Battery Spencer

Golden Gate View Point near Battery Spencer offers one of the most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. I visited with my family, and although the scenery was stunning, it was extremely windy and cold—even during daylight. Make sure to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket. This viewpoint is located in a historic area that once served as a military site, with remnants of old fortifications still visible. It’s not just a great photo spot, but also a place where you can reflect on the area’s military history. Parking is limited, so plan ahead if you’re driving. A must-see when in San Francisco!

Awesome views of Golden Gate Bridge. Don't bother with the vista viewpoint, everyone goes there. Just drive over to the other side for better views. And you get to drive through a cool tunnel.

What an extraordinary place to see the Golden Gate Bridge. We parked far up the road and walked up, which I highly recommend. Slowly approaching the bridge from a distance and finally seeing the first tower crest over the battery is magical. The battery itself is a defense station decommissioned in 1943; all that remains are some concrete ruins. But it gives some interesting context for what the bridge meant to world commerce at that time. Highly recommend making the trip up here if you want to take in the bridge in all its "postcard-style" glory.

This location offers spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Not only are you in for some sights, but the air is crisp and fresh with lots of paths to walk or ride. Be sure to check the weather as it can be cold and windy here. Some sun screen would be nice also. The area is kept clean, and bathrooms are available.

One of the closest view of the gate. From this place you can observe the entire golden gate and see the city and its scale clearly. One side you can observe the cray cars and busy city on the other side you can observe the beautiful and idyllic nature. Overall a picturesque spot. Ps- this place is windy and cold and also parking is a bit challenging with few spots.

Battery Spencer offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Perched on the Battery Spencer, this historic viewpoint provides a stunning, panoramic perspective of the bridge, especially at sunrise or sunset. It’s a short uphill walk from the parking area, but absolutely worth it. Bring a jacket, it can get windy and chilly even on sunny days. A must-visit spot for photographers and anyone wanting that iconic postcard shot of San Francisco!

This was such an incredible find! We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge which was an amazing experience in itself. Driving up you feel as if you've gone the wrong way but then you turn a corner and see the most beautiful view of the Bridge. You have to park up and walk a little bit which was fine (even with 2 small kiddies). The view was amazing and it was actually fairly quiet too, we were able to take lots of photos and enjoyed a drink while the boys played☺️

Great experience to view the Golden Gate Bridge. The views are incredible you can see the city of San Francisco and Alcatraz. It was my first time in San Francisco I definitely recommend coming here. It was a short easy walk from the road took about 5 mins or less. You may have to park a little further depending on how busy it is.

Awesome lookout point for the Golden Gate Bridge -- probably one of the best angles to snap pics with the full bridge in view. Super windy though -- a few times I legit felt like I was going to get blown off the walkway... and My husband nearly lost his hat The walk from parking is pretty short and manageable, even for older people or anyone who's not a fan of long walks lol. That said, parking is very limited and it's a one-way road, so it can get a little tricky to snag a spot. Bathrooms are there, but honestly smelled awful - use at your own risk. Definitely worth it for the photo op and iconic views! Just dress warm, go early, and maybe skip the bathroom.

Golden Gate Glory, Served Windy and Wow If the Golden Gate Bridge had a favorite selfie spot, it'd be Battery Spencer. My wife and I hit this cliffside legend just after morning rush hour and, folks, it was pure magic. The air? Crisp like a fresh baguette. The views? Unreal. That burnt-orange bridge stretches across the bay like it owns the place, and honestly, it does. You're standing nearly 500 feet above the water, with the whole bay winking up at you. Fog rolls in, the city peeks out, and Alcatraz sulks in the distance. It's part history lesson, part Instagram flex, and part romantic retreat. We wandered the old concrete gun battery, crumbled corners, rusted bolts, ghosts of generals past. You can feel the history tucked into the breeze. No food, no fees, no fluff. Just raw, breathtaking beauty. TLDR: * Showstopping views of the Golden Gate * Hauntingly cool historic military battery * Come early, wear layers, bring a camera * Pure California gold, fog and all Five stars and one goosebump. Go now.

Amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Came here to see the bridge up close and had lunch. It was a super windy day but wasn't too cold. It is definitely a tourist spot. Parking is free :)

One of the best views in the city. I loved visiting and taking this trail. It's a bit brisk but that can be expected being so close to the water. 100/10.

