Nike Missile Site

The Nike Missile Site gives visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the Cold War.

NPS

 

Welcome to the most fully restored Nike missile site in the country.

During the tense years of the Cold War, from 1953 to 1979, the United States Army built and operated close to 300 Nike missile sites in the United States. These sites were designed to be the last line of defense against H-Bomb carrying Soviet bombers that had eluded the Air Force’s interceptor jet aircrafts. SF-88 in the Marin Headlands was one such site. Today, Golden Gate National Recreation Area works together with a dedicated group of volunteers to preserve the site as it was during operations to remind visitors of the physical and psychological effects of the Cold War on the American landscape.

Know Before you Go

• Veteran Open House Day is the first Saturday of every month when the site is open. On these days, veterans of the Nike program come to the site to share their stories with visitors.
• The Nike Missile Site is closed during inclement weather.
• The only restrooms available at Nike are Port-a-Johns. About a mile before the Nike Missile Site on Field Road is a larger rest-stop / parking lot with larger restooms and running water. It is recommended to stop and use these if needed, prior to arriving to Nike.

• For more information, please email [e-mail].

 

Duration:

11 minutes, 22 seconds

The threats that were faced during the Cold War, the decisions that were made during that time period, was it right? Was it wrong? Was it worth it?

 

More Nike Missile Site

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  Nike Missile History

  Learn about the use of the Nike antiaircraft missile system during the Cold War.

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  Nike Missile Site Accessibility

  Discover the accessible features made available at the Nike Missile.

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  Coastal Defense Photo Gallery

  Golden Gate National Recreation Area has several sites where the Cold War Nike anti-aircraft missiles were stationed.