A Beginner's Guide To Visiting Golden Gate Bridge On A Budget .. Check it out at dusk, when the entire span is lit up with thousands of sparkling LED lights in a dazzling displayits even on our list of the best things to do in San Francisco at night. Visit the Parks Conservancy website or National Park Service-GGNRA website to begin your adventure. Alternatively, you can take a boat to experience sailing under the bridge to reach the Marin side and walk back on the bridge. Take a guided cruise with Red and White Fleet for a truly unique viewpoint, by sailing directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Soldiers guarded the bay during the Civil War, then again during World War II. If you take a night tour, you can get an amazing photograph of the sun setting behind the bridge. In this article, Ive found all the best viewpoints (including parking tips), so you can capture an iconic image for yourself. Good to know There are not many options for food, so make sure to carry snacks, drinks, and water. Here are the 8 absolute best places to see the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. During WWII, Angel Island also used to be an immigration station. It is no surprise because from here, you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the bridge, looking right down at the north tower. You can also hike out to Point Bonita lighthouse. Solo Trip To Paris 25 Fantastic Things To Do! The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco, is a must-see destination for visitors and locals alike. Thats completely down to your personal preference! What does it mean to be a California.com Recommended Business? If you have time, I recommend going further from Crissy Field to arrive at the Golden Gate Beach, a sunny beach ideal for relaxing, swimming, taking a stroll and, of course, getting fantastic views of the bridge along with the sailboats around. Take the stairs to reach the shore. Now's the time to photograph the bridge with the city skyline . Check out this resource for walking the Golden Gate Bridge for full details. San Francisco is famous for its scenic beauty and cultural attractions, with iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the iconic attractions of the Lands End is the labyrinth made from many rocks that have been moved around and reassembled by artists to create a fantastic structure. Youll still get a great Golden Gate Bridge photo from here, however. This great Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint offers something a bit different to the other views, as it's from the other side of the bay, and it's from a beach too! After being lucky to have experienced the gorgeous views myself, I have curated this guide to the best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints to help you find those iconic bridge experiences. One of the most popular places for hikers, bikers and runners in San Francisco is theSCA Trail. The retrofit, designed to make the bridge safer in strong wind conditions, appears to have turned the structure into a giant harp. Updated on November 9, 2022 T The Golden Gate Bridge is intrinsic to San Francisco's history. What is the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge? Not just the close-up views, but you can see far into the distance, including pictures of the inner San Francisco Bay, Oakland, Point Bonita Lighthouse, and Alcatraz Island. Second, depending on where you're coming from and going as part of your visit, you'll have to pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll which is not cheap! If you cant find a spot in this lot, head to the Alexander Ave exit, then turn left onto Bunker Road, where few parking options are available. There are only a handful of tent sites at this exclusive spot, so be ready to book months ahead of your visit. One of my favourite Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints is not on land but a cruise! This family-friendly destination offers picnic spots, walking trails, and a chance to watch kite surfers in action. If you are driving, follow the signs from Stockton Street in North Beach. You will spend an hour on the Bay on these ferries and include a trip under the bridge. Sarah McDonald is a travel writer based in the Bay Area. Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 0.3 milesAddress: Long Ave & Marine Dr, 201 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129How to get there: From Union Square, head north toward Pier 39, then follow Bay St to Marina Blvd.Parking: Theres parking on Marine Dr and at the Battery East parking lot.Features: View the bridge from underneath with the arches of Fort Point in the foreground. Check out our top-rated Dylan's Famous San Francisco City Tour for a tour of the Golden Gate Bridge by a local guide! One of the best ways to see the Golden Gate Bridge is from Vista Point, an observation deck located at the north end of the bridge. You can get a good shot of the Golden Gate Bridge from here too, often with sailboats gliding by. Parking Area There is a free parking area on the premises. Located above Fort Point National Historic Site is the Battery East Vista, one of the underrated Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints. If you are up for more adventure, you can also do the more strenuous, 1.6 miles(one way) hike beginning from the North Tower parking lot near the bridge up the SEA Trail to Slacker Hill. Not only is this considered the best place to take pictures of Golden Gate Bridge, it's a prime location for watching migrating raptors like