Fort Point National Historic Site

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.
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.
Arched red brick casemates extend into the distance at Fort Point.
Fort Point is known for its masterful masonry work.
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.
View of Fort Point lighthouse through red brick arches
Fort Point has a historic lighthouse mounted on its top.
Photos: National Park Service

About 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. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of 3rd system brick masonry and interacts gracefully with the Golden Gate Bridge.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Historic Site
Park State / Territory MembershipCalifornia
Current Alerts1
Visitor Centers1
Campgrounds0
Things To Do4

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

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.

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: California. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Operating Hours

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.

Friday10:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday10:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday10:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday10:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday10:00AM - 5:00PM
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed

Activities

Arts and CultureTheaterFishingLiving HistoryHistoric Weapons DemonstrationPark FilmMuseum Exhibits

Current Alerts

Auto-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 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.

Getting There

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed AddressFort Point National Historic Site, Building 999, Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA, 94129

Topics & Themes

Architecture and BuildingAfrican American HeritageFortsMaritimeCoastal DefensesMaritime - MilitaryLighthousesShips and ShipwrecksMilitaryArtilleryUS ArmyWars and ConflictsCivil WarWorld War IIScenic Views

Things To Do

Revitalizing Fort Point's Narrative

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…

Torpedo Wharf Fishing

Torpedo Wharf Fishing

Fishing at Torpedo Wharf near Fort Point and Crissy Field.

Take a Selfie at Fort Point

Take a Selfie at Fort Point

Take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay from below at Fort Point.

Explore a Civil War Era Fort

Explore a Civil War Era Fort

Explore a Civil War era fort on the west coast!

Visitor Centers

Fort Point National Historic Site

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…

Nearby Cities for Trip Planning

These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.

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