The Golden Gate Bridge is the quintessential must-see in San Francisco. As one of the seven wonders of the modern world and the most photographed bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is a stunning landmark that is beautiful from all angles. You’ve probably seen famous photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and if you’re wondering how you can recreate them, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for some of the awesome spots around the city with the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Tip: If you’ve ever been to San Francisco, you probably would have noticed the fog that blankets the bay area every now and then. This is a common phenomenon that can occur all year round with June, July and August being the foggiest months. The fog can roll in at any time of the day even when it is sunny and completely cover up the view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Be flexible when planning your visit and be prepared to change your plans according to the weather!
From San Francisco
Most of the best vantage points are located at the northern tip of the San Francisco peninsula in the Presidio. This 1,500-acre park is perfect for scenic leisurely walks against the backdrop of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Fort Point National Historic Site
Sitting beneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is a Civil War fort offering fantastic views of the bridge up close. You can walk here from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Centre or from Crissy Field which is another awesome vantage point. The fort used to be one of the key defences of the bay area and now houses a museum that you can enter for free. Stroll along the waterfront area around the fort or go up to the fort’s roof for the best views of the bridge!
Opening Hours: Friday through Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00 (Museum), The exterior of the fort can be accessed any time.
Location: Long Ave & Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Baker Beach
Situated south-west of the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the bay area. Come here for a stunning panoramic view of the Golden Gate Strait and Marin Headlands with a full view of the famous bridge itself. While swimming is not advised here, the beach is great for sunbathing and picnics. You’ll be able to find lots of picnic tables, grills and restrooms in the area.
Psst, Baker Beach is a nude beach so you’ll likely bump into a few nude sunbathers here. The end of the beach nearest to the bridge is where most of the nude people will be at so if you’re uncomfortable with public nudity, you can avoid that area or visit another one of our awesome vantage points.
Entrance and parking at Baker Beach are free. During peak timing, you’ll find that the parking lots can get fill up really quickly and heavy traffic headed towards the Golden Gate Bridge can make it hard to get here. Consider taking public transport instead, or opt for a leisurely stroll from other spots along the Presidio.
Tip: The Summer months usually mean foggy days at Baker Beach. Visiting in the early afternoon might increase your chances of getting a clear view of the bridge. Remember to keep your plans flexible so you can pop over whenever the fog breaks!
Opening Hours: All day (Parking lots close one hour after sundown)
Locations: Baker Beach
Getting Here: Take the SF Muni Transit Bus #29 and alight at Lincoln Blvd, a short 5-minute walk away from the beach
Marshall’s Beach
Just north of Baker Beach lies the smaller secluded Marshall’s Beach. Marshall’s Beach is also a nude beach and the views from here are equally as spectacular, if not even better. As the beach is the closest one to the bridge, you’ll get to see the famous landmark close up.
Large rock formations along the bridge make for an impressive picture and when the tide is low, you can even walk up to Fort Point, but you’ll have to turn around as there’s no direct path linking the two. Few people visit the beach because it takes some trekking to get to but it is definitely worth visiting!
Tip: There are no restrooms here, you’ll have to head over to Baker Beach for them. Sunsets here are phenomenal too.
Opening Hours: All day
Locations: Marshall’s Beach
Getting Here: Marshall’s Beach is located off the Batteries to Bluff Trail and can only be reached by foot. You can start the trail from either Baker Beach or Langdon Court. The trek from Baker Beach is a bit more strenuous as you’ll have to walk along the beach and up the sand ladder before joining the Batteries to Bluff Trail. It will be easier to start from Langdon Court where it is closer to the bus stops and free parking is available.
Crissy Field
Crissy Field is an all-time favourite among locals and tourists. The former military airfield is now a large park area boasting wide open grass fields, a beach and a promenade. Located south of the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll get great views of the bridge as you walk or bike along the trails between Marina Green and Fort Point. Go right down to the water’s edge on the beach for a better view of the bridge and feel the sand between your toes!
You’ll find many people picnicking here or relaxing on the beach as they watch windsurfers and sailboats against the iconic backdrop of the bay area. If you love dogs, you’ll be thrilled here with all the flurry friends running free. One of the best places to be at on a sunny day, Crissy Field is truly hard to beat!
Feeling a little hungry after admiring the view? Head over to the west end of Crissy Field to the Warming Hut for some yummy snacks and finger food. You can also hike up to the Golden Gate Bridge and Welcome Centre via a steep stairway that will take you about 10-minutes.
