Fort Miley Batteries
The Verdict
"Bring a flashlight for the dark corridors. The gun emplacements are open to explore with ocean views from the clifftops. Near the VA Medical Center off Clement Street. Free, no hours, no staff."
What you need to know
Abandoned Gun Emplacements Above the Pacific
Fort Miley’s coastal defense batteries were built in the late 1800s to protect San Francisco Bay from naval attack. The concrete gun emplacements and ammunition bunkers sit on the cliffs near Lands End, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the entrance to the Golden Gate. They were active through both World Wars, then abandoned when coastal artillery became obsolete. Now they’re covered in graffiti, surrounded by coastal scrub, and slowly crumbling into the hillside.
What Makes It Worth It
The batteries are open to explore. No gates, no fences. You can walk through dark concrete corridors, climb on top of the emplacements, and look out through gun slits that once framed enemy ships in their sights. The graffiti is part of the appeal now, layers of spray paint covering the military concrete, turning the ruins into an accidental art gallery.
The views are the other reason to come. The batteries sit on high ground with unobstructed sightlines to the Pacific, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. On a clear day, you can see the Farallon Islands.
Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the batteries connect to the Lands End Trail and the Coastal Trail. They’re best explored as part of a longer walk rather than a standalone stop.
Skip this if you don’t like climbing on rough concrete or walking through dark corridors. Bring a flashlight. Wear sturdy shoes.
Visiting
Address: Near the VA Medical Center, Clement Street at 42nd Avenue, Outer Richmond
Hours: Dawn to dusk. No gate.
Cost: Free
Best time to go: Clear afternoons for the best views. Weekdays for fewer visitors.
What to know: The batteries are not maintained or lit. Watch your step inside. Uneven floors, low ceilings, and darkness. Bring a flashlight or phone light. The coastal winds can be brutal.
Getting There
Transit: Muni 38-Geary to 42nd Avenue, then walk toward the coast.
Parking: Free lot at the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center, or street parking near the VA Medical Center.
Walking: Connects directly to the Lands End Trail and the Coastal Trail toward Baker Beach.
📍 Location: This activity is in The Richmond. Explore the neighborhood →