eagles, hawks, eagles, falcons, and various vultures. Golden Gate Transit ( Bus Schedules & Maps ): To/from Downtown or Union Square: Board any GGT bus (Routes 101, 130, and 150) at Salesforce Transit Center (Bus Plaza, Bay A) or along Mission Street (north side of the street, GGT marked stops only). Parking Area Marine Drive, the road leading to the fort, has two parking areas, and parking is free, with no time limits. While youre parked up at Battery Spencer, check out the Golden Gate Observation Deck nearby. This is a particularly beautiful spot to watch the sunset. Thats the new mileston, When you hike on an island in California and co, Hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil How to get there Take the 38 bus from Union Square toward the Outer Richmond neighbourhood if you are using public transport. Start from the parking lot and take the trail up, making a detour to the top of Slackers Hill if youre looking for a loftier viewpoint. Parking Area There are plenty of spaces on Mason Street or at the Sports Basement. 33 Fantastic Italy Solo Travel Destinations For Your Bucket List, 13 Best Beaches In Long Beach For a Fun Day In Sand And Sea, 10 Beautiful Laguna Beach Tide Pools You Should Explore With Kids. Plus, theres a hike-in campground just above the beach, where you can watch the sunset (and sunrise) behind the bridge. I'm Reshma Narasing, a slow traveler and a free-spirit on the road for over 7 years. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the city of San Francisco itself are so photogenic its very easy to capture a stunning image. How to get there From Seacliff Avenue, take the stairs downwards. You will pass through gorgeous wild landscapes adorned with wildflowers, cypress, cliffs, coastal trails, ship decks, and spectacular views of the whole entrance to San Francisco Bay, making it one of the fantastic Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints. In addition to its serious engineering credentials, the bridge is straight-up gorgeous. Located to the southwest of the bridge below the rugged cliffs along Presidios western shoreline, you can admire the sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay from the Marin Headlands and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can enjoy splendid views of the bridge, similar to the Vista Point view, but a little farther away and at a unique angle. Another excellent location to view the Golden Gate Bridge is Crissy Field, a beachfront area that provides a unique perspective of the iconic landmark. Located just north of Baker Beach, this beach is also an excellent spot to witness gorgeous sunsets over the Pacific ocean. You can walk, bike, or drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer above the Golden Gate Bridge (Pictured at the top of this page.) Most tourists opt for the return ferry tours, including access to the island and a self-guided audio tour of the national park. There was an error submitting your subscription. Get the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge with our guide for the best locations near the famed Bay Area landmark. Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 4.5 milesAddress: Pier 43 , San FranciscoHow to get there: From Union Square, take the F tram north to Fishermans Wharf.Parking: Pier 39 Parking Garage on The Embarcadero is nearby.Features: Unique views from right under the bridge. Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 0.9 milesAddress: 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito, CA 94965How to get there: From San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the Alexander Ave exit, then turn right onto Bunker Rd, and left onto Murray Circle.Parking: Parking is available at the hotel.Features: A Sausalito Golden Gate Bridge view from the comfort of your own room. This area also has a ton of great spots to capture the perfect Golden Gate Bridge photo. It will take an hour from the Cliff house. The best time to visit Marshalls beach is around dusk or dawn when you see the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge above you against the vibrant skies. Where to View Golden Gate Bridge (With Toll Fee) 7. Note that there is not much available shade, so start early. How to get there After crossing the Golden Gate, take the Alexander Ave exit. Through this blog The Solo Globetrotter, my goal is to provide you with very valuable tips to help you plan epic trips to popular and hidden gem destinations around the world. The excellent architecture and the bright red colours add to the magnificent backdrop comprising the greenery. One of the farthest Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints is Hawk Hill. If you want to visit Angel Island at night, youll need to camp. I highly recommend driving to Hawk Hills, as the journey through the Marin Headlands on the Conzelman Road is fantastic. Written by Sushmita Ghangas One of the most iconic structural monuments in San Francisco is the stunning Golden Gate Bridge. No matter which time of the year you visit, its always very windy here, so bring a warm jacket. By clicking subscribe, you are verifying this is your information and in response to your request, you consent to receive e-mail communications from California.com about their news, events and offers. Parking Parking is available at Camino Del Mar. There are so many opportunities along this trail for a photograph of the bridge, so take your time and see what the weather brings you. Here's how you find this spot (with a couple of photos below to reference!)