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The Best Places to See & Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge has been the subject of countless photos by every kind of photographer who has ever set foot in San Francisco. There are literally thousands of angles from which you can see it. You can imagine it was quite difficult to distill this list to only five! But taking everything into account, these are my favorite places to see the Golden Gate Bridge, both as a photographer and as a resident. What are your favorites? Leave a comment and let me know, and your place could be the next one for my photoshoot!

1. Marin Headlands – Hawk Hill

The Marin Headlands, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a vast expanse of rolling hills directly north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Head left on Conzelman Road, and the vistas abound. Literally anywhere you see a bunch of cars parked, stop. The view is going to be amazing. Hawk Hill, the end of the two-lane part of Conzelman is a perfect place to see the Golden Gate Bridge framed against the entire city of San Francisco in the background and the source for the above extreme panorama that I took.

By the way, fair warning that the Headlands are extremely popular so it may be hard to find parking. You can, however, take the 76X bus which runs along Conzelman Road from San Francisco on the weekends. And, if you’re looking for a quieter way to contemplate the grandeur of the bridge, camp out at Kirby Cove, where the beach and the view of the bridge can be all yours.

2. Presidio – Marshall Beach

The entire coastal side of the Presidio boasts excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, but Marshall Beach wins because of the large rocks scattered along the beach, which are great juxtaposed against the bridge.

If the tide is low, you can walk further north from the beach all the way to Fort Point (though alas, no path connects to Fort Point, so you’ll have to turn around), which makes for a great scenic hike. Marshall Beach is also a famous nudist beach so you might see some other interesting sights while you’re there!

3. Fort Point

Speaking of Fort Point, that’s my next recommended spot! The perspective will be very unique since you’ll be directly under the bridge. It’s the best way to appreciate the scale of the bridge towering above you.

Visitors should note that a tour of Fort Point is fantastic, and the roof is where you’ll get the best views of the bridge and surrounding area. Fort Point is only open Friday through Sunday.

4. Crissy Field

The classic way to appreciate the Golden Gate Bridge if you’re a resident is with a picnic at Crissy Field. Picture this: sweeping fields of grass giving way to a solid mile of beach, all with the bridge and the ocean in the background. This is one of those moments where I’ll be surrounded by friends and good food and pets and kids and kites in the sky and thinking—do I really live here? Check out this photo of some of my clients on holiday for an example of what I mean:

I’ll give you another tip. Crissy Field is just as beautiful at night, partly because there are no lights and so the field is basically empty after the sun sets. Pack a headlamp and brave the darkness for some stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge’s colorful after dark persona.

By the way, if you want to take in all of these vistas together, I highly recommend renting a bike, an easy place to get one is Fisherman’s Wharf. From there, ride west through Crissy Field, up to the Golden Gate Bridge, across it and then up to Conzelman Road (fair warning, the road is extremely steep, no shame in walking a bike!), then back down and back across the bridge, and then biking south through the Presidio.

5. Grand View Park

Finally, I like to admire the bridge from a distance. After all, it’s important to realize that the Golden Gate Bridge is just one of the many features that make San Francisco such a beautiful city. Head out to Grand View Park (which, by the way, is a lot less touristy than most other parks with views), and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Before your eyes stretch the entire city. Twin Peaks to the east, the Financial District to the northeast, the vast Golden Gate Park and the speck of Golden Gate Bridge to the north, and then to the west, the vast Pacific Ocean. If I were you, make this your last stop before you leave our majestic city, make this the last memory of beautiful San Francisco. That will be a snapshot you’ll treasure forever. 

6. Battery Spencer (added by Josh)

Battery Spencer is a great spot to view the bridge from on the northern side. It’s best to go here if you have a car as it can be hard to get back with an Uber/Lyft sometimes. It is a beautiful viewing area though and one that I love especially at sunrise. Read more about it here .

7. Golden Gate Overlook and Visitors Center (added by Josh)

This is the most popular location for viewing the bridge and there is a decent-sized parking lot you can take advantage of. This is also the best way to access the bridge if you want to walk or bike on it as well. I never get tired of seeing the bridge from this angle.

8. Alcatraz (added by Josh)

While you need a zoom lens for this view, Alcatraz can also be a great spot to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Also, just taking the boat to Angel Island gives you views like this as you make your way across the bay as well.

About the Author

Thanks to James for this fantastic post, all photos with “James Dong” watermark are copyright James Dong. I did add a few more spots to his list though. James is a San Francisco based photographer. You can see his portfolio on his website here . During the day, James works on Last Minute Gear,  www.lastmingear.com , a business that rents & delivers outdoor gear for camping, backpacking, and more up to 1 hour before a trip. It’s the easiest and cheapest way to get out there and start exploring!

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18 Best Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints (Most Impressive Views of SF’s Iconic Landmark)

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The best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints in San Francisco and Marin.

Despite Hollywood’s obsession with destroying this bridge in movies–and more than one real-life earthquake–San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge remains the city’s best-known landmark. 

Its art-deco style, striking orange hue, and stunning natural surroundings make this bridge instantly recognizable.

One of the first things I wanted to do when I arrived in San Francisco was to find the best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint, take photographs, and walk across it. 

I’ve crossed the bridge many times since, but I still get my phone out every time.

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the city of San Francisco itself are so photogenic it’s very easy to capture a stunning image. 

But you need to know where to go to get that postcard-perfect picture–and cross your fingers for some sunshine. 

In this article, I’ve found all the best viewpoints (including parking tips), so you can capture an iconic image for yourself.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite two-week itinerary for the state. 

Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints Map

Best Viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 0.3 miles Address: Long Ave & Marine Dr, 201 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129 How to get there: From Union Square, head north toward Pier 39, then follow Bay St to Marina Blvd. Parking: There’s 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.

The brick arches of Fort Point offer an interesting visual counterpoint to the criss-cross structures of the Golden Gate Bridge, which towers over the fortress. 

This viewpoint will appeal to anyone interested in architecture, or looking for a unique angle on a much-photographed icon.

Fort Point is a three-story brick building, originally built to protect the San Francisco Bay during the Gold Rush in 1853. Soldiers guarded the bay during the Civil War, then again during World War II. 

Now preserved as an essential part of San Francisco’s history, Fort Point is free to the public. Look out for seasonal guided tours, especially the atmospheric Fort Point candlelight tours .

Torpedo Wharf

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 0.5 miles GPS coordinates: (37.8091381, -122.4702153) How to get there: Take the San Francisco Bay Trail to the Warming Hut, then walk out onto the pier. Parking: There is a parking lot at the end of Marine Dr. Features: Best views of the city and bridge from the San Francisco side.

As I mentioned above, Crissy Field is a great place to hang out on a sunny San Francisco day. 

From the field, take a short walk along the San Francisco Bay Trail until you reach the Warming Hut, a National Park-run bookstore/coffee shop. From there, you’ll spot a pier stretching out into the water.

This is Torpedo Wharf, named for the submarine mines planted from here by the U.S. Army as part of the bay’s defense. 

As it juts out into the bay, the pier is perfectly placed for some incredible views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The view is improved by the cute sea lions, who warm themselves on the sunny rocks. You’ll want to bring a jacket, however–the wind is strong out on the jetty.

Crissy Field

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 0.7 miles GPS coordinates: (37.8042874, -122.4647022) How to get there: Crissy Field is located at the northernmost tip of San Francisco. You can drive along US-101, take the 30 bus from Union Square to Sports Basement, or hop on the free PresidiGo Shuttle , which makes several stops downtown. Parking: Parking is pretty easy, there are plenty of spaces on Mason Street or at Sports Basement. Features: Golden Gate Bridge views across a grassy field with mountains in the background.

Crissy Field is a green, open space in the north of the city, which invites you to grab lunch, throw down a blanket, and enjoy a picnic with an incredible view of the bridge. 

Once an airfield, it’s now perfect for playing frisbee or flying a kite, with plenty of space to play on the wide lawn.

Crissy Field leads down to Golden Gate Beach, a sunny stretch of sand that’s safe for swimming, unlike the wilder beaches to the west. 

You can get a good shot of the Golden Gate Bridge from here too, often with sailboats gliding by. It’s also an area that’s best explored on foot, along the San Francisco Bay Trail. 

On foggy days, head over to the Warming Hut at the northern end for a cup of hot chocolate to take off the chill, and spot the seals that like to hang out at the wharf.

Marshall’s Beach

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 0.7 miles GPS coordinates: (37.8016521, -122.4798778) How to get there: Marshall’s Beach is just north of Baker Beach. Parking: Park at Baker Beach parking lot or Langdon Court. Features: Beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge from a quiet beach.

If you love the natural setting of Baker Beach but you’re not a fan of the crowds, head over to the more secluded Marshall’s Beach, located around the corner from Baker Beach.

You can get a beautiful shot from the top of the stairs as well as down on the beach, and you’re less likely to include random strangers in your photograph. 

This westward-facing beach is also one of the best spots in the city to capture a sunset over the Pacific Ocean (fog allowing).

And don’t stop at Marshall’s Beach–you’ll also get amazing Golden Gate Bridge views on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail (one of the best urban hikes in San Francisco ) above the beach as well. 

I especially like stopping at the Golden Gate Overlook, a platform along the path. You can get a shot of the bridge’s towers framed between two cypress trees. 

This spot is a favorite for couples taking their wedding photos but isn’t overcrowded. 

Cavallo Point

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 0.9 miles Address: 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito, CA 94965 How 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.

Cavallo Point is a luxury hotel at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. Make a reservation at Murray Circle, the on-site restaurant, and ask for a seat outside on the sunny porch. 

You’ll be able to take in the Golden Gate Bridge as you savor your lunch or watch the sunset over cocktails.

The lodge has pathways through gardens with more great spots for photography. It would be a great location for portraits or for a romantic occasion (like a proposal!).

If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat while you’re in the area, read our guide to the best Sausalito restaurants . 

Baker Beach

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 1 mile GPS coordinates: (37.7947698, -122.4831280) How to get there: Park in the parking lot just off Lincoln Blvd., or take the 38 bus from Union Square toward the Outer Richmond neighborhood. Parking: Baker Beach parking lot. Features: See the Golden Gate Bridge with the Marin Headlands in the background and a beach in the foreground.

Play in the surf with the iconic orange bridge as your background at Baker Beach, a one-mile stretch of sand in the northwest corner of San Francisco. 

On a sunny day, the blues of the ocean and sky contrast beautifully with the bridge.

Surrounded by nature on all sides, it’s my favorite view of the Golden Gate Bridge and also one of the easiest to access, as the beach is just steps from the parking lot or bus route. 

Baker Beach is popular with just about everyone in the city. Dogs are allowed off-leash, nudity is allowed in the northernmost area and families take their kids to play in the sand. 

This also means it can get crowded, especially on a warm day when San Franciscans head over to escape the heat of the city.

North Vista Point View

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 1.1 miles Address/GPS coordinates: Parking lot, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, CA 94965, (37.8324586, -122.4802131) How to get there: After crossing the bridge from San Francisco, take the first exit, marked Vista Point. Parking: There is a small, free parking lot. Features: Easy access to a close-up view of the bridge.

If you’re walking or biking across the bridge , this is the first viewpoint you’ll come across on the north side. 

Since this viewpoint is at the same level as the bridge, you’ll look up at the structure rather than down like you would on the Conzelman Road vantage points on the other side of the freeway.

As a result, you’ll get a close look at the bridge’s structure rather than a bird’s eye view. 

If you want to check out both views, there’s a walkway leading from this vista point across to the trailheads on the western side.

If you can’t find a spot in the parking lot here, continue driving to the Alexander Ave exit, then turn left onto Bunker Road. 

You’ll find several turnouts and parking lots on this side, then you can take the walkway back over to the North Vista Point View.

China Beach

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 2.1 miles Address/GPS coordinates: China Beach, 340 Sea Cliff Ave., San Francisco, (37.7881634, -122.4907467) How to get there: Take the stairs down to the beach from Seacliff Ave. Parking: Park in the parking area at the intersection of Seacliff Ave and Camino Del Mar. Features: Small, quiet beach tucked between the popular Baker Beach and Lands End.

The tiny area of sand at China Beach is protected from the wind by rock walls, making this a nice sunny spot for a picnic with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

It’s best to time your visit with low tide since there will be more space. You can also explore the miniature marine worlds in the tide pools that form at low tide.

China Beach was named for the Chinese fishermen who would camp here, and there’s a small monument to them on the beach. 

Although small, China Beach is often less crowded than the better-known Baker Beach next door. There’s also a cluster of picnic tables available.

Lands End Lookout

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 2.8 miles GPS coordinates: (37.7880419, -122.5059137) How to get there: From the parking lot at El Camino Del Mar, follow the Lands End Trail down the steps and out to the lookout. Parking: 1200-1298 El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco, CA 94121. Features: Rugged scenery and a giant heart.

Lands End in San Francisco is special for its history, scenery, and local icon status as the site of the Land’s End Labyrinth. 

The lookout offers great views of the famous San Francisco bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean.

Take the Lands End Trail from the road up to the Coastal Trail, where you’ll head down some steps, ending at the Lands End lookout on the cliff’s edge. 

This is a remote and rocky corner of the city with plenty of fog and chilly winds. It’s perfect for an atmospheric picture of the Golden Gate Bridge, standing tall over the white-tipped waves.

The labyrinth at the lookout is created from a variety of rocks. It has been carefully reassembled every time the rocks get moved and thrown off the cliff (which has happened a lot in recent years). 

Unfortunately, the artist who maintains the labyrinth declared they were done after the last time a vandal destroyed the maze.

However, another hero has stepped up to craft a heart out of the scattered rocks, making a new piece of public art to delight visitors.

Slackers Hill

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 2.8 miles Address/GPS coordinates: Conzelman Rd. Parking Lot, Sausalito (37.8338626, -122.4944786) How to get there: Once across the bridge, take the Alexander Ave exit then left onto Bunker Rd, right on McCullough, and park in the lot. Parking: Conzelman Rd Parking Lot, which is free. Features: A nice short hike to a superb view of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline

Hike up to Slackers Hill and be rewarded with 360-degree views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin side. 

The one-mile out-and-back trail is short but steep. From the parking lot at the Conzelman Rd turning circle, take the Slacker Trail uphill. 

At the fork, turn right onto the Slackers Hill Trail and continue to the top. There’s no shade on this trail, so come prepared for wind and sunshine.

At the summit of Slackers Hill, you’ll see beaches, the Marin Headlands, the ocean, the city, and, of course, the bridge. 

This is a particularly beautiful spot to watch the sunset. If you do want to see the sun go down, plan to arrive about an hour before so you have enough time for the 30-minute hike to this Golden Gate Bridge vista point.

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Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 3 miles Address/GPS coordinates: Conzelman Rd, Sausalito; (37.8325109, -122.4820159) How to get there: Find the trailhead at the third parking lot along Conzelman Road. Parking: Park in the small trailhead parking lot. Features: A thrilling hike through Marin’s beautiful mountains with views of the bridge at every turn.

The SCA Trail is over four miles long, winding through the gorgeous Marin Headlands on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Start from the parking lot and take the trail up, making a detour to the top of Slackers Hill if you’re looking for a loftier viewpoint.

This is an out-and-back path with not much available shade, so pick a cool day or try to get there early to avoid the heat. 

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. It’s especially scenic when low clouds partially obscure the bridge.

The SCA Trail is a great way to combine a hike through the hills with a memorable picture of San Francisco.

Battery Spencer

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 3.5 miles Address/GPS coordinates: Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965 (37.8275450, -122.4815780) How to get there: From US-101, take Alexander Ave and turn left onto Bunker Rd, then right onto Conzelman. Park in the small lot and take the trail to the Battery Spencer lookout. Parking: There is a small, free parking lot. Features: Spectacular views of the bridge and the city.

It’s worth waiting patiently for one of the dozen parking spots to open up for this jaw-dropping Golden Gate postcard viewpoint. 

Battery Spencer was once a military lookout position, chosen for the sweeping vistas of the bay. Now, tourists walk by the abandoned outpost to enjoy beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond. 

It’s a short trail from the parking lot to the peak, where you’ll find a large dirt area with plenty of space for everyone.

If you’re looking for an atmospheric image of the bridge rising out of the famous fog, try visiting in the morning. Late afternoon is beautiful too when the golden hour emphasizes the bridge’s orange hue. 

The time of day and weather conditions can have a huge impact on your experience, so it’s worth making repeat visits to this magical spot.

While you’re parked up at Battery Spencer, check out the Golden Gate Observation Deck nearby. This area also has a ton of great spots to capture the perfect Golden Gate Bridge photo.

Kirby Beach

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 3.9 miles Address/GPS coordinates: Kirby Beach, (37.8268922, -122.4891663) How to get there: From San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the Alexander Ave exit. Turn left onto Bunker Rd, then left onto McCullough Rd. At the traffic circle, take the second exit onto Conzelman Rd and park at the Battery Wagner lot. Parking: Park in the Golden Gate View Point parking lot, which is free. Features: Take your camping gear and camp out in front of the Golden Gate Bridge for a unique night’s sleep.

It’s a one-mile descent down to the beach at Kirby Cove, but well worth the effort for the beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the beach. 

On a sunny day, you’ll see sand, surf, and the Golden Gate Bridge stretching out over the ocean to San Francisco.

This popular photography spot used to feature a swing but it has now been dismantled by the park service. You’ll still get a great Golden Gate Bridge photo from here, however. 

Plus, there’s a hike-in campground just above the beach, where you can watch the sunset (and sunrise) behind the bridge. 

There are only a handful of tent sites at this exclusive spot, so be ready to book months ahead of your visit.

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 4 miles Address/GPS coordinates: Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965 (37.8275373, -122.4996782) How to get there: From San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin side and take exit 442 for Alexander Ave., go left on Bunker Rd., then left again on McCollough Rd., before turning onto Conzelman Rd. Parking: Golden Gate Bridge Lookout parking lot.  Features: Go for the spectacular bridge views, stay for the wildlife.

Hawk Hill is a fabulous viewing point for the Golden Gate Bridge, high in the hills on the Marin side. 

You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the bridge, with the city of San Francisco sparkling in the background.

Conzelman Road has several great viewing spots, not all of which have parking. Luckily, Hawk Hill does have a small parking lot, making it the most convenient, as well as potentially the best viewpoint of the Golden Gate Bridge.

In addition to capturing a great shot of the famous bridge, stick around with your binoculars and watch the hawks soaring overhead. 

If you want to get a better chance of spotting the birds, visit from September to November during their fall migration. Hike the 0.2-mile Hawk Hill trail and enjoy the views.

Bay Boat Cruise

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 4.5 miles Address: Pier 43 ½, San Francisco How to get there: From Union Square, take the F tram north to Fisherman’s Wharf. Parking: Pier 39 Parking Garage on The Embarcadero is nearby. Features: Unique views from right under the bridge.

Take a guided cruise with Red and White Fleet for a truly unique viewpoint, by sailing directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Departing from Pier 43, the boat offers great views of the San Francisco skyline before passing between the towers, which rise 746 feet above the water.

There are plenty of opportunities to marvel at the bridge as you pass by Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge (the Golden Gate’s less famous sister connecting the city to the East Bay). 

Although the Bay Bridge lacks the iconic status of the Golden Gate, it’s still an impressive sight. 

Check it out at dusk, when the entire span is lit up with thousands of sparkling LED lights in a dazzling display–it’s even on our list of the best things to do in San Francisco at night . 

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 4.6 miles Address/GPS coordinates: Alcatraz Island How to get there: Take the Alcatraz Island ferry from Pier 33 in San Francisco.  Parking: There are commercial parking lots available around Pier 33. Features: Alcatraz is a must-do San Francisco experience and the view from the prison cell is unique!

Snap a compelling picture of the Golden Gate Bridge from The Rock, San Francisco’s infamous prison island. 

A ticket from Alcatraz City Cruises includes a return ferry trip, access to the island, and a self-guided audio tour of the national park. Day and night tours are available.

The ferry trip yields plenty of photo opportunities, as the boat sails close to the bridge. 

Once you’re on the island, there are many places to get some interesting shots of the city and the bridge from the prisoner’s recreation yard, prisoner gardens, or from inside the cells. 

If you take a night tour, you can get an amazing photograph of the sun setting behind the bridge.

If you like to incorporate creepy vibes into your photography, a tour of Alcatraz would be perfect for you. 

My biggest tip is to book tickets far in advance, as tours are popular and usually sold out on the day since it’s one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions . 

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 5 miles Address/GPS coordinates: Point Bonita Lighthouse, Sausalito; (37.8153953, -122.5295396) How to get there: From the Golden Gate Bridge, take the Alexander Ave exit, then turn left onto Bunker Rd, and left onto Field Rd. The parking lot is at the end of the road. Parking: Park in the small lot at the trailhead. Features: Historic, active lighthouse with outstanding ocean and Golden Gate Bridge scenic viewpoints. 

Point Bonita is home to another guardian of the San Francisco Bay–a lighthouse warning ships of the rocky shoreline. 

Hike the half-mile trail out to the still-active Point Bonita Lighthouse for a refreshing walk and sweeping vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The trail out to the lighthouse is steep and may be difficult for young children, but the views out to the ocean and San Francisco are spectacular. The lighthouse, built in 1855, is open on Sundays and Mondays.

The bridge is fairly far from this viewpoint, but the beautiful scenery offers stunning views. It’s best to visit on a sunny day, as you won’t see much of the bridge when the fog sweeps in.

Angel Island

Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 12 miles GPS coordinates: (37.8655487, -122.4344958) How to get there: Take the Golden Gate Ferry from Pier 39 or Angel Island Ferry from Tiburon. Parking: Park at Pier 39 or in Tiburon. Features: See the Golden Gate Bridge from an island in the bay.

Angel Island, the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, offers spectacular views of the city and the bay. 

It’s a quick ferry ride out to the island, but with no cars and very few buildings, it’s a world away from city life. 

From the vantage point of Angel Island, you can see the entire span of the Golden Gate Bridge, connecting the peninsula with the Marin headlands. 

Overnight camping is also permitted at Angel Island, so you can stay for the sunset–just make sure to book well in advance because these spots book up quickly.

Angel Island was once used as a quarantine station, processing thousands of immigrants– mostly from China–seeking the American dream. 

You can learn about their stories in the U.S. Immigration Station Barracks Museum on the island. There are also miles of trails, two beautiful beaches, and picnic areas to enjoy.

The best view of the Golden Gate Bridge is from Camp Reynolds on the west side of the island.

Walking and Biking the Golden Gate Bridge

Walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge are popular ways to experience the bridge up close and to get some artistic photographs of the bridge’s architecture.  

It’s a 1.7-mile hike or bike on the walkway, and there is no charge to cross if you’re on foot or biking. 

Cyclists and pedestrians use separate paths on weekends and after 3:30 pm on weekdays, but share one side at other times.

I like to bike from San Francisco, continue onto Sausalito on the Marin side, then return on the ferry. I’ve also walked across, turned around, and walked back, which took a couple of hours. 

If you’re looking for parking, check out Overlook Lot at Langdon Ct, San Francisco, CA 94129. The Welcome Center also has parking but it’s limited to two hours and fills up quickly, especially on the weekend.

We’ve rented bikes, helmets, and bike locks from Bay City Bike , located at Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re looking for a guided tour, you could do this three-hour bike tour . 

The tour includes several iconic San Francisco sights like the Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Mason, and Crissy Fields, as well as the bridge crossing into Sausalito. And electric bikes are an option if you’re not thrilled at pedaling for that long.

Tips for Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge 

Dress for Karl

I am, of course, referring to Karl the Fog , San Francisco’s mischievous foggy phenomenon. 

Regardless of how sunny and warm it is when you step outside your city hotel, please believe me when I say layer up for any excursion that takes you near the water. 

Those tourists wearing the “I love San Francisco” hoodies may or may not actually love San Francisco, they’re freezing cold and bought the first warm thing they saw when they got off the tour bus.

Check the weather

Again, the fog: it can take photographs from “meh” to “wow” or completely white out everything except your hand in front of your face. 

Check the Golden Gate Bridge cam for up-to-date weather information to determine whether you’re getting a stunning picture of the Golden Gate Bridge with fog, or just a bunch of fog.

If getting that perfect picture is important to your visit: come in October. The fog recedes, the days are sunnier and your chances of viewing the bridge unobscured are higher.

Best time to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see the Golden Gate Bridge when the light casts a golden hue over the landscape. 

The Golden Gate Bridge at night can also be a beautiful sight, as the lights reflect in the water below.

In San Francisco, the fog can descend at any time but your best shot at avoiding it is in the late afternoon. 

If you’re lucky, you might get just a few wisps of fog clinging to the towers, enough for a moody image but not so much that you lose the bridge entirely.

Golden Gate Bridge FAQs

What is the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge?

That’s completely down to your personal preference! 

The famous “postcard view” of the Golden Gate Bridge from above with the San Francisco skyline behind is from Battery Spencer on the Marin side. 

My favorite view is from Baker Beach, with the beautiful Marin headlands in the background and the beach in the foreground.

What lies under the Golden Gate Bridge?

Underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, and 216 feet of water, lies the Chester , a steamboat that sank in 1890. 

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) survey in 2014 revealed the boat is still upright and still intact, after the fatal collision on a foggy August day over 100 years ago.

How do you get a good picture of the Golden Gate Bridge?

Pick one of the spots listed above, keep an eye on the Golden Gate Bridge cam for visibility, and bring a tripod or selfie stick for an amazing picture.

Where can you see the Golden Gate Bridge at night?

You can visit any of these spots at night, except at Fort Point, which closes at 5 pm. 

If you want to visit Angel Island at night, you’ll need to camp. Night tours of Alcatraz are also available (and extra creepy).

Can I drive across the Golden Gate Bridge? How about walking or biking across it?

You can walk, bike, or drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists cross for free, drivers pay a toll going from the north side back to the city. 

There are no toll booth operators anymore, so if you drive, be sure to remember to pay the toll online within 48 hours of crossing or have your FasTrak ready.

Why does the Golden Gate Bridge hum?

After a safety railing was replaced in 2020, residents near the Golden Gate Bridge started noticing an eerie humming sound in high winds. 

The retrofit, designed to make the bridge safer in strong wind conditions, appears to have turned the structure into a giant harp. 

Many locals are unhappy with the sound and engineers are currently working on a solution.

Why is the Golden Gate Bridge red?

The Golden Gate Bridge’s color is “International Orange”. The color was originally a primer of red lead paint, intended only to protect the steel structure from rusting.

However, when the architect saw the struts, he realized the color was perfect. 

It was eye-catching enough that ships sailing through the bay would see the bridge clearly in the fog and offered a pleasing contrast to the blues and greens of its environment. 

Bridges of the time were usually painted grey or black, so it was a bold move to choose such a bright hue.

Why is the Golden Gate Bridge so iconic?

At the time of completion in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world. 

At 746 feet high and 1.7 miles long, the bridge was considered a marvel of engineering at the time and has certainly proven so since.

The Golden Gate Bridge, which took just four years to build, has also withstood two major earthquakes. 

One was when the bridge was under construction and the other was during the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989, which flattened a section of the newer Bay Bridge. 

Its strength lies in its flexibility–the bridge is designed to bend and sway in the wind or during an earthquake.

In addition to its serious engineering credentials, the bridge is straight-up gorgeous. Not only for the color but also because of its graceful Art Deco design, with cables and towers that seem to float over the water. 

This potent combination of strength and beauty makes it a target for destruction in so many disaster movies, including Superman , Godzilla , X-Men , and San Andreas , to name a few.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah McDonald

Sarah McDonald is a travel writer based in the Bay Area. She writes for the national parenting website Red Tricycle and on her own family travel blog, Tiny Trailblazers . She loves exploring California’s outdoors and has a weakness for a national park gift shop.

Sarah enjoys sharing her Bay Area expertise with readers curious to try popular restaurants and off-the-beaten-path adventures in California. When she’s not writing reviews and travel guides, you’ll likely find her trying to keep up with her kids on a hiking trail or deciphering the menu at a new restaurant.

Looking for more Bay Area travel inspiration? Read our related guides below!

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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• Golden Gate Bridge Views

By  Karen

Updated August 30, 2023.

The 17 Best Golden Gate Bridge Views

Here's how to find them....

The Golden Gate Bridge is such a spectacular structure.

I scouted around for the best places to take photos of the bridge (and where to park).

Best San Francisco Views

Best Marin County Views

Below you'll find information on how to get to the spots where you can see the best Golden Gate Bridge views, with or without a car, and get the best pictures.

Plus all the viewpoints are marked on the maps.

Here's my list of best views of the Golden Gate Bridge:

This is somewhat subjective, of course; the bridge looks great from many vantage points!

Best Views from San Francisco:

• Battery East Trail (2 spots)

Battery West Trail

• Golden Gate Overlook

Crissy Field

Baker beach, marshall's beach.

Best Views from Marin County:

• North Vista Point
• Battery Spencer & Conzelman Road Turnouts

Slacker Hill

• Point Bonita

Best Views from the Bay:  

• San Francisco Bay Cruise (sail under the bridge!)

Important: if you park at any of these areas, please leave nothing valuable or visible in the car. San Francisco is suffering from an epidemic of car break-ins: over 23,000 in 2019 alone. And the numbers have gone back to pre-pandemic numbers in 2023. The thieves target tourist areas and rental cars, so be aware.

Also, these lots are either free or pay-the-machine; any person saying they are collecting parking fees is a scammer. 

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Views

The Golden Gate Bridge is visible from all over the city.  Just driving around, you'll see it pop up here and there, but some views really stand out.

5 Best Views from San Francisco...

These are some of the views you see in calendars and coffee table books.

• Battery West Trail 
• Golden Gate Overlook 

I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through some of the affiliate links on this page, at no extra cost to you. See  disclosure policy . This helps me provide all the free information on the site. Thank you!

Fort Point is the old Civil War fort sitting right under the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. The outside areas are now open to the public again.

There's a road that runs out to the fort, Marine Drive, with two parking areas. You can also ride a bike there from Fisherman's Wharf, or hike down to it from the Welcome Center at the bridge.

The fort itself is quite interesting and worth a visit. It's a museum and you can go up on the roof for another amazing view looking right up at the bridge. Admission is free.

Summer hours: Daily, 10 am to 5 pm.

Winter hours: Friday-Monday, 10 am to 5 pm.

When it's closed, you can still walk around it, but you have to enter it to get up on the roof.

The hours vary as the seasons change; see fort schedule to check.

The little yellow GPS Go Cars have a Fort Point loop option. We did the loop down here; highly recommended. Read our Go Car saga , or to book it, see Go Cars .

Parking: there are two parking lots at Fort Point which provide a good number of spaces. Even if it fills up, people come and go frequently, so you should be able to get a spot there. Parking is free, with no time limits.

Battery East Trail

There are several foot and bicycle paths that run along the east (bay) side of the bridge at different levels.

They offer some great views and make for a pleasant stroll or ride. It's called the Battery East Trail because there are a number of old artillery batteries placed here and there along the paths.

You can get to them from the  Welcome Center  near the bridge (walk down, towards the bay).

Also the Battery East parking lot is in the middle of a couple of the pathways. See map above.

Parking: the Battery East parking lot is convenient and large. Fees are charged between 10 am and 5 pm daily: $1.20 per hour, $7 per day.

Bike paths run out to this area from Fisherman's Wharf; it's on the way for cyclists going from Fisherman's Wharf to ride across the bridge and down into Sausalito.

There are no bike rentals at the bridge, but you can rent bikes at a number of rental locations in the Fisherman's Wharf area and on Lombard Street; see my tips on bike rentals .

On the western side of the bridge there are some great views along the paths that run along the cliffs.

