Fort Point Candlelight Tour
Fort Point National Historic Site Tours
The Candlelight Tour is a seasonal tour only offered from November-February.
The Candlelight Tour of Fort Point is a popular guided program that allows visitors to experience the fort in a new light. This evening tour will maze through the shadows of the historic structure by candlelight and visitors will see the glimmering lights of the Golden Gate Bridge towering up above them. Upon arrival, a park ranger will check-in guests and provide visitors with a lantern. A ranger will lead this 90-minute excursion and interpret the history and the life that once existed within the old brick walls of Fort Point. The Candlelight Tour explores all four level of the fort including the roof (approximately 76 steps). Visitors will be invited to engage in dialogue as they learn about the fascinating and sometimes complex history of the fort, its role in San Francisco history, and its cultural relevance today. Recommended age for this tour is 12 years and up.
Visitors with reservations will begin their tour when the fort is otherwise inaccessible to the public.
This tour is in addition to regular programming at Fort Point NHS. It requires extensive planning, scheduling and preparation. America the Beautiful National Park Passes will not be accepted for admission to this special program. We thank the public for their support and continued interest.
Visitors with tickets should arrive 15 minutes before their tour begins to check-in with a ranger.
Confirm the time of the tour booking on your ticket!
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Start Time
The tour begins promptly. Please try to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure enough time to check in and use facilities before the tour begins. Late arrivals will not be permitted to enter the fort after the tour begins. Confirm the time of your tour on your ticket!
- Early Arrival and Restrooms
Please arrive 15 minutes before tour start time. Use the time to check-in with a ranger and use the restrooms outside adjacent to th parking lot before the tour begins. There are no restrooms inside of Fort Point.
- Accessibility
The Candlelight Tour explores all four levels of the fort including the roof (approximately 76 steps). The spiral granite staircases of Fort Point do not have handrails and may be steep. There are no elevators inside this historic structure built in 1853, therefore this tour is not accessible. If you require other accommodations, please contact Fort Point to speak with a ranger upon booking so we can make reasonable accommodations.
- Cell Phone Service
Cell phone service is unreliable inside Fort Point. Please print your tickets OR save them on your phone prior to your arrival.
- Weather
Conditions inside Fort Point may be dark, cold, and damp. The weather can be extremely windy. Dress like an onion, in layers and wear warm clothing including gloves. Visitors are encouraged to bring a pack to carry extra outerwear. Because of high wind conditions visitors are cautioned to hold on to hats or loose accessories when on the roof.
- Parking and Theft
Free parking is available directly outside of Fort Point. Do not leave any items or valuables inside of your vehicle! San Francisco has a high rate of car break-ins. The National Park Service is not responsible for damaged or stolen property.
- Eating and Drinking
Water is the only drink permitted inside the fort and must be in a closed and sealed container. Eating and open lid containers will not be allowed inside the historic structure. It is recommended visitors consume snacks/food prior to their arrival. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
