Fort Point

Fort Point Review

Dwarfed today by the Golden Gate Bridge, this brick fortress constructed between 1853 and 1861 was designed to protect San Francisco from a Civil War sea attack that never materialized. It was also used as a coastal-defense fortification post during World War II, when soldiers stood watch here. This National Historic Site is now a sprawling museum of military memorabilia. The building, which surrounds a lonely, windswept courtyard, has a gloomy air and is suitably atmospheric. It's usually chilly, too, so bring a jacket. The top floor affords a unique angle on the bay. Take care when walking along the front side of the building, as it's slippery, and the waves have a dizzying effect.

On the days when Fort Point is staffed (Fridays and weekends), guided group tours and cannon drills take place. The popular, guided candlelight tours, available only in winter, sell out in advance, so book ahead. Living-history days take place throughout the year, when Union soldiers perform drills, a drum-and-fife band plays, and a Civil War-era doctor shows his instruments and describes his surgical technique (gulp).