The remains of the old artillery batteries that used to protect the city are scattered along the trail that follows the edge.

You can walk over here from the Welcome Center (on the east side of the bridge). There are two underpasses for pedestrians and cyclists: one under the Toll Plaza, near the Welcome Center, and another under the very beginning of the bridge north of the Toll Plaza.

Also, some of the best parking opportunities are on this side of the bridge; there is a series of lots along Lincoln Avenue and Merchant Road as you approach the bridge from the west side. 

There is a relatively new "official" viewing point, the Golden Gate Overlook , built near the parking lots on Lincoln Avenue, but the views are great all along the cliff edges. 

The old batteries are interesting to explore, but be very careful, especially if you have children with you. They aren't maintained and have sudden drop-offs. 

4 More Good Views from San Francisco...

Other bridge views aren't as close up and amazing, but they show the bridge in some very pretty settings.

Even though these may not be the "best" views, they have a lot to recommend them: different angles, interesting backgrounds, grand vistas, etc.

From Crissy Field, you get a nice view of the bridge and the Marin Headlands on the northern side.

At the end of a long, park-like area you'll reach the Warming Hut , a yellow building containing a snack bar and gift shop.  Just across from it, there's a long pier that juts far out in to the bay which gives you another great view of the bridge and the city.

By Car. Crissy Field has a good-sized parking lot that's free during the week.  Take Mason Street (off Marina Blvd.) from the Marina.  The parking lot is just past the roundabout at the end of Mason Street. On Saturdays and Sundays you have to pay to park there between 10 am and 5 pm: $1.20 per hour, $7 all day. Pay at the machines; they accept credit cards and coins, no paper money. 

Tip: The parking lot is a dead end. On the map, it looks like you can continue onto Marine Blvd (that goes out to Fort Point), but you'll have to back-track along Mason to hook up with Crissy Field Ave to get there.

On Foot or Bike. You can walk here from Fisherman's Wharf (20-30 minutes). Also, you can rent a bike in Fisherman's Wharf and ride down here; it's a nice flat ride, and a popular one, with great views all along the waterfront. See my page on where to rent bikes and how to get some good deals, at biking the Golden Gate Bridge .

Hike up to the bridge. There's a pathway from this area up to the Golden Gate Bridge and Welcome Center. It only takes about ten minutes, but most of it is a long , steep climb up a rustic stairway. 

However,  there are some great views along this path (photo below), so it's worth it if you don't minding being a bit winded!

From Baker Beach, you get an impressive view of the western (ocean) side of the bridge, and the Marin Headlands on the other side.

Note: the end of Baker Beach closest to the bridge is also the unofficial nude area, but most of the time you won't see any nudes there;-)

Marshall's Beach is where most of the nudes are; that beach is even closer to the bridge, with great views, but it's quite a climb to get down there. 

Baker Beach has 2 free   parking lots , and road parking leading in and out. The lots fill up on sunny weekends, so try to get there before noon.

Also, the #29 Muni Bus will take you there (drops you off at Lincoln Blvd. and it's a 5 min walk from there) . You can take the #38 Geary Bus from Union Square, and change to the #29 at 25th Avenue. See Muni Route Map .

For more info, see Baker Beach .

This is the beach closest to the Golden Gate Bridge on the San Francisco side, hence the great view. Marshall's Beach is just north of Baker Beach; it's smaller and more secluded (and also clothing-optional).

The path to the beach is down a steep trail with lots of stairs, about halfway along the Batteries to Bluffs trail that runs along the cliffs at the entrance to the bay. The trail head is on Lincoln Blvd in the Presidio.

See Marshall's Beach for more info on the beach and how to find it.

Lands End is farther away, but the wild landscape is gorgeous, with a spectacular view of the whole entrance to San Francisco Bay.

If you go out to Lands End Point, you will be looking straight at the bridge. The Lands End Coastal Trail makes a very nice walk; about one hour from the Cliff House  and the Sutro Baths to the end of the trail.

For more info and photos of the Lands End trail, and how to get there, see Lands End .

Honorable Mention...

There are also nice views of the bridge from Pier 39 ,  Alcatraz  and Angel Island .

For a special treat, watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate on the Alcatraz night tour .

Marin County: Golden Gate Bridge Views

Some of the most spectacular views of the bridge are from the other side, in Marin County just across the bridge, and especially from the cliffs of the Marin Headlands lining the entrance to San Francisco Bay.

Good news: some of them are easy to get to without a car.

Best 5 Marin County Bridge Views...

On the other side of the golden gate bridge.

Just across the bridge:  

The Marin Headlands:

Map of the Best 5 Marin Viewpoints

North Vista Point View

This is the view from the parking lot at Vista Point, the exit just past the northern end of the bridge.

You can get here by walking across the bridge, or by driving, and taking the first exit after the bridge (Vista Point exit).

There's a medium sized parking lot at Vista Point. It's free, but has a four hour limit. Closes for some holidays, like the two weeks around Christmas and New Year's. This lot tends to fill up.

Vista Point is also a stop on the Sausalito loop of the Hop On Hop Off buses . Sausalito is included on the 2-day and premium 1-day City Sightseeing bus passes. See Hop On Hop Off bus tours for more info and booking.

Tip: there's another lot, the North Tower lot,  just on the other side of the bridge on Conzelman Road. To drive there, pass by the Vista Point exit and take the next one, the Alexander Avenue exit.

After you take the exit, turn left at the first intersection and go under the freeway. Follow the road a short distance and you'll see the parking lot on your left.

From there, there's a walkway that takes you under the bridge to the Vista Point lot. See map above.

This lot is also free, and has no time limit. It can fill up in summer and on beautiful, sunny days, but it's less busy than the Vista Point lot.

The trail up to the best Marin Headlands view starts at this lot, also. See below.

You can also get to Vista Point by riding a bike across the bridge.  Plus you'll see more pretty views on the trip down to Sausalito.

See my tips on biking the bridge  , exploring Sausalito, and taking the ferry back to SF.

Bridge Views from the Marin Headlands

The route to the view spots in the Headlands is along Conzelman Road . There are a series of three turnouts along the road with very limited parking. 

Battery Spencer View

This spot has the famous view you'll probably recognize.

Battery Spencer is a crumbling artillery battery, built in 1897,  that sits on the cliffs close to the northern end of the bridge.

Driving to Battery Spencer:   after you cross the Golden Gate, take the Alexander Ave exit. Turn left and go under the highway and you'll be on Conzelman Road.

Follow Conzelman up the hill and very soon you'll see the first of the turnouts with small parking areas on the left side.

The first turnout  on Conzelman Road is near the path to Battery Spencer.

The second turnout is a short walk (less than 5 minutes) from the first one; a good choice for a fallback parking spot, since the first lot is usually full.

There are also great views from the second turnout, but it's worth walking out to the battery for that view, too.

From the first parking lot, there's a short, mostly level walk (0.14 miles, 0.23 km) to the ruins of the battery.

This is one of the most spectacular views of the bridge because you are very close and looking right down on the north tower.

Another view from the second turnout near Battery Spencer:

The third turnout is a longer walk from the battery (15 minutes?). The view is decent, but not as good as the first two.

There is a gravel path alongside the road down to the battery, not steep, and separated from the traffic by a guardrail. 

All three turnouts have very small parking lots , holding about 8 cars each. Not surprisingly, these lots fill up fast on weekends and nice weekdays.

There is more parking farther long the road at Hawk Hill, but it's quite a hike back to Battery Spencer from there. 

Summer Detour

During the high season, approximately May through October, there is a detour to get up to Battery Spencer and the other good lookout points up there.

Conzelman Road, the road that runs along the bluffs, becomes one-way, allowing traffic back towards the freeway only.

You take the same exit, Alexander Road, off Highway 101 North, but when you come to Alexander Road, you go right instead of left. 

Fortunately, they have a big, electric sign at the intersection, telling you there's a detour and to turn right to get to the Marin Headlands.

The detour will take you around to the Bunker Road Tunnel (follow the detour signs along the way) which goes under the mountain and takes you to the Headlands the subterranean way.

It's a long tunnel with only one lane, so there's a traffic light that controls the traffic going through the tunnel. It's a five-minute red light. 

Coming out of the tunnel, you'll be on Bunker Road. Just past a cluster of buildings, you'll see the turn off to Battery Spencer. Take McCullough Road up to the roundabout at the top.

From there, you have a choice of going left, down to the Conzelman Road viewpoints and Battery Spencer, or right, on to Hawk Hill and beyond. There are signs there to let you know.

Cool tip: closer to Battery Spencer, they allow parking in the right lane for quite a distance, which massively increases the number of parking spaces available.

The left lane is used for traffic and is one-way down the hill to the freeway.

There are no set dates for when the detour is in effect; it's basically the summer season and the months on either side.

Buses to Battery Spencer

Tip: you can also get to the Battery Spencer view point without a car . The Sausalito loop of the Hop On Hop Off bus tours  stops at the Vista Point on the north end of the bridge.

From there, you can cross under the bridge to the other parking lot and walk up the path to the first Conzelman Road turnout, less than ten minutes and not strenuous.  

Note: the 76X route is currently suspended , casualty of Covid. Hopefully it will be reinstated at some point.

On weekends, you can take the Marin Headlands Express 76X . You can catch it at several places in downtown SF and on Union Square (Post and Powell), as well as the toll plaza near the southern end of the bridge, near the Roundhouse Cafe.  It stops near the path to Battery Spencer (Kirby Cove Rd stop).  See the  76X route and schedule.

Also, you can walk across the bridge , then walk up to the Headlands, about an hour and ten minute walk.

There's a small bike rack and some permanent  bathrooms near the Battery Spencer lot.

This road is popular with cyclists, but it's very steep and winding, with lots of car traffic. I don't recommend biking up here unless you are very fit and very experienced. 

Battery Spencer

The battery itself is kind of interesting to explore, but it's not maintained, so be careful walking around. It was shut down during WW2 and the last guns were removed in 1943.

In its heyday, Battery Spencer had three 12-inch guns protecting the entrance to the bay.

More parking ideas. If you can't find parking in the first three turnouts on Conzelman Road, there are some alternatives.

You might get a spot in the Vista Point lot , but if not, there's a possibility that you can get a place in the lot right by the bridge, on the west side.

The North Tower   parking lot is accessed by taking the Alexander Road exit (next one after the Vista Point exit) and heading left under the highway (see map above).

From there, you can walk up a dirt path to Conzelman Road and on to the Battery Spencer lot. Not a difficult walk and it only takes about 10 minutes.

From the North Tower lot, you can also check out the view from Vista Point, just on the other side of the road.

There's a walkway that connects the two lots that goes under the bridge.

View from Hawk Hill

Hawk Hill is a bit farther along Conzelman Road, but it's worth a visit.

Not only can you see the bridge, city and bay, you have a 360 degree view of the whole area.

The entrance channel to the bay and Rodeo Beach lie below you, and you can see Mount Tamalpais and the hills of Marin County stretching away.

Looking east, Mount Diablo is visible on a clear day, 30 miles away.

The parking lots there hold more cars and the view from the lot is amazing.

But it's even better if you climb up Hawk Hill itself. Not a bad climb, maybe 5 minutes to get up there.

The Marin Headlands 76X bus doesn't come this way, so this spot's not easy to get to without a car.

Not surprisingly, this is a great place to watch for hawks and other raptors; often you'll find serious hawk enthusiasts up there with their scopes.

P.S. There are a couple of porta potties near the parking lot.

There are two more great view spots that require a bit of a hike from the parking areas, but are well worth it: Kirby Cove and Slacker Hill .

Kirby Cove is a small beach west of Battery Spencer, just outside the Golden Gate Bridge with a super view.

The path down to the cove begins a short distance west of the parking lot for Battery Spencer, on Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands.

The hike is a mile one-way, down a steep, winding trail to the Camp Kirby site. At the beach you'll be looking right up at the bridge. It's quite a climb getting back up, so be prepared!

Near the beach there's a picnic area with picnic tables, BBQ grills and fire pits, plus toilets. The picnic area can be reserved, but is open to the public.

Look for the swing at the beach: a swing with a view of the Golden Gate! But this is one of those Bay Area swings that come and go, like the swing at Billy Goat Hill , so it might not be there. Don't know why they keep getting cut down...grrr.

Camping at Kirby Cove. There is a campground there also with five campsites, but it has to be booked well in advance. Contact (415) 331-1540 for reservations.

Slacker Hill sits at the top of the Marin Headlands, with a great, 360-degree view looking down on the bridge and across to the city skyline.

This is a short, steep hike from the parking area just off the roundabout at the intersection of Conzelman Road and McCullough Road. It's 0.4 miles to the viewpoint from the trailhead.

Well worth the effort! But I found it quite strenuous in hot weather. No shade, and nowhere to sit and catch your breath. But I got to see a coyote trotting along the road that crosses the trail.

There's a smallish parking lot (maybe 10 spaces) just off the roundabout, and a restroom. The trail starts right behind the parking lot.

You can also do the more strenuous, 1.6 mile (each way) hike from the North Tower parking lot near the bridge up the SEA Trail to Slacker Hill.

Pick a cool day for this one.

2 More Good Bridge Views in Marin County ...

Fort baker view.

Fort Baker is just below the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. There's a nice view from here as well, plus pretty easy, and free, parking.

It's similar to the Vista Point view, just a little farther away and at a different angle. 

Besides the view, Fort Baker (not an army fort anymore) houses the popular Bay Area Discovery Museum (bayareadiscoverymuseum.org, fun for kids ages 6 mos. to 8 yrs).

There's also an upscale hotel and restaurant, a nautical bar at the Yacht Club, and a Coast Guard Station. 

Take the Alexander Avenue exit off Hwy 101 to get to Fort Baker. 

Or rent a bike in SF and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito; Fort Baker is on the bike route to Sausalito.

Point Bonita View

Point Bonita is the rocky spit of land that juts into the entrance to San Francisco Bay.

There is an old lighthouse at Point Bonita that is fun to visit and from that vantage point, you get a sweeping view of the entry to the bay, the bridge and the Headlands.

The lighthouse and tunnel access to the point is only open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 12:30 to 3:30 pm.

The trail out there is about 1/2 a mile and is pretty steep in one place, but there's a neat suspension foot bridge to get to the lighthouse.

There are two parking lots for Point Bonita, and the SF Muni Bus 76X goes out there on weekends.

See lighthouse for more info, and Marin Headlands Express 76X for the bus route. The 76X service is temporarily suspended, however.

The bridge is fairly far away from the lighthouse, but it gives an impressive vista of the area.

There's also a colony of harbor seals at the foot of the cliffs that you can see from the trail.

Great Views from the Bay

One of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge is from a boat on one of the bay cruises, especially the ones that take you right under the bridge. 

At the Fisherman's Wharf marina on Jefferson Street, you can pick up one of the fishing boats that take visitors out around the bay and under the bridge.

Or take one of the ferries that leave from the wharf from Pier 39 ( Blue & Gold cruise ) and Pier 41 ( Red & White cruise ) for an hour on the bay and a trip under the bridge.

See my page on all the best bay cruises for more info. 

You can book some of the bay cruises at the wharf, at Piers 39 and 41. You don't need reservations for the basic one-hour bay cruise.

The advantage in advance tickets would be not having to stand in line to get tickets on the day.

There are lots of sailings, usually every hour, or half-hour in high season, and the boats don't fill up. 

You can book them online and save $2 at bay cruises .

Parking for the Golden Gate Bridge 

Driving to the bridge and looking for parking? Surprisingly, it's easy to park near the bridge, especially on the San Francisco side. 

There are nine parking lots at the southern end of the bridge, and some of them are free.

Visit my guide to Golden Gate Bridge parking , with maps, directions, hours and fees for all the parking lots.  

Why was the bridge so hard to build? Read the story of the design and construction of the Golden Gate Bridge at Golden Gate Bridge history .

More great San Francisco view spots...

There are so many pretty views in the city, it's hard to choose just a few.

Here are some of my favorite spots for oohing and aahing:

• Sutro Heights
• Top of the Mark
• Fort Funston
• Out on the bay in a boat

More to explore...

Best things to do in San Francisco

Top San Francisco Attractions

Get the latest tips on visiting San Francisco.

SF Bus, BART & Cable Car Routes

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How to See the Golden Gate Bridge: A Guide to the Best Views and Activities

Get the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge with our guide for the best locations near the famed Bay Area landmark.

April 24, 2023

The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco , is a must-see destination for visitors and locals alike. With its striking appearance and impressive engineering, this world-renowned landmark offers countless picturesque views and activities to suit every type of traveler. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best vantage points, family-friendly outings, and adventure-filled excursions, ensuring that your Golden Gate Bridge experience is nothing short of unforgettable.

Vista Point: A Must-Visit Observation Deck

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. This popular destination offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the iconic structure, as well as ample parking and a variety of photo opportunities. To avoid the crowds, consider arriving early in the morning for a serene and unforgettable experience. As you take in the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge from Vista Point, you'll understand why this spot is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

Crissy Field: Family Fun and Scenic Beach

Another excellent location to view the Golden Gate Bridge is Crissy Field, a beachfront area that provides a unique perspective of the iconic landmark. This family-friendly destination offers picnic spots, walking trails, and a chance to watch kite surfers in action. As you stroll along the beach, you'll enjoy a picturesque view of the Golden Gate Bridge that's perfect for capturing memorable photos. While you're in the area, don't forget to visit the nearby Warming Hut, a cozy spot offering refreshments and souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

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Marin Headlands: Hiking with a View

If you're seeking a more adventurous way to view the Golden Gate Bridge, head to the Marin Headlands, where you'll find numerous hiking trails with incredible vantage points of the bridge. These trails range from easy to challenging, ensuring that hikers of all skill levels can find a path that suits their abilities. As you traverse the diverse terrain, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and an opportunity to explore the rich flora and fauna of the region. Hiking in the Marin Headlands is not only a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but also a unique way to experience the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Fort Point: A Historic Perspective

For a truly unique vantage point, visit Fort Point, a historic site nestled beneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. This fortress, which dates back to the 1800s, offers a fascinating glimpse into the military history of the area. As you explore the fort, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge from a perspective that few visitors experience. To enhance your visit, consider joining a guided tour for a more immersive and educational experience.

Sunset Cruises: A Memorable Golden Gate Experience

Finally, for a truly unforgettable way to see the Golden Gate Bridge, consider embarking on a sunset cruise. These scenic tours provide a unique opportunity to glide beneath the iconic structure while taking in spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline. As the sun sets, the vibrant colors reflecting off the bridge create a magical atmosphere that's sure to leave a lasting impression. A sunset cruise is not only a memorable way to experience the Golden Gate Bridge, but also a perfect way to cap off a day of sightseeing in the beautiful city of San Francisco.

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Golden Gate Bridge: Vista Points and What to Expect

Betsy Malloy Photography

San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge serves as the iconic symbol of the "City by the Bay." It is one of the most visited attractions and visitors love photographing it, walking across it, and learning about Golden Gate Bridge history. It's one of the world's most beautiful spans.

The real "Golden Gate" is the strait that the bridge spans. It was first named "Chrysopylae," meaning "golden gate," by Captain John C. Fremont in 1846.

Golden Gate Bridge Vista Points

These are the two spots most Golden Gate Bridge visitors like to go the most:

South (San Francisco Side) Vista Point: Parking spaces are almost always full, spaces are metered and if you let the meter expire, you'll pay a fine that could cost as much as a meal in a very nice restaurant. You'll find restrooms, a gift shop, cafe, and an exhibit showing the cross-section of a bridge cable.

If you find this parking lot full or if you want to spend more time than the meters will allow, try these options:

• Drive away from the metered lot and turn left out onto Lincoln. You will find a gravel lot a short distance away on your left. If you are approaching from the Presidio on Lincoln, the lot is just across from the two-story houses that were once the Presidio officer's quarters.
• Weekends and holidays ONLY, you'll find more paid parking in a nearby satellite lot on the southwest side of the bridge. From there, walk toward the bridge and through the underpass to get to the vista point.

North (Marin Side) Vista Point: Parking is free for up to four hours and there are restrooms. This lot is accessible only from northbound US 101 and if you drive across the bridge and plan to go back into San Francisco afterward, you'll pay a toll. The toll booths are all-electronic, so it isn't quite so easy as pulling out some cash. Find out how to pay in the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Guide, which is written with an out-of-town visitor in mind.

Experiencing the Golden Gate Bridge

Walk onto the Golden Gate Bridge if you can. You can't really appreciate the size and height unless you've walked on it, at least a little way. At mid-span, you stand 220 feet above the water's surface and passing ships below look like small toys. The distance from one vista point to another is 1.7 miles, a fun round trip if you're up to it, but even a short walk will be interesting.

Pedestrians are allowed only on the east (city side) sidewalk, during daylight hours. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash at all times, but roller blades, skates, and skateboards are not.

Guided Tours: Many San Francisco tour operators include the Golden Gate Bridge in their tour itineraries, but most allow only a few minutes to get out at the south vista point. City Guides offers regular, free walking tours. Stroll with them and learn who named the bridge, how the structure cheated the law of concrete and steel, and what members of the Halfway to Hell Club did to join their organization.

Even if you don't take that guided tour, you may want to learn more about the Golden Gate Bridge's history and find out some of the most fascinating facts about it.

The Golden Gate Bridge is open to auto and bicycle traffic 24 hours a day and to pedestrians during daylight hours. There is a toll to drive across it, but in the southbound direction only. 

Allow half an hour to visit one of the vista points, an hour or more if you take a walk on the bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge is especially beautiful on a sunny day with no wind. In the morning, the east side will be nicely lit. Fog can make it nearly disappear.

Getting to the Golden Gate Bridge

You can see the Golden Gate Bridge from many points in San Francisco, but if you want to get a closer look, there are a lot of ways to do it.

Golden Gate Bridge by Automobile: Follow the signs from anywhere in the city, taking Lombard Street (US Hwy 101) west. To reach the south vista point, take the exit marked "Last SF Exit," just before you get to the toll booths. You can avoid busy traffic by taking Lincoln Avenue through the Presidio.

Golden Gate Bridge by Trolley: City Sightseeing's "Hop On Hop Off" double-decker buses stop here as well as other sights. Other similar-sounding services do not stop at as many places or offer as much flexibility.

Golden Gate Bridge by Bus: San Francisco Muni's #28 and 29 buses go to the south side. Consult the Muni System map to plan your trip.

Golden Gate Bridge by Bicycle: Bicycles can use the Golden Gate Bridge 24 hours a day, but which sidewalk they're allowed on varies, with the west (ocean) side being most common. You can find several bicycle rental companies around Fisherman's Wharf, and most will give you a map and instructions on how to bike across the bridge to Sausalito and return by ferry.

Golden Gate Bridge Facts: Size

The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest span in the world from its completion in 1937 until the Verrazano Narrows Bridge was built in New York in 1964. Today, it still has the ninth-longest suspension span in the world. A few Golden Gate Bridge facts to illustrate its size:

• Total length: Including approaches, 1.7 miles (8,981 feet or 2,737 meters)
• Middle span: 4,200 feet (1,966 meters).
• Width: 90 feet (27 meters)
• Clearance above the high water (average): 220 feet (67 meters)
• Total weight when built: 894,500 tons (811,500,000 kilograms)
• Total weight today: 887,000 tons (804,700,000 kilograms). Weight reduced because of new decking material
• 746 feet (227 meters) above the water
• 500 feet (152 meters) above the roadway
• Each leg is 33 x 54 feet (10 x 16 meters)
• Towers weigh 44,000 tons each (40,200,000 kilograms)
• There are about 600,000 rivets in EACH tower.

Golden Gate Bridge Facts: Construction

One of the most interesting Golden Gate Bridge facts is that only eleven workers died during construction, a new safety record for the time. In the 1930s, bridge builders expected 1 fatality per $1 million in construction costs, and builders expected 35 people to die while building the Golden Gate Bridge.

One of the bridge's safety innovations was a net suspended under the floor. This net saved the lives of 19 men during construction, and they are often called the members of the "Half Way to Hell Club."

• Steel Facts:
• Made in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and shipped through the Panama Canal
• Total weight of steel: 83,000 tons (75,293,000 kilograms)
• Cable Facts:
• Two main cables pass over the tops of the main towers and are secured in concrete anchorages at each end. Each cable is made of 27,572 strands of wire. There are 80,000 miles (129,000 kilometers) of wire in the two main cables, and it took more than six months to spin them
• Cable diameter (including wrapping): 36 3/8 inches (0.92 meters)
• Cable length: 7,260 feet (2,332 meters)
• 128 lights are installed on the bridge roadway. They are 250-watt high-pressure sodium lamps installed in 1972
• The 24 tower sidewalk lights are 35-watt low-pressure sodium lamps
• 12 light illuminate each tower, 400 watts each, and an airway beacon tops each tower

Golden Gate Bridge Facts: Traffic

• Average crossings: About 41 million per year, counting both north and southbound crossings, compared to 33 million crossing the first year it was open. Currently, the bridge carries about 112,000 vehicles per day.
• Fewest crossings: January 1982, when a storm closed US Hwy 101 north of the bridge. On January 6, only 3,921 southbound vehicles passed the toll gates
• Most crossings: October 27, 1989, a few days after the Loma Prieta earthquake, when the Bay Bridge was closed. 162,414 vehicles (counting those going both directions) crossed the bridge that day
• Total crossings: As of July 2019, 2.1 billion vehicles have crossed the Golden Gate Bridge (northbound and southbound) since the bridge opened for traffic on May 28, 1937.
• Closures: The bridge has been closed three times for weather, for gusting winds more than 70 mph. It closed briefly for visits by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and French President Charles DeGaulle. It was also closed on its fiftieth birthday. The bridge was closed in the early morning for four hours in January 2015 to install a moveable median.

Golden Gate Bridge Facts: Important Dates

• May 25, 1923: The California state legislature passes a law creating the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District
• August 27, 1930: Joseph B. Strauss submits final plans
• November 4, 1930: $35 million bond issue approved by the six counties in the District, by a vote of 145,667 to 46.954
• January 5, 1933: Construction begins
• May 27, 1937: Bridge opens to pedestrians
• May 28, 1937: Bridge open to automobiles. The toll was 50 cents one way, $1 round trip and 5 cents surcharge if there were more than 3 passengers
• February 22, 1985: The one-billionth car crosses the bridge. The toll is $2 southbound on Friday and Saturday, $1 other days. No northbound toll
• May 28, 1987: Bridge closed to vehicles for its fiftieth birthday. An estimated 300,000 pedestrians jammed the bridge
• September 2, 2008: Toll increased to $6 southbound. No northbound toll.
• April 2013: Human toll takers were replaced with an electronic system. This guide has all the details about the new way to pay Golden Gate Bridge tolls.

Golden Gate Bridge Facts: Paint

• The Golden Gate Bridge's paint color is orange vermillion, also called International Orange. Architect Irving Morrow selected the color because it blends with the bridge's setting and makes the bridge visible in the fog
• The bridge was fully painted when it was first built and then touched up for the next 27 years. In 1965, the original paint was removed because of corrosion and replaced with an inorganic zinc silicate primer and an acrylic emulsion topcoat, a project that took 30 years. Today, painters touch up the paint continuously
• 38 painters work on the bridge, along with 17 ironworkers who replace corroding steel and rivets

The Golden Gate Bridge, symbol of San Francisco, engineering marvel, subject of many photographs, the result of one man's vision and persistence, spans the entrance to the San Francisco Bay. Learn a little about Golden Gate Bridge history.

Golden Gate Bridge History

For many years before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, the only way to get across San Francisco Bay was by ferry, and by the early twentieth century, the Bay was clogged with them. In the 1920s, engineer and bridge builder, Joseph Strauss became convinced that a bridge should be constructed across the Golden Gate.

Many groups opposed him, each for their own selfish reasons: the military, loggers, the railroads. The engineering challenge was also enormous—the Golden Gate Bridge area often has winds of up to 60 miles per hour, and strong ocean currents sweep through a rugged canyon below the surface. If all that wasn't enough, it was the middle of an economic collapse, funds were scarce, and the San Francisco Bay Bridge was already under construction. In spite of everything, Strauss persisted, and Golden Gate Bridge history began when San Francisco voters overwhelmingly approved $35 million in bonds to construct the Golden Gate Bridge.

Building the Golden Gate Bridge

The now-familiar art deco design and International Orange color were chosen, and construction began in 1933. The Golden Gate Bridge project was completed in 1937, a prominent date in San Francisco history. Strauss was a pioneer in building safety, making history with innovations including hard hats and daily sobriety tests. The Bay Bridge (which was being built at the same time) lost 24 lives while the Golden Gate Bridge lost only 11, an outstanding accomplishment in an era when one man was killed on most construction projects for every million spent.

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Seven Places to Gaze at the Golden Gate Bridge

The iconic span that bridges the Golden Gate Strait can be enjoyed from many points throughout San Francisco and Marin County.

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Help preserve some of these beautiful sites for generations to come by becoming a Parks Conservancy member today !

1. Fort Point National Historic Site

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How to Visit the Golden Gate Bridge: Everything You Need to Know

The Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s top rated tourist spot, and for good reason. It guards the bay and muscles its way into the forefront of the city’s skyline. This guide for how to visit the Golden Gate Bridge will help you get to the bridge and see for yourself why it’s SF’s most famous icon.

This article is designed to help answer any questions that you may have about visiting the Golden Gate Bridge. We are nothing if not helpful here at California Crossings. So, we will help you figure out things like how to get to the bridge, when best to go, how to walk the bridge and some suggestions for what to do nearby.

Here’s a table of contents if you want to skip around or just scroll down for all of the good stuff:

• History and Background on the Bridge
• Things to do Near the Bridge
• How to visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
• How to Get to the Bridge (by Car, Uber & Public Transportation)
• Golden Gate Bridge Tours

Frequently Asked Questions about a Golden Gate Bridge Visit

Can you walk the golden gate bridge.

Yes! The bridge is 1.3 miles from one end to the other. Pedestrians can walk on the eastern sidewalk of the bridge. You can simply park near the bridge and stroll over it, but there are also some cool trails that lead up to the bridge which are worth doing.

Check out this resource for walking the Golden Gate Bridge for full details.

When is the Best Time to See the Golden Gate Bridge?

You can visit the bridge anytime, but the “best” time depends upon what you want to do while there. If you simply want to check out the viewing platforms and walk the bridge, you can do that any day from 5:30am-6pm (or as late as 8pm in the summer).

It’s worth visiting the bridge at dawn if you want nice light for your photoshoot. The best spot for that is below the bridge at Crissy Field and Fort Point. For sunsets, the best spot is west of the bridge along the Batteries to Bluffs trail or on the north side in the Marin Headlands.

How Much Does it Cost to See the Bridge?

It’s free to visit the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s also free to walk the nearby trails, the historic Fort Point site and the gun batteries. However, some of the nearby parking lots cost from $1.00-$1.90 per hour.

Where Do I Park for the Golden Gate Bridge?

The Welcome Center has two parking lots very close to the south end of the bridge. But altogether, there are 8 parking lots within walking distance of the south end and another 3 on the north end. Some of these are free and others are paid.

This resource will tell you everything you need to know about Golden Gate Bridge parking . It has a map and will tell you which lots are free.

What is the Best Way to See the Golden Gate Bridge?

Most people go to the Welcome Center on the south bridge. It has several viewing platforms along with easy access for walking the bridge. However, the bridge spans both sides of the bay and the area encompasses lot of natural beauty and historical interest. So, there are many different ways to view the bridge and all of them are Instagrammable. It’s worth exploring the north and west sides of the bridge as well as going down to water-level to see the underside.

This guide has suggestions for 14 different ways to view the Golden Gate Bridge . It has specific instructions for how to find each location and the best time of day to do it.

