Fort Baker
Historic U.S. Army post offering breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge views and serene bay exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Fort Baker
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic U.S. Army post offering breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge views and serene bay exploration.
"A hidden gem with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, perfect for photos and quiet time."
📸 Best Bridge Photos
Find secluded spots for Golden Gate Bridge photos without the usual crowds.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore historic trails and viewpoints; comfortable footwear is a must for hiking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Gate Bridge Overlook
Various points within Fort Baker
Capture iconic shots of the Golden Gate Bridge from unique angles, often with fewer crowds than other viewpoints.
Cavallo Point Lodge
Within Fort Baker
Historic former military buildings transformed into a luxury lodge with stunning bay views and a rich past.
Fort Baker Fishing Pier
Fort Baker shoreline
Enjoy fishing or crabbing with panoramic views of the bay and city skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Fog for Golden Gate Views
Explore Historic Fortifications
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Bridge Photos
Find secluded spots for Golden Gate Bridge photos without the usual crowds.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore historic trails and viewpoints; comfortable footwear is a must for hiking.
🎣 Crabbing & Fishing Fun
Try your luck at crabbing or fishing from the pier for a unique bay experience.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, making it easy to access trails and viewpoints.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Bridge Photos
Find secluded spots for Golden Gate Bridge photos without the usual crowds.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore historic trails and viewpoints; comfortable footwear is a must for hiking.
🎣 Crabbing & Fishing Fun
Try your luck at crabbing or fishing from the pier for a unique bay experience.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, making it easy to access trails and viewpoints.
🚶♀️ Stroller-Friendly Paths
Many paths are accessible for strollers, perfect for families with young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Fort Baker's stunning Golden Gate Bridge views and peaceful atmosphere, calling it a 'hidden gem' perfect for photos and quiet contemplation. The free parking and accessible trails are major pluses, though some note the lack of readily available restrooms.
"This place is so cute! Stopped here to get a better view of the bridge, luckily we went and it was sunny and no fog! It's a very chill place, great to walk around. Secluded and private, there is a "discovery center" nearby. Parking in this general area is free and lots of parking, did not see a bathroom though. I reccomend this as a quick stop to take pictures."
Brenda Ibarra
"Stunning scenery. It takes roughly 4 and a half hours to hike to the base of Half Dome. Make sure to bring a water filter so you can refill at the river. You'll definitely need plenty of water. Plus, to make it to the top of Half Dome, you should start your hike before 7 AM. If you are planning to climb to the top of half dome, you'll need to get tickets."
Mario Vargas
"Beautiful place, plenty of parking to access the hiking trails and gun emplacements. Views of the bridge and city as well as Angel island and Alcatraz. There is a large discovery museum and play area for kids, looked like fun from the outside. I think it is a pay to play area. Fishing and crabbing off the pier as well."
Peter Kent
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and follow signs for Fort Baker. Alternatively, take a ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito and then a short drive or taxi to Fort Baker. +1
While direct public transport is limited, you can take a ferry to Sausalito and then use ride-sharing services or a local bus if available.
Driving directly to Fort Baker offers excellent vantage points for Golden Gate Bridge photos, often with fewer people than viewpoints closer to the city.
Yes, you can bike or walk from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying scenic routes that lead to Fort Baker. +1
Fort Baker offers ample free parking, making it convenient for visitors exploring the trails and viewpoints.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fort Baker itself is generally free to enter and explore. However, specific attractions like the Discovery Museum may have admission fees.
Fort Baker is typically open during daylight hours for public access to trails and viewpoints. Specific facility hours may vary.
No, accessing the viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Baker is free of charge.
Parking at Fort Baker is generally free, which is a significant advantage for visitors.
Cavallo Point Lodge is a hotel and conference center, so reservations are required for stays or events.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for viewpoints along the shoreline and near the historic buildings for unique perspectives of the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer and Hawk Hill are nearby popular spots. +1
Yes, sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting for photographing the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay and bridge views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check local regulations.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Yes, Fort Baker has a fishing pier where you can enjoy crabbing and fishing. Be aware of local regulations and catch limits.
Common catches include rock crab and potentially Dungeness crab (check regulations for keeping them).
There's a discovery museum and play area for kids, and the stroller-friendly paths make it easy for families to explore.
The Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito is a large-scale hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta, offering an educational experience about the bay's ecosystem.
Yes, Fort Baker offers various hiking trails with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy with the stunning views. The fishing pier is also a fun activity for older kids interested in trying crabbing or fishing.
The ferry ride to nearby Sausalito can also be an exciting part of the day's adventure. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and drinks to save on food costs. The hiking trails offer free, scenic exploration. For a low-cost adventure, consider walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to reach Fort Baker.
📸 Photographers
Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best light and dramatic skies.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Fortifications
Walking through Fort Baker feels like stepping back in time. The architecture of the historic buildings, like those at Cavallo Point Lodge, showcases early 20th-century military design. The area is also on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its significance.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking to discover these historical gems. For those interested in a deeper dive, the Bay Model Visitor Center in nearby Sausalito offers an educational perspective on the bay's complex ecosystem, which was crucial for military operations.
Capturing the Golden Gate Bridge
Popular spots include the shoreline areas and elevated points offering panoramic views. The interplay of light and fog can create dramatic photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Beyond the bridge, the historic buildings of Fort Baker and the natural landscape of the Marin Headlands also make for compelling photographic subjects.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the dedicated play spaces, the open grounds and beaches provide ample room for kids to run around and enjoy the outdoors. The fishing pier also offers an exciting activity for older children interested in trying their hand at crabbing or fishing.
The stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay provide a beautiful backdrop for family outings. For a unique family adventure, consider the ferry ride from San Francisco to Sausalito, which is an experience in itself before heading to Fort Baker.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit