A playground, sanctuary, skate park, historical place, artists' canvas, fortress, meditation place, escape, hidden gem, nature trail, haunted place and whatever you want it to be. Fort Miley is located between Lands End and the VA Medical Center on Point Lobos covering 54 acres on prime real estate that the federal government purchased for $75,000 in 1891. That's equivalent to approximately $1.9 million dollars in today's rate. It sat empty for several years until the U.S. Army started the fortification beginning in 1899 and completed in 1902. Over the years, they added garrisons, barracks and other improvements as it was the first line of defense for the city. However, they also built on top of a huge cemetery, which they promised to move and relocate. Additional construction for the Palace of the Legion of Honor in 1993 determined that this was not the case as the digging led to discoveries of bodies and coffins underground. This means that only the headstones were removed while the bodies remained in place. I'm not the least bit surprised since how many times has the government lied to the general public. But how morbid is that? One could easily get lost here as there are many places to explore or if you're hiking Lands End and make this a part of your trail for additional challenge. I don't mean lost as in can't find your way back, but lost as in one can easily wander and get carried away. That's what happened to me the first time I was here as I spent hours exploring and studying the history of this place. Local teens also use the area as their skate park and I can't fault 'em since they're using the space to their advantage. There are numerous graffiti on the walls, and some of 'em are very impressive and artistic. One can learn to appreciate this form of artwork while others may disagree. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Don't be surprised if you encounter a homeless encampment here or even actual homeless people. If you go deeper in the woods, just keep that in mind. Also, if your bike is stolen, there's a chance it may turn up here. Just take extra precautions should you decide to check it out. According to historical records, this vantage point used to have a clear view of the Pacific Ocean and all around the bay. Now, most are covered with tall trees, but I am fine with that. The same trees provide a canopy and shelter from the hustle and bustle of the city that one can find relaxing. I can easily seat on the bench while meditating to get rid of stress and forget one's worries. There is a clear patch of land on the west side with a lone picnic table overlooking Ocean Beach. I've seen some people flying their drones here, but I just gaze at the amazing view since you can see as far as Pacifica from here. This could also be a great photo-op for weddings or any celebrations that may come to mind. Fort Miley is named after Lieutenant Colonel John D. Miley, who passed away in Manila, Philippines in 1899 at the young age of 37. That's like some six degrees of Kevin Bacon, right there. read more

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Fort Miley is an old defense fort protecting San Francisco. It was used during World War II and has since been abandoned. It's a big fort that you can hike to that's been boarded up. However, if you like graffiti art, it's a great place to visit. You can climb three different levels enjoying the concrete fort and beautiful graffiti art that is constantly being added to. I went here and felt safe. read more

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The government always has the best real estate right? Fort Miley is no exception. It's tucked in right behind the Veterans Administration Hospital. The Old Fort has Grand sweeping views of Ocean Beach. There are picnic tables with a barbecue pit, trash cans and porta potty. There's a sign that says area is subject to reservations. I get the feeling though that nobody ever comes down here, possibly because it's behind the VA Hospital. If you walk out to the north side there's a beautiful view and a bench overlooking the headlands. It's obvious that the location was an extremely critical post in guarding the Golden Gate Channel and the US Coast. From that location you can look across and you can see the old Nike missile base on the headlands. You can also see Kirby Cove across the Golden Gate Channel. The fort is starting to look a little bit run down. I hope that the Parks Department can preserve is a great American historical site. read more

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Fort Miley is located along the Coastal Trail of Land's End, on the outer headlands of the Golden Gate's southern end. The panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as it meets the San Francisco Bay, beneath the Golden Gate Bridge (far right) are breathtaking. Stairs leading to the Eastern Coastal Trail overlook are a great workout. Lobos Rock, Black Head Rock, & Pyramid Rock are visible during low tide. On a clear day you can see clear into Marin with a glimpse of Sausalito and the Point Bonita Lighthouse at Fort Barry, the last manned lighthouse of the California coast. History: * The U.S. Army used this structure as a part of the seaside defense in early WWII. * Renamed after Lt. Col. John D. Miley who died in Manila, Philippines in 1899. read more

Fort Miley - Stairs leading to the Eastern Coastal Trail overlook provide a scenic workout. - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Found this place by default. Wanted to see the Sutro Baths but couldn't find parking... so I ended up here. It wasn't actually a bad place to be as it was only a few steps away from sweeping views of the beach and the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. The tall trees are also a sight to see. Parking was easy and the walk down to the Lands End Lookout and the Sutro Baths was not even half a mile. it was steep though. Again, for being a free attraction, this is definitely a 5 Star. Be sure to pack a jacket or sweater as it does get pretty cold after sunset. Also, bring your best digital camera as you'll want to take the type of pictures you're used to seeing only on screen savers or calendars. read more

SFVAMC sits on the grounds of Fort Miley, several of the old fort's buildings have been converted into overnight and short stay hospital housing for veterans receiving medical care and services, along with a few dedicated to Corp of Engineers for maintenance of the fort and grounds. The original flag pole remains today, as does much of the original exterior architecture. What makes this fort so unique is it's location within the city and golden gate park, with unbelievable panoramic views of the north bay, ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. This area has been revitalized by the CoE in recent years as well, with nicely maintained trails and sitting areas, along with a few benches and seats in choice view locations, and you can walk all the way down to the water if you are so inclined. From the back side of the old grounds you can access the hospital canteen through the giant sunroom doors, also another great spot to watch the water from and get a bite to eat. 4 Stars - a great old fort repurposed. 00454 read more

