After over forty years in Northern California, I’ve discovered that the magic of the Golden Gate Bridge isn’t simply in seeing it. It’s in seeing it from completely different angles, completely different elevations, and completely different gentle. These are a few of my favourite locations to do exactly that. Each provides you a very completely different perspective.
The complete driving route takes just below an hour, not together with all of the photograph stops. It’s simple, manageable, and ideal for first timers who’ve added it to their issues to do in San Francisco bucket checklist.
➞ Driving is nice, however In the event you’re all for biking the bridge, I like to recommend becoming a member of Viator’s guided Golden Gate tour.
Route: See on Google Maps
Distance: 13.9 miles
Driving Time: 50 minutes
Complete Length: 4-6 hours
1. Baker Seaside
Baker Seaside sits on the western fringe of San Francisco contained in the Presidio, tucked beneath rugged cliffs and dealing with the Pacific Ocean. From right here, you get huge open views of the Golden Gate Bridge’s ocean aspect, the Marin Headlands, and the greenery of the Presidio. It’s postcard excellent.
Sundown is the basic time to go to, however I really love mornings toon when it’s quieter (and the sunshine feels softer). October by means of June normally affords clearer skies. North Baker Seaside is clothes non-compulsory, so only a pleasant heads up.
Finest parking: Two free tons off Bowley Avenue plus free roadside parking. Arrive earlier than midday on sunny weekends for simpler spots.
2. Battery West
On the western cliffs close to the bridge within the Presidio, Battery West affords views of the bridge’s western span and the Pacific. Strolling paths wind previous historic artillery ruins that after protected the bay. There’s additionally an official viewing space referred to as the Golden Gate Overlook alongside Lincoln Avenue.
I really like this spot since you really feel like you’re standing on the sting of the world. The views are dramatic, however watch out close to the previous batteries as a result of there are sudden drop-offs!
Finest parking: Free tons alongside Lincoln Avenue and Service provider Street close to the Golden Gate Overlook.
3. Battery East Path
If you would like layered views with a little bit greenery framing your photographs, Battery East Path on the bay aspect of the bridge is beautiful. Situated within the Presidio close to the Welcome Middle, the strolling and biking paths supply views of the bridge, Alcatraz, and San Francisco Bay.
That is additionally the place I like to recommend slowing down and strolling a part of the bridge. Driving throughout is enjoyable, however it goes so quick. Strolling allows you to pause, breathe, and actually take it in.
Finest parking: Battery East car parking zone. Price’s about $3 per hour.
4. Fort Level
Fort Level sits instantly beneath the southern finish of the Golden Gate Bridge on the entrance to San Francisco Bay. This Civil Conflict period brick fort is now a free museum, and you’ll really stand on the roof and look straight up on the underbelly of the bridge. It is likely one of the few locations the place you actually really feel the size of this factor.
The fort is particularly nice for first timers as a result of it mixes historical past with unbelievable proximity to the bridge. Even when the constructing is closed, you’ll be able to nonetheless stroll across the exterior and benefit from the views.
Finest parking: Two free Fort Level tons off Marine Drive with no closing dates. They replenish on weekends, however turnover is regular.
5. North Vista Level
Simply past the northern finish of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, North Vista Level is the basic north-side viewing spot. From the lot you get direct views again towards the bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and the glowing blue of the bay. This can be very accessible whether or not you drive, stroll throughout the bridge, or bike.
It’s also a well-liked Hop On Hop Off bus cease, so crowds can construct noon. If the lot is full or closed for holidays, use its quieter sibling, the North Tower lot on Conzelman Street. From there, a brief walkway leads beneath the bridge to Vista Level.
Finest parking: Vista Level lot (free, four-hour restrict) or the North Tower lot on Conzelman Street (free, no time restrict).
6. Fort Baker
Fort Baker sits beneath the northern finish of the bridge within the Marin Headlands. From right here, the bridge rises above you want an enormous pink gateway into town. It feels extra peaceable than Vista Level and provides you decrease waterfront angles. Fort Baker can be dwelling to the Bay Space Discovery Museum, a waterfront lodge, and the Yacht Membership’s nautical bar. It’s a enjoyable space to discover if in case you have a little bit additional time.
Finest parking: Free tons situated all through Fort Baker. Enter by way of the Alexander Avenue exit.
7. Battery Spencer
If you would like that basic, goosebumps, jaw-on-the-floor Golden Gate Bridge shot, Battery Spencer is your spot. Perched excessive on the Marin Headlands cliffs, this historic 1897 artillery website sits shockingly near the north tower of the bridge. The mix of top and proximity makes the view really feel nearly unreal.
October by means of June tends to have the clearest skies. Dawn and sundown are probably the most magical instances for photographs. Parking is proscribed to small turnout tons alongside Conzelman Street, so seize the primary open spot you see quite than circling all the way in which to the top.
Finest parking: Small free turnouts alongside Conzelman Street. They fill rapidly, particularly on sunny days.
8. Hawk Hill
A bit of farther alongside Conzelman Street, Hawk Hill provides you cinematic panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Mount Tamalpais, and even Mount Diablo on exceptionally clear days.
It’s also a significant birdwatching spot as a result of hawks and different raptors experience the wind currents proper over the hill. You’ll typically see birders with scopes, and actually, watching the hawks glide is half the enjoyable.
Finest parking: A number of free tons alongside Conzelman Street close to Hawk Hill. Parking is normally extra accessible right here than at Battery Spencer.
Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Sources for Reserving Your Journey!
E book Your Flight
Expedia is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you’ll be able to simply discover one of the best fare offers. You too can choose ‘Watch Costs’ to get an e-mail alert when the costs change.
E book Your Lodging
I take advantage of each Reserving.com and Expedia for inns, as a result of every affords a pair completely different lodge selections and I like to match the critiques on each. In case you have a gaggle or are on the lookout for extra of a house ambiance, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, flats and even only a room for hire in each value vary.
E book Your Rental Automotive
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to position is the most suitable choice! I at all times e-book with RentalCars.com (it’s a part of reserving.com) for one of the best costs and prime model choices.
E book Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to engines like google for cool bucket checklist experiences! Each can have completely different excursions, so examine each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey will be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an damage, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed here are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Try the Bucket Checklist Journey Amazon Retailer to search out all my favourite journey necessities. All the pieces from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling sneakers.
*Lastly, examine journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security info.
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