Explore This Park

Fort Barry

• Learn About Fort Barry's Historic Buildings

• Explore Fort Barry's Many Trails

• Discover This Site's Rich History

• Take in Scenic Views

 

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

• 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.
• 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.

• 

  Hostelling International

  Housing in historic buildings where guests can enjoy Hostelling International’s Marin Headlands location.

• 

  YMCA Point Bonita

  Point Bonita YMCA provides environmental education that connects youth & families to nature, science, and community.

 

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.

 

• 

  Nike Missile Site

  Visit the Nike Missile Site and museum.

• 

  Point Bonita Lighthouse

  Hike out to the Point Bonita Lighthouse.

• 

  Bicentennial Campground

  Stay Overnight at the Bicentennial Campground.

• 

  Self-Guided Fort Barry History Tour

  Learn about the military history of the fort and its batteries.

• 

  Wildlife and Plant Species Guide

  Print out this guide so you can identify any wildflowers or butterflies you come across.

• 

  Public Transit

  San Francisco MUNI Line 76x Marin Headlands Express serves major sites in the Marin Headlands on Saturdays, Sundays, and most holidays.

• 

  Travel Alerts

  Check the tunnel closure website to learn about tunnel closures.

• 

  Fort Barry History

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

• 

  Architectural Style

  Identify the architectural style of 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]