Fort Point
National Historic Site
Fort Point was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1853 and 1861 to prevent entrance of a hostile fleet into San Francisco Bay.
The fort was designed to mount 126 massive cannon. Rushed to completion at the beginning of the Civil War, Fort Point was first garrisoned in February of 1861 by Company I, 3rd U.S. Artillery Regiment. The fort was occupied throughout the Civil War, but the advent of faster, more powerful rifled cannon made brick forts such as Fort Point obsolete. In 1886 the troops were withdrawn, and the last cannon were removed about 1900. The fort was then used for storage and training purposes for many years.
Between 1933 and 1937 the fort was used as a base of operations for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. During World War II, Fort Point was occupied by about 100 soldiers who manned searchlights and rapid-fire cannon mounted atop the fort as part of the protection of a submarine net strung across the entrance to the Bay.
Fort Point is the only third system brick fort on the west coast of the United States. It became a National Historic Site on October 16th, 1970.
VISITATION
Highest in June, July, August, and September.
Lowest in December and January.
LOCATION
Fort Point is located beneath the south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Presidio of San Francisco, California. Check out the Fort Point Map for a better view of the area.
ADDRESS
Fort Point National Historic Site
P.O. Box 29333
Presidio of San Francisco, CA 94129-0333
TELEPHONE
(415) 556-1693
Administrative Office: (415) 561-4395
OPERATING HOURS
Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Holidays.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
The weather at Fort Point is generally cool and windy. Summer months can be cold, with the fog rolling into San Francisco Bay. Winters are generally cold with variable precipitation. Spring and Fall generally offer the best weather. Dress warmly for your visit, with layers of clothing, and good walking shoes.
DIRECTIONS
Fort Point is located on the Presidio of San Francisco, beneath the south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge. From Lincoln Blvd., turn onto Long Avenue/Marine Drive until it dead ends at the fort. For more information concerning directions call (415) 556-1693 or (415) 561-4395 during visiting hours.
TRANSPORTATION
By Bus:
Three San Francisco Muni buses come closest to the fort. Buses 28, 29 and 43 make their way to the Golden Gate Bridge parking area. From there you will need to walk to the fort through the gardens, to the Battery East Trail , to Marine Drive. Then walk along the seawall to the fort. For more information about bus routes, dial (415) 817-1717 and press "1" for Public Transportation, from anywhere within the Bay Area.
By Car or Bike:
From the north of San Francisco, proceed over the Golden Gate Bridge on Highway 101 South, staying in the farthest right lane. After passing through the toll gate, take the first available exit to the right , continuing in a circle to the right, through an underpass, through the visitor parking lot, to a stop sign (Lincoln Blvd.), then turn left onto Lincoln Blvd. Follow the road for about 1/4 mile and turn left onto Long Avenue and drive until it dead ends at the fort.From the south, take Highway 101 North towards the Golden Gate Bridge, stay in the farthest right lane and take the "Last San Francisco Exit". Proceed through the parking lot to your right until you reach the stop sign (Lincoln Blvd.). Turn left and proceed to Long Avenue and drive until it dead ends at the fort.
From the southeast, take 25th Avenue to Lincoln Blvd. Follow the road for about 1/4 mile and turn left onto Long Avenue and drive until it dead ends at the fort.
From the south and west, there are four other Presidio Gates that lead to Fort Point (the Marina Gate, the Lombard Gate, the Presidio Gate, and the Arguello Gate).
From the Marina Gate, follow Marine Drive which is adjacent to Crissy Field, to the second stop intersection. Turn right onto Crissy Field Blvd. which will proceed up a hill to Lincoln Blvd. At the stop sign, drive straight and stay on the right, which will then go down Long Avenue. Drive until it dead ends at the fort.
From the Lombard Gate, follow Lombard to a 3-ways stop sign. Turn right onto Presidio. At the next intersection, go straight onto Lincoln Blvd. Staying on the right side of the road past the fire station, the road will reconnect onto Lincoln Blvd. The National Cemetary will be adjacent to the road. Follow Lincoln Blvd, through the Presidio until you see a small Fort Point sign. Staying on the righ side of the road go down Long Avenue. Drive until it dead ends at the fort.
From the Presidio Gate, follow Presidio to the bottom of the hill. At the next intersection, section go straight. Continue straight onto Lincoln Blvd at the next intersection. Staying on the right side of the road past the fire station, the road will reconnect onto Lincoln Blvd. The National Cemetary will be adjacent to the road. Follow Lincoln Blvd, through the Presidio until you see a small Fort Point sign. Staying on the righ side of the road go down Long Avenue. Drive until it dead ends at the fort.
From the Arguello Gate, follow Arguello past the golf course, to the bottom of the hill. At the stop sign, turn left onto Moraga. Pass the theatre and turn right onto Infantry Terrace, which will merge into Sheridan. You take a left onto Sheridan, which merges with Lincoln Blvd. The National Cemetary will be adjacent to the road. Follow Lincoln Blvd, through the Presidio until you see a small Fort Point sign. Staying on the righ side of the road go down Long Avenue. Drive until it dead ends at the fort.
FEES, COSTS, RATES
Entrance to the fort and parking is free. The parking lot is only open in daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Visitor Center/Exhibits: An excellent example of early 19th century military architecture, Fort Point is a well-preserved seacoast fort completed in 1861. There are several examples of early 19th century armament and soldier life on exhibit, as well as, the African American Soldier Experience photography exhibit, Women in U.S. Military History photography exhibit, and Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge exhibit.
Volunteer Opportunities and Internships
Trails: Easy access to the Golden Gate Promenade and Coastal Trail.
Program Activities: Ranger-guided tours and cannon drills are scheduled daily. Crabbing programs are offered March through October; Candlelight tours of the Fort are offered during the evenings November through February; Environmental Education programs for schools are given throughout the school year. Reservations are required for the Crabbing, Candlelight and Environmental Education programs.
Lodging and Camping Facilities: None in the park. A variety of lodging and facilities are available in San Francisco. Some camping facilities are available in Marin County, just north of San Francisco.
Food & Supplies: Restaurants are available within a short driving distance of the park.
Other Concessions: The Fort Point Bookstore, operated by the Golden Gate National Parks Association, is located inside the fort. A large number of titles are available, with an emphasis on the Civil War, African-American history, westward expansion, lighthouses, seacoast defense, women's roles in the 19th century, and San Francisco history and guides. There are also a variety of children's books, posters, and 19th century toy reproductions. For more information about literature and other merchandise, call (415) 673-5642. The Fort Point Bookstore is open daily, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Accessibility: