Walking from Crissy Field to Fort Point: A Scenic Journey

There are many great walks in San Francisco, but the walk from Crissy Field to Fort Point is one of the country’s most beautiful urban walks, featuring stunning panoramic views in both directions. This route is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

You can embark on this picturesque stroll at any time of day. In the morning, the Golden Gate Bridge will be illuminated by radiant sunlight. Conversely, the evening provides a lovely sunset experience behind the bridge, allowing you to appreciate the enchanting city lights as you return.

The walk spans a little over a mile in each direction and generally takes about one hour to one and a half hours, depending on your pace and the time you devote to enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Along the trail, you will find essential amenities, including public restrooms near the Mason Street parking lot, the Warming Hut, and Fort Point.

Beautiful Urban Walks in San Francisco

Parking options are available at the Crissy Field lot just off Mason Street or at Fort Point, conveniently located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. For GPS navigation, the visitor center address is 603 Mason Street.

If you prefer using public transportation, mobile devices equipped with navigation apps such as Google Maps can provide directions, routes, and schedules. For avid walkers, Crissy Field can also be accessed from Fisherman’s Wharf. Head west from the wharf toward the Golden Gate Bridge, passing the Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square. Keep to the pathway leading over the hillside through Fort Mason and continue west past the marina, covering more than 3.5 miles one way from the wharf to Fort Point.

Golden Gate Bridge Views

The restored tidal flats along the Crissy Field waterfront and the promenade that passes through them combine to create one of the city’s most pleasant locales. This area was previously the U.S. Army’s Crissy Field from 1921 until 1936 and has undergone extensive restoration efforts by the National Park Service since its takeover in 1994. They meticulously replanted thousands of native plants to revive the marsh and create a scenic waterfront walking trail.

As you stroll westward, the views of the Golden Gate Bridge undergo constant transformation. If you step off the walking path, you will find yourself on the beach. Here, you might catch a glimpse of an egret hunting in the shallows, a windsurfer gracefully gliding over the waves, or a freighter navigating beneath the iconic bridge.

The Warming Hut, located midway between the parking lot and Fort Point, offers delightful coffee drinks, fresh juices, and delicious sandwiches for a refreshing break.

Exploring Fort Point

Continue along the path until you reach the end, where you will encounter Fort Point, a historic brick fort built between 1853 and 1861 and the only one of its kind west of the Mississippi. Designed after South Carolina’s Fort Sumter, it was intended to be the most technologically advanced fortification of its time, accommodating 500 soldiers and 126 cannons. Unfortunately, the construction delays rendered it outdated by the time it was completed.

As of 1900, soldiers vacated the fort, leaving it nestled beneath the southern anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can explore the interior and climb to the top level for a unique perspective of the surrounding area.

Stunning Sights Along Crissy Field

Walking west during sunset can reward you with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. However, be mindful that returning to your vehicle in the dark may be challenging, so carrying a flashlight is advisable.

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts, designed by architect Bernard R. Maybeck for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, is the only structure that remains from the world’s fair. The original, intended as a temporary installation, faced severe deterioration by the 1960s, leading to its demolition and reconstruction in concrete. Today, this stunning location is a favorite venue for weddings and concerts, attracting visitors year-round.

Skyline Views from Crissy Field

If you continue walking about thirty minutes after sunset, you may experience the captivating “blue hour,” a magical time when the sky transforms to a deep blue tone, and city lights begin to illuminate the landscape, offering a remarkable photographic opportunity.