BEST PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

San Francisco

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.

Golden Gate Bridge at Battery Spencer

Battery Spencer

Golden Gate Bridge

Hawk Hill

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

Hawk Hill

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.

Kirby Cove

Kirby Cove

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!

Golden Gate Bridge

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.

Baker 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.

Marshalls Beach

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!

Crissy Field

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.

Fort Point

Fort Point

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!

Lands End

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.

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.

Golden Gate Bridge

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

 

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25 comments

  • Naomi

    October 17, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    What an excellent guide! I always wondered how people get those pretty pictures of the bridge but you topped it with a boom! Love the ones with the swing and on the beach.

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 17, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      Thanks Naomi!! Glad you enjoyed the post and hope you get to get great photos of the bridge when you visit in the future!

  • Jennifer

    October 17, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    Great guide! I have never captured a good image of the Golden Gate. I’m going to hit all theses spots next time I’m in San Francisco. Thnaks!

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 17, 2016 at 8:27 pm

      I’m sure you will lots of great photos the next time you’re in San Francisco!

  • Christina

    October 17, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    It looks amazing from any angle! I didn’t notice the swing when I was there. Now I want to go back and take that shot too.

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 17, 2016 at 8:28 pm

      The swing is the best! I definitely recommend it next time you visit.

  • Katie @ The Budget Backpack

    October 17, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    I love pieces like this because sometimes as a visitor you don’t have the time for trial-and-error. I remember I was once in a hotel and asked a staff member the best place to get a specific viewpoint of the city – and it was totally wrong 🙁 Thanks for sharing – next time I’m in SF I’m totally going to find the labyrinth!

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 17, 2016 at 8:29 pm

      I totally agree!! I think it’s always great to get different perspectives for certain places or view points. The labyrinth is awesome! You’ll enjoy it!

  • Nina

    October 18, 2016 at 8:01 am

    Although am not such architecture fan, but if i visited San Francisco would probably make some effort to click few photos of the bridge. The swing location is top!

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 18, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      Yes even a few photos is a must! It’s just the thing to do when in SF =)

  • Christina

    October 18, 2016 at 3:03 pm

    I love this – definitely pulling out this guide on my next trip to San Francisco! Marshall’s Beach and Kirby Cove look especially beautiful 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 18, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      You will love them both! =)

  • Bailey K.

    October 18, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    This is so great! I’ve always wondered where these places are that I see photos from of the bridge. That swing looks so fun, it would probably be my favorite too!

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 18, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks Bailey! Now you know where they take the photos from =)

  • mark wyld

    October 18, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    I would be just happy to see the bridge to start with. Great resource for people wanting to get pictures from all angles

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 18, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      Come visit San Francisco and you will get to see it =)

  • Joella (rovingjo)

    October 18, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    Fantastic list and I wish I would have had it when I was there. I guess I will need to go back

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 18, 2016 at 8:22 pm

      Yes, a good excuse to come back!

  • Tara @ ShataraTravel

    October 19, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    I saw my first photo from the south side or maybe Chrissy field recently and loved it! Its a unique angle (well from what Ive seen most anyway!) And Ive never seen that swing either!!

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 19, 2016 at 11:42 pm

      There is just so many great view points and they all look beautiful =)

  • Suzanne

    October 20, 2016 at 12:35 am

    A great guide with some excellent photography – I love the view from Chrissy Field…

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 20, 2016 at 7:57 pm

      Thank you Suzanne! Chrissy field is definitely one of the top spots to view the bridge.

  • Cat

    October 20, 2016 at 8:53 am

    What a great list! Kirby cove is definitely up my alley 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      October 20, 2016 at 7:57 pm

      Thanks Cat!! Kirby cove will always by my favorite spot =)

  • Mike

    August 30, 2019 at 4:30 am

    Fort Point is definitely my favorite location.

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