← Back to Search

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

Thursday, Feb 12

Sunny

Sunny

High: 64.6°F | Low: 48.4°F

Humidity: 85%

Wind: 11.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.7

Sunrise: 07:03 AM

Sunset: 05:46 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (28%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 51.3°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Feb 13

Fog

Fog

High: 51.1°F | Low: 48.9°F

Humidity: 95%

Wind: 11.9 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.7

Sunrise: 07:01 AM

Sunset: 05:47 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (19%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 49.1°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, Feb 14

Fog

Fog

High: 52.3°F | Low: 48.4°F

Humidity: 93%

Wind: 13.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.6

Sunrise: 07:00 AM

Sunset: 05:48 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (12%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 48.3°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

⚠️ Beach Hazards Statement (Moderate)

Beach Hazards Statement issued February 12 at 4:25AM PST until February 14 at 4:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA

Effective: Feb 12, 2026 7:25am
Expires: Feb 12, 2026 6:00pm

* WHAT...An increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip
currents with breaking waves of 14 to 19 feet.

* WHERE...Northwest facing Pacific Coast beaches.

* WHEN...From Thursday evening through late Friday night.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous conditions are forecast along the
shoreline. Hazards include sneaker waves, strong rip currents,
and large breaking waves.

Park Alerts

Upper Floors Closure
Only the ground floor is currently open to the public during maintenance of the Fort Point railings.
Fort Point will be open six days a week through Summer
Fort Point is open Thursday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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

Weather Hazards & Park Impacts Caution
Sites and roads withing GGNRA are impacted by winter weather, including access to Fort Point National Historic Site. For an updated list of weather hazards and park closures/impacts, visit https://go.nps.gov/storm or click the link below.

More Info

Presidio Visitor Center Moved
Starting on August 6th, 2015 the Presidio Visitor Center will be moved into its new temporary location at Building 36 on the Main Post of the Presidio. It will be open Thursdays-Sundays 10 AM to 4 PM.
Battery East Parking Lot Closed
The Battery East Parking Lot located on Lincoln Blvd. overlooking Fort Point will be closed for redesign until November 2015. Additional parking is available at Fort Winfield Scott.

More Info

Access to Fort Point is closed
For your safety, the road access to Fort Point is closed due to extreme weather conditions. The Fort is consequently closed at this time. Call 415-556-1693 for updates.
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

Fort Point will be open four days per week in October
Starting October 3, Fort Point will be open Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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 5 - 7 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

Marine Drive access to Fort Point lane closures in November & December Information
Marine Drive to Fort Point National Historic Site will experience one-lane closures in November and December 2016 for repaving and striping. Pedestrians, vehicles, and bicycles will have continuous but controlled access to the site.

More Info

Fort Point is now open three days a week.
Fort Point is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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
Loading fun fact...