One of the great things about living in Northern California is the fact there’s always a new view waiting to be discovered by you. In fact, there’s a new park in San Francisco that boasts views that have been closed to the public for more than 50 years. Black Point Historic Gardens, a waterfront park, is a part of the National Park system and consists of a historic piece of land where you can enjoy breathtaking views of some of the City’s most spectacular icons. We couldn’t be happier to see it open for locals and travelers alike to enjoy! Take a look:
Open to the public for the first time since being fenced off in the '70s, Black Point Historic Gardens in San Francisco is a breathtaking waterfront destination.
The park consists of a patch of hillside at the northeast corner of Fort Mason. The area was enjoyed by the native Ohlone tribes and early San Francisco residents for centuries before overgrowth caused the area to be closed off.
Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, the National Park Service, and the Parks Conservancy, the public can enjoy this beautiful patch of land once again. It took four years for volunteers to clean the area up by cutting back overgrowth and getting rid of invasive plant species.
The newly landscaped scenery is representative of what the park looked like over a century ago. Gardens and pathways were originally added back in the 1850s. John C. Fremont's wife, Jessie Benton Fremont, is actually the one who is credited for transforming the area back then, before the military took over the area and the garden fell into disrepair.
If you look closely, you'll see hints of the area's rich history. There's a closed train tunnel that once was used to carry goods via the Panama Pacific International Expo. You can still walk on original, restored pathways. Believe it or not, there's even rumored to be a hidden underground room where the military once monitored incoming ships and submarines.
As a member of the National Park system, this park exudes history, but it's the scenery that makes this secluded destination so special. While exploring the park's stairways and paths, you can look out and see sweeping views of the bay including the Bay Bridge and Aquatic Park Cove.
It's truly a privilege to have access to such a beautiful park that's rich with San Francisco's history. The next time you find yourself near Fort Mason, be sure to stop by and take a walk in this picturesque paradise.
What do you think? Will you be visiting this lovely waterfront park soon? This place is a true hidden gem. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. And let us know if you have any other favorite National Parks or Historic Sites in Northern California!
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