Beautiful Golden Gate Bridge Photo Spots

The Golden Gate Bridge is such an iconic spot that you’ve probably seen in loads of movies and T.V. shows but it also makes for SUCH STUNNING PHOTOS! Being photography obsessed travellers, Dave and I made sure that we went to a bunch of the best photo spots for the Golden Gate Bridge when we were in San Francisco.

Some of these spots include us in the photos and others just have the Golden Gate Bridge. In this blog post, I have included what camera equipment we used and our settings for each photo as well as information on how to get to each location, where to park and where to stay nearby.

Things to Know About Photographing the Golden Gate Bridge

🚗 How to get around

The easiest way to get around is by renting a car, however you can also catch public transport to each of these spots. It will take longer but the good thing about catching public transport is that you don’t need to worry about your car getting broken into at the most touristy viewpoints.

🛌 Where to stay near the Golden Gate Bridge

I have broken down the best places to stay by area below to make it easier for you to figure out where to stay.

Sausalito

Sausalito is on the other side of the water from Downtown San Francisco and is a cute little town that Dave and I spent some time in while we were there. There are lots of cute cafes and bars overlooking the water and pretty boutique style shops. The thing I love about Sausalito, is that it is in the perfect location for getting to some of the best viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge.

• Budget –Enchanting Waterfront Chalet: This chalet is such a great deal, especially if you are travelling with family as it sleep 6 people and located really close to the water!
• Moderate – Sausalito Views of SF Skyline: Oh my gosh this place looks incredible! Hot tub and views of the San Francisco Skyline and bay! 😍 I think I will pick this one to stay at next time we visit!
• Luxury – Floating Condos of Commodore 11: For a unique hotel experience you can stay right on the water in a floating condo. This would be great for those photographers out there wanting to take sunrise or sunset photos with some awesome accommodation! This unique stay is a short drive from Sausalito in Marin City.

Union Square, Downtown San Francisco

If you are in San Francisco to explore parts of the city too, then it might be helpful to stay Downtown so that you are in easy distance of places like Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz tours etc.

• Budget – Kasa La Monarca San Francisco: For a budget hotel oh my gosh! Just look at the below photo of on of the rooms! This hotel would make some lovely photos and videos for IG!
• Moderate – Hotel Nikko San Francisco: This hotel looks so so nice, especially for the price! If you are looking to stay somewhere that feels luxury without an enormous price tag, this is the one for you!
• Luxury – Taj Campton Place: This hotel would be great for someone wanting to treat themselves or a romantic couples getaway because it is the definition of LUXURY. Think white cosy bathrobes, an elegant bar and the BEST SERVICE from the staff!

‼ Safety when visiting the Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints

I hate that I have to write this but I think it’s best to be aware of this. At some of the more touristy and popular Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints, there are a lot of car break ins. There was even one that happened to the Tesla that was parked right next to our car when we were at the Golden Gate Overlook. We were only gone for about 10 minutes so it must have happened during that time which is just crazy!

Best Places to Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge

There are lots of viewpoints around San Francisco with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. We have been to a few of them and have a few more on our wish list that we will be going to next time. Which is your favourite Golden Gate Bridge photo spot below?

Click here to open the map in Google Maps!

Golden Gate Overlook

Golden Gate Overlook is the perfect spot for great photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and it’s my number 1 favourite viewpoint! There is a great photo spot at the overlook where you can get the bridge to be smack bang in the middle, framed by 2 Cypress Trees.

Golden Gate Overlook is located on the Downtown San Francisco side of the bay. There is no walking required from the parking to the viewpoint (except for maybe a 1 minute stroll). To get to the parking lot for Golden Gate Overlook and Marshall’s Beach, you will need to take the US-101 from Downtown San Francisco to Lincoln Blvd before taking exit 439.

If you are coming from the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge from places like Sausalito, you will need to take the US-101 S before taking exit 439 to Merchant Road and then turning onto Lincoln Blvd.

Again, as mentioned above, this spot is extremely famous for break ins, so take proper precautions.

Camera: Sony A 7iii
Lens: Tamron 70-180 f/2.8
Camera settings: 139mm, f/10, 1/200, ISO100

Battery Spencer

Battery Spencer is located on the North side of the bridge and is one of the most touristy viewpoints for the Golden Gate Bridge which makes parking a little difficult. We were pretty lucky and got a spot almost straight away on the side of the road. Parking and entrance to the viewpoint is free. On the way to the viewpoint we past some really pretty wildflowers along the side of the road.

Once you find a parking spot, you can walk to the viewpoint which is located just past a piece of San Francisco’s military history. Battery Spencer was used by the military in the early 1900s as lookouts and housing.

There is a fence at the viewpoint which tourists have put loads of locks on to mark their visit there.

Camera: Sony A 7iii
Lens: Sony G 16-35 f/2.8
Camera settings: 35mm, f/3.2, 1/2,000, ISO100

Other viewpoints that are on our list for next time

Like I said earlier in this guide, there are SO many viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge and I found it extremely hard just to pick a view to visit while we were there. Hopefully this guide helps you pick which to visit during your trip to San Francisco.

Some other viewpoints that I have on my photography list for next time are:

• Golden Gate Postcard Viewpoint
• Hawk Hill
• Fort Point
• Kirby Cove

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoint?

This all comes down to personal preference but my 2 favourite viewpoints are the Golden Gate Overlook and Marshall’s Beach.

Is Battery Spencer Worth it?

Battery Spencer is one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, so yes! It is totally worth it!

Can you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?

Yes, you can walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. I actually did this back in 2013 when I was travelling solo. I don’t think I got the whole way across before turning back though because it is a super long bridge!

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