Fort Point is a brick fortress built in the 1850s and early 1860s to guard the entrance to San Francisco Bay, and it sits right at the water's edge beneath the south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge. The fort never saw a battle, but its arched casemates, spiral staircases and roof with a view straight up into the bridge make it one of the most atmospheric historic sites in the city. It is now a national historic site run by the National Park Service, and entry is free. It suits history fans, photographers and anyone who wants a close-up look at the bridge from below. The fort has also appeared in films, most famously Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, which features it in a dramatic scene.
The story of Fort Point is partly about timing. Construction began in 1853 as part of a coastal defense system built after the Gold Rush made San Francisco strategically important, and the fort was finished in the early 1860s. By then, advances in artillery had begun to make brick forts obsolete, and it was never tested in battle.
It was used by soldiers through several periods, and by the 1930s it faced demolition during planning for the bridge. The bridge's chief engineer, Joseph Strauss, redesigned the approach with a graceful arch that spans over the fort, which is why the building survives today under the span.
What you can do
Walk through the lower casemates, climb the staircases to the upper levels and step out on the roof for views of the bridge and the strait. The fort is open Thursday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with roof access closing at 4:30 p.m. on open days. The exterior is accessible every day of the week, and the fort is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Check the park service website before you go, since hours and staffing can change.
How to get there
Fort Point sits at the end of Marine Drive in the Presidio. You can walk or bike from the Crissy Field promenade, which makes a pleasant waterfront route, or drive to the small lots nearby. Parking is limited at busy times. The bridge overhead and the water below can make it windy and cold, so dress in layers and bring a hat, even on sunny days. Wear sturdy shoes because the stairs are steep and the floors can be uneven.
A visit takes about an hour, longer if you combine it with a walk along Crissy Field or a cycle toward the bridge. It pairs well with the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Presidio e-bike tour. Because it is free and often quieter than the main bridge plaza, it is a good choice for travelers who want a historic site without the crowds.
Take care on the stairs and the roof, which are steep and exposed. Wear closed shoes and keep a hand on the railings, especially in wind. Photographers should look for the arches of the casemates, the view up into the bridge underside and the surf at the base of the wall. If you plan to walk from Crissy Field, the route is flat and takes about half an hour each way, with the bridge growing larger as you approach. Check the weather, since fog can hide the bridge even when the fort is open.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a brick coastal fort beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, with casemates, staircases and a roof with views of the bridge.
Best time
Open Thursday to Monday; clear mornings give the best light, but fog and wind are common.
How long
About an hour.
Tips
Roof access closes at 4:30 p.m., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day; dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History buffs and photographers who want a close look at the bridge.
- Families
- Kids like the staircases and the echoing casemates.
- Couples
- A windswept, dramatic stop on a Crissy Field walk.
- Pair with
- Crissy Field, the Palace of Fine Arts and the bridge viewpoints.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Is Fort Point free?+
Yes, entry to the national historic site is free.
When is it open?+
Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with roof access closing at 4:30 p.m.; the exterior is accessible daily.
Why is it under the bridge?+
The bridge engineer designed an arch over the fort so the historic building could be preserved.
Was it ever used in battle?+
No. It was built to defend the bay but never faced an attack.
How do I get there?+
Walk or bike from Crissy Field in the Presidio, or drive to the small lots nearby.
