Black Point Battery

I’m on a bit of a mission to raise exposure of the spots down by the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, and actually just SF history in general. This spot was restored by the National Park Service, and it’s an easy walk up the hill heading towards Fort Mason and the Great Meadow. It’s a beautiful spot in general, but a nice piece of history. The views of The Bay are fantastic.
Quick history lesson… When the US Army arrived in SF, they drooled, and not because of all the great restaurants to Unilocal about. This is a strategic marvel for anyone who already controls The Bay. Just try and get a ship into this harbor. You have to navigate the Golden Gate narrows and then you are starring down the barrel of US Army Artillery. Fort Point, Alcatraz and then up on the heights at Black Point. This place dates back to the Civil War, and when the original batteries contained 12 guns. This is the only one that now remains.
There are some great little picnic tables up here to have lunch — although your In-​and-​Out Burger from Fisherman’s Wharf will not be warm by the time you make the walk. Believe it or not, they even have weddings up here. And, if you’re staying at the Youth Hostel which is right next door, it’s pretty secluded and very chill.
(PS — I think only one photo I posted was within the last six months, so you won’t see them attached to the review. If you access the main photos for the page, most are mine.)

5 stars is for all the times that this spot lives up to its picturesque picnic image. There are three tables. Some in the sun, some shaded, and if I recall, there’s a little grill too.
Great little wayside signs with information about the battery and the cannon is there for you to look at. It’s tucked into a corner out of the wind a bit and you have spot on beautiful views of Alcatraz and SF Maritime.
Crowd can be hit or miss… sometimes you get it to yourself, sometimes there’s a rowdy bunch, and sometimes it’s reserved for picnics.
If you head down the stairs, there are some benches built into the stairwell with some gorgeous views! Also a nice place to chill and read a book too.