Fort Point
- California
photo: National Park Service
Why go there?
Fort Point National Historic Site is a San Francisco landmark that has been called "the Gibraltar of the West Coast." When construction began during the height of the California Gold Rush, Fort Point was planned as the most formidable deterrence America could offer to a naval attack on California. Although its guns never fired a shot in anger, the "Fort at Fort Point" played an important role in defending the Bay Area during the Civil War and World War II. Today, it's a popular spot for visitors to learn about its history and take in sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline.
