Fort Point National Historic Site: Parking, History, Fees and More
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Nestled at the entrance to Golden Gate Bay in San Francisco lies a hidden gem of American history - Fort Point National Historic Site.
Steeped in military heritage and offering breathtaking views, this site transports visitors back to the era of the Civil War.
In this post, we'll delve into the captivating history of Fort Point, exploring its significance and the unique experiences it offers to those who visit.
Topics such as parking, the fort’s history, fees, how to get there and more will be discussed. Let’s get into it!
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Fort Point History
Constructed between 1853 and 1861, Fort Point stands as a testament to the nation's military defense strategies during the mid-19th century.
Its primary purpose was to protect San Francisco Bay from potential attacks. Named after the rocky promontory on which it was built, Fort Point was initially armed with hundreds of cannons and a garrison of soldiers.
During the American Civil War, Fort Point played a vital role in safeguarding the Pacific Coast. Despite its strategic significance, it never saw direct combat during the conflict.
Its mere presence deterred Confederate vessels from venturing too close to the Bay Area, thereby safeguarding the Union's interests until 1886, when all troops were withdrawn.
In the mid-20th century, there were plans to demolish the fort in order to make way for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.
However, due to the efforts of preservationists, the fort was spared and bridge was purposely built around it. In 1970, it was designated a National Historic Site, ensuring its protection.
Today, the fort serves as a tangible reminder of the nation's turbulent past and the enduring strength of the United States.
Parking at Fort Point
Fort Point National Historic Site, located underneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich history.
As you plan your visit, a key consideration is parking. As I’m sure you know, parking anywhere in San Francisco can be quite the task. Thankfully, at Fort Point, there are a few viable options.
On-Site Parking
Fort Point National Historic Site has dedicated on-site parking for visitors. There’s a handful of spaces directly adjacent to the fort.
Limited street parking is also available along Marine Drive, just outside the entrance. I suggest arriving early to secure a spot.
If you intend to park here and are utilizing GPS, be sure to punch in the exact address OR its full name (Fort Point National Historic Site). The address is:
201 Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA, 94129
If you only punch in, “Fort Point”, like I did, it’ll likely take you to the Battery East parking lot (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing).
By inputting the address or full name, it’ll take you to the parking spaces along Marine drive.
Crissy Field Parking Lot
Situated a short walk away from the fort, the Crissy Field parking lot offers ample space. It provides easy access to the site and is often a preferred choice due to its proximity.
Parking here is free on weekdays but there is a fee on weekends. They are:
$1.20 per hour
$7.00 for the day
The payment kiosks accept credit or debit cards, as well as coins.
From this parking lot, it’s 1.6-miles to the fort and takes roughly thirty minutes by foot.
While it isn’t the closest lot, it’s situated near many other attractions in the Presidio. If you’re visiting them as well, parking here may be the most strategic option.
Battery East Parking Lot
Located east of Fort Point, the Battery East parking lot is another viable option. Although it requires a short downhill hike to get to the fort.
If you feel up to hiking, I highly suggest parking here. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge from this trail are outstanding. Especially in the spring when local floral is in bloom.
There are parking fees at this location. They are:
$3.00 per hour
$10.00 for the day
There are two pay stations located at each end of the lot and they only accept credit or debit cards. Be sure to place your receipt on your dashboard.
It’s about 3/4’s of a mile (one-way) to the fort and takes roughly 15-minutes to get there.
Fort Point Fees & Hours of Operation
At Fort Point, there are no admission fees (or parking fees if you park along Marine drive).
That’s the good news. The bad news? The fort isn’t open every day of the week. The fort’s hours of operation are:
Open Thursday - Monday, 10am - 5pm (roof access closes at 4:30)
Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
These hours pertain to the interior of the fort. The exterior can be accessed seven days a week.
If you’ll be here on a day when the fort is closed, I still recommend going as the views of the bridge from here are amazing.
However, I highly suggest timing your visit to a day when the interior is open to get the most out of Fort Point.
The Interior of Fort Point
When you step through the iron gates of Fort Point, the first thing you’ll likely take notice of is the beautiful contrast of 1800’s and 1900’s architecture as the Golden Gate Bridge intersects with the fort nearly directly above you.
There are several levels to the fort, most of which (including the open top roof) are accessible to visitors.
Something to note is that only the bottom level is wheelchair accessible. The remaining levels must be accessed via the spiral staircase leading up to the guard towers.
There are many artifacts on display, such as canons and several images showing what the fort looked like prior to the construction of the bridge.
As you move up the levels, you’ll find several rooms that were once living quarters for the soldiers and officers with exhibits on display.
You’ll also notice dozens of look-out holes along the brick walls that once allowed soldiers to maintain surveillance of the bay and utilize artillery, if needed.
Make your way up to the roof and treat yourself to amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Dotted along the roof are foundations that once housed artillery batteries.
If you can, try to picture the bay without the bridge and put yourself in the point of view of the soldiers as they wondered if that would be the day the Confederacy attacked.
When you’re finished exploring, simply make your way outside the fort and move on to your next adventure of the day.
If you’re interested in additional sites that detail the area’s rich military history, consider reading a few more of our posts to help map out your trip. They are:
“The Ultimate Guide To Visiting and Touring Alcatraz Island”*
“San Francisco’s Embarcadero: Best Things To Do, Getting Around and More”*
“Muir Beach Overlook: A Breathtaking View Of The Pacific Ocean”*
“Kirby Cove: The Most Gorgeous View Of The Golden Gate Bridge”*
*Denotes a link to a separate post
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