Fort Point

One of my favorite places in San Francisco. Fort Point is gorgeous; originally one of the towers of the bridge was going to be here, but after the architect saw it in person he redesigned the bridge to save the fort.
Other cool things about the Fort Point:
1) It is a civil war fort. Take a minute and think about how crazy that is.
2) Each brick was made on site specifically for the fort. Take a look at some of the arches and you will see some incredible work. Beautiful.
3) The BEST place in all of the city to watch the blue angels; they fly right over you (but you need to climb to the top of the fort, what is wrong with all you people that just stay in the parking lot?!). Actually, you know what, never mind. You didn’t read that. I prefer having that secret to myself. Crissy Field is the best place, I’m sure. Go there.
4) There are daytime and candlelight tours here, and a cannon loading demonstration for the kids (No, they don’t actually fire the cannon, but it’s still fun, and they can get a certificate for assisting).
5) It is a great spot to take pictures. On top right under the bridge, near the gorgeous arches, in the doorways of where the rows of rooms are (there are no doors and you can get some great pictures of people peeking out from the different rooms along the way), on the large stone stairs (each step weighs 1,000 pounds!).
6) Yes, a scene from Vertigo was filmed here. But of all the things that make this place cool I think it ranks towards the bottom.
Other things to know: It is cold and windy no matter the day. Hopefully you know the city well enough to expect that, but if not bring a jacket for pete’s sake!
It’s FREE. There is a donation box at the front, but the fort is free to enter and explore. AND the tours are all free! Even the candlelight one, you just have to make a reservation.
Right now it is only open Friday through Sunday, 10am-​5pm.
Basically, if you haven’t been here yet you need to fix that ASAP because you are missing out. I think you can tell from my review that I have been on multiple tours; they are 100% worth it. And I’m saying that as someone that does not usually enjoy tours.

Great view of the Golden Gate Bridge!
The view of the bridge here is definitely more beautiful during daytime than at night just because you could see its architecture more in-​depth.
It may be traffic to get here so come before or after rush hour. Parking spaces are also very limited. Watch out for bikers and joggers.

This review is for the super-​hard-​to-​snag «Candlelight Tour.»
They only give the tour a handful of times a year, the tour is free of charge, and you must make reservations. They limit each tour to 25 people.
Ok, once you get there, it’s pitch black dark and we weren’t sure where exactly to go wait. We used our phones as flashlights to find the front door. TIP: There is only one way in and one way out of Fort Point… that’s where you go for the tour. It’s not just a door, it’s a sallyport! (Fun word I learned on the tour.)
The park ranger gave us real lanterns with real candles. I was expecting battery operated flames, so the real candle was a nice touch. The lanterns are beautiful and help set the mood. He took us to all the exhibits and told us about each room we visited. One thing we got to do which he said only people on the candlelight tour get to experience is, going inside the fort’s jail cells.
We learned about the history of Fort Point, how it got built, why it was built,. what went on inside the complex, who lived here, what their duties were, what happened over the years, etc. etc. A very thorough history verging on information overload.
FUN FACT: Fort Point is over 90% original. (It never saw combative action, so, unlike forts on the East Coast, it’s all pretty original.)
At the end of the tour we were given time to explore and enjoy the views from the roof.
It is very dark. If you are afraid of the dark, stick close with your friends. I felt bad for the park ranger having to go blow out all the lanterns all by himself after the tour was over.
It’s a very cool tour and I recommend it to anyone who’s interested in San Francisco and/​or military history.

A view of the Golden Gate Bridge like you’ve never seen it before.
Fort Point is full of history. The building itself has different areas for you to explore and read up on its original use. However, the best part of the experience is going to the roof and standing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. The views are unreal and truly breathtaking. Side note: It’s super windy!
The best place to take photos are up on the top of the building. If you go to the corner closest to the bridge and the waters edge, you can get some great snapshots from different low angles to capture the bridge directly behind you. It’s picture perfect!

My friend wanted to check out the Golden Gate Bridge, and having been around the area pretty often, I never really found the thrill in looking at this landmark — to be honest, I actually preferred the new Bay Bridge.
Until I checked out Fort Point…
I didn’t know this area existed until I Unilocaled it. I thought that to see the Golden Gate Bridge up close, you just drive up to Crissy Fields or simply walk up next to it. But boy was I wrong. Fort Point is this hell of a gem that’s free and open to the public (until 5pm) and on certain days. Apparently, the structure is pretty much a remnant of an old Fort that you can explore around.
Since we only had about 10 minutes, my friend and I immediately ran up three flights of stairs to see the bridge up close. And boy was it magnificent! You really are RIGHT next to the bridge, so close that you can almost touch it. I definitely never knew that Fort Point existed for the public to check out. Definitely come early to get as many breathtaking photos and possible and enjoy the view.
All in all, I enjoyed Fort Point and I’ll come again to explore every nook and cranny.
Have fun and prosper,

Beautiful view of the bay and bridge. I can’t wait to visit again.
We enjoyed walking across the bridge.

