Fort Point is situated under the Golden Gate Bridge and until the bridge's building, was the most notable element of the narrow entrance to the San Francisco Bay. During the fort's 50 years of operation its four cannons never were called to action. The fort was operational during the Civil War where 140 soldiers were stationed and last saw active duty during World War II. The fort's original four remaining cannons were removed soon after.
Fort Point now serves as a National Historic site. Visitor's can explore it's interior, participate in a cannon drill or simply marvel at the view from San Francisco to Sausalito from across the bay. There is also the option of a ranger-led winter night tour by candlelight where the visitor can experience the fort while looking at the stars and the light dotted hills of the North Bay. During spring through fall rangers demonstrate crab catching from the pier and locals can be seen hauling in their own catch. Visitors can also watch Civil war re-enactments held at the fort during specified times of the year.
The lower level of the fort houses an assortment of historic arsenal and special exhibits outlining the fort's history. The second floor includes the kitchens, bunk quarters and hospital. One can locate the soldiers' barracks on the third floor and be rewarded once the fourth floor, the barbette tier, has been reached for the amazing view of the entrance to the bay from directly under the Golden Gate Bridge. All visitor's should also be reminded that the weather at the fort is usually about 10 degrees colder than the city, so be prepared to bring a jacket, which will be in high demand while standing on the upper most point. The view from the top of Fort Point, the northern most point of San Francisco across the bay's entrance is one that should not be missed.
