Nike Missile Site

volunteer leads visitors through nike missile museum
 

THE NIKE MISSILE SITE IS CURRENTLY OPEN ON:

  • THURSDAY: 12pm - 3pm

  • FRIDAY: 12pm - 3pm

  • SATURDAY: 12pm - 3pm

Ranger/Docent led tours of the site take place at:
12:15pm, 1:15pm, and 2:15pm

(Tours generally last 45 minutes)

No reservation required unless visiting with a group larger than 10 people.

If visiting with a group larger than 10+ people please e-mail us at GOGA_MarinHeadlands_Info@nps.gov

Welcome to the Nike Missile Site, 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.

Tips & Highlights

  • Open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12pm - 3pm. Tours are offered at 12:15pm, 1:15pm, and 2:15pm

  • Veteran Open House Day is the first Saturday of every month. On these days, veterans of the Nike program come to the site to share their stories with visitors.

  • Please note that the Nike Missile Site is closed during inclement weather.

  • The only restrooms available at Nike are Port-a-Johns. However, about a mile down the road before the Nike Missile Site 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 contact: (415) 331-1540 -OR- email us at: GOGA_MarinHeadlands_Info@nps.gov

 
Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details
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

Last updated: January 23, 2025

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
201 Fort Mason

San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415-561-4700
United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

Contact Us

Tools