Fort Point Candlelight Tour

The following programs are provided free of charge. However, because of possible changes in programming, please feel free to contact us or consult the sallyport program board for program updates.

For curriculum based education programs for schools groups, please refer our Parks As Classrooms page for details.

Self-Guided Tour:
Take a look around Fort Point at your own pace with a booklet available at the fort that provides information about the fort and its history.

Fort History Tour:
Join one of our staff members near the front entrance of the fort for a tour. Learn about the soldiers' lives, architecture, cannons, cuisine and lots more. Tours last about 30-minutes.

Guardians of the Golden Gate Video:
This 17-minute video can be seen in the theater adjacent to the Fort Point Bookstore. This short documentary video will provide you with an understanding of the history of Fort Point.

Building the Golden Gate Bridge Video:
This 28-minute video, produced by the Bethlehem Steel Company, is an interesting look into the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Unlike other videos about the bridge, this video not only contains footage taken during construction, but relates the story of the steel company and construction workers that built the bridge.

Cannon Loading Demonstration
Join a member of our staff and learn about the Napoleon 12-pounder field cannon. Afterwards, you and other visitors can demonstrate the loading techniques you learned. Meet at the small field cannon across the front entrance, at the green benches. Drills usually take about 30-minutes.

Seasonal Programs

Please be advised that the following programs do require reservations in advance. For some, reservations should be made at least a month ahead due to the limited space available. Reservations can only be made over the phone by calling (415) 556-1693. Dates of each can be found in the Schedule of events.

Fort Point Candlelight Tour
Months available:
November through February

Available Days:
Saturday Evenings Only

We begin taking reservations September 1st.

Join the ranger for a tour of Fort Point in a different light. Space is limited, so please call in advance. Please, due to the limited space, be considerate of others by not reserving for friends or groups. Family groups of no more than six. We also advise that this program may not be suited for children under the age of 10. Remember that once the fort doors close and the program begins, they will not be able to leave until the program is over. We cannot take any reservations for this program until the dates have been published in the fall and winter editions of Park News.

You may want to bring a flashlight just in case, if you need to use the portable toilets outside the fort. 

Pier Crabbing Demonstration
Months available: March through October
Available Days: Saturday Mornings 10 a.m. to Noon.

Join the staff for an inside look into the techniques of pier crabbing. You will be loaned the equipment needed to put your newly learned skills to the test. Program includes information on types of crabs that are legally taken and other regulations. Due to the limited space reservations are required.