Really the only way to get here is with a car. I didn’t have trouble parking. The view of the Golden Gate bridge and the city of Fisco is worthy of a visit on its own. Most people want a higher vantage point making this a less crowded place to compete for parking and selfies with yourself only.

I wish we had more time at Fort Point but it was one of the stops on our tour. There was parking for our bus and availability for cars too on a weekday afternoon. The location offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. We spent more of our time taking photos and enjoying the view. There were a handful of people fishing too so it was fun to see them too. I liked that it wasn’t very busy and we could get some shots of the Golden Gate.
If we had more time, I would have liked to explore the Fort more and also the surrounding areas. We walked briefly to check inside before heading out to take photos of the bridge. There’s a small bookstore and restrooms close to the Fort.

I’ve recently moved back to the Bay Area after a year in Portland — which I’m really, really (REALLY) happy about. As an avid Hitchcock fan and lover of «Vertigo,» I wanted to finally check out Fort Point.
Turns out this is a pretty rad — and free! — spot to go on a sunny Sunday. I even found parking without any issues. You can roam around the fort as you’d like. Most of the rooms are empty, but some have been furnished to recreate how they originally looked.
The view on top of the roof is pretty remarkable. The fort is RIGHT under the Golden Gate. On one side you get a view of Baker Beach and Marin, while on the other you get a view of the SF skyline. It’s super super windy, mind you. My body was being blown back, so I’d be careful bringing your kiddos up here. Also, maybe consider bringing a hairbrush for after your visit — I looked like a real mess after coming down off the roof.
I wouldn’t overlook Fort Point just because it’s a touristy spot — a visit here will remind you why you live in this amazing city.

In the many times that I have visited the Golden Gate Bridge, I always try to find parking at the GGB Pavilion ($ 1/​hour) or Vista Point (free). Both lots are always crowded. However, during my most recent visit, the parking lot for GGBP was super packed and I came across this friendly gentleman who directed me to park below at Fort Point.
Fort Point is less than a five minute drive from GGBP and it has ample parking along the bay of SF. Parking is free and the bathroom lines down here are way shorter, too.
Not a lot of people know about this hidden view point of the Golden Gate Bridge so the crowd is smaller.
Fort Point offers a lower view of the GGB, where you can look up and see the bridge. Only issue is you can’t easily access the bridge to make the trek across from this location.
I saw a lot of people biking and picnicking around Fort Point. You can see the SF skyline from here on a clear day and the view is gorgeous!
If you have visited GGB many times, definitely check out Fort Point since it offers a different perspective! Enjoy!

Lovely view on a sunny day in sf. Easy and free parking on a Wednesday. My pup and I had a great time walking to the bridge and hiking along the costal trail to baker beach!

I’ve never heard about this place. My friend and I’ve walked from the Palace of Fine Arts to Crissy Field, and all the way down I was rewarded with Fort Point. The California Historical Landmark is a Civil War-​era brick fort that lies directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a great place to visit if you’re a history buff– roam the fort and see the cannons and sleeping quarters.
I’m not a history buff, but I do appreciate the history behind the place. The best part for me and for most people would be the amazing view of Golden Gate Bridge. It makes for great pictures! It’s quite windy at the top though. The admission is free, so there are no excuses on not coming here!

This place was amazing. I have lived in the bay area for over 30 years and this is a great historic landmark. Great place for a walk and great views too !

For fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge from below, this free landmark at the end of the Presidio is worth the effort. It’s rich with history, an old military fort used to protect the bay from invasion during the Civil War. You can explore the grounds and fort at no cost. Just be warned, I visited in July and I visited in September and both times it was windy and cold. If you come in July, the fog is so thick you can’t see the bridge anyway. Bring warm layers before coming here.

WHOA BABY!!!
For a long time I wondered where do people go to take pictures of this particular view but I finally found it.
Magnificent!!!
The bridge looks enormous from here.
There is a lot of parking A+ for that. There are surfers there so everything fits just right.

