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San Francisco, California / History

Fort Point National Historic Site

A Civil War-era masonry fortification sitting directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, offering a glimpse into 1860s coastal defense and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay entrance.

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Fort Point National Historic Site
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What is Fort Point National Historic Site known for?

It is a masonry seacoast fortification that defended San Francisco harbor from foreign and Confederate attacks during and after the Civil War. Today, it is a popular tourist viewing point for the Golden Gate Bridge.

What are the hours?

Fort Point is open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Roof access closes earlier at 4:30 p.m., and the site is closed on New Year's Day, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.

Where is it located?

The fort is located in the Presidio of San Francisco at the end of Marine Drive, situated at the south anchorage directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge approach.

What can I do there?

Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours, watch cannon-loading demonstrations, and see an introductory film. There is also a small bookstore located inside the fort.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the ground floor is wheelchair accessible, including the theater.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Fort Point National Historic Site, historically known as Castillo de San Joaquín, is a masonry seacoast fortification located at the south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1853 and 1861, the fort was designed as part of a planned defense system to protect San Francisco. At the outbreak of the Civil War, it was regarded as one of the most sophisticated coastal fortifications in the U.S. Army's arsenal, first garrisoned in February 1861 by Company I of the 3rd U.S. Artillery Regiment. The architecture is a testament to 19th-century engineering, featuring beautifully arched casemates that showcase the skill of master brick masons from the Civil War period. These structures allowed the fort to defend the harbor from foreign and Confederate attacks. Later, the site served as a base of operations for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge from 1933 to 1937. During World War II, the fort remained active with approximately 100 soldiers manning rapid-fire cannons and searchlights to protect a submarine net across the Bay entrance. Preserved as a National Historic Site since October 16, 1970, when President Richard Nixon signed the creating bill, the fort now serves as a monument to a bygone era. Visitors can explore the ground floor, which is wheelchair accessible and includes a theater. The site offers a deep dive into the experience of a coastal defense garrison from the 1860s, blending military history with one of the most iconic geographical vantage points in California.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between Thursday and Monday, as the site is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  • Arrive before 4:30 p.m. if you wish to access the roof for the best views of the bridge.
  • Check out the small bookstore inside the fort for souvenirs and historical literature.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and a jacket, as the coastal breeze at the south anchorage can be chilly.

Nearby context

Located at the end of Marine Drive in the Presidio of San Francisco, Fort Point sits at the very edge of the city where the land meets the Pacific. It serves as the southern anchor for the Golden Gate Bridge approach, placing it in a prime spot for those exploring the Presidio's coastal trails.

Sources

Evidence and links