Fort Point is a National Park Fort seated at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.  When it was built, at the outbreak of the Civil War, it was one of the US Army's most sophisticated coastal fortification. 

It's position at the Golden Gate was the "key to the whole Pacific Coast".  But alas, it never saw action.

Just as with every National Park Historic site that we have visited, the park rangers were very friendly and new the park inside and out.... pointing out the best places to take pictures and view the San Francisco Harbor. 

There are two free video presentations available for viewing at the Fort.  One is on the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the other is on the history of the Fort.  The schedule is posted at the Fort.  There are demonstrations taking place throughout the day, and complementary tours of the fort are available.  The Fort is in remarkably good condition.... but is going through a renovation currently (2007)... retrofitting the Fort for the safety of visitors.

If you look at the photo to the left, you will notice on the far left portion of the photo that there is a smaller "bridge" within the Golden Gate Bridge.  This was added by the builder of the Golden Gate Bridge to preserve the Fort.

Visit the The Fort web site  for more information.

I recommend that any family vacation include some points of history... this is a great choice while in San Francisco.

Unbiased Fort Point Historic Site Reviews

Other great stops on our San Francisco family vacation.....

Also - visit our other National Park Family Vacation stops.......

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