Are there Bathrooms at the Bridge?

Yes. There are bathrooms at the south end Welcome Center and the north end Vista Point.

Some Background on Why the Bridge is a “Thing” (Other Than Because It’s Pretty)

If you want to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s helpful to have some historical context for how it ended up spanning the bay. The narrow Golden Gate Straight is the only geographical break in hundreds of miles of rugged California coastlines and mountains. The native Ohlones lived here for thousands of years and the area was colonized by the Spanish in 1776. The Gold Rush started in 1848, which caused San Francisco’s population to explode.

The area became a strategic military site during the civil war. Forts and gun batteries were built on both sides of the Gate, as well as on Angel Island . The military presence continued until the end of the Cold War.

In 1930, the Bay Area was booming and it became necessary to build a bridge over the strait in order to provide commuter access to the North Bay communities. Construction began and remarkably, the bridge was completed in just four years. It was considered an engineering marvel and upon its completion, was the world’s largest suspension bridge.

What many people don’t know, is that the bridge and the land surrounding it are serviced by the National Parks Service. The nearby natural lands and coastline are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the former Presidio military base was incorporated into the Parks Service in 1994. So, when you visit the Golden Gate Bridge, you are actually visiting a National Park.

If you are a trivia nut, you should definitely check out these cool facts about bridge before you visit. Sure, it has info about when and how the bridge was built. But you can amaze your friends with arcane nuggets like how the lead Engineer for the bridge was also a romantic poet, and how there were tap dancers on the bridge on the first day it opened. There there was that one time an ostrich busted a move on the bridge and shut down bridge traffic. You can learn who Karl the Fog is and also find out how many times Hollywood has destroyed the bridge.

Things to Do Near the Golden Gate Bridge

Visit the fort point historic site.

Fort Point is a civil war-era brick fort and National Historic site. It sits right under the bridge at the south gateway to the bay. You can walk around the exterior of the fort anytime and the interior is open Friday through Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm. From Fort Point , you can then walk back toward Crissy Field and then up the East Batteries Trail up to the bridge.

Take the Batteries to Bluffs Trail

The 1 mile Batteries to Bluffs trail starts at the lovely Baker Beach . It goes up to the blufftops, past the abandoned gun batteries and ends up at the south end of the Bridge. From the trail, you can take a side trip down to Marshalls Beach and also spend time creeping around the abandoned Battery West , Battery Godfrey and Battery Boutelle military gun emplacements.

Explore More of the Presidio

You could spend a whole day visiting the cool attractions in the Presidio . In addition to 24 miles of hiking trails , you can also visit the Disney Family Museum , do a selfie at the Goldsworthy Lines near Lover’s Lane or (my favorite) visit the Yoda statue at the Lucas Arts office (seriously, their lobby has the original Darth Vader costume!). The latter two are part of our local’s only guide to unusual things to do in SF . It’s worth a look if you like offbeat adventures like sound sculptures, secret steps, street art, street food and sneaky pirates.

Visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center

The Welcome Center (or Visitor Center) is located at the south end of the bridge. On site are two parking lots, public bathrooms, souvenir sales and displays with relics and educational information about the history and construction of the bridge. Be sure to check out the plaza around the back of the building. They have hands on exhibits about the bridge engineering which are both educational and fun.

The Welcome Center is open daily from 9am-5pm.

Tips for Getting to the Bridge

If you are driving and wish to visit the Golden Gate Bridge from the Welcome Center’s south end, then take Highway 1 north toward the bridge, look for signs that say “Welcome Center” and “last exit for the bridge”. Be alert because you don’t get a lot of warning for the exit. You can also get to the Visitor Center from Crissy Field by going up Lincoln Blvd or Highway 101 through the Marina neighborhood.

If you are a visitor to SF and are wondering whether you need to rent a car, read our article on renting a car in SF .

Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge Bridge if You Don’t Have a Car

• Take the bus from downtown to the Welcome Center: Take the (101, 30, 70) from downtown or the (101, 30,70, 92, 93) from the Civic Center. $2.25 one way.
• Uber from downtown to the Welcome Center: ~$17-20 one way.
• Take the bus from downtown to Crissy Field and Fort Point (and then walk up on the East Bluffs trail): Take the PresidiGo shuttle to the Main Post, or take the 30 bus to the Sports Basement near Crissy Field.
• Take the bus from downtown to Baker Beach (for the Batteries to Bluffs trail to the bridge): The 38BX or the 1 to 25th St. Transfer to the 29 and get off at Bowley.
• Purchase the 2-day City Sightseeing  hop on hop off pass . It will takes you on the tourist trail throughout the city. The 2-day pass includes a Sausalito add-on which stops at both the Welcome Center and the Vista Point so you can see the bridge from both sides without having to walk the round trip. However, this pass is only worth it if you are planning to visit a ton of the popular tourist sites in 1-2 days. If not, the bus or an Uber will be much cheaper.

Taking a Golden Gate Bridge Tour

You can also explore more of the bridge by taking a tour. You can go on the bridge on a bike tour which takes you into Sausalito and then back to SF on the ferry. You can go under the bridge with a sunset cruise (highly recommend- drinks + sea spray). Or you can soar high above the bridge in a private helicopter tour.

We hope this guide has been able to answer your questions about visiting the Golden Gate Bridge. If you are looking for more things to do in San Francisco, check out these fun activities:

• Our first timer’s guide to SF .
• Tips for riding the historic cable cars .
• Do the Lands End hike for some epic coastal views.
• Check out some amazing SF independent bookstores .
• Explore the Mission District murals .

Plan Your Trip to SF

Save time planning your trip to SF with these insanely useful links:

• Find the  best areas to stay in SF .
• Figure out how to get from  SFO airport to downtown SF .
• Or, if you are driving,  score a deal on a car rental .

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Best Places to Take Pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge

updated on December 21st, 2022

A professional or amateur’s photography portfolio is arguably incomplete without their take on the Golden Gate Bridge. We’ve plotted out some of the best spots to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge , one of the most iconic structures in the world.

Photos from the South Side of the Bridge

Baker beach.

Baker Beach is one of the best spots to get sunset photos of the Bridge. You will also have great rocky beach views and a good sightline to the Marin Headlands. This beach can get pretty popular when the weather is good. It should be noted that the very northern section of the beach is known as “clothing optional.” However, these things shouldn’t deter you from a visit for some breathtaking vacation photos. We visited with our dog and were able to get awesome pics of her enjoying the view!

Battery Godfrey

To get a nice shot looking straight through the bridge, head to Battery Godfrey. At the northernmost point of the parking lot is a small overlook where you can line up a nice shot looking straight through the towers of the bridge. Safer than driving and trying to line the shot up in traffic!

Fort Point is a great spot to tour and learn about the history, as well as get fantastic shots of the Golden Gate Bridge. Originally built to defend the bay from hostile ships, the area is now a National Historic Site. The location is situated at sea level, under the Bridge. In the winter the surf gets choppy for some awesome photo ops as well.

Torpedo Wharf 

Located a bit to the east (and walking distance) of Fort Point, Torpedo Wharf will get you out onto the ocean to get a long shot of the entire bridge. This spot would be wonderful on a foggy day, capturing the Golden Gate shooting into the clouds. It’s also recommended to continue east and get a shot with the wharf in the foreground and the Bridge in the background.

Crissy Field

Photographers can’t visit San Francisco and miss Crissy Field. The iconic park is one of the best-known spots for a full view of the Golden Gate. A plethora of locations awaits you. On a sunny day, a foggy day, sunset or sunrise, this will be your shining moment. Also a great spot for photos of families, friends, or any other photo subjects.

Fort Miley, situated on the Lands End trail, is a historic military outpost located on Point Lobos. All of the Lands End trails will offer spectacular views of the Bridge peeking out of the forest. Fort Miley itself has straight views to the Bridge. Much of the grounds have now been handed over to the VA Hospital. This is a wonderful starting point for taking a camera and wandering the Coastal Trails through Lands End. Plan on a bit of hiking, and stairs, if you plan to explore the area.

An iconic structure itself (best photographed from the Hilton San Francisco Financial District), offering seriously impressive views of downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. 360 degrees of awesome.

Photos from the North Side of the Bridge

Battery spencer.

You’ve most definitely seen photos, commercials, or movie shots taken from this spot. It’s extremely popular. To get there get off the 101 at Alexander Ave after crossing the bridge. From here, make left turns as if you’re getting back on the 101 heading south. Just before you join back to the freeway, make a right onto Conzelman Rd. The first parking lot will be for Battery Spencer, park here. It’s a short hike up to the overlook. Try to hit it on an “off” day when the crowds are smaller.

Vista Point

For a similar shot as Battery Godfrey, through the towers of the bridge but from the North, Vista Point is your spot! To get there, take the very first exit for Vista Point, heading north across the Golden Gate Bridge. Here you’ll find a large parking lot and a popular visitor center and ample room to find a nice angle. You do run the risk of fighting for space as this is a very popular tourist spot.

Fort Baker and Moore Road

It’s surprising how few “tourists” make it to this spot for a photo opportunity. For a great close and low angle shot from the north, head towards Fort Baker on the 101 across the bridge. Get off on Alexander Ave. Make your first right onto Bunker Road, follow that down to Murray Circle and turn right onto Moore Road. From here drive all the way up until cars are restricted and park. Enjoy an awesome and unique photo spot!

Hawk Hill is a great location to get a full bridge shot with downtown San Francisco in the background. Like all of the spots we have listed on the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, this one is accessed via Conzelman Road. Simply follow the road all the way up and park in the parking lot just before Conzelman turns into a one way road. This spot is literally just off the road, below Nike Missile Control Site SF-87.

A great beach shot from the North side. To get here, park in the Battery Spencer parking lot. At the West end of the lot, you will see Kirby Cove Road, a small, one lane road that descends down. Follow this for a mile, through Kirby Campground, until you reach the beach.

Slackers Hill

*This spot requires a bit of hiking.

Take Conzelman Road and continue following it past the parking lot for Battery Spencer until you come to the roundabout and park in the parking lot for the Coastal Trail. Head out on the Coastal Trail heading northeast and cross the road. After you cross the road continue for roughly 1,000 feet until the trail forks, go right (southeast). Continue on the trail until you find your ideal photo spot!

Check out the best spots to photograph the Eiffel Tower

Need a hotel in San Francisco? We love starting our search for great deals on San Francisco Hotels with Booking.com .

Related posts:

• Should You Rent A Car In San Francisco?
• Getting Around San Francisco without a Rental Car [2023]
• Best Spots To Photograph the Eiffel Tower
• The Best Place to Take Photos of the Hollywood Sign

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Best View of the Golden Gate Bridge: A local’s guide to Top 4 lookout points

April 24, 2022 February 12, 2017 | Paroma

Last Updated on April 24, 2022 by Paroma

Table of Contents

HOW TO GET THE BEST VIEWS OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE?

Millions of people visit San Francisco every year to get a view of the world’s most famous bridge, aka, the Golden gate bridge . However, most of them make the mistake of viewing the bridge from the touristy, crowded spots  on the SF side or simply walk across the bridge to the landing site on Marin, which do not offer the best vantage points to photograph the bridge . The best Golden Gate bridge viewpoints are actually from entirely different spot in San Francisco and Marin headlands, and some of these Golden Gate bridge lookout points are not very well known to outsiders.  

In this guide on how to  get the best view of Golden gate bridge , I will let you in the closely guarded secret of my four favorite spots from where you can best view Golden gate bridge . Read my guide (I am an SF resident after all) to find the four best places to see golden gate bridge , which are tried and tested by me, to obtain the best Golden Gate bridge photos ! For more San Francisco related inspiration and free things to do, read my posts on cheap, fun and free things to do in SF or my top twenty recommendations/must do things in San Francisco .

Disclaimer: My blog posts may contain some affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you for the product. This teeny tiny commission helps support my blog hosting and other maintenance costs as I bring more quality content to you. Thank you!

# 1. Best View of Golden Gate bridge from: SLACKER RIDGE TRAIL

This is one of the least known short hikes that will get you the best view of Golden gate Bridge . If you drive up into Sausalito (the quaint little European arty town right which is the first exit post crossing the bridge on the north) and do not stop till you go just past the roundabout along Conzelman Road, you will come across a small, partially hidden gate that leads to one of the best kept secrets of the Bay area, i.e. the Slacker Hill/Slacker Ridge trail . This spot has also been voted to be the best Golden Gate bridge lookout point .

Once you find a parking spot nearby (which we did), be prepared to hike up on this short (0.4 miles) yet extremely steep trail (ironically, this trail gives you no excuse to slack at all) till you reach the end, i.e an elevated area which provides the absolute spectacular view of the Golden Gate bridge , the city of San Francisco and Alcatraz island perched on the blue waters of the Pacific, with glistening white dots of sailboats and ships leaving white streaks on the water.

If you have enough steam remaining in you to venture further down through the rolling hills, you will hit the bridge up and close at about 1.2 miles or so. Dress warmly because it is chilly and windy up here and do not forget to bring your wide angle camera lens for the most panoramic view of the Golden Gate bridge that the Bay Area has to offer. Also, this trail is not dog friendly, so please keep that in mind if visiting with your furry friends. For dog friendly hiking trails in SF bay area, read my recommendations here .

#2. Best Place to see the Golden Gate Bridge :HAWK HILL

Hawk hill, just past the Golden Gate Bridge, is a hilly elevation which gets its name from being the observing point of many a raptor (hawks and the like, thus the name Hawk hill) is one of the very few areas belonging to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area which has a dog friendly trail . What it is famous for is the view that it offers once you get to the top of this 0.57 trail of moderate hiking ability, which includes an unobstructed view of the bridge and is definitely one of the best places to photograph the Golden Gate bridge from.

Unlike all other pit stops chock full of tourist cars beyond the bridge on the Marin side, one can get a majestic, sweeping view of the Golden Gate bridge, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline on a clear day . Hawk hill is a favorite of birdwatchers in the fall season to observe the migration of hawks, condors and other raptors. This spot, still unknown to a lot of tourists, is a must visit if you want to have the  best view of Golden Gate Bridge and the surroundings and is a great Golden Gate bridge lookout point.

Hawk Hill is located just before the exit to Sausalito, north of the Golden Gate bridge. If you are driving from the south, the GPS on Google maps does a good job of getting you there or you can refer to this website for help. You can park on the side of the two way Conzelman road and the Hawk hill trail head begins from where Conzelman road becomes a one way.

You can either walk around the hill and climb up the winding path or take the tunnel (as we did) and climb up the stairs to go to the top of Hawk hill to be greeted by a gorgeous Golden Gate bridge viewpoint . Dogs must be on leash all the time on the trail and on Hawk hill.

#3.Best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint: MARSHALL’s BEACH

Marshall’s beach, located in San Francisco’s Presidio, is another place to get the  best view of Golden Gate Bridge .  You can even hike down to below the bridge if you want once you get to the beach. 

The easiest way to get to Marshall’s beach is by parking on any of the side lots designated for car parking on Pershing Drive (we parked on Lincoln Blvd, close to its intersection with Pershing), cross the street (be super careful while doing so because of oncoming speeding vehicles from both sides) and then get onto the trail flanking Pershing drive that merges with the Batteries to Bluff trail, one of the best hiking trails in San Francisco , leading to Marshall’s beach.

Lookout for posted signs indicating the direction of the beach and keep on walking to Marshall’s beach. At the very beginning, there is an elevated area from where you can get a great view of the bridge, but do not stop there. Steep steps lead down to the trail further ahead and so keep on moving till you get the trail leading to a lookout point.  Staying on the trail at all times is important since restoration work is in progress for native vegetation all around. Marshall’s beach is not dog friendly.

#4. Best place to view the Golden Gate bridge: BAKER BEACH

This popular beach in the Presidio, welcoming to man and canine, is another spot get the best view of Golden gate bridge which is only 1.3 miles away.You can either hike through the coastal trail from the immigration lookout point and get to the beach or walk down the batteries to bluff trail and make a left, to be greeted by a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate bridge .