Opening Hours: All day
Locations: 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Getting Here: You can park at the parking lot here for free on weekdays and for a fee on weekends. You can also walk (20-30 min) or bike here from Fisherman’s Wharf. The bike ride is flat and easy, offering stunning views of the waterfront.
Battery East Vista
The newly revamped Battery East Vista located just above Fort Point National Historic Site offers unobstructed views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Have lunch here at the picnic areas as you gaze at the panoramic views of the bay area. The vista also connects two of the most popular trails in Presidio; San Francisco Bay Trail and the California Coastal Trail.
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 Daily
Locations: Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Getting Here: You can easily reach the vista by foot or by bike. Head downwards from the Welcome Centre or upwards if you’re coming from Crissy Field. You will also pass by the vista if you’re hiking along the Battery East Trail. If you’re driving, park at the Battery East parking lot for a fee.
Golden Gate Overlook
For a slightly different view of the Golden Gate Bridge, come over to the Golden Gate Overlook. Just as its name suggests, this vantage point offers a special view overlooking the bridge itself. Try capturing the special shot of the Golden Gate Bridge framed between two beautiful Cypress trees!
Opening Hours: All day
Locations: Langdon Ct, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Getting Here: Park at Langdon Court. The parking lot can get very busy, making it hard to find spots and break-ins are common here so don’t leave any valuable items in your car!
From Marin County
Some of the best views are from the other side of the bridge. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge lies the hilly peninsula of Marin Headlands. Take a short drive here or hop on a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Strait for views of the famous bridge and San Francisco City.
Tips: Marin Headlands is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and parking is free here. Arrive earlier in the day to avoid fighting for limited spots! There are also limited food options in the area so pack a light lunch for the trip.
Conzelman Road
You can spend up to a day enjoying the scenic drive along Conzelman Road that boasts the following stunning lookout spots. (This coastal road is only one way and will take you all the way to Point Bonita Lighthouse!)
Battery Spencer
Boasting one of the most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, Battery Spencer is a must-visit. You’ll probably recognise the view from the famous postcard shots taken from this very place! Once an active coastal gun battery, it has since been deactivated during WWII and it’s elevated prime spot offers great views overlooking the bay area.
Opening Hours: All-day
Locations: Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965, United States
Getting Here: If you’re driving here, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the Alexander Ave exit on the right. Head onto Conzelman Road, find a parking spot at the Battery Spencer parking lot and take the quarter-mile walk to Battery Spencer. You can also park at the small turnouts on the side of the road if the parking lot is full. Spots fill up quickly on weekends and sunny days but visitors often come and go so you can wait for a spot to open up.
Alternatively, you can take the Hop-On, Hop-Off Sausalito Tour, alight at the North Vista Point and take a 20-minute hike to Battery Spencer. Or, board the Marin Headlands Express 76X (only available on weekends) from downtown San Francisco or Union Square and get off at Kirby Cove Road Stop.
Hawk Hill
For a stunning 360-degree view of the entire Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay and city skyline, head further up along the Conzelman Road to Hawk Hill. One of the highest points in Marin Headlands, you can stand on Hawk Hill and look out far out over Mount Tamalpais and even Mount Diable on a clear day. This spot is also popular among bird watchers and is one of the prime spots for watching raptors in the months of September through November. If you have time to spare, consider taking the short hike up from the parking lot, it’s definitely worth it!
Opening Hours: All-day
Locations: Hawk Hill
Getting Here: Drive along Conzelman Road and up the hill. At the roundabout, take the right exit further up the hill and drive until you arrive at the parking lot. Park here and take a short walk to Hawk Hill.
Kirby Cove
Just west of Battery Spencer lies Kirby Cove, a small beach at the base of Marin Headlands with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Popular among campers, Kirby Cove is home to five campsites open from March to November but you’ll have to book in advance as spots get snatched up fast. Near the beach, you’ll find picnic tables, barbecue grills and fire pits that you can reserve.
Tip: Bring along a bottle of water as there is no drinking water in the area.
Opening Hours: All-day
Locations: Kirby Cove
Getting Here: The only way to reach Kirby Cove is by hiking down to it. Starting from the Battery Spencer parking lot, you will embark on a one mile descent to the beach. The climb is pretty steep and might be tough for some.
