Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of 3rd system brick masonry and interacts gracefully with the Golden Gate Bridge.
Photo: NPS photo/Will Elder
Fort Point National Historic Site
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.
- LocationSan Francisco, CA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursToday: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now61°F Partly Cloudy
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- African American Heritage
- Architecture and Building
- Artillery
- Civil War
- Coastal Defenses
- Forts
- Lighthouses
- Maritime
7 more topics
- Maritime - Military
- Military
- Scenic Views
- Ships and Shipwrecks
- US Army
- Wars and Conflicts
- World War II
Alerts (2)
CautionSpare the Air Alert: Fire Restrictions in Effect October 3 – 4 NO campfires, beach fires, or outdoor grills are allowed in park when the Bay Area Air Quality Management District decla… Read more
NO campfires, beach fires, or outdoor grills are allowed in park when the Bay Area Air Quality Management District declares a Spare the Air Day. Your compliance reduces pollution and improves air quality. See Recreational Fires webpage for more details about universal fire regulations in the park.
CautionAuto-Theft Warning - Only Bring What You Need to the Park You can prevent vehicle break-ins in parking lots and scenic overlooks. Before leaving your car for even a short period… Read more
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 wallets, purses, backpacks, keys, key fobs, cell phones, and electronics with you. Read article for more details.
Things to Do
4 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Explore a Civil War Era Fort
Explore a Civil War era fort on the west coast!
Learn more about Explore a Civil War Era Fort on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Revitalizing Fort Point's Narrative
Through these immersive and interactive exhibits, visitors to Fort Point are invited to embark on a journey through time, exploring the layers of history, significance, and enduring legacy…
Learn more about Revitalizing Fort Point's Narrative on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Take a Selfie at Fort Point
Take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay from below at Fort Point.
Learn more about Take a Selfie at Fort Point on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Torpedo Wharf Fishing
Fishing at Torpedo Wharf near Fort Point and Crissy Field.
Learn more about Torpedo Wharf Fishing on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 4 of 4
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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Fort Point National Historic Site Tours
Ticket Facility
From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point National Historic Site defended the San Francisco Bay following California's Gold Rush through…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 999 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA (415) 504-2334
Details
From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point National Historic Site defended the San Francisco Bay following California's Gold Rush through World War II. Its beautifully arched casemates exhibit the art of third system brick masonry and interact gracefully with the Golden Gate Bridge. The Candlelight Tour of Fort Point is a popular guided program that allows visitors to experience the fort in a new light. This evening tour will maze through the shadows of the historic structure by candlelight and visitors will see the glimmering lights of the Golden Gate Bridge towering up above them. Upon arrival, a park ranger will check-in guests and provide visitors with a lantern. A ranger will lead this 90-minute excursion and interpret the history and the life that once existed within the old brick walls of Fort Point. The Candlelight Tour explores all four level of the fort including the roof (approximately 76 steps). Visitors will be invited to engage in dialogue as they learn about the fascinating and sometimes complex history of the fort, its role in San Francisco history, and its cultural relevance today. Recommended age for this tour is 12 years and up.
Other Visitor Services
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Fort Point National Historic Site
Facility
Rangers at Fort Point provide information, tours and demonstrations. A small Sutler's Store in the fort offers park passport stamps and some merchandise related to Civil…
San Francisco, CA (415) 561-4959 Directions
Details
Rangers at Fort Point provide information, tours and demonstrations. A small Sutler's Store in the fort offers park passport stamps and some merchandise related to Civil War and local history.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Today: 10:00AM - 5:00PM · Fort Point National Historic Site
Hours details
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Fort Point National Historic SiteToday: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
The days in which Fort Point is open varies throughout the year. Fall through Spring the fort is generally open Friday through Sunday. During the summer season the fort is open 5 days a week most years. The timing of the shift in days is not consistent from year to year but generally occurs in October and May. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Visit our web site for current open days.
Monday 10:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday 10:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 10:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 10:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
Fort Point National Historic Site, Building 999, Marine DriveSan Francisco, CA 94129
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
61°F
Partly Cloudy · feels like 58°
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Today
64° 55°
Overcast23% rain -
Tomorrow
76° 59°
Sunny3% rain -
Sunday
75° 64°
Overcast7% rain
Updated 2 hr ago
WeatherHeat Advisory Details
Heat Advisory issued October 2 at 11:16AM PDT until October 5 at 10:00PM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...Temperatures in the middle 90s to near 103 expected. Mild
lows in the upper 60s to middle 70s in the higher elevations will
limit overnight recovery.
* WHERE...North Bay Interior Valleys.
* WHEN...From 11 AM Saturday to 10 PM PDT Monday.
* IMPACTS...This level of heat affects anyone without effective
cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in some health
systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure.
WeatherCoastal Flood Advisory Details
Coastal Flood Advisory issued October 1 at 7:39PM PDT until October 2 at 6:00PM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...Up to 0.9 ft of inundation above ground level is
possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
* WHERE...Bayshore locations along the San Francisco Bay, San
Pablo Bay, and Monterey Bay.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM PDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected. High tides will result in
flooding along coastal trails, cut off access to some low-
lying beaches and coastal areas, and bring water and waves
farther up the beach than typical.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide
is expected to be 0.9 ft above normal (6.7 ft MLLW) at 3:58 PM
Friday 10/02. These predictions include up to 0.7 ft of surge
that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat.
High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the
Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
What to expect by season
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.
Upcoming Events
1 coming up-
Fort Point Talk
About
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
Photos
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Fort Point is known for its masterful masonry work. — NPS photo/Will Elder -
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Getting There
San Francisco, CA 94129
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.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: Fort Point National Historic Site, San Francisco, CA 94123
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