Nice views from there, and interesting graffiti. But it was a bit hard to find behind the VA complex. There was a lot of trash around, so it wasn't the nicest spot for a walk or hike, especially because there are cleaner and more beautiful spots so close by. read more

It's tempting to deduct a star for the porta potties but considering the lovely deck it's hard to complain too much. Lots of parking and hey, beautiful nature. This is a launch spot for hang gliders. There are a ton of dog walkers here both professionals and regular folks. The trail loops and is pretty long. Lots of space for everyone. read more

Fort Miley is a mixture of several things in one place. Because it's federal land it's on National Park Land, you're beautiful trails and nature walks in the area comma views of the entrance of the San Francisco Bay comma and it houses the largest VA Hospital in Northern California. I remember VA we're not happy memory for most veterans in the old days. But this one has a history and reputation of taking care of all of its soldiers. from the minute I walk in there to the minute I leave I feel special. I am taking care of 100% by everybody that I ran into there and everyone is so willing to stop and take a moment to direct you around this massive complex. I can't speak highly enough for all the technicians doctors and right down to the people that work in the cafeteria to make your visit a perfect one. read more

Fort Miley - Nice building detail from the old days. - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

I am a Veteran, and have been getting cure's here since 1993, Everything from a broken nose to Lung Cancer. I have only had problem with one Doctor- If your a veteran and you get DR. Robert Lemons- Go directly to Patient Advocacy and request a different doctor. read more

This place is pretty hard to find if you don't know about it's existance, but it has an amazing vantage point and serves as a great place to bring friends or a date! But make sure to bring a jacket (or several) because it's windy and gets really chilly! Will definitely be back! read more

Can you say Cats Eye. Great place for a hike. Relaxing, wonderful view and watching the sunrise/sunset. They really did a good job paving the parking lot. Many will remember this place prior to the upgrades. People parked all kinds of odd ways. And heck people were doing all kind of things in those cars at night. I know I was one of them, LOL, good times :) read more

For me, this has always been a fantastic place to park the car and look out towards either the Pacific Ocean or across the bay towards Sausalito. For some reason I think the view is even better on days when there is a cloud cover. This parking lot here was closed when I came a few months ago but it's reopened. The lot has been repaved and the parking spaces repainted. There is also a new cement stairway with even steps going down to the Lands End Trail. The only drawback is that the best parking spaces, the ones by the sidewalk where you can pull into and be directly looking towards Marin, are now reserved for handicapped. There are only 3 non-blue spaces on this front row. read more

Fort Miley is just above Sutro Baths and overlooks Land's End. There's a fantastic little spot that's available for picnicking by reservation. On the day of our visit, it was fabulous -- the picnic site felt like it was even a little sheltered from the wind, there were a couple of picnic tables and a grill; and a lovely expanse of lawn area for games and other frolicking. And yes, you've also got a glorious view of a bit of the baths, the Cliff House, and the wide expanse of Ocean Beach. No restrooms; just a porto-potty. Enter at El Camino del Mar & 48th Ave., park and hike up the hill to the picnic area. Enjoy. read more

I remember on a very...let me put it as "unique" promnight spending time with everyone in my group here before crashing at a friend's house. It was late at night, and we just finished party hopping from house to house and we decided, at 2-3AM (I honestly dont know the time), to overlook the ocean and the bridge and just chill and talk. I was surprised that this national landmark was still open that night... because recently, I checked if it was open at 12AM (yeah I know, it was my second time going there) and the gates were closed... and that was on a friday night. I dont know, maybe the rules have changed? But anyway, the place at night is knockout gorgeous. On a nice, clear night, you see the bridge and its lights to your left and on the right you see the ocean that just expands magnificently. Across you see the headlands which just glows from the bridge lights and the moonlight. The Fort itself is dark at night, kind of sketch, but it was nice and just a great environment to hangout with friends ending an interesting run for prom. Great memories to be had here, so I definitely love this place. read more

Beautiful, breathtaking, need I say more? Sunny day and what a view. You can take a great walk or run, completely renovated this area. Flowers & historical landmarks, this is it! Want to take a walk while looking at the Golden Gate or the in between of the bay and the Pacific, this is the place to be. read more

Love the walk here! Dog friendly, Great views, relaxing and you can get a good workout.

Awesome place to walk dogs. It is so nice here. I am fortunate to live here.

First of all, plenty of parking! Beautiful scenery once you get out of your car. When my boyfriend and I went, we went just to take a walk along the trail. There were bikers, runners, and dogs :) We even passed by two gentlemen filming for their documentary to have the golden gate bridge in their shot. The trails are obvious but of course we went out of the trails to have a better and closer view of the coast. read more

This is a really beautiful location in the Bay Area to escape from it all. Gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and of course, the Pacific Ocean! There is tons of parking, a really cool salvaged ship from World War II, and plenty of hiking trails. There are also some great walking paths below the fort, although they are not wheelchair accessible, so that is the reason for my four star review. (Otherwise, this place would be perfect.) Bring the whole family here, and pack a picnic! read more