Further up this trail is Marshall’s beach, but dogs are not allowed there. There is a lot to do and see at the Presidio and you can hike through its many trails, have lunch at some of the cool restaurants inside or simply drive/walk to the beach. A bright, sunny, spring day is perfect to spend at Baker beach with a picnic basket and a book. Our pups had a lot of fun and so did we. Hope you enjoy the photos! Here is the website for more info on San Francisco’s Presidio .

Where to stay in San Francisco to get the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco hotels with a view

Finally, if you are visiting  San Francisco and have extra moolah to spare for a hotel with gorgeous views, let those be the ones near the Golden Gate Bridge so that you can get effortlessly get to see our world famous orange bridge everyday!

Here are some of the San Francisco hotels from where you can get a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge: Loews Regency San Francisco , Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square , InterContinental San Francisco, Argonaut Hotel, A Noble House Hotel , JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square , InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco , The Westin St Francis San Francisco on Union Square and Comfort Inn by the Bay .

Check out other San Francisco hotels with great views and balconies here.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and have gotten several ideas for spots to get the best view of Golden Gate Bridge . These Golden Gate bridge lookout points are definitely some of the best spots to photograph the bridge from (on a clear day, of course) and are a must visit! Please share your Golden Gate bridge viewing experience with me and do spread the word if you’ve found my post helpful.

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25 thoughts on “Best View of the Golden Gate Bridge: A local’s guide to Top 4 lookout points”

Such a bucket list item. I hope I get to experience these amazing views one day! Beautiful photos 🙂

You are amazing! Thank you so much for this. I’ll be in San Francisco with my dog in August and I was literally just wondering where I should go to get good photos. I can’t thank you enough for including which sites are dog friendly and which aren’t. You’re a total lifesaver.

Ive been wanting to go back to sf!! I still remember biking across the bridge now i wanna go to some of these view points!! Cheers Diana http://www.seaofblush.com

This post is perfect! I visited San Francisco 10yrs ago but only had a day and just quickly photographed on the bridge and from a park beside it, definitely need to go back and visit these spots for a better view!

Love this! Of course, it’s always fun to get a crowded shot of yourself on the bridge, but I agree with getting a little farther away. My grandma lives in Alameda and I often visit her and the city. I love going to Baker Beach around sunset on a clear day!

All those views are beautiful! I didn’t have much time with I was in SF so I’ll have to check out some of these spots the next time I go!

I’ll be there in a week! Thanks for the insight. If I walk across the bridge, is there public transit that I can take to get back across?

Hi Kayla, I think you can but that will be a really long walk! I suggest walking a little bit along the bridge up to the midpoint and then turning back. You can get excellent views of the bridge from SF marina, Crissy field and of course the Presidio, all of which have bus services.

Wow, I actually haven’t heard of many of these! My fave viewing spot is Batteries to Bluffs trailhead, above Baker Beach. It’s also a great little hike!

I never got a chance to explore SF, but I definitely want to see these views if I get there! Thanks for sharing, they look so pretty!

This could be off-topic, but your dog is super cute!! The hike looks super good, I like the view from Slacker Ridge best!

I visited San Francisco 7 years ago and I love this city. Of course, I have taken photos of the bridge on a foggy day 🙂 . I definitely need to go back and visit these spots for a better view (you can do nothing about the weather, right ?) !

I would love to go to any of these places! San Fran has been so high on my list for so long!

Love these unusual suggestions on where to view the Golden Gate Bridge, and your photos prove what good suggestions they are! I’ve not yet had a chance to visit San Francisco, but I did transit in the airport and got a stunning view of the bridge as we took off again! So I would make that tip #5, lol!!

As someone who is passionate about photography, I find posts like this really helpful, as I always like to capture iconic sights or landmarks from a slightly different viewpoint/angle to the norm. I especially love the view from Slacker Ridge Trail 🙂

Man. I wish I had this when I visited San Francisco. I got terrible views of the Golden Gate Bridge. This list is amazing and full of such great suggestions. Thank you times 10,000.

Very detailed tips! Will definitely use this post if I’m ever in the area to snap great photos of the Bridge!

great post! I’m a Northern California native (Sacramento) and I always encourage visitors to SF to go to the Marin Headlands to get a view of the bridge. Love these tips from you.. they also made me a bit homesick! It is so beautiful there

I’ve seen many photos of the Golden Gate Bridge but not from all the angles you’ve posted here. The view from Hawk Hill looks lovely and also your dog is gorgeous!

I love this! Could’ve used this post when I visited three years ago 🙂

Love your different perspective and what a great idea to share these alternate locations with tourists!

Beautiful photos! I wish I would have came across this post before my trip! So helpful on how to get great photos of the bridge!

Loved this post! I live in the Bay Area and have been to Baker Beach, but have done neither of the hikes for views of the bridge. They are now on my list to check out – Thanks for sharing!

I loved San Francisco. It was my last stop on my road trip and the first stop in SF was Marshall Beach to capture the bridge. It was empty and perfect to setup my gear. One evening I went to Hawk Hill and captured the bridge after sunset. It was amazing. Thanks for refreshing my wonderful memories on SF.

We’ll be back this summer with a little more time to explore. Thanks for posting this.

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• Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge: 12 Tips & Answers to FAQs

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: January 29, 2024

Can you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco? Yes, you can! 

I've walked across the bridge dozens of times, so have lots of great tips for you based on my experience.

The great news is that the pedestrian walkway is open every day of the year and free for all visitors, so it will be easy to fit into your itinerary. Walking across this incredible gem is a highlight of many trips to SF.

The Golden Gate Bridge is a colorful International Orange and sits over a narrow straight above the San Francisco Bay. The bridge's southern side is in SF, and the northern end of the bridge is in Marin County.

Upon its completion in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Although it no longer holds that distinction, you will find it's a fantastic attraction to visit.

Ready to walk across? In this article, you will find a few tips and answers to some frequently asked questions about one of the most gorgeous bridges in the world! 

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. Distance & Time to Walk the Bridge

How long does it take to cross the bridge? What is the distance?

To get from one side of the bridge to the other is about a 1.7-mile long walk. It's a straight path with a little bit of an uphill walk until you reach the center. It then goes downhill just a bit, but not too much.

How much time will it take?

Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge at a steady pace will take you about 30 minutes to walk the entire route. You will want to leave plenty of time, though, as the walk is usually slow and steady, so plan for it to take you at least 45 minutes each way.

You will find that most people walk to the first tower, spend a little time soaking in the scenery, and then head back. The entire walk is about a half-mile from the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point South to the first tower if you do this.

The total walk is about a mile to get there and back. 

2. Entrances to the East Sidewalk

Where do I start the Golden Gate Bridge walk?

Your walk across the Golden Gate Bridge will start near Vista Point South from the San Francisco side. You'll see the entrance just to the west (near the roadway) of this famous lookout point.  

From the north side of the bridge, your walk will begin at Vista Point in Marin County . There are a few sidewalks that lead you to the east pedestrian walkway.

Note : The west sidewalk is reserved for those riding their bikes. It's open during the busiest times of the day and on the weekends. You can only enter this side if you are on a bike.

No pedestrians allowed.

It includes details on where to find a bike rental, what the entire path looks like, and how to get back to SF.

3. Golden Gate Bridge Walkway Hours

What are the hours to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?

The hours vary by season. Here are the current hours for the East Walkway.

• November to early March: 5 am to 6:30 pm
• March to early November: 5 am to 9 pm

The walkways have gates that automatically open and close at these times. If you are on the bridge and it's close to closing time, make sure to exit the walkway as soon as you can.

4. Parking Near the Bridge

Where is the best parking nearby?

You will find several options for parking near the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge.

The southeast side visitor parking lot right near the Welcome Center on the San Francisco side gets crowded early, and it is difficult to find a parking space, so I never recommend parking here.

However, I created a complete guide to help you find parking for your visit. You will find both paid and free parking options on my list. You can see all of my recommendations here .

5. Best Times to Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

What are the best times to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge? There are a few times that I recommend. Here are a few more details on each one.

Mid-Morning

I think the best time to explore the bridge on foot is in the mid-morning. During the foggy season, this is usually the time of day when the fog starts to burn off so you can get great views from the walkways.

By this time, the temperatures will be a little warmer.

Early Evening

Another fun time to visit is in the early evening. This is when the foot traffic dies down a little, and you can easily walk across.

This is also when the cyclists are required to use the western walkway (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm), so you will have less bike traffic. 

You will also find less traffic on the weekdays. The closer you get to the weekend, the more traffic you will find. Usually, you'll find the least number of people visiting on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

San Francisco high season is during the summer and over holiday weekends. You will find the bridge is crowded during these times.

6. Walking the Bridge at Night

Can you walk across the bridge at night? 

No. The walkways on the bridge close down to pedestrians at night (when it's dark) for safety reasons.

It is open 24 hours a day to cyclists, so they close it down to pedestrians to ensure no accidents on the bridge when it's dark, and people are riding their bikes across.

The gates will automatically close at 6:30 pm in the winter and 9 pm in summer.

7. What to Wear

What should I wear to walk the bridge?

Most people don't realize that it's windy on the Golden Gate Bridge and usually a bit cooler than San Francisco or the surrounding areas. However, during September and October, you will find it's pleasant and warm (not as cool as windy as the rest of the year).

Due to these variations, I recommend you wear layers. 

I usually wear a medium-weight long or short-sleeved shirt. I then bring along a jacket to add or remove as I walk across. 

I always wear pants. Shorts are acceptable if you run hot, but make sure to bring along a jacket to keep you warm. 

Also, I don't recommend skirts. The wind can whip around at times, and you don't want to have to be trying to hold your dress down the entire time you are there.

For shoes, I recommend you wear close-toed shoes with socks. I don't recommend heels as the pavement is not 100% flat on the walkway. There are a few places where you could trip if you are wearing heels. 

Biking the Bridge : Trying to decide if you should bike the bridge instead? If so, check out this page with everything you need to know to bike the bridge. You can also check out this great guided tour .

8. Walking to Sausalito

Can I walk all the way to Sausalito? Yes!

You can walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and all the way to Sausalito (on the Marin side). I've done it a few times. It's quite a walk, and you'll want to come prepared, but you can get all the way to Sausalito from the bridge on foot.

One of the things to keep in mind is that once you leave Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point (on the Sausalito side), there are no services until you reach Sausalito. You won't find anywhere to stop, go to the bathroom, or grab something to eat.

Make sure you bring anything you will need for your walk.

The distance from the northern end of the bridge to downtown Sausalito is about 2.5 miles. It's another 1.7 miles to walk across, so the total is around 4 to 4.5 miles. 

You will run into some hills as you walk the last 2.5 miles to Sausalito, but they aren't too bad.

9. Best Way to Get Back to San Francisco

Can I take the ferry or public transportation back from Sausalito? Yes! 

Tips to Take the Ferry Back from Sausalito

You can take the ferry back from Sausalito if you plan to walk over the bridge. The Sausalito ferry terminal is downtown, so the walk to get there won't add to the mileage for your journey.

You will want to check the times for the ferry on the day of your walk. I'd double-check them in the morning as the ferry does not run very often to SF. You'll want to leave a little extra time as well since you will probably walk slower than you think over the bridge (there are so many great things to stop and admire!). 

You have two ferry options. The one that runs most often is through Blue and Gold. It drops off at Fisherman's Wharf near Pier 39. 

The second option is a commuter ferry and doesn't run as often. It drops off at the SF Ferry Building.

>> Pick up your Sausalito ferry tickets in advance

Take the Bus from Sausalito to San Francisco

If you miss the ferry, you can also take the 130 Golden Gate Transit bus back to SF. There is a stop in downtown Sausalito, and it will drop you off at the southern (San Francisco) side of the bridge. Ensure the driver knows you want to get off here as they don't stop unless it's requested.

The ride takes about 16 minutes.

If you want to get closer to your hotel and you didn't drive to the bridge, you can take this bus to Fisherman's Wharf (it drops off about a half-mile from the western end), Civic Center, and Union Square. If you plan to go to Union Square, make sure to find a stop that is closest to your hotel.

This bus drives along Mission Street, one block south of Market Street. You may have to walk a half-mile to a mile to get from these bus stops to your hotel.

10. Dogs & Animals on the Bridge

Can I bring my dog along?

Non-service animals, including dogs and horses, are not allowed on the Golden Gate Bridge. 

If you have a service animal, they are welcome to join you on the bridge any hours it's open to pedestrians. 

Be aware of your surroundings as both cyclists and pedestrians use the east pedestrian sidewalk. Some cyclists come through quickly and, since it's loud on the bridge, you may not hear them coming. Keep your service animal and yourself safe by being very aware of others on the bridge, both in front and behind you. 

11. What Sights Can I See from the Bridge?

Here are just a few of the attractions you can see from the walkway on the bridge.

Crissy Field

This long, narrow stretch of green space is easy to see from the bridge. It's a popular spot for running and walking. It's also where you will find the Warming Hut, a popular restaurant with sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Learn more here . 

Fort Point National Historic Site

The Fort Point historic landmark sits below the south end of the bridge (the San Francisco side). It's one of the oldest buildings in SF and interesting to see from above. Learn more about it here . 

Palace of Fine Arts

You'll easily be able to spot this dome-shaped attraction just to the east. It's a free attraction and one you should check out while you are in the area. More here . 

Alcatraz Island

From the east sidewalk, you will get some great views of Alcatraz Island. This former federal prison is another must-visit while in SF. Find out more about visiting here . 

Angel Island

The largest island in the San Francisco Bay sits on the eastern side of Alcatraz. You can see it from the walkway as well. Learn more about the history of this island and a few tips to visit .

Downtown San Francisco

The perfect place to admire downtown San Francisco is on your walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. It will give you an excellent feel for the lovely downtown area. Learn more about downtown SF here.

>> Find more fun things to do downtown

Marin Headlands

The Marin Headlands sit on the Marin County side. If you decide to walk across, you can hike to the top or admire them from the walkway.

On the north end, you will find Fort Baker. You can see it from above on the walkways or stroll down there after you walk on the bridge.

Battery Spencer

Another attraction on the Marin side of the bridge is Battery Spencer, about half way up the hill to the Marin Headlands. You can hike up to visit or admire it from the bridge.

Where will you find the best views of the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge? Check out this page which offers many places to see it and take amazing photos.

12. Guided Tours of the Golden Gate Bridge

You can also take a guided tour of our famous bridge. This will allow you to learn more about its history, including Joseph Strauss, who made this gorgeous gem a reality. 

Free SF Public Library Walking Tour

This tour is offered a couple of times every week. It stared at the Golden Gate Bridge Plaza on the south side of the bridge near the Welcome Center.

You will learn about the bridge's history, important people from around the Bay Area that supported its construction, and a few fun facts.

Learn more about these walking tours here . 

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

If you want to drive across, you can head over on the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour. This one of the tour buses takes you around SF and allows you to jump off and on at any of their designated stops.

Learn more here .

You can also pick up your tickets directly here .

This small-group tour also offers a chance for you to stop and admire it.

On this tour, you won't get a chance to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, but you will learn all about it and take some pictures from a popular viewing point. 

Learn more about this tour .

Panorama Night Tour

An even better way to explore the bridge is with this night tour. You'll have the chance to photograph this beauty at night and other top attractions.

This small group tour runs for 1 hour.

Find out more here . 

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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• A Beginner’s Guide To Visiting Golden Gate Bridge On A Budget

One of the most iconic structural monuments in San Francisco is the stunning Golden Gate Bridge . Painted in a beautiful bright red-orange color, this scenic beauty has become an internet sensation by being the most photographed bridge in the whole world. It attracts visitors from all over the world and that too for all the right reasons! It is a true showstopper adorned by rustic orange hues that strike an awe-inspiring contrast against the blue sky and the emerald water beneath.

