City Guide to San Francisco, California: Part 1 | The Golden Gate Bridge, A Photo Essay
There are so many different view points in San Francisco to get a peak at the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether you want to see it from below, from afar, experience it up close, or all of the above, you’ve come to the right place! As tourists, residents, and now house sitters, we’ve thoroughly explored San Francisco, California and found the best places to see, photograph, and experience the world famous Golden Gate Bridge.
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San Francisco, California, US City Guides
We explored San Francisco from top to bottom and couldn’t fit it all in just one article. Be sure to read the rest of our San Francisco, California City Guides!
We’re a digital nomad couple pursuing financial independence, retire early (FI/RE) and in 2016, we sold most of our belongings, planned to be ‘homeless’ and traveled 3 continents, 23 countries, and 60 cities in a year!
After a year traveling full time internationally we decided it was time to come home to the United States. However, our life as digital nomads wasn’t something we wanted to give up. So, in 2017 we continued our house sitting adventures throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
We hope our city guides might inspire your wanderlust. And, since a picture is worth a thousand words, we’re sharing our favorite sightseeing images from the cities we’ve visited in photo essays!
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Everyway to See the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is a world famous landmark, right up there with Tower Bridge in London, UK, Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary and Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic. And it’s a prominent part of the skyline, so any visit to San Francisco, California will be one with many glimpses (on purpose or not) of this iconic and beautiful bridge.
For a bit of our personal story…
When we met we lived about 500 miles apart, Shannon in the San Diego, California area and Sergio in the Bay Area. When we made the decision to move in together, Shannon relocated to a city outside of San Francisco and we made a home in a small one bedroom apartment.
Between visiting each other (shout out to Southwest, Southwest miles, and inexpensive fares!) and then living near San Francisco for a couple of years, we had several opportunities to see the Golden Gate Bridge.
But one of our more memorable visits was in the infancy of our relationship and Sergio’s first big surprise for Shannon.
When we were planning our first in person meeting (we met online before it was ‘thing’!) Shannon made a comment about wanting to see the Golden Gate from the view point you see in movies and television shows. You know the one, it’s from a hill looking down to the bridge and into the city.
That was all the clues that Shannon was able to gather. But Sergio, in all of his research skills was able to find the exact view point Shannon was dreaming of seeing!
In true form, he said nothing about it, only that he had a surprise. And sure enough, we drove over the bridge and up to San Francisco’s Battery Spencer Park.
But we digress…
Back to The Golden Gate Bridge!
Over our years of visiting San Francisco, living in San Francisco, and then house sitting in San Francisco, we’ve found some epic places to get great views of the world famous Golden Gate Bridge.
We hope you enjoy this photo essay of all the great spots we found!
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San Francisco Must See Sightseeing Map
To possibly make your research on sightseeing in San Francisco, California (and other destinations) easier, we’ve kept our maps with all of the information we gathered (accurate at the time of our sightseeing). Finding hours, prices, and general information can sometimes be challenging, so we’ve tried to include these details on our maps and provide appropriate links below.
And finally, not every attraction is suitable for every visitor, but the copywriters and marketing departments for the destinations sure make it sound like it. How many times have you read “Great for kids and adults alike” and shown up at the venue to wonder why anyone over 20 years-old without kids would go out of their way to be there? Below we’ve included our full itinerary on the map and when combined with the official attraction information and website, it may help you decide if it’s a destination for your travel adventure or not.
Again, the map includes our full sightseeing itinerary, not just the Golden Gate Bridge. So be sure to check out the entire San Francisco City Guide Series!
NOTE: We used this sightseeing map for our personal sightseeing adventures, because of that, some notes may not make perfect sense, and some information could be outdated. Information on this map was valid at the time of creation. That being said, feel free to save it to your Google account and use it as a starting point (or modify it accordingly) for planning out your personalized itinerary in San Francisco.
