Kathleen from San Francisco
The Bunkers at Baker Beach San Francisco
Who knew?
I’ve only ever walked along the actual beach at Baker Beach. This time I parked in a different spot and wandered through a grove of trees that had hidden several abandoned wartime bunkers. Now covered in graffiti and derelict, there they were.
My brain went immediately to holy crap! These are left over war relics! Actual people used to get inside these and do whatever it was they did then. Naturally from there, I thought, how can I get inside? I wanted to touch history. The best I could accomplish was with my camera, shooting what’s left, the earthly remains, and imagine.
Upon inquiry, I found out that these bunkers were and are still part of the Presidio, now preserved for historic reasons. The Battery Chamberlin still conducts demonstrations the first weekend of every month, without the actual firing, of course.
This huge “disappearing” gun was designed with a range of nine miles and could fire two rounds per minute with a crew of twenty-five men working brigade style to get all the necessary rounds, gun powder, equipment, etc., needed to fire each round. After firing, it would go back down into the ground, disappearing from sight. No ear protection was worn, so hearing damage was not uncommon.
If you get a chance to get to Baker Beach and wander through the bunkers, stop and think about why they’re there and how they protected our coast and helped us maintain the lifestyle we currently enjoy. You will be awed.
Our San Francisco City Guide
Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Talk About Stairs!
Neighborhood steps up
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
CA Coastal Trail
Walk along the Pacific
"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe
Hits the spot!
Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
by
Nadine
Johnson
City Arts & Lectures
At the Nourse Theater
San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Swensen's Ice Cream
Same corner since '48
"Swensen's Ice Cream" in San Francisco hasn't changed since 1948. It's the chain's first store and I sill buy bulk ice cream here when I'm in the area...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Pug Sunday
Fun for dogs and humans
"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.
by
Sasha
Sommer
Victoria Pastry Co.
All the major food groups
"Victoria Pastry Co." has prompted me to travel across San Francisco solely to enjoy one of its famed cannolis. Walking into it is a test of self-control.
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Oracle Park
Baseball by the bay
"Oracle Park" in San Francisco is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America. With panoramic views of the bay, it's uniquely San Franciscan...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
SOMArts
Some arts
"SOMArts" is a perfect example of what I enjoy about San Francisco. It's an old warehouse that's a boundary-pushing hotspot for local art & music...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Ocean Aquarium
Hidden fish store
"Ocean Aquarium" in San Francisco is a beautiful fish & aquarium store on the most unremarkable side alleyway you can think of. So glad we found it...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Heading to San Francisco?
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to San Francisco?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 158 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
