Fort Cronkhite

Fort Cronkhite is a former military installation in the Marin Headlands north of Sausalito overlooking the California coast. The site includes residential buildings, administrative structures, and coastal batteries scattered across rolling terrain with views toward the bay.

The installation was built in the late 1930s to defend San Francisco Bay against attacks from the sea. It served a key role in California's coastal defense during World War II.

The fort is named after a military officer and its buildings reveal how soldiers lived and worked during wartime. The barracks and mess halls offer visitors a direct sense of daily life for personnel stationed at this coastal installation.

The area is open to the public, though paths can be uneven and steep, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Visitors should bring their own water and food since there are no shops or vendors on site.

A distinctive feature is the preserved artillery pieces, including large coastal guns, which can be inspected on certain days during guided tours. These weapons give a direct impression of the firepower that was deployed to defend the shoreline.

Location: Sausalito

Inception: 1930

GPS coordinates: 37.83220,-122.53500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00