Battery Spencer Park
Known as both Battery Park and Battery Spencer, this isn’t only a special place for us to view the Golden Gate Bridge, but many also argue it’s one of the best outlooks to view the bridge from.
Technically, the spot isn’t in San Francisco, it’s in Sausalito, California. And it’s more than just a beautiful view point, it’s also a Battery that was part of the coastal defense of San Francisco Bay between 1897 and 1942.
As one might expect, finding a military defensive location is meant to be challenging. But with Google Maps, it’s as simple as plugging in Battery Spencer on Conzelman Road in Sausalito, California. You can take public transportation, walk, cycle, or drive. You’re destination will be Alexander Avenue (there’s an exit North or South on the 101 highway) which will take you to the Conzelman Road parking lot.
From the parking lot there are two paths that both take you to Battery Spencer. The one on the left is the one with the amazing views, and the one on the right takes you to the fortifications.
View of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer Park in Sausalito, California.
View from Battery Spencer Park in Sausalito, California.
Fortifications at Battery Spencer Park in Sausalito, California.
Battery East
Battery East is on the San Francisco side of the bay, below San Francisco Golden Gate Welcome Center, but above Fort Point.
Unlike Battery Spencer, Battery East has less evidence of its previous use as part of the coastal defense system, however it too is known as a prime location to get spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge!
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from a gun position marker on the Battery East Trail in San Francisco, California.
Sergio taking in the view of the Golden Gate Bridge at Battery East in San Francisco, California.
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Battery East Trail in San Francisco, California.
Shannon and the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery East in San Francisco, California.
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery East on a foggy day in San Francisco, California.
Fort Point
Take a drive down Marine Drive, a walk on a trail from the Welcome Center or Battery East, or walk the San Francisco Bay Trail and you’ll make your way to Fort Point. All options offer great views along the way!
Fort Point is part of the coastal defense on the San Francisco Bay and was built in the mid-1800s. It’s now a National Historic Site and managed by the National Park Service.
If you’re a history buff or simply appreciate the past, consider taking a moment to thank the Golden Gate Bridge project’s Chief Engineer, Joseph Strauss for appreciating the significance of Fort Point and designing the bridge directly over it and not destroying it.
Even if you choose not to enter the fort, the area around the fort is perfect for water front views of the bridge. Especially those that are close up of the underside of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Check the National Park Service website for more information on getting a tour inside Fort Point.
Fort Point in San Francisco, California.
Inside Fort Point in San Francisco, California.
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Point in San Francisco, California.
An up-close view of the underside structure of the Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Point in San Francisco, California.
Hopper’s Hands (and Paws!) at Fort Point
As we walked up to the fence at the end of trail next to Fort Point we couldn’t help but scratch our heads. We had no idea what the sign with two hands and a label of ‘Hopper’s Hands’ was all about.
We used our Google skills (on our Google Fi cell plan) and found the story of the Golden Gate Bridge ironworker Ken Hopper.
With over 30 years working on the bridge he became accustom to seeing runners run the San Francisco Bay Trail to the dead end at the fence at Fort Point, touch the fence, and then turn back. He was inspired to give the runners something more inspirational to look at than industrial ‘no trespassing’ signs. He decided to post an image of his hands for runners to touch instead.
Over time, his name was added to the sign. And adorably, a smaller sign was added for dogs to share in the fun!
Over time ‘Hopper’s Hands’ has become a symbol of his hands reaching out to save the lives lost to suicide on the bridge, as over the years Hopper himself has talked or forced 30 people down from the bridge.
Hopper’s Hands painted in 49er’s colors (left side) and the paws for the pups near the bottom right on the fence at Fort Point in San Francisco, California.
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San Francisco Bay Trail
Along the San Francisco side of the bay runs the San Francisco Bay Trail, which, if you’re following along, runs along Marine Drive and dead ends at Fort Point. If you’re looking for a great scenic walk, we highly encourage taking this walk from Fort Point all the way east past Chrissy Field and the yacht clubs to the Wave Organ.
