The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the most photographed bridges in the world. However, you have to know where the best place to take them is. I have visited these places during my numerous trips as a tour guide to San Francisco and California discovered. We also found some on trips that took us to the city as travel bloggers. We even went there on our honeymoon, as this photo shows.
These are the top 10 Golden Gate Bridge viewing spots in San Francisco:
Find your Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint with this map
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
Boat Tours to the Golden Gate Bridge
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 a half-mile below the cliffs west of the Presidio, Bakers Beach also offers wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It can be reached by public transport (Muni bus 800). There are picnic tables and grills on the beach, as well as a parking lot and public restrooms. There is also a nudist corner at the north end of Bakers Beach.
Distance to Golden Gate Bridge: 1,9 km.
China Beach
Surrounding Seacliff is China Beach, a tiny sandy beach with a picnic area, a sundeck, public restrooms, 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. More beautiful hiking trails in and around San Francisco can be found at Passportsymphony.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: 3,2 km
City Tours incl. Golden Gate Bridge
Sightseeing including Golden Gate Bridge
Lands End
There are also stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Eagle's Point trailhead at Lands End near Lincoln Park. Near this popular trail, there is also a paved walking path near the 17th hole at Lincoln Park Municipal Golf Course. There are also several benches and photo opportunities from which you can particularly enjoy the beauty of the bridge.
Distance to 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 a few insider tips that not everyone knows. However, these offer an equally beautiful view of the bridge, although it is not necessarily unobstructed to see it. Nevertheless, the views are impressive.
Lover's Lane in the Presidio
Lover's Lane is the oldest walkway in the Presidio, stretching a half-mile from the Presidio Gate at the corner of Presidio and Pacific Avenues in Presidio Heights. You walk through eucalyptus groves and also have a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge through the trees. This finally disappears more and more from view, the closer you get to the main post of the Presidio.
Distance to 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 Golden Gate Bridge: 4,7 km.
Library of the University of California
However, it is important to be quiet here! At 530 Parnassus Avenue on Inner Sunset is the Library of the University of California, San Francisco. Her reading room also offers a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Distance to bridge: 6,6 km.
Coit Tower
The slender tower visible from many parts of downtown is the Coit Tower. It stands on Telegraph Hill and offers 360 degree views of the city and the bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the view is best from the viewing deck, which can only be reached via an elevator, which costs entry.
Distance to 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 via 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 your first view of the city and the bridge at the southern exit from the tunnel.
Distance to Golden Gate Bridge: 5 km.
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy proposes these viewpoints .
Do you know any other viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge?
Then share it with us in a comment. We're happy about it, and our readers will definitely appreciate your tip.
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
You can book your parking space at the airport here.
Getting to the Golden Gate Bridge
Compare and book flights here*. Lufthansa, United and others fly to San Francisco and Los Angeles. From there you can then continue your journey by rental car or public transport.
Car Rentals:
Hotels in California:
Travel Guides
San Francisco Travel Guide * You can buy it here, for example.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Do you know this?
- Camping in California
- 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
- What does a typical breakfast in America look like
- Beach vacation USA
- USA city trips: Which cities in the USA should you visit?
- Mesa Verde National Park hiking trails
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline, San Francisco Travel and Stock Photo (Tailwind)
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