The Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in the world. However, you have to know where to take your photos from. I have discovered these places during my travels to California. These are the Top 10 viewpoints on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco:
Crissy Field
This former airstrip in Presidio military grounds south of the bridge has been embellished with 2001. It now offers both walking and biking trails between Marina Green and Fort Point. From there, breathtaking views of the bridge open up. At Crissy Field there are also picnic areas and a small beach. This is very popular with families. Either take your picnic out of town or get some in the Warming Hut at Fort Point or the Beach Hut Cafe on Marina Green.
Distance to Golden Gate Bridge: 4,2 km from Marina Green
The Golden Gate Bridge from a Boat
These boat tours also offer good photo opportunities on the bridge at the Golden Gate. And not only that. These boat tours also offer good views of the San Francisco skyline Alcatraz Island, the former prison island in the bay, and the surrounding region.
The Golden Gate by Boat
Fort Point
The bridge closest to the bridge is Fort Point, an American Civil War fortress. It can be reached via the Marine Drive. The fort never saw any warlike activity, but the bridge was built to preserve the fort.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: 1,9 km
Baker beach
About 800 meters below the cliffs west of the Presidio, Baker's Beach also offers beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It can be reached by public transport (Muni-Bus 29). On the beach there are picnic tables and barbecues, as well as a parking lot and public toilets. At the northern end of Baker's Beach there is also a nudist corner.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: 1,9 km
China Beach
In the Seacliff area is China Beach, a tiny sandy beach with a picnic area, a sundeck, public toilets, cold showers and unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge. But: the beach is only accessible via a steep, tarred driveway or a natural staircase with around 100 steps. China Beach is one of Paroma's insider tips in San Francisco. You can find more of them here Hidden Gems in San Francisco .
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: 3,2 km
City Tours incl. Golden Gate Bridge
Lands End
From the starting point of the Eagle's Point walk on Lands End, near Lincoln Park, you also have breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. There is also a tarred walk near the 17 near this popular hiking trail. Lochs of the Lincoln Park Municipal Golf Course. There are several benches and photo opportunities, from which one can enjoy the beauty of the bridge especially well.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: 4,8 km
In addition to these vantage points, from which you have a clear view of the bridge, there are also some insider tips that not everyone knows. However, these offer an equally beautiful view of the bridge, even if it cannot necessarily be seen without an obstacle. The views are still impressive.
Lover's Lane in the Presidio
Lover's Lane is Presidio's oldest walkway, half a mile from Presidio Gate on the corner of Presidio and Pacific Avenue in Presidio Heights. You walk through eucalyptus groves and also have a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge through the trees. This disappears more and more out of sight as you get closer to the main post of Presidio.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: 3,5 km
From the Viewing Deck of the Hamon Education Tower
The observation deck of the Hamon Education Tower at de Young Museum also offers dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It also has spectacular views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Visiting the viewing deck, which is open daily until 16.30, is free and open to the public.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: 4,7 km
Library of the University of California
Here, it is said to be quiet! Located on 530 Parnassus Avenue in the Inner Sunset is the library of the University of California, San Francisco. From her reading room you also have a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Distance to the bridge: 6,6 km
Coit Tower
The slender tower, visible from many parts of the city center, is the Coit Tower. Standing on Telegraph Hill, it also offers XNUMX-degree views of the city and bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the best view is from the observation deck, which can only be reached via an elevator that costs admission.
Distance to the bridge: 7,0 km
The most beautiful View at the Entrance to San Francisco
However, if you approach San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from the north on Highway 101, the view of both is initially blocked by the Marin Headlands. However, if you drive through the Waldo Tunnel between the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito, you have the first view of the city and the bridge at the southern exit from the tunnel.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: 5 km
Travel Arrangements:
Getting there
United and other airlines fly to San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Car Rentals:
Hotels in California:
Travel Guides
San Francisco Travel Guide * here
Do you already know:
- Covered Bridges: romantic New England
- On tour through California's cities
- Stowe Vermont USA - 3 tips for a day
- Fairmont Gold at Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario
- Design Hotel Wien Zentrum - the Hotel Sans Souci
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs, TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright see details in the photos
Wow, what great prospects. Really helpful so an overview. I often travel that, I want to take pictures and think forever, from where that works best. From your list I like Fort Point and China Beach the best. You can really remember that for a San Francisco trip :)
Best regards,
Nicole from PASSENGER X
Dear Nicole,
I am very happy if you like my tips for viewpoints on the Golden Gate Bridge. Of course, then the weather must also play. The bridge often hides in the fog.
Best regards,
Monika
Wow, great report. Did you visit all these viewpoints yourself? My favorite would be one of the beaches!
Lg from Ecuador :)
Hello Michaela,
I know most of them from my own experience. That belonged to my job as a tour guide.
Greetings,
Monika