Explore This Park

Fort Barry

Photo courtesy of Frank Schmidt

Welcome to Fort Barry!

Fort Barry is a former 1908 army post, located in the Marin Headlands. Fort Barry encompasses the historic military post, located across the street from the park's Marin Headlands Visitor Center, as well as several historic batteries, including Battery Mendell and Battery Alexander and the Point Bonita Lighthouse area. Come visit this historic area and enjoy the Lagoon and Coastal Trails, the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Rodeo Lagoon and explore Point Bonita.

 

Things to Do at Fort Barry

• Visit the former Fort Barry Chapel, now the Marin Headlands Visitor Center, and check out the exhibits or get advice from a ranger
• Visit the Nike Missile Site and museum.
• Hike out to the Point Bonita Lighthouse
• Take the South Rodeo Beach trail to Rodeo Cove
• Picnic at Battery Wallace, near the Point Bonita Trailhead. This is one of the parks' most scenic picnic spots, complete with tables and grills (no water on site).
• Stay overnight at the Bicentennial Campground; reserve ahead of time.

 

Tips and Highlights

• Download the self-guided Fort Barry history tour and learn about the military history of the fort and its batteries.
• Fort Barry is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, including the endangered Mission Blue butterfly, and its host plant, the silver lupine. Print out this guide so you can identify any wildflowers or butterflies you come across.
• Bathrooms are located by the parking lots for the Visitor Center and Battery Mendell.
• Bring snacks and water as there are no food vendors in the Marin Headlands.

 

FORT BARRY'S PARTNERS

Fort Barry’s park partners have utilized the structures left from the Endicott-era, renovating historic buildings which now house visitor, art, and community centers as well as a green-certified hostel.

 

Headlands Center for the Arts

Headlands Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary, international arts center dedicated to supporting artists; the creative process; and the development of new, innovative ideas and artwork.

 

Hostelling International

Housed in historic buildings, guests at Hostelling International’s Marin Headlands location can enjoy cozy guest lounges, fully equipped kitchens, and amenities including on-site laundry and free parking.

 

YMCA Point Bonita

Point Bonita YMCA provides environmental education that connects youth & families to nature, science, and community. It serves as a stunning meeting and retreat location with overnight accommodations and quality food.

 

NAVIGATING FORT BARRY

Parking

There are several parking lots within Fort Barry. There is a parking lot with restrooms next to the Marin Headlands Visitor Center, a parking lot at the South Beach Rodeo Trail trailhead, another by Battery Mendell and one off Conzelman Road above the Bicentennial Campground.

Public Transit

San Francisco MUNI Line 76x Marin Headlands Express serves major sites in the Marin Headlands on Saturdays, Sundays, and most holidays. Contact MUNI for schedule by dialing 415-673-6864 or visiting their website.

Travel Alerts

The Baker-Barry Tunnel will be closed for important improvements from approximately November 2016 to April 2017. Please check with tunnel closure website to see if the tunnel closure will affect your travel plans.

 

Want to know more about Fort Barry?

Learn about the history of Fort Barry and other Endicott-period army posts in the GGNRA

Identify the architectural style of the historic buildings at Fort Barry

 

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:

Marin Headlands Visitor Center

Fort Barry, Building 948

Sausalito, CA 94965

Phone: [phone]