• Tips for Visitors

After a dramatic post-to-park transformation, Fort Baker's stately Colonial Revival-style homes now house Cavallo Point-the Lodge at the Golden Gate (the first national park lodge of the 21st century) and the Institute at the Golden Gate (a new environmental center). Come to this beautiful site in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, stay at Cavallo Point, and learn about the Institute.

The revitalization of the park, completed in 2008, has restored native habitat and opened new opportunities for recreation. Today, you may visit this former army post’s sheltered bay cove to:

• Lounge on the restored historic parade ground at the heart of the Fort Baker, while contemplating the stunning preservation work around you. Visit the National Park Service site to learn about the careful restoration of Fort Baker buildings and grounds.
• Hike the trails in and around Fort Baker, home to the endangered mission blue butterfly, and take in spectacular vistas of Bay and Bridge. Download an NPS brochure and map to begin your adventure.
• Enjoy a refreshing beverage or snack, or treat yourself to a world-class dining experience, at the dining establishments of Cavallo Point. 
• Picnic under pepper trees and eucalyptus­ Fort Baker’s grassy parade ground and coastal bluffs provide quiet, wind-sheltered picnic spots. Those who prefer tables will find them near the Lime Point parking area and on East Road.
• Fish off the pier which juts out from Fort Baker’s shore, a good spot to catch perch, flounder, smelt, and rock crabs.
• On the eastern bayshore, explore the brick fortifications of Battery Cavallo and the concrete gun emplacements of Battery Yates. In a flat spot under the bridge stands the Lime Point light and foghorn.
• Experience touchy-feely fun and learning at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Kids love the hands-on art, science, and play activities at the Discovery Museum, which focuses on bay history and ecology. In addition to museum learning and play zones, you will find a store, café, theater, and restrooms. Please note: The museum charges an admission fee.

From its station at Fort Baker’s Horseshoe Bay, the US Coast Guard operates a fleet of boats that patrol Golden Gate and Pacific waters as far south as Pilar Point and as far north as Point Reyes. The station is sometimes open for public visits (call for details).

Planning for the Future
The army handed over the keys to Fort Baker to the National Park Service (NPS) in 2002. Through a unique partnership among the NPS, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and private entity Fort Baker Retreat Group, Fort Baker was revitalized with meticulous care and under strict "green" guidelines. In addition to the establishment of an eco-friendly national park lodge, the conservation ethos also inspired the founding of the Institute at the Golden Gate, which will convene environmental meetings and develop programs aimed at global sustainability.

Future plans for Fort Baker call for a new waterfront center in the old boat shop, where you will be able to rent bikes, get trail maps and snacks, and learn about local park activities. Visit the National Park Service’s website for more information.

Tips for Visitors

• It is often sunny at Fort Baker when western park areas are fogged in. On the eastern bayshore, you will find the brick fortifications of Battery Cavallo and the concrete gun emplacements of Battery Yates.
• Trails and lands directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, and between the Highway 101 Vista Point and Fort Baker, may periodically be closed to public access.
• Watch out for poison oak and rare Mission blue butterflies around Battery Yates.