nike missile site sf-88

JimP378

This site is open for free most weekends. You will get a close look at the old site including a ride down into the site. As a young kid we would come by to watch it being tested. Fun trip for the young and a view into the past cold war days

interceptpubs

Have wanted to visit this place for years, but was never in San Francisco when it was open. It was worth the wait. The whole complex has been brought back to a restored condition with docents (retired missileers who actually served with Nike missiles back in the day) to explain and even show (all except launching the birds of course!) the operation from assembling and testing the missiles and warheads upon their arrival on base to storage in the underground bunkers to their elevation onto the above ground launch pads to the radar tracking and ultimately locking the missiles onto targets and firing them . Great stuff for anyoine interested in Cold War air defense, 50s aerospace technology, radar and vacuum tube electronics, etc. Of course, the headlands are a great place to visit in their own right and there are plenty of other interesting things to also visit (lighthouse, coast defense artillery, etc.) - be sure to stop by the visitor's center which is close to the nike site - and after hitting the sights, head off to Sausalito, etc. in search of lunch or dinner.

Natashad19

We initally were not planning to stop here, but it was on the way to the Point Bonita Lighthouse. I'm not sure if I would have gone out of my way to visit the Nike Missile Site, but paired with the Lighthouse makes for a good use of time.

honurider

We drove out to Point Bonita Lighthouse (Nike Missile Site) on a clear day, and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline were spectacular. There is no fee to go there, and it wasn't as crowded as Muir Woods was. There's plenty of area to walk around, and there's a view around every bend. The lighthouse was closed, but it was still worth it. We spent about 2 hours there, walking around. There's a beach area at nearby Fort Cronkhite, and that looked nice too. Go on a clear day, and you'll gasp at the gorgeous view of the city.

cindynor41

The docent, John, took us down below to see some beautifully restores Nike Missiles. Then, he raised them above ground just as if they would have been launching (if ever used)! Wonderful and eery thing to see!

labdaddy

I grew up just outside of St. Louis, which had four Nike Hercules bases, the closest was about 3 miles from my house.The one near me was sold to the local school district and there are no tours. I always wondered what was once there, and when I was in San Francisco I had my opportunity to find out!Just a short drive across the Golden Gate bridge, this site is hidden in the hills of what used to be an old Army area.Our guide was an older gentleman that served at a Nike base. He seemed quite familiar with all parts of the base and gave a great tour. We got to see missiles up close, got to see a shipping container that once held a nuclear warhead, got to see many missiles down in the magazine, and even got to see the elevator and erector system work. Fantastic!This is a great little tour that is perfect for those interested in the cold war or military history in general. Don't forget to visit the gift shop about a mile away (in the old church-looking building), they have memorabilia & books there about the Nike system.Amazing system! I'm glad we never had to use it, but also glad that we had it.

667thomasb

This historical site offers a glimspe into the cold war. Complete with Nike Missile silos, several display missiles, and a docent tour. You have to learn about your past in person. It doesn't get better.

geotech1

A real chance to see the stupidity of the Cold War up close. Some of the guides served at the site during the cold war, and were the ones who were ready to launch and detonate nuclear warheads over San Francisco and Sacramento to stop Russian bombers. The missiles and technology are fantastic, but thank goodness they were never used. A must see.

JimWeeder

you get to see part of the cold war and the history of the NIKE missile you also get great views of the ocean

Robuckc

A group of us visited this restored defensive missile site, one of 15 in the greater San Francisco area and 265 sites nationwide.The tour was terrific, with former soldiers who manned these sites telling us about how the missiles operated and their experiences while being assigned to this and other missile batteries. This is the only site I know of that actually runs missiles from the underground storage bunker to the launchpad. It really brings the experience to life.Well worth the visit if you are interested in Cold War history presented in the magnificent setting of the beautiful Marin Headlands just north of the Golden Gate bridge.

Kay64

We did the tour, which is about 1.5 hours. Very interesting, in particular in light of the plane crash in Ukraine, as it's same type of missile used. If you,re in the neighborhood, well worth it if you're interested in cold war history. Don't go if there's no tour, as I'm not sure how much there is to see then.

lettuceleaf

We happened to be visiting Marin Headlands when the site was open and were very happy it worked out that way. Guide was informative, tour gave you a chance to see the actual equipment and hear how it worked. It was a scary chapter in time, but now is interesting to hear about the people who staffed the site and the task they had to be prepared to launch if needed.

readittoday

if you are into U.S Cold War history then this stop is worth your time. Old bunkers from the Cold War and even WW II are able to be seen.

MicheleInMD

I tweaked our San Francisco touring schedule so we'd be able to spend the first Saturday of the month in the Marin/Golden Gate recreation area so that we could visit the Nike Missile site during it's open house. I'm so glad we did. Every area of the site was manned by a retired soldier who once worked there on site. The stories we heard were amazing, and helped my teen boys understand some of the tension of the Cold War that they never experienced. Really worth adjusting your trip to be there when its open (only a few days a week, and only for a few hours a day).And it's FREE. (not really anything here for little kids, and not stroller/wheelchair friendly for the most interesting areas, like the underground missile storage bunkers and above-ground control booths)

EricM376

My friends and I recently drove to the Nike Missile site north of San Francisco. Despite living in the Bay Area for over 10 years, I had no idea we have such an interesting historical site in our backyard! The volunteer docents really help bring the place to life - literally and figuratively. I only wish they still let visitors ride the elevator with the missile. :/