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10 Military Bases & Facilities in California That You Shouldn't Miss
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
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1. Battery Spencer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By beagleshnout - Branson, United States
Which I am one. I tour Coastal Artillery forts/batteries whenever I travel. This is a must. The view of the ocean is wonderful. The entire Marin Headlands area with Fort Baker, Fort Cronkite, Fort Barry etc is fantastic for the outdoors hiker and military history buff.
2. Fort Mason, the Great Meadow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Through much public involvement and political workings, Golden Gate National Recreation Area was created in 1972. The headquarters for the new park was established in the post’s original army hospital. As part of the redevelopment effort for the park, many of the underutilized, temporary army buildings were removed to create Fort Mason’s Great Meadow, as open space for city’s residents and visitors alike. Fort Mason Center, located close to the water at Buchanan Street and Marina Blvd. hosts several complexes of renovated military buildings, at the hub of the first urban National Park, visitors can discover all the vitality and diversity that make San Francisco one of the most exciting cities in the world. The concept that inspired creation of the GGNRA was to bring the park to the people. It is the bustling activity at Fort Mason Center that brings people to the park. Fort Mason Center combines, as perhaps no other place in the country, a magnificent setting in the heart of a great city with cultural activity for people of diverse interests and backgrounds.
Reviewed By PackThePJs - Stotfold, United Kingdom
We decided to spend a day exploring San Francisco on foot. We headed towards Ghirardelli Square (for ice cream), via Hyde Street Pier to view the historic ships. We then walked around the bay to the hill that goes up towards the meadow. It's quite a steep hill, but we kept stopping to admire the views out towards Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge - we even managed to watch a tiny hummingbird hovering between trees. At the top of the hill you look down on the Fort Mason buildings and ahead of you is this large grassed parkland. We visited in February and it was warm enough to spot families having picnics and office workers relaxing during their lunchbreaks. There were a group of teenagers playing football, and an ice-cream van serving much-needed refreshments. Alternatively, take the steps down to the Fort Mason buildings where you'll find lots of cafes, art galleries and art supply stores. It was a lovely walk
3. Fort Point National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,053 reviews
From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point protected San Francisco harbor from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the U.S. Civil War. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of the master brick mason from the Civil War period.
Reviewed By denisek857
There is an awesome view of the Bridge from here. Inside the Fort, there are cannons on display. There is a gift shop too. You are supposed to be able to get on roof for more views but it is closed due to construction. It is only opened on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We bought our hiking stick medallions from here and collected 2 passport stamps. In addition, the parking lot is less likely to have car break ins (and it is free!). I saw NPS service truck driving back and forth. In addition, if you take the quick walk to the Crissy Field warming hut, there is a pier for more cool Bridge shots. Also, there is also a path across from the warming hut that takes you all the way up to the Golden Gate so you can walk across it.
4. Nike Missile Site SF-88
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Restored Nike missile launch site located in the de-classified Fort Barry in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Reviewed By CoachRFM - Youngsville, United States
Having been a Nike Hercules radar operator I found this area to be very interesting. The differences in they way the mission was carried out were as interesting as the similarities. A nice piece of cold war history.
5. China Lake Naval Weapons Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
The largest naval research area in the U.S., 1,200 square miles of desert and mountains, allows a limited number of tours into Little Petroglyph Canyon.
Reviewed By 754steveb754 - Ridgecrest, United States
It is much easier to visit at least part of the weapons exhibits at the China Lake Museum now that some of the exhibits on off-base in Los Flores, next door the the Maturango Museum. However, for now at least, the best displays are still on the base and much harder for folks to get access. If you can get aboard China Lake and see it all, it's worth the time.
6. Treasure Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Relax45560208121
I saw the bay from a great vantage point with my kids I I also noticed vast construction going on I a massive reconstruction going on now