About The Golden Gate Bridge

Image Source

It is basically a 1.6 km long suspension bridge that connects the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. This bridge was inaugurated in 1937. It used to be the longest bridge during that time. An eye grabber for sure, you can either walk, paddle or even drive across this bridge. It offers unique kind of experiences.

Must Read: 10 Brilliant Day Trips From San Francisco That You Can Take With Your Globetrotter Buddies

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Best Time To Visit The Golden Gate Bridge

Although the phenomenal Golden Gate Bridge is a beautiful place to visit throughout the year, but the best month to visit it is either September or October. This is the best time to explore this place as the fog dissipates and the temperature becomes warm and enjoyable. Also if you go in the summer season, the best hour to visit this bridge is the afternoon when the sky is clear and the weather is blissful. Also, avoid going there in the morning as the entire place is covered with fog and you barely get to see the main attractions of this place.

Where To Stay Near Golden Gate Bridge

There are many places to stay near the Golden Gate Bridge. We’ve listed a few below keeping in mind their distance from the architectural marvel:

1. Grant Plaza Hotel

Located smack in the middle of USA , the Grant Plaza Hotel is close to the Golden Gate Bridge. Being close to the Union Square and the public transport stand, this hotel is actually located at a great location. The rooms are highly maintained and well equipped. The place is fully finished and quite clean. The staff is warm and welcoming an ensure that you have an enjoyable stay at their hotel.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In San Francisco

2. Cow Hollow Inn and Suites

This is a great hotel to spend your night in San Francisco. There so many benefits of staying there. First of all, it is located at a great location. Then, the rooms are clean and well furnished. They have air conditioning. Also, it is a non-smoking zone. Other than that, they also provide the facility of free wifi and free parking which truly is a gift in San Francisco.

3. Inn at Golden Gate

This is a hotel which is quite close to the Golden Gate. The rooms are cozy and comfortable. Along with wifi and parking, their breakfast is also free. Overall this is a great choice if you are looking for a place to stay which is close to the Golden Gate bridge. Make sure to book a room in advance.

Suggested Read: San Francisco Nightlife: Best Places To Eat, Drink, Dance, And Repeat!

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Top 5 Places To Visit Near Golden Gate Bridge

There are many popular attractions nearby the Golden Gate Bridge. We’ve listed a few below. Take a look:

1. The Wave Organ

Installed in the year 1986 at the marina, this is an iconic sculpture which is a beauty to behold. The specialty of this statue is that it never repeats songs that aren’t melodious and blissful to the ears. These melodies are created by the continuous rise and fall of the tides. You definitely may have heard melodies before but this is truly a different kind of experience.

Suggested Read: San Francisco Shopping: 10 Places That’ll Help You Pamper Your Heart & Upgrade Your Style

2. Fort Mason Center For Arts And Culture

This place is a hub for all the major festivals that are held in San Francisco. The whole area screams of the rich art and culture of the San Francisco area. Also, there are plenty of local food joints, which serve some delectable local food delicacies. Make sure to stop by here for an experience of a lifetime.

3. The Walt Disney Family Museum

This place is also located nearby the Golden Gate Bridge. This museum features a variety of fun and engaging activities along with interactive exhibits which talk about the famed animators and their extraordinary carriers. This is a great place not only for kids but for adults as well.

Suggested Read: 9 Best Casinos In San Francisco Which One Must Definitely Visit And Play A Game Of Poker!

4. Battery Spencer

After being to the Golden Gate if you still think that you haven’t had enough, then doesn’t worry. You can have an even better panoramic view of the Golden Gate and the entire San Francisco from the Battery Spencer. You can visit this place to witness the ravishing view of the bay and the ocean.

5. Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center

Whenever you visit the Golden Gate Bridge, do not forget to come to this place. You can come here either before visiting the bridge or while returning back from there. This is basically a tourist information center which enhances your knowledge about this place. It adds even more charm to your Golden Gate visit as now you are not only taking back the memories of the panoramic views of the bridge, but you’re also going home with a ton of knowledge.

How To Reach Golden Gate Bridge

Being one of the must-visit tourist spots on every visitor’s itinerary, several facilities have been made available so that one can comfortably reach their destination:

Once in you are in San Francisco, one of the easiest and the most comfortable ways to get there is by car. It’s okay if you don’t have one as you are a tourist. So what you can do is rent a car or take a cab. The cab driver will directly drop you to your destination and you don’t even have to worry about parking and stuff!

You can take bus number 38 from the Union Square and then switch to bus number 28 at the Park Presidio. The second bus will drop you at your stop. Alternatively, you can take bus number 0 from the Kearny and Market Street and stop at the Palace of Fine Arts. From there, you can take a walk down along the Crissy Field and finally reach the bridge.

Further Read: San Francisco In December: An Ultimate Guide To Witness The Snowy Magic & Charm In The City

Thus, the Golden Gate Bridge is one place that you should definitely visit. No wonder, it is one of the most insta-worthy places in San Francisco! It deserves to be in your itinerary. Book your trip to USA to enjoy some of the best days of your life and take back some long-lasting beautiful memories home.

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Directions & Parking

The Golden Gate Bridge is located on US Highway 101, providing a vital link between the City and County of San Francisco and the counties to the north. The Bridge does not have a physical address but it can be easily found on Google Maps or other online map services.

Parking is extreme ly limited at the southeast and northeast visitor areas of the Bridge, and ongoing construction projects in the area may temporarily close roads leading to the Bridge. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use a mode other than a personal vehicle to get to the Bridge. These include public transit, a tour bus, a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft, a rental bike, on foot, etc. 

If you must drive to the Bridge, we recommend downloading a free navigation app, like Waze ( www.waze.com ). These apps give drivers real-time information from Caltrans about road conditions, construction, and road closures.

Take Public Transit Bicycle Tour Buses Driving Directions Traffic Conditions Parking

Public Transit Options

Taking public transit to the Golden Gate Bridge is the best way to get to the Bridge because parking is extremely limited and there are ongoing construction projects at or near the Bridge.

Accessing The South End Of The Bridge

At the south east end of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can experience many new visitor experiences—a new Bridge Pavilion with all new merchandise, the Bridge Café, restrooms, and a number of incredible photography/viewing points.

• To/from downtown: Board any GGT bus (Routes 30, 70, and 101) at Main & Folsom streets (across from the Temporary Transbay Terminal) or along Mission Street (north side of the street, GGT stops only). All buses stop at the northbound Toll Plaza bus stop.
• To/from Union Square: Board any GGT bus (Routes 30, 70, and 101) at Mission & 5th streets, in front of the old Mint Building. Mission & 5th is a short walk south of Union Square. All buses stop at the northbound Toll Plaza bus stop.
• To/from Civic Center: Board any GGT bus (Routes 30, 70, 92, 93, and 101) at 7th & Market streets or across the street from City Hall at McAllister & Polk streets. All buses stop at the northbound Toll Plaza bus stop.
• To/from Fisherman’s Wharf: Board any GGT bus (Routes 2, 4, 8, 18, 24, 27, 38, 44, 54, 58, 72, 74, and 76) along North Point Street (north side of the street, GGT stops only). All buses stop at the northbound Toll Plaza bus stop. Routes 4 and 27 operate throughout the day on weekdays; all other routes operate during weekday afternoon peak periods only. On weekends, walk or take Muni to Van Ness & Union and board any GGT bus (Routes 30, 70, and 101) at the northbound bus stop.
• San Francisco Muni: visit www.sfmta.com for schedules and maps.
• PresidiGo Shuttle: visit the PresidiGo Shuttle website for schedules and maps.
• Golden Gate Transit : Routes 2, 4, 8, 18, 24, 27, 30, 38, 44, 54, 56, 58, 70, 92, 97, and 101 serve the southbound Toll Plaza bus stop. To return to Marin County, board any of these same routes at the northbound Toll Plaza bus stop.
• Golden Gate Transit: Routes 72, 72X, 74, 76, and 101 serve the southbound Toll Plaza bus stop. To return to Sonoma County, board any of these same routes at the northbound Toll Plaza bus stop.

Accessing The North End Of The Bridge

The north end of the Bridge (also called the Vista Point) offers many photo opportunities and has restrooms for visitors.

From San Francisco to/from the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge:

• To/from downtown or Union Square: Board Route 30 at Main & Folsom streets (across from the Temporary Transbay Terminal) or along Mission Street (north side of the street, GGT stops only). Remain on board until the very first stop after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. A walkway leads from the bus stop back south to the Vista Point. When the bus is on the Bridge, be sure to request the next stop by pressing the overhead button or yellow strip next to the window. After walking back across the Bridge, visitors can return to Mission Street by boarding GGT Route 30, 70, or 101 at the southbound Toll Plaza bus stop, which is adjacent to the Administration Building.
• To/from Civic Center: Board Routes 30 or 92 at 7th & Market streets or across the street from City Hall at McAllister & Polk streets. Remain on board until the very first stop after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. A walkway leads from the bus stop back south to the Vista Point. When the bus is on the Bridge, be sure to request the next stop by pressing the overhead button or yellow strip next to the window. After walking back across the Bridge, visitors can return to the Civic Center by boarding GGT Route 30, 70, 80, 92, or 101 at the southbound Toll Plaza bus stop, which is adjacent to the Administration Building.
• To/from Union Square: On Saturdays, Muni Route 76X boards at Sutter & Stockton streets and operates across the Golden Gate Bridge. Remain on board until the very first stop after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. A walkway leads from the bus stop back south to the Vista Point. After walking back across the Bridge, visitors can board Route 76X back to Union Square at the southbound Toll Plaza bus stop, which is adjacent to the Administration Building.
• Golden Gate Transit: Take any GGT route to the Toll Plaza bus stop. Cross beneath Highway 101 to the northbound GGT bus stop. Board GGT Routes 2, 30, 92 or MUNI Route 76X to the first stop after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. A walkway leads from the bus stop back south to Vista Point. When the bus is on the Bridge, be sure to request the next stop by pressing the overhead button or yellow strip next to the window. After walking back across the Bridge, visitors can return to Marin or Sonoma counties from the northbound GGT bus stop at the Toll Plaza.

Trip Planning Assistance

• Trip Planning Assistance: Golden Gate Transit trip planning assistance is available Mondays through Fridays, 7am to 6pm, by calling 511 and saying "Golden Gate Transit," then "operator," or by visiting http://511.org .

SF Muni trip planning assistance is available by calling 311 or visiting www.sfmta.com .

Bicycle to the Bridge

Bicycling to the Golden Gate Bridge from anywhere in San Francisco or from the North Bay is fun! There are many bicycle rental companies throughout the city with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations.

A good start is a visit to our Bikes and Pedestrians page for important information about Bridge sidewalk access and bicycle safety!

Next, visit these websites to help plan your bike trip to the Golden Gate Bridge: 511.org , Bay Area Bicycle Coalition , San Francisco Bike Coalition , and Marin County Bike Coalition .

Taking a tour bus is one of the best ways to experience the Bridge. Most tour companies offer convenient pick up and drop off locations throughout the city. A few even let you hop on and hop off so you can design your own itinerary!

The City and County of San Francisco , San Francisco Chamber of Commerce , and San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau websites all offer useful information for visitors.

NOTE: We strongly recommend using the other means of visiting the Bridge as described on this page. Parking is extreme ly limited at both the southeast and northeast visitor areas of the Bridge, and ongoing construction projects in the area may temporarily close roads leading to the Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge is located on U.S. Highway 101 and provides a vital link between the City of San Francisco and the counties to the north. Since the Golden Gate Bridge does not have a physical address, you can use this link to help find your way to us: Yahoo Driving Map - Golden Gate Bridge . Or you can print these PDF directions .

The Golden Gate Bridge may be viewed from several vista points, each with parking areas and restrooms, located on the northeast and southeast sides. The parking areas include spaces for persons with disabilities. Parking is extremely limited in these lots.

Traffic Conditions

Access to Southeast Side Visitor Parking Lot

This parking area has a range of visitor services, including a café, gift center, gardens and an array of scenic vistas.  Parking is metered ($0.25 per 15 minutes) with 37 spaces, including 26 general spaces, 6 bus stalls, and 3 accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities that have disabled placards. On weekends and holidays ONLY, additional parking is available in a nearby satellite lot on the southwest side at a rate of $5 per day.

• T raveling south from Marin County: Follow US Highway 101 south across the Golden Gate Bridge. Tolls are now collected electronically - either by FasTrak or by Pay-By-Plate (visit our Tolls page for info on how to pay your toll!). Proceed through the far right toll lane #1, and make an immediate right exiting US Highway 101 just past the Toll Plaza onto Merchant Road.  Make an immediate right onto a roadway that goes down a short hill and into an underpass which leads directly into the southeast side visitor parking lot.
• T raveling north from San Francisco: Take a right at the last San Francisco exit off US Highway 101 just before the Toll Plaza. The exit ramp sign reads, "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area."  Proceed to the stop sign and turn left into the southeast side visitor parking lot.

Access to Northeast Side Parking Lot

Free parking (with a four hour limit) and restrooms are the only amenities at this location.

• Tr aveling south from Marin County:  To access the parking lot on the northeast side of the Bridge, you must cross the Bridge, pay the toll and double back across the span. Follow US Highway 101 south across the Golden Gate Bridge. Have exact change ready to pay the appropriate toll, collected southbound only. Proceed through the far right toll lane #1, and make an immediate right exiting US Highway 101 just past the Toll Plaza onto Merchant Road. Make an immediate right onto a roadway that goes down a short hill and into an underpass which leads directly into the southeast side visitor parking lot. Drive through the visitor lot to the first stop sign and make a right to head to the on-ramp to the Bridge. Cross the Bridge and take the first exit called "Vista Point" and turn right into the parking lot.
• T raveling north from San Francisco:  Follow US Highway 101 north across the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the first exit called "Vista Point" and turn right into the parking lot.

This parking area has a range of visitor services, including a gift center, gardens, and an array of scenic vistas. Parking rates are $5/hour with a maximum consecutive parking time of 3 hours. The southeast lot has 37 spaces, including 26 general spaces, 6 bus stalls, and 3 accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities that have disabled placards. On weekends and holidays ONLY, additional parking may be available in a nearby satellite lot on the southwest side. Parking fees may be paid at the parking meter machines, or with your mobile phone via Parkmobile  - instructions can be found here > . Parking lot hours are 7am - 9pm, 7 days a week (including holidays).

• Traveling south from Marin County: Follow U.S. Highway 101 south across the Golden Gate Bridge. Tolls are collected electronically - either by FasTrak or other non-cash options (visit our Tolls & Payment  section for info on how to pay your toll!). Proceed through the far right toll lane #1, and make an immediate right exiting U.S. Highway 101 just past the Toll Plaza onto Merchant Road. Make an immediate right onto a roadway that goes down a short hill and into an underpass which leads directly into the southeast side visitor parking lot.
• Traveling north from San Francisco: Take a right at the last San Francisco exit off U.S. Highway 101 just before the Toll Plaza. The exit ramp sign reads, "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area."  Proceed to the stop sign and turn left into the southeast side visitor parking lot.
• Traveling south from Marin County: To access the parking lot on the northeast side of the Bridge, you must cross the Bridge, pay the toll and double back across the span. Follow U.S. Highway 101 south across the Golden Gate Bridge. Tolls are collected electronically - either by FasTrak or other non-cash options (visit our  Tolls & Payment  section for info on how to pay your toll!). Proceed through the far right toll lane #1, and make an immediate right exiting U.S. Highway 101 just past the Toll Plaza onto Merchant Road. Make an immediate right onto a roadway that goes down a short hill and into an underpass which leads directly into the southeast side visitor parking lot. Drive through the visitor lot to the first stop sign and make a right to head to the on-ramp to the Bridge. Cross the Bridge and take the first exit called "Vista Point" and turn right into the parking lot.
• Traveling north from San Francisco: Follow U.S. Highway 101 north across the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the first exit called "Vista Point" and turn right into the parking lot.

