SF-88

SF-88 is a Cold War missile defense facility in Marin Headlands north of San Francisco Bay. The complex contains underground storage areas, radar installations, and restored equipment that reveal how the system functioned during active defense operations.

The facility opened in 1954 as part of the nation's defense against Soviet air attacks and operated for two decades. Its closure in 1974 reflected shifts in military strategy as technology and international tensions evolved.

This site reflects how Cold War defense shaped the region's development and what daily military operations looked like. Visitors can see the spaces where personnel worked and understand their role in the broader defense network.

Visitors can explore tunnels and control structures through guided tours that take about an hour to complete. Comfortable walking shoes and a jacket are recommended since underground areas remain cool year-round.

The original Nike Hercules missiles remain in their launch positions exactly as they sat during active service. Few visitors realize the location offered clear views of San Francisco Bay, making this particular site strategically important within the larger defense network.

Website: https://nps.gov/goga/nike-missile-site.htm

GPS coordinates: 37.82711,-122.52745

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:40