The idea behind building this fort in 1861 was to fend off attacks by the Confederacy. It proved to be a non-issue, though. This place went on to achieve cinema immortality as the spot from which Kim Novak took her plunge into the San Francisco Bay in the Hitchcock classic Vertigo. There are spectacular views of the Marin Headlands from just beneath the soaring south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge. Tours are offered and the museum houses a collection of military memorabilia. Take note, it is usually very windy at Fort Point, so dress accordingly.
This seven-acre sanctuary is a tribute to the memory of those lost to this so-far incurable disease. Located on the east end of Golden Gate Park, the grove was conceived in 1989 by a group of San Francisco residents and received national status by President Clinton and Congress in October 1996. Renovation for the Memorial began in 1991 and it is a beautiful landscape with thousands of new trees, plants, six flagstone gathering areas, 15 benches, and numerous granite boulders. Today it is the site of memorial services, reflection, and events such as World AIDS Day.
Overlooking the San Francisco Bay, the Presidio is one of San Francisco's best kept and oldest parks. The Presidio Trust, along with the National Park Service, seeks to preserve the heritage and architecture of the area while providing both locals and tourists with a splendid recreational spot. Visitors to the park can admire several restored military buildings and embark on explorations of the expansive area. Attractions such as the "Spire," attributed to artist Andy Goldsworthy, and other unique additions have even helped the park be featured in numerous TV shows and movies. The Presidio is an excellent destination to visit with the entire family, and the park also offers tours to help acquaint you with all it has to offer. It is open year-round, and entry is free.
The Marin Headlands offers breathtaking views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The park also offers a variety of activities for history buffs and nature enthusiasts. Learn about Miwok Indian culture at the Visitor's Center, or military history at Forts Barry and Cronkite. Enjoy a hike to the still active, 150 year-old Point Bonita lighthouse, or view wildlife in nearby Tennessee Valley.