vehicle break-ins in parking lots and scenic overlooks. Before leaving your car for even a short period of time: 1) Remove all valuables, 2) Lock your doors. 3) Take your cell phones and electronics with you. Read article for more details.

More Info

Beach Hazards on Coastline and Beaches for February 12-14 Caution
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazard statement for Northern California beaches. Watch for breaking waves up to 19 feet, sneaker waves, riptides, and high surf. Never turn your back to the ocean. Stay off rocks and jetties. Stay out of water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions. See the Beach Safety link for more information.

More Info

Park Events

Fort Point Talk

Join our Park Rangers in learning Fort Point's History in this 15 minute long talk. The program is accessible. The times of the program are 11:30am and 1:30pm

Date: Dec 19, 2021 12:00am to Dec 19, 2021 12:00am

Paid Event

Fort Point Living History Weekend

Fort Point served as the "key to the entire Pacific Coast", and the "Guardian of the Golden Gate" during one of our Nations most trying times. Twice a year, we don the union blues, march through the sally port and hoist the colors to the sound of Fife and Drums. Join National Park Service Rangers, and Volunteers as we demonstrate what life was like for all who served here during the American Civil War.

Fort Point Living History Weekend is FREE to the public. As a visitor you will have an opportunity to engage with our reanactors, and experience the sights and sounds of an active U.S. Army fort during the 1860's. There will be activities for all ages to enjoy.

Free parking is available just outside the fort, and along Marine drive. Additional parking, for a fee, is available at the Crissy Field (Near the Warming Hut) and Battery East Parking Lots.

Date: Feb 7, 2026 12:00am to Feb 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
Fort Point National Historic Site
Building 999, Marine Drive
San Francisco, CA 94129

🏤 Mailing Address:
Fort Point National Historic Site
201 Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123

📞 Voice Phone: 415-561-4959

✉️ Email: goga_fopo_socialmedia@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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