Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Northern California → San Francisco Bay Area → Golden Gate Bridge

Location: San Francisco

Distance: varies

Elevation Gain/Loss: virtually none

Red Tape/Notes: parking can be problematic depending on the time of year and time of day so you may want to opt for an uber even if you have a car; if you’re here for photography and want a specific iconic shot, make sure to plan ahead for the best time of day for shooting from your chosen location

What’s Nearby?: Muir Woods, Marin Headlands, Sutro Baths Ruins

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of America’s best known icons, and it’s easy to walk across it if that’s on your bucket list. This website provides all sorts of information on your options for walking across the bridge. Or, if you don’t have much time, just drive to Battery Spencer to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point (it’s just across the bridge on the left as you’re leaving San Francisco). It’s popular for good reason – you’ll get an iconic view of the bridge and it takes very little effort. If you haven’t got much time, you can still squeeze this in. Or, if you’re headed to the Marin Headlands, this stop is on the way! These photos were taken from the Vista Point at Battery Spencer and from the parking area on the north side of the bridge. Even if the weather isn’t cooperating (which is pretty frequent for San Francisco), the pictures can be nice because of interesting clouds.

Another option is to head over to Lands End. This natural preserve offers beautiful views of the rugged pacific coast, includes the Sutro Bath Ruins, and has nice hiking options. The most popular feature is the Coastal Trail, which is extremely pleasant on its own, but this trail also provides some classic views of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you’re really interested in photography, there are other fabulous locations you can schedule into your itinerary. Check out this page for several of them. This website also provides a nice overview of information on the bridge, including some popular photography spots by time of day.

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Northern California → San Francisco Bay Area → Golden Gate Bridge