Fort Baker is one of the quieter corners of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The National Park Service describes it as a 335-acre former Army post right north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the ninth and final "Post-to-Park" conversion in the Golden Gate National Parks.

The post has more than 25 historic Army buildings set around a main parade ground. There is also a sheltered harbor protected by a jetty, several old gun emplacements, and trails and woods climbing up from the bay.

A little history

According to Wikipedia, the area began as the Lime Point Military Reservation, which President Millard Fillmore created in 1850. Lawsuits meant the federal government did not get the land until 1866. A tent camp was set up on the site of today's Main Post in 1897, the same year the reservation was renamed Fort Baker. Permanent buildings went up starting in 1901.

The fort is named for Edward Dickinson Baker, a former U.S. senator from Oregon who was active in California politics in the 1850s. He was killed leading Union troops at the Battle of Ball's Bluff during the Civil War. During both world wars, Fort Baker served as headquarters for the Army's 91st Division. The last uniformed Army units left Fort Baker and the Presidio in 2000.

Things to do

  • Fish and crab: The park service says you can fish and crab off the pier at Horseshoe Cove without a fishing license.
  • Get on the water: Kayaks and sailboats can launch from the boat ramp at Horseshoe Cove. The small yacht harbor offers sailing lessons and boat rentals.
  • Short hike: Drown Road and the Chapel Steps Trail make a moderate loop of about 1 mile.
  • Batteries: Battery Yates, on the eastern bluffs, is one of the coastal fortifications you can explore.
  • Wildlife: Watch for the endangered Mission blue butterfly and its host plant, silver lupine. Around Horseshoe Cove and the pier you may see shorebirds, sea lions and harbor seals.

Neighbors

Park partners at Fort Baker include the Bay Area Discovery Museum, the Cavallo Point lodge, U.S. Coast Guard Station Golden Gate and the Travis Marina. Wikipedia notes the fort also appears in pop culture: in Star Trek it is home to Starfleet Headquarters, and it was the finish line of The Amazing Race 2.

Getting there

Park on the waterfront at Horseshoe Cove, or at the Drown Road trailhead off East Road. Many cyclists come in from the bridge on Conzelman Road. The routes around Murray Circle and the waterfront are fairly flat, and a short, steep climb leads to the road into Sausalito. While you're in the Headlands, the Point Bonita Lighthouse is a short drive west.