Golden Gate Bridge Highway Journey (8 Views in One Day!)

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 mild. These are a few of my favourite locations to just do that. Every one provides you a totally completely different perspective. 

The complete driving route takes just below an hour, not together with all of the picture stops. It’s straightforward, manageable, and ideal for first timers who’ve added it to their issues to do in San Francisco bucket listing.

➞ Driving is nice, however When you’re excited by 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
Whole Period: 4-6 hours  

1. Baker Seashore

Baker Seashore sits on the western fringe of San Francisco contained in the Presidio, tucked under rugged cliffs and going through the Pacific Ocean. From right here, you get extensive open views of the Golden Gate Bridge’s ocean aspect, the Marin Headlands, and the greenery of the Presidio. It’s postcard good.

Sundown is the traditional 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 presents clearer skies. North Baker Seashore is clothes elective, so only a pleasant heads up.

Finest parking: Two free heaps 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 presents views of the bridge’s western span and the Pacific. Strolling paths wind previous historic artillery ruins that when protected the bay. There may be additionally an official viewing space known as the Golden Gate Overlook alongside Lincoln Avenue.

I like this spot since you really feel like you might be 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 heaps alongside Lincoln Avenue and Service provider Highway close to the Golden Gate Overlook.

3. Battery East Path

In order for you layered views with a bit of greenery framing your images, 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 parking zone. Value’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 without doubt one of the few locations the place you actually really feel the size of this factor. 

The fort is very 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 possibly can nonetheless stroll across the exterior and benefit from the views.

Finest parking: Two free Fort Level heaps off Marine Drive with no deadlines. They refill 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 traditional 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 preferred 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 Highway. 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 Highway (free, no time restrict).

6. Fort Baker

Fort Baker sits under the northern finish of the bridge within the Marin Headlands. From right here, the bridge rises above you want a large pink gateway into town. It feels extra peaceable than Vista Level and offers you decrease waterfront angles. Fort Baker can also be house to the Bay Space Discovery Museum, a waterfront resort, and the Yacht Membership’s nautical bar. It’s a enjoyable space to discover in case you have a bit of further time.

Finest parking: Free heaps positioned all through Fort Baker. Enter through the Alexander Avenue exit.

7. Battery Spencer

In order for you that traditional, 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 virtually unreal.

October by means of June tends to have the clearest skies. Dawn and sundown are probably the most magical occasions for images. Parking is restricted to small turnout heaps alongside Conzelman Highway, so seize the primary open spot you see relatively than circling all the best way to the tip.

Finest parking: Small free turnouts alongside Conzelman Highway. They fill rapidly, particularly on sunny days.

8. Hawk Hill

A bit of farther alongside Conzelman Highway, 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 trip the wind currents proper over the hill. You’ll usually see birders with scopes, and actually, watching the hawks glide is half the enjoyable. 

Finest parking: A number of free heaps alongside Conzelman Highway close to Hawk Hill. Parking is normally extra accessible right here than at Battery Spencer.

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