Top 7 Spots for Photos of the Golden Gate Bridge
Everyone has seen classic photos of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge itself is one of the most photographed in the world and among the most visited structures in California. If you want to create your photo of the bridge, there are many spots to do it that will offer the perfect shot. The opportunities for location composition and angle options are endless.
The time of year can also be a factor if you are keen on incorporating the elements. For example, come during the summer months in the morning when the fog rolls in through the bay for an amazing foggy bridge shot. During the colder months, this does not work so well. As with most any outdoor spot on the water, sunset is an ideal time to capture the magic of the bridge.
Baker Beach
Baker Beach is arguably the most traditional, sought-after spot for taking photos of the Golden Gate. It’s a great chance to get a shot of the bridge with a rocky beach in the foreground. Not only does the location make for a great photo opp, but the beach itself is pretty epic, offering great views of the Marin Headlands. Just note that there are a lot of steps leading down to the beach, and the shore is rocky.
Crissy Field
In the Presidio – Crissy Field is one of the best parks in the city for many reasons – one being the view of the Golden Gate Bridge. There is a pedestrian walking trail that gives amazing viewpoints of the bridge, whether you’re looking to capture a distanced shot of the bridge or something more up close and personal. You can capture some nice shots with a long lens from the bayside trail. Sunrise, sunset, or a foggy day – you are unlikely to get a bad shot.
Fort Point
If you walk far enough north along the Crissy Field pedestrian walkway, you’ll end up at Fort Point. From here, you can look up at the base of the bridge for some incredible close-up compositions of the Golden Gate. While you’re here, be sure to give the fun Hopper’s Hands sculpture attached to the fence a high-five.
Hawk Hill and the Marin Headlands
Located in Marin County, Hawk Hill offers an amazing view of the bridge looking southeast across the bay into San Francisco. On a foggy morning, Hawk Hill gets you high enough that you can see the bridge’s spires poking through the fog below. That photo composition alone would make for an epic trip.
Battery Spencer
Looking for panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge? Head to Battery Spencer. If you’ve ever seen a postcard of the Golden Gate Bridge, the photo was probably taken here. Perched on an old military battery, this lookout is quite popular among tourists. Wait until the crowds have dissipated, and you can get a shot of the bridge with the San Francisco city skyline in the background.
Battery Godfrey
Battery Godfrey offers another fantastic panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can see straight through the towers of the Golden Gate and the best shot can be taken in the parking lot from the small lookout to the north. It’s a great alternative if you don’t feel like driving over the bridge.
Pro tip: as this is a very popular spot, try to visit during the week for the least crowds. Sunset is the best time of day to capture a stunning shot from this vantage point.
Golden Gate Overlook
There are beautiful cypress trees and greenery around this overlook that add nice touches to any photograph taken nearby. If you have seen the photo of the bridge taken between two towering cypress trees this is the spot. This is also the best location to access the bridge on foot or for biking across.
While we don’t recommend taking a photo while driving across (unless your photographer is in the passenger seat!) walking or biking across makes photo-taking much safer, and you can get creative with angles for some interesting shots.
Check out more Golden Gate Bridge info to plan the perfect visit.
- Golden Gate Bridge – Information on access, parking, weather, photo locations, and more
- 12 Movies Featuring the Golden Gate Bridge
- 25 Fun and Interesting Facts About the Golden Gate Bridge
- 10 Cool Ways to Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
- History of the Golden Gate Bridge
- Everything You Want to Know About the Golden Gate Bridge’s Paint Color – Fun Facts, FAQ and more
Want to capture your own shots of the Golden Gate Bridge?
All of the San Francisco Jeep Tours include an amazing ride across the bridge. The San Francisco Jeep City Tour, Sunset and City Lights San Francisco Jeep Tours, and the Full Day Combo City and Muir Woods tour travel to different locations around San Francisco that offer incredible views of the bridge for all of your Golden Gate photo needs.
