News Release

Golden Gate National Recreation Area is beginning to increase access to Fort Point NHS

NPS/Will Elder

News Release Date: August 28, 2020

SAN FRANCISCO—Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Golden Gate National Recreation Area is increasing access to Fort Point National Historic Site (NHS). The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.   

Beginning August 29, 2020, Fort Point NHS will restore access to the outdoor areas of the historic fort, including sections of the parade ground, casemates on the 2nd and 3rd tier, and the barbette tier.   

Fort Point NHS will open to the public each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed:   

• Interior portions of buildings on the historic fort.   

• Ranger-led tours will not be offered.   

“The health and safety of our visitors and employees are our highest priority," said Laura E. Joss, General Superintendent of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. "Fort Point is a popular visitor destination adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge. This unit of the National Park System tells important stories of the bay and our nation. We are pleased to provide a great outdoor experience at Fort Point for inspiration and mental health during these challenging times.”  

Fort Point NHS park ranger staff will be on hand. They will focus on welcoming visitors and introducing them to new safety features at the historic fort; however no interpretive ranger programs will be offered.   

The park is instituting a one-way direction of travel in some areas of the fort to minimize close contact.  Signage will be posted to direct this one-way travel and visitors are encouraged to follow instructions from park and partner staff.   

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which administers Fort Point, our operational approach continues to be centered on examining each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and work spaces are safe and clean.    

A safe and enjoyable park experience begins at home. The NPS encourages visitors to plan their visit by checking the park’s website and social media for current conditions and travel tips. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We ask the public to be our partner in recreating responsibly, by following CDC and state and local guidance, social distancing, and wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained.   

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website at www.nps.gov/goga and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.