With the Golden Gate Bridge being one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, even lifelong San Franciscans know to stop and enjoy the view. The 1.7-mile-long suspension bridge has stood as an enduring symbol of San Francisco and American ingenuity ever since its construction during the Great Depression. Read on for five of the best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints to visit at least once.
A note on San Francisco fog…
Did you know that locals often call August “Fogust?” In San Francisco, it’s widely known that the Golden Gate Bridge is often shrouded in thick fog, and some unlucky tourists may not have the chance to see it in its full glory. You can avoid this by timing your visit for the sunny season in the fall (September-October) or the spring (April-May). Otherwise, be ready to embrace the marine layer and use it to add some drama to your pictures! For more information and tips about weather each season in San Francisco, read our article.
Golden Gate Overlook
This Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint in the Presidio offers a unique view straight down the middle of the bridge with both towers lined up perfectly. Many photographers also like to frame it up between the cypress trees for an added dimension, which is even more lovely in the spring when the bluffs are adorned with wildflowers. The wheelchair-accessible overlook is situated on a curved concrete plaza, which you can reach via the California Coastal Trail. Leave some time to explore Batteries To Bluffs Trail and check out a series of World War II-era gun batteries.
📍 Location: Golden Gate Overlook, Langdon Ct, San Francisco, CA 94129
🌐 Learn more: Presidio of San Francisco website
Fort Point
Fort Point National Historic Site offers a wonderful combination of Golden Gate Bridge views and local history dating back to the Civil War. Walk along the path at the southern base of the bridge and enjoy an up-close perspective made even more dramatic by crashing waves along the shore—and keep your eyes peeled for the odd surfer, porpoise, or perhaps even Eric Staller’s famous “Bubbleboat”.
The fort dates back to the mid-1800s when California built it to defend Confederate aggression during the Civil War. Even though Fort Point never saw battle, it was hailed as “The Gibraltar of the West Coast” and “the pride of the Pacific.” These days, you can visit the fort for free on most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, or even take a guided Candlelight Tour between November and February.
📍 Location: Fort Point National Historic Site, 201 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129
🌐 Learn more: National Park Service website
Marshall’s Beach
A short walk along the Batteries to Bluffs Trail will take you to the rocky Marshall’s Beach, which offers one of the best close-up beach views of the Golden Gate Bridge. While the views at nearby Baker Beach are also fantastic, Marshall’s tends to be less crowded, and the craggy landscape here makes for some especially dramatic photos.
You can park near the Golden Gate Overlook or Langdon Court and walk down the trail to reach the beach, but make sure you check the tides before you go because it is fully submerged at high tide. Keep in mind that there are no amenities at the secluded beach, and it is a popular spot for nude sunbathers.
📍 Location: Marshall’s Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129
🌐 Learn more: Presidio of San Francisco website
Battery Spencer
Located on the other side of the bridge in the Marin Headlands, Battery Spencer offers one of the best views around, especially at sunrise or sunset. The towering vantage point is located 500 feet above the bay, making for a unique perspective looking down at the bridge with the San Francisco skyline in the background. Parking is often packed along Conzelman Road on the way to the battery, so you may have a bit of a walk to reach the viewpoint. Remember to walk around the remnants of the battery and look out for the fence stacked with love locks.
📍 Location: Battery Spencer, Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965
🌐 Learn more: National Park Service website
Hawk Hill
This Marin Headlands viewpoint is about a mile from Battery Spencer, which will take you 25-30 minutes walking down Conzelman Road. The 923-foot peak is a prime spot to catch panoramic views of the bay, SF skyline, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. Hawk Hill is also a popular vantage point for watching thousands of raptors (hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures) during their fall migration, so consider bringing a pair of binoculars. Leave some time to explore the newly-installed trails, which take you through historical sites from Hawk Hill’s military past.
📍 Location: Hawk Hill, Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965
🌐 Learn more: National Park Service website