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Fort Baker: A Historic Coastal Defense

Explore a historic army post reborn as a national park, offering stunning Golden Gate views and outdoor adventures in Sausalito.

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Nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, California, Fort Baker is a former U.S. Army post transformed into a stunning national park site. With its historic military buildings, scenic waterfront, and breathtaking views, Fort Baker offers a unique blend of history, nature, and recreation.

A brief summary to Fort Baker

Local tips

  • Even when other areas are foggy, Fort Baker often enjoys sunshine.
  • Hike the trails around Fort Baker for spectacular views and to spot the endangered Mission Blue butterfly.
  • Go fishing or crabbing off the pier at Horseshoe Cove; no fishing license is required.
  • Visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum for hands-on activities for kids.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, walk north along Bridgeway, enjoying the waterfront views. Turn left onto Bay Street, then right onto Bridgeway, continuing north. Turn left onto Alexander Avenue, then right onto East Road, which leads into Fort Baker. Follow signs within Fort Baker to reach specific points of interest. The walk from Sausalito Ferry Terminal is approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From San Francisco, take the Golden Gate Transit Route 130 bus. The bus travels from Van Ness Avenue & Clay Street in San Francisco to the Hwy 101 & Alexander Ave stop in Sausalito. From there, walk or bike down Alexander Avenue into Fort Baker. As of July 1, 2025, the adult cash fare from San Francisco to Sausalito is $5.75. Clipper card users receive a discount. Alternatively, from San Rafael, take the Golden Gate Transit Route 150 bus to the Spencer Ave Bus Pad in Sausalito. Then transfer to Route 130 to the Hwy 101 & Alexander Ave stop. The adult cash fare from San Rafael to Sausalito ranges from $2 to $8.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Alexander Avenue exit towards Sausalito. Follow Alexander Avenue, then turn right onto East Road to enter Fort Baker. Parking is available along Sommerville Road and Moore Road. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially on weekends. The toll on the Golden Gate Bridge is $7.50, or $6.50 with FasTrak, when driving southbound back into San Francisco.

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Discover more about Fort Baker

Fort Baker, a 335-acre parkland in Sausalito, California, boasts a rich history and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Originally the Lime Point Military Reservation in 1850, the area was designated by President Millard Fillmore for coastal defense. Construction was delayed until 1866 due to land acquisition issues and the Civil War. By the late 1890s, modern coastal artillery batteries were constructed, and the reservation was renamed Fort Baker in honor of Edward Dickinson Baker, a former U.S. Senator. Between 1901 and 1915, the army constructed 24 buildings around the 10-acre parade ground. These Colonial Revival-style structures housed officers, barracks, and community facilities. Fort Baker played a vital role in the defense of San Francisco Bay, particularly during World War II when it served as a mine depot. Over 300 underwater mines guarded the Golden Gate, managed by the Army's mine vessels stationed at the fort. In 2002, Fort Baker was transferred to the National Park Service, marking its transition from a military post to a national park site. Today, visitors can explore the historic buildings, hike the trails, fish off the pier, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The park is also home to Cavallo Point, a LEED-certified national park lodge, and the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Fort Baker offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the natural and cultural history of the Golden Gate.

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