We enjoyed the walk and the sightseeing along the way, but the views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge along the way are beautiful on a clear day!
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from the San Francisco Bay Trail in San Francisco, California.
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from the San Francisco Bay Trail in San Francisco, California.
View of Alcatraz from the San Francisco Bay Trail in San Francisco, California.
Golden Gate Welcome Center
On the San Francisco side of the Golden Gate Bridge is the Golden Gate Welcome Center. It’s a great place to start your walk or cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge and the center also offers free walking tours, historical information, and helpful staff!
Driving
If you decided to drive during your visit watch for signs because the Golden Gate Welcome Center will come up quickly as you approach the bridge. You’ll find it on your right side, via the 101 highway north.
Walking
If your walking across the bridge, which we highly recommend, you’ll either start at the Welcome Center, or end here.
Shuttle
Also, consider taking the free Presidio Shuttle to avoid the frustration of finding a space in the very small Welcome Center parking lot.
Check the Golden Gate Bridge website for more information on the welcome center as well as information on visiting the bridge, including tolls.
A replica of the Golden Gate Bridge with the actual bridge in the background at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in San Francisco, California.
Tthe Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in San Francisco, California.
A reflection of the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in San Francisco, California.
Baker Beach
Baker Beach is a mile long public beach that can get crowded on warm, clear days. For good reason though, the views of the Golden Gate Bridge are wonderful!
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach in San Francisco, California.
Taking in the view of the Golden Gate Bridge at Baker Beach in San Francisco, California.
Sail the Bay
Sailing on the San Francisco Bay isn’t only a way to see the Golden Gate Bridge from an entirely different perspective, but it’s also an adventure!
Even on a foggy day, sailing on the San Francisco Bay is a great way to see the Golden Gate Bridge!
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Drive the 101 Highway
Some people have to drive across the bridge during their daily commute, but it’s also another way to experience the Golden Gate Bridge when visiting. There’s a few things to keep in mind if you opt to drive the bridge:
The Golden Gate is used by commuters going to and from the city for work. So, if you’re driving during rush hours be sure to calculate in extra time for traffic.
The bridge is free to cross when driving northbound, but there’s a toll when going south into San Francisco.
Check toll prices online and keep in mind reduced carpool rates during qualifying hours.
You can’t pay tolls manually on the bridge, as tolls are electronically collected. If you have FasTrak then you’re set, otherwise you have a couple of options, find a pay location nearby, pay online or by phone within 48 hours of crossing, or get a toll invoice via mail to the address registered to your vehicle.
It’s a cool experience to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, but less fun for the driver. Plus, there aren’t any places to stop on the bridge.
Tip: If you drive across the Golden Gate Bridge but still want to stop and take in the views and maybe even walk part or all of the bridge, take advantage of the free parking lot on the north side (Sausalito side) of the bridge.
Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.
Walk or Cycle
Walking and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge is free, just keep in mind that it’s 1.7 miles each way. Many visitors opt to drive to the north side of the bridge, park in the free lot and then walk across some or all of the bridge. Others take public transportation or walk to the bridge from the Presidio, the San Francisco Bay Trail, or the Coastal Trail.
The views of San Francisco and Marin County from the Golden Gate are spectacular!
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to stop, take in the views, and snap a few good pictures.
Tip: If you opt to cycle across the bridge, keep in mind that many locals cycle to and from work via the bridge and will be focused on getting to work and likely not slowing down for the view.
Looking north towards Marin County from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.
Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.
An up-close view of the Art Deco ironwork on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.
Final Thoughts
There are so many different ways to see, photograph, and experience the world famous San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge!
We highly recommend making plans to purposefully see the bridge from a couple different vantage points. However, if you’re simply exploring San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods, you’re bound to find a few surprise views of the bridge as well.
Enjoy and have fun in San Francisco!