Review #100 why I hella love the Bay (yes, «hella» bc Bay Area /​NorCal).
To see why, visit California Historical Landmark #82: Fort Point (registered under its official name in 1794 «Castillo De San Joaquín»).
On a clear day, three bridges and sweeping views of the Bay Area are visible from Fort Point: Marin in the North; Alcatraz, Angel Island, & the East Bay across the water; and to the far right, across Crissy Field, you’ll spot San Francisco’s famous skyline.
Strategically located at the entrance of San Francisco Bay, Fort Point was one of three coastal defense posts built during the Civil War-​era. To preserve the stunning masonry, an impressive steel arch was built to support the Golden Gate Bridge’s roadway, rather than demolishing the fort during the bridge’s construction.
Such a fun place to explore for all ages. Take a tour. Or not. If you’re up for a short hike, trek to the newly renovated Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion by heading towards the Warming Hut. The trailhead will be on your right, follow the stair path and signs up to the Golden Gate Bridge Plaza.
Directions to Fort Point:
Follow Marina Blvd along the shoreline and through Crissy Field, or follow the main road and the Presidio Promenade along Lincoln Blvd, take Long Ave all the way down to the fort.
Tips:
* Tours and cannon-​loading demonstration are offered Friday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm;
* Maintained restrooms are available outside;
* Dogs are allowed on leash on Fort Point lands (but not inside the actual fort);
* Between March and October, you’ll likely spot migrating whales and seal pups (and surfers year-​round);
* Bring sufficient outerwear — it’s windy down here & fog is present during summer months /​winter days, eventually burning off by noon, only to return again in the evening.
Pro-​Tip:
* Don’t forget to high five Hopper’s Hands!
Have you noticed numerous joggers putting their hands against the chain-​link fence at the farthest end of Fort Point and wondered why?
There’s a small inspirational placard mounted next to the «No Trespassing» sign where the sidewalk ends.
The current placard is painted black & orange in honor of the SF Giants. Ken Hopper is a Golden Gate Bridge ironworker who’s been called to rescue over 30 bridge jumpers in the last 32 years. «Hoppers Hands» is a life-​sized tracing of Ken own hands.
Below the sign, a few feet off the ground, is a smaller placard, with a pair of doggy paw prints for your four-​legged friend to join in on the tradition.
So whatcha waiting for? Throw on your puff coat and venture off into the Presidio!

There are two easy ways to see the underside of the Golden Gate Bridge. Either take a cruise under the bridge, or visit Fort Point. The advantage of Fort Point is that it’s free and you get a lot closer to the bridge.
For those of you who are history buffs, Fort Point is a time capsule of the Civil War period. There are many historical artifacts on display, including uniforms, medals, cannons and cannonballs. You can also see where Civil War soldiers slept and learn what they ate.
Here’s a tip: just as you enter the tunnel, look to your right. There is a display which lists the activities, tours, and demonstrations for the day and their times.
Just think: they almost demolished Fort Point to build the Golden Gate Bridge. Joseph Strauss wanted to spare the fort, which explains why there is a small arch here which precisely straddles Fort Point.

Funny thing that I’ve never noticed this landmark until one day I needed to circle the parking lot as I was making an exit. I’ve been visiting here for years and seriously knew nothing about it. As curious as I was, I parked the car and walked in. I was greeted by someone at the entrance and was told there was no fee to enter. It was his pitch to persuade me to take a tour and it worked!
I’ll not get into the history behind Fort Point as it is part of the experience. If you love history like myself it’s worth the time. The view itself is enough to lure you in. Bring a camera and take photos of ships entering and exiting the gate. Catch an underside angle of the Golden Gate Bridge.

So this is where we accidentally found the absolute best view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
We were actually trying to get to Chrissy Field, but we took a wrong turn somewhere & saw there was a road, so we kept driving, and we saw a few people crabbing off a little pier. So we parked the car and walked out to the end, and there it was:
A completely perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco city skyline. All of which, may I add, start to glitter & sparkle once the sun begins to set (about 15 – 20 mins before sunset). If you want to take a panorama picture, this has to be the best place to do it. The day we were there, there were no clouds, no fog, and no obstructions to our gorgeous view. Just the occasional seagull & barking sea lion. I took so many beautiful pictures here!
I wish we had found Fort Point sooner, because there was a National Parks Service shop & café, and a few signs that describe the historical importance of this fort. But we only had enough time to catch the sunset! The park buildings closed at 5pm. Maybe next time we will make enough time to explore!

Okay, so this is one of the best places to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge.
However, there was actually a military base here long ago, and part of what’s here is preserved for the sake of history.
I’m sure most people will walk past it to get to the bridge, and never notice a part of history that is perhaps, more important to the U.S.A. It’s just a lot more quiet since the 20^th century has passed.