The Golden Gate Bridge is by far the most iconic structure in San Francisco and one of the most photographed bridges in the world. The red suspension bridge that connects San Francisco to Marin County is 3 miles long. Now that I have lived here over a year, I have taken photos of this bridge over a dozen times in so many different locations. So where do you go for that perfect postcard photo? Here’s a full list of the best places to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge!

NORTHSIDE (MARIN COUNTY SIDE)

Battery Spencer/Marin Headlands

This is the iconic postcard photo that everyone has come to known. This location will get you very close to the bridge. Don’t forget your jacket or sweater as it gets very windy! I highly suggest coming here early since there is limited parking. However, this can be the most magical photo during sunset with the city lighting up in the background.

Hawk Hill

Just a walk up the hill you can find distant views of the Golden Gate Bridge

Kirby Cove

This is my favorite spot for photos of the bridge! Mostly because of the swing! The walk to Kirby Cove is roughly 20 minutes and fairly an easy walk. The entrance is next to the parking lot for Battery Spencer.

Vista Point

This photo location is located at the end of the bridge when driving into Marin County. It’s the first exit full of cars so you cannot miss it! It is swarming with tourists but the view is pretty awesome!

SOUTHSIDE (SAN FRANCISCO SIDE)

Baker Beach

The beach is gorgeous and fairly easy to get to. It can also get a bit crowded during the summer. Be aware it’s also a nudist beach is various parts of the beach.

Marshall’s Beach

This beach is a bit tricky to get to! Roughly a 15 minute walk down and climbing through rocks as the beach is somewhat secluded. The views here are pretty spectacular due to the large rocks along the beach and the bridge. This beach ends at the bottom of Fort Point but there is no path that connects so you will need to turn around.

Crissy Field

Crissy Field is huge! With a large field of grass make sure to have a picnic and enjoy the view! If you’re not interested in having a picnic then walk a few feet towards the water and there’s a white sandy beach!

Fort Point

Interested in going under the bridge? This is where you can do it. From Crissy Field, you can walk towards Fort Point and get up close and personal! I decided to not go that far but it was a great area for photos of the bridge! There’s a small path to the visitor viewing point as well and you get similar views from the top.

Land’s End

Since moving to San Francisco I’m always looking for hikes in the area. Lands End is a trail that provides amazing vista points and is roughly an easy hike. I typically start at Sutro Baths and work my way into Lands End where you will find the labyrinth! After the hike goes ahead and reward yourself at The Cliff House Restaurant!

Presidio

The Presidio is a 1,500-acre park on a former military post. Get lost and find some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

On the Golden Gate Bridge

Not necessarily south or north but it can be seen either side. Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge up close by driving through or walking across the bridge is one of the best ways to experience it.

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Do you have a favorite place to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge? Comment below!