California Living spotlights Crissy Field and Fort Point for budget friendly travel

“Get away without going away” with California Living® TV host Aprilanne Hurley.

Crissy Field and Fort Point, San Francisco, are in the California Living® Spotlight.

Read on to discover a budget friendly San Francisco travel destination with Hollywood ties.

It’s not everyday you come across a budget friendly travel destination that also doubles as a famous filming site. In this case, the movie is Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo”.  And the location is Fort Point, San Francisco.

Fort Point is located at the southern base of the Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco side).  Fort Point is in easy walking distance to Crissy Field Marsh and Beach.  A former military airfield base, Fort Point has been transformed into a public recreational area on the Presidio.

Now a National Historic Site, Fort Point was a Civil War-era brick fort built to protect San Francisco Bay from attack. Fort Point is a budget friendly travel destination with up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge. This San Francisco Bay Area getaway also delivers expansive views of both Alcatraz Island and Angel Island State Park.

Money & time saving Crissy Field & Fort Point travel tips

Park your car in the beachfront lots just west of the Marina Gate.  From there you can walk or bike to Fort Point on the renovated trail walk.

You’ll also be steps away from Crissy Field’s East Beach, which offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Angel Island State Park.

BONUS: There are no entrance fees or parking fees during the week at this California Living® recommended budget friendly travel destination.

Located along a few miles of flat, waterfront walking trails, Fort Point and Crissy Field make for a ‘healthy” budget friendly travel getaway as well.

Get a move on! Enjoy a brisk walk while taking in the views and fresh breezes of San Francisco Bay. A stroll in the great outdoors will also work in some heart-healthy fitness time. No gym membership required.

Keep it “budget friendly”.  Pack along a healthy picnic to enjoy at a variety of view spots along the way.

Whether you’re looking to take in a romantic sunset, soak up the rays at East Beach or just catch a breather, Fort Point and Crissy Field deserve a spot on your “bucket list” this season.

California Living® TV’s insider tips for visiting Fort Point and Crissy Field:

• Go during the week when parking is free (3 hour limit) and to avoid weekend crowds.

• Check out the Tide Guides:  Plan your Fort Point – Crissy Field visit during low tide to enjoy East Beach at its best.

• Go early in the day to avoid the winds that tend to kick up in the afternoon.

• Dress in layers. Pack along a sweatshirt, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses (For the kiddos too).

• Pack along a picnic, favorite snacks and beverages to enjoy while taking in the incredible views and fresh bay breezes.

Fort Point:  San Francisco landmark featured in Hitchcock’s move ‘Vertigo’

Alfred Hitchcock fans and movie trivia buffs will relish visiting Fort Point.  This famous spot is where Kim Novak’s character jumps into San Francisco Bay in Hitchcock’s thriller “Vertigo”.

While it can be windy at the top of Fort Point (be forewarned) You can make your way to the top of the fort. There, you’ll take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge from underneath the bridge.

The top of Fort Point offers a very unique experience and vantage point for photo ops. Depending on the day and time of year you visit, Fort Point visitors may be treated to cannon-loading demonstrations, guided tours and historic video showings in the adjacent movie theater.

Depending on the time of year, Fort Point may offer self-guided tour materials and public programs and events  such as candlelight tours and free pier crabbing and fishing.

California Living ® TV host Aprilanne Hurley recommends watching Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “Vertigo” to reacquaint yourself with the movie.  This will add an extra sense of excitement when visiting this famous Hitchcock movie scene location.

Whether you getaway to Fort Point and Crissy Field for just a few hours…or spend the day, this fun, budget friendly San Francisco getaway is sure to remind you why “It’s just more fun…living in California.”

You can find out more information on Fort Point by calling: 415-556-1693, and/or visiting: Parksconservancy.org.

The information contained in this article was valid at the time of original publication in Aprilanne Hurley’s Examiner SF Travel Column, and has been reprinted with permission. Please check State Park current hours and parking info. prior to traveling.