San Francisco is known for its stunning views and landmarks, with the Golden Gate Bridge being one of the most well-known. There are plenty of beautiful lookouts perfect for taking in views of the iconic bridge, but one of the best is a small beach nestled in a cove north of the city.
Kirby Cove is a small beach with big views. Accessible by hiking down from a scenic road, the secluded beach boasts an impressive view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The 1-mile hike to the beach is steep and lined with Eucalyptus trees, but visitors generally find the incline is well worth the effort. The trail starts at the parking area on Conzelman Road and descends past an old battery. Visitors are welcome to explore the historic battery, which was in use from 1898 to 1934 and is similar to many of the other batteries that can be found on Bay Area shorelines.
The beach is unique from other vantage points of the Golden Gate Bridge because it offers beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline behind the iconic bridge. Kirby Cove is known for being secluded, which is a welcome difference compared to many other popular beaches with views. The scenic spot is also known for its rope swing, perfect for admiring the view. The vantage point is well-loved by photographers, and you’ve probably seen some pretty amazing photos of the bridge shot on the beach.
The beach also includes a campsite for visitors just above the cove. Five campsites are available, with a 10-person limit per site. While the campground is available by reservation only, the public can walk the trail and explore the beach.
The campsite is available in the spring through fall, and spots fill up quickly. We recommend making your reservation early if you want to camp at the scenic cove.