When: Visit any time of day.
Who: A nice stroll for anyone, but be sure you're up to a one-mile walk with a little climb
For many years, much of the waterfront area covered by this feature was part of a military base, Fort Mason. When the fort was decommissioned, it was converted into a complex for small museums and other artistic endeavors. Past Fort Mason is the Marina with its boats making a scenic foreground for photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, and its open spaces used for all sorts of recreation.
The Sights
The walk from Aquatic Park to Marina Green stays very close to the water and takes you to some less well-known areas.Aquatic Park: With your back toward Ghirardelli Square, the water you see protected by the wall is called Aquatic Park. The park is the site of Fourth of July fireworks and home to the .
The path from here to Fort Mason is not particularly well marked, but it's not hard to find, either. From the end of the Municipal Pier, follow the paved trail along the water's edge, going toward the Golden Gate Bridge, and you'll get there.
Fort Mason: What do you do with an abandoned military complex? San Francisco turned this one into an arts complex. A few of the things you'll find here are:
- Mexican Museum: The first museum in the United States to focus on the work of Mexican and Mexican-American artists is still a leader in the field of Latino arts and art education.
- Magic Theatre: Sam Shepard was writer in residence here for many years and he still stages his plays here (in 1999 it was the west coast premiere of Eyes for Consuela).
- Museo ItaloAmericano: Dedicated to exhibiting the works of Italian and Italian-American artists and to fostering a public appreciation for Italian art, culture, and history.
- Craft and Folk Art Museum: Contemporary craft, 20th century folk art and traditional ethnic art from at home and abroad, and a gift shop featuring hand-made items.
Marina Green: Fly a kite, gaze at the yachts and the houses.
