Fort Mason in SF

Fort Mason is located in the Marina District, and it is the center of art and culture in San Francisco. Every year, thousands of people visit the fort to attend the live performances going on within the fort.

Fort Mason History

Although this is what the landmark is known for today, it was not always so. A former United States Army Station, the fort was a defense military facility during World War 2. It was referred to as the San Francisco Port of Embarkation and was the main port for the Pacific Campaign. It was later referred to as Fort Mason in 1882 after a former military governor of California, Richard Mason.

About

Fort Mason is divided into two specific areas.

The Upper Port

Referred to as Fort Mason, and was the base for the original coastal defense.

The Lower Port

Also referred to as Fort Mason Center, it was the base of the former military post. Today, the Lower Port still contains the original warehouses used during World War 2.

After the Fort was no longer needed for military purposes, the Team West 8 decided to redesign it and transform most of its buildings into an art and culture center. Team West 8 also redesigned hotel facilities for youths. Within the landmark, there are campuses, theater, museums, restaurants, galleries, a farmer’s market, and non-profit organizations.

Things to see

If you are at the Fort Mason, and you are not sure where to begin your exploration, here are a few good ones. The Italian American Museum, The Mexican Museum, Green’s Restaurant, The Farmer’s market, and the San Francisco Public Library. It is easy to get to here, and the easiest way is from the Fisherman’s Wharf. You can easily get to the fort from the Union Square as well.

Parking is available at the fort for about $3 per hour. Parking is available on nearby streets. Make sure you park in an area that it will be safe due to not all areas being safe. You want to make sure your car is safe so it doesn’t get broken into.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to take a boat ride, you could check out Alcatraz. This is an old prison, now a historical landmark, therefore it is no longer in use.