The best hidden gems in all 50 states

Posted: March 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 20, 2024

Popular tourist attractions like the Empire State Building, Mount Rushmore, and the Golden Gate Bridge are popular for a reason, but sometimes places that are just as deserving of our attention go relatively unnoticed. From small towns to secluded natural spots to strange roadside attractions, here are the best hidden gems and well-kept secrets that every state in America has to offer.

Alabama: Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman

Constructed over the course of five decades by Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk in Alabama’s St. Bernard Abbey, the Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman is a four-acre park comprised of 125 miniature reproductions of famous religious shrines and buildings from around the world, such as Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Alaska: Eklutna Lake, Anchorage

Seeing as though it’s by far the biggest state, it should come as no surprise that Alaska is full of hidden gems, but perhaps the best-kept secret is the stunning glacial Eklutna Lake , located just outside of Anchorage and popular among locals for its stunning views and miles of scenic trails that allow you to explore the Alaskan wilderness up close.

Arizona: Verde Valley

Known for its rich reserves of minerals, Verde Valley is sometimes referred to as the state’s “other Grand Canyon.” The best way to explore the area is through the Verde Canyon Railroad , described as “a 4-hour, 20-mile journey through 110 years of history.”

Arkansas: T. R. Pugh Memorial Park, North Little Rock

Cinephiles may recognize North Little Rock’s Old Mill from the opening scenes of Gone with the Wind . Though built in 1933, T. R. Pugh Memorial Park was made to look like a gristmill from the 1880s. It’s the perfect spot for a wedding or photo session.

California: Murphys

From the Golden Gate Bridge to Yosemite National Park to Big Sur, California is home to some of the most popular attractions in the country, but what about the less-touristy destinations, like the small village of Murphys? Located just outside of Sacramento, this unincorporated village has been recognized as one of the best wine regions in the state, and you won’t have to deal with big crowds.

Colorado: Glenwood Springs

Despite having been named the “Most Fun Town in America” by USA Today in 2011, the beautiful mountain town of Glenwood Springs still remains Colorado’s best-kept secret , where you’ll find no shortage of nature, the world's largest hot mineral springs pool, a rich history and growing culture, and plenty of shops and restaurants.

Connecticut: Fort Griswold, Groton

History buffs will appreciate Fort Griswold in Groton, the site of one of the most significant battles during the Revolutionary War. The Fort Griswold Monument stands in commemoration of the 85 Americans who lost their lives to Benedict Arnold and the British forces during the Battle of Groton Heights .

Delaware: Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, Wilmington

Nicknamed “The Small Wonder,” Delaware itself is something of a hidden gem, which makes the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge —situated on 212 acres of freshwater tidal marsh in Wilmington, and home to many interesting birds, fish, insects, and reptiles—a hidden hidden gem.

Florida: Falling Waters State Park, Chipley

With the highest waterfall (73 feet) in all of Florida, Falling Waters State Park near Chipley is unlike any other place in The Sunshine State. Popular activities in the area include camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking.

Georgia: Cumberland Island

Georgia is so much more than just the big city of Atlanta. The Peach State is full of beautiful natural spots, like Cumberland Island , the biggest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful “pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes” in the entire country. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the region’s famous wild horses .

Hawaii: Redwood Trail in Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Maui

Redwood trees are more commonly associated with the coastal forests of Northern California and Oregon, but did you know that Hawaii has redwoods of their own? The Redwood Trail is one of four hiking trails in Maui’s Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. The stunning trees were planted by the USDA Forest Service over a period of three decades starting in 1927.

Idaho: Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls

Nicknamed “The Niagara of the West,” at 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide , Shoshone Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in the U.S. (in fact it’s even bigger than Niagara Falls). Located on the Snake River in southern Idaho, this natural wonder is truly a sight to behold.

Illinois: Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville

Most non-Midwesterners know little about Illinois aside from Chicago. But the Prairie State has a lot to offer aside from the Windy City, including historic sites like the Cahokia Mounds , “the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico.” Located in Collinsville across the river from St. Louis, the park contains about 80 mounds dating as far back as AD 900.

Indiana: Metamora

With a population of less than 200 people, Metamora is a secret to even some locals. This historic canal town, which dates back to 1838 and has a total area of just 0.3 square miles, is particularly beautiful during Christmastime, when the quaint shops and houses are covered in lights.

Iowa: High Trestle Trail Bridge, Madrid

Of course, when visiting Iowa, you’ll want to check out the popular attractions , like the Field of Dreams Movie Site, the American Gothic House, and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, but make sure you also set aside some time to visit Madrid’s High Trestle Trail Bridge , a 13-story-high, half-mile-long bridge with panoramic views of the Des Moines River Valley. You’ll especially want to see it at night.

Kansas: Geographic center of the contiguous United States, Lebanon

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to stand in the middle of the United States (or at least the geographic center of the contiguous United States)? Well, you won’t have to wonder anymore after visiting this landmark in Lebanon. Technically speaking, the true center of the country is roughly a mile away in the middle of a hog farm , but since the owner didn’t want his land overrun by tourists, this spot will have to do.

Kentucky: Castle Post, Versailles

A castle in Versailles? Must be France, right? Nope, Kentucky. The Martin Castle, or Castle Post, was built in 1969 by a real estate developer after returning from a trip to Europe where he was inspired by the German castles. It was then purchased in 2004 by a lawyer from Miami, who spent a considerable amount of money rebuilding the house after it caught fire.

Louisiana: Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, New Orleans

If you’re interested in insects, then the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium in New Orleans, the country’s largest freestanding bug museum, is a must-visit. You’ll find thousands of butterflies in the Asian garden and all kinds of unique bugs, like the dragon-headed katydid and the white-eyed assassin bug (don’t worry, it won’t kill you, but its sting is more painful than that of a bee).

Maine: Desert of Maine, Freeport

Maine is probably the last place you would expect to find a desert, but there are over 40 acres of sand-like glacial silt in Freeport. Though technically not a real desert, since the area receives plenty of precipitation (hence the surrounding pine forest), the Desert of Maine is a bizarre natural phenomenon, and one that will make you feel like you’re standing in the middle of the Northeast and the Southwest at the same time.

Maryland: Ladew Topiary Gardens, Monkton

Named one of the top five gardens in all of North America, the Ladew Topiary Gardens were built in the 1930s by Harvey S. Ladew, a fox-hunting enthusiast and socialite who, despite no formal training and little outside help, created 15 different “garden rooms” across 22 acres of land.

Massachusetts: Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, Salem

Named America’s spookiest city , Salem, Massachusetts, which you probably know as the site of the Salem witch trials (February 1692 to May 1693), is full of creepy and haunted attractions, including the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion , the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansion in New England, and the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s gothic novel The House of the Seven Gables .

Michigan: Chapel Rock, Munising

Though it may be a little tougher to get to, Chapel Rock is just as worthy a visit as the far more popular Miners Castle hiking trail, offering arguably the most beautiful views—and not to mention a great beach with minimal crowds—at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Minnesota: Stillwater

While Minneapolis and Saint Paul may be the biggest cities in Minnesota, making up roughly two-thirds the population of the entire state, Stillwater, located just outside the Twin Cities, is actually considered the birthplace of Minnesota. On top of its rich history, Stillwater has been named among “America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns, Best American Towns for Fall Colors, Best U.S. Towns for Antiquing, Best Twin Cities Day Trips, Best Minnesota Weekend Getaway, America’s Prettiest Painted Places, and Most Romantic Cities.”

Mississippi: Windsor Ruins, Claiborne County

All that remains of the state’s largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion, which stood from 1861 until it was destroyed by fire in 1890, are 23 Corinthian columns. Designated a Mississippi landmark in 1985, some say the Windsor Ruins are still haunted by a Union soldier.

Missouri: Endangered Wolf Center, Eureka

The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka houses Mexican wolves, red wolves, maned wolves, as well as swift foxes, African painted dogs, and fennec foxes, all of which you’ll get a chance to see up close and personal through a tour of the facilities. The organization’s mission is to preserve and protect the wild canid species “with purpose and passion, through carefully managed breeding, reintroduction and inspiring education programs.”

Montana: Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, Arlee

Montana isn’t the first place you would expect to find a garden full of Buddha statues, but when you consider that most people head to “The Last Best Place” to get away from it all and achieve a bit of Zen, then it makes perfect sense. Created in 2000, the garden , which is spread across 10 acres, is intended as “a sacred place to uncover one’s fundamental dignity, intelligence and wakefulness.”

Nebraska: Carhenge, Alliance

The Cornhusker State isn’t just cornfields and football. It’s also home to one of the most bizarre roadside attractions in the country: Carhenge , which, as you may have guessed, is a replica of England’s Stonehenge—only instead of stones, it’s made up of 38 vehicles, including an ambulance. Carhenge was built in 1987 by Jim Reinders with the help of his family to commemorate his late father.

Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park

With the Las Vegas Strip, Reno, and the Hoover Dam, Nevada is home to some of the most-visited manmade attractions in the United States, but it’s also home to some incredible natural attractions, like the Valley of Fire State Park , which gets its name from the fiery-red sandstone formations that formed 150 million years ago.

New Hampshire: The Basin, Lincoln

One look at this glacial pothole and you’ll understand why Henry David Thoreau called it “perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.” Found in Franconia Notch State Park in Lincoln, The Basin is a 30-foot-wide and 15-foot-deep bowl created over time by the rushing waters of the Pemigewasset River.

New Jersey: Buttermilk Falls, Layton

Crater Lake and Hemlock Pond are just a short hike away from Buttermilk Falls , the state’s highest waterfall. From there you can head over to nearby Tillman Ravine, a fairytale-like hemlock forest with cascading waters and a cemetery dating back to the 1800s.

New Mexico: Earthships, Taos

These off-the-grid sustainable homes, made from natural and recycled materials (such as used tires, car batteries, and glass bottles), look somehow futuristic and primitive at the same time. Designed by architect Michael Reynolds, “ Earthships ” are located on a beautiful mesa just outside of Taos.

New York: Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, Cooperstown

Best known as the site of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown is home to another famous, though not quite as well-known, landmark: the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge , the last remaining covered bridge in Otsego County, built in 1825 on the Hyde Hall property.

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North Carolina: Secret Falls, Highlands

The name’s a bit of a misnomer since you should have no problem reaching it via a quick hike, and by now it’s hardly a secret to the locals, but Secret Falls still remains one of the most underrated natural sites in North Carolina. With a sandy beach and clear waters, it’s the perfect spot to cool off on a steamy summer day.

North Dakota: Enchanted Highway, Gladstone-Regent

North Dakota is a state full of hidden gems, from the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site in Cooperstown to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Mandan to the Pyramid of North Dakota in Nekoma. But the most interesting—and visually impressive—of them all is the Enchanted Highway in western North Dakota, where you’ll find giant metal sculptures (birds, deer, grasshoppers, fish, and the “Tin Family”) along the side of the road from Gladstone to Regent.

Ohio: Château Laroche, Loveland

Construction of the Château Laroche , or Loveland Castle, started in the late 1920s and took over 50 years to complete. Located just outside of Cincinnati, it was built by Harry D. Andrews, a medievalist and former Boy Scout troop leader who drew inspiration from his time in southwest France during World War I, naming the building after a military hospital where he was stationed.

Oklahoma: The Underground, Oklahoma City

Formerly known as the Conncourse, Downtown Oklahoma City’s Underground is a hidden gem in the literal sense, made up of a series of tunnels spread out over a mile (20 blocks) of space downtown. Opened in 1974 and substantially renovated in 2006, The Underground contains several businesses, including a café, a Chinese restaurant, a post office, and a bank.

Oregon: Fort Rock, Lake County

Estimated to be somewhere between 50,000 to 100,000 years old, Fort Rock is one of Oregon’s most impressive natural landmarks, rising from the ground as if out of nowhere in the middle of the high desert, just off of Hwy 31. The tuff ring stands roughly 200 feet high and is 4,460 feet in diameter, but you have to see it in person to truly appreciate the magnitude of it.

Pennsylvania: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Philadelphia

You might be surprised to learn that one of the country’s most beautiful Japanese gardens is located in Philadelphia. The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden was built in Japan in 1953 by renowned Japanese architect Junzō Yoshimura and sent to New York’s Museum of Modern Art before settling into West Fairmount Park in 1958.

Rhode Island: Neutaconkanut Hill Park, Providence

At 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it’s replete with hidden gems. For example, Neutaconkanut Hill Park is 88 acres of “virtually untouched” wilderness right inside Providence. At nearly 300 feet above sea level, it offers one of the best views in the entire state.

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South Carolina: Morris Island Lighthouse, Morris Island

If not hidden, then this landmark on the southern side of the Charleston Harbor is at least difficult to get to. Due to erosion, the Morris Island Lighthouse now sits hundreds of feet offshore and can only be reached by boat, but it’s well worth the trip. The original was built in 1767 but was destroyed in the Civil War and rebuilt in 1876.

South Dakota: Devil’s Gulch Park, Garretson

South Dakota is of course best known for Mount Rushmore, but instead of having to deal with thousands of other tourists, do yourself a favor and head to one of the state’s less-visited—but just as interesting—sites, like Devil’s Gulch Park in Garretson, where the outlaw Jesse James is said to have evaded capture by jumping over the ravine on his horse.

Tennessee: Sewanee

From the Great Smoky Mountains to Graceland to the Grand Ole Opry, Tennessee’s many attractions are no secret to tourists, but one place that deserves even more recognition is the quaint town of Sewanee . With a population of just 2,311, it is best known as the home of The University of the South.

Texas: Jacob’s Well, Wimberley

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and Jacob’s Well in Wimberley is no different. The state’s second-longest fully submerged cave measures nearly a mile in length and reaches 137 feet in depth. The site is open to the public for swimming from May through October.

Utah: Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City

With more than 74,000 acres of marsh and upland habitats and 250 species of birds (including the white-faced ibis, American white pelican, snowy plover, cinnamon teal, American avocet, etc.), Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City is one of the best spots in the country for birdwatching. Take the 12-mile Auto Tour or explore the area on foot through 1.5 miles of trails.

Vermont: Shelburne

Vermont is full of little towns that look like they popped right out of the pages of a fairytale book, but perhaps the most underrated of them all is Shelburne. With a population of just over 7,000 people, it is often overshadowed by nearby Burlington. Popular attractions in the area include the Shelburne Farms, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, and the Shelburne Museum, where you’ll find the historic Ticonderoga Steamboat, the last remaining walking beam side-wheel passenger steamer.

Virginia: Lake Anne, Reston

When the Lake Anne Plaza opened in 1966, it drew comparisons to the Piazza San Marco in Venice—and it’s easy to see why. The village’s main attraction is the Van Gogh Bridge connecting the businesses to the residences of Washington Plaza, and described as “both infrastructure and art.”

Washington: One Square Inch of Silence, Hoh Rainforest

With honking cars, blaring televisions, and constantly chirping smartphones, the modern world can be a pretty loud place. Sometimes all you want to do is get away from the noise and be somewhere where you can actually hear yourself think for once. The best place for that is in the middle of the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula, where you will find a tiny red pebble that marks the quietest spot on earth.

West Virginia: New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville

Though it’s since lost its title as the world’s longest single-span arch bridge, the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville is no less a marvel of engineering, stretching 3,030 feet long and standing 876 feet high. For one day every year , people are allowed to BASE jump off the bridge.

Wisconsin: Lost Creek Falls, Cornucopia

Those who are adventurous enough to travel off the beaten path to find this secluded spot will be rewarded with one of the most peaceful waterfalls in the entire country (be sure to get a picture standing between the rocks and the rushing water). Lost Creek Falls is located near Cornucopia on the Bayfield peninsula.

Wyoming: Crazy Woman Canyon, Buffalo

As the tenth-largest, yet least populous, state in the country, Wyoming has plenty of spots that could be considered hidden gems, such as Crazy Woman Canyon near Buffalo, which is so beautiful you’ll wonder why it’s not more popular among tourists. As legend has it, the canyon got its name from a settler who went insane after witnessing the scalping of her husband and children by Native Americans.

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