Looooved my time here with fam. I kept telling my sister the view is just as cool from the SF side but it only took 15 minutes to get here from across the bridge and I'll admit that the view is way cooler from here. We stopped at some of the other parking lot before we got here to take in the views and bikers, *whizzing* past on the other side. THEY ARE SO BRAVE?!. Parking lots are available every so often on the drive through the Marin headlands (gotta go to the top next time) so you can stop by a bunch of different points if you don't want to walk far or have someone with mobility issues. I saw a couple cool paths to take depending on what you wanna do. You can walk the well-kept trail directly off of the parking lot to go down near the campsite and water. Or, walk up a pretty path to the fence that overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge which has a lot of locks on it. So fun, didn't expect that! Huge area to hang out and sit down at near the bridge + a massive concrete structure to explore. Never did find out what that was! This area also has "restrooms" but bring your own hand sanitizer.. luckily my purse stays prepared lolol. You truly feel the scale of the Golden Gate Bridge from here, and it seems like a lot of people were doing photo shoots. Great place to get a new perspective of the city.

Whether you are the designated San Francisco tour guide or just happen to be visiting on a clear and sunny day, Battery Spencer is *the* best view point to see the picturesque Golden Gate Bridge with the city behind it. Having been here hundreds of times at this point, it still doesn't really get old and is consistently considered as one of the highlights of many people's visits to the Bay. When many people think of Golden Gate Bridge, this is the view they envision. On busy days, the parking situation can get interesting on the winding one way road so be patient. While this is just a short drive across the bridge, I would also recommend combining this with perhaps a quick visit to North Bay, whether it's Sausalito or Muir Woods. Overall, this is easily one of the more memorable and free (minus bridge toll) attractions on a clear day in SF.

I've been wanting to come to Battery Spencer for a long time and FINALLY my kids humored me for my birthday. After dinner my son made the drive and I was so glad we got to experience it together. We parked towards the top and walked to where the locks were. Since it had rained earlier in the week there were lots of puddles. Thankfully, we used the flashlights on our phones to avoid stepping in the big puddles. All of us had never been and the views are breathtaking at night. Other people were there as well. I wish I could've taken more pictures. I shall be back during the day time :)

Amazing views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge. You take the 101 from San Francisco and you get off on Alexander Road. This will lead you through a tunnel that then turns into a one direction loop to get to Battery Spencer. If you drive all the way to the bottom you will have to loop around again. Once you start seeing parking available I would just park as the closer you get to the top the more congested it can get due to everyone trying to get this area. On a sunny day people will not leave promptly so park at the first spot that is available to you. Also if you are visiting and someone is waiting for parking, please be patient. We had an undesirable experience due to other drivers not taking into consideration that this is a tourist attraction so you may be stuck in a little traffic while others are parking. Be courteous and patient. The views are worth and if you have the time a hike down to Kirby Cove is an amazing experience. Tip: Always dress in layers. This area can get cold as others have described.

A lookout point area that is away from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Gate Bridge. After doing some research, I wanted to find a look out point where I can wee the Golden Gate Bridge at a higher elevation and was not disappointed. As my uber was making its way up the mountain, I couldn't help but notice how excluded the area was. We're talking about winding roads up with no humans/ housing in sight. I got a little scared of how I would make my way back down the mountain, but my uber driver reassured me that ubers do indeed do pick ups up the mountain or people usually just walk down the mountain themselves. I found out that there is actually a short cut where people walk down and it attaches to the Golden Gate Bridge - PHEW! Battery Spencer was an absolute beauty! It's less crowded and barely anyone up there, but still overlooked the Golden Gate Bridge and the city in the back. It's windy up there since you're at a higher elevation so make sure to wear some extra layers. Other than the viewpoints, there are the abandoned military buildings that were used during WWII that holds an abundance of history. It had a bit of an eerie feeling to it especially if you were exploring alone. There's public washrooms which are just a huge pit on the floor and no flushable toilets, but at least it's nice that there is something there if you need to go. After exploring the area, you'll notice a trail that leads you down the mountain, and goes straight into a parking lot. From there, you can go under the Golden Gate Bridge onto the other side, and continue exploring the actual bridge itself. Overall, a great viewpoint area if you want to be away from the touristy crowds.

Tip: on July, mostly foggy. Can't see anything from above :( The parking is limited, but they will come out quick so just pull over and wait :) The view is actually amazing and the trail is short and easy.

I was so pleasantly SHOCKED by the vantage points that unfolded in front of us with each stop. The next one even more awe striking than the next!!

I spent a couple of years in S.F. a long time ago and saw the Golden Gate Bridge quite a few times then because I took several visiting friends there. During our recent visit to S.F., we decided to see it from a different angle at Battery Spencer. The three viewpoints allow one to see the bridge at different heights. We were fortunate that it was a clear and cool fall day, and the views were spectacular. Since I had not seen the bridge from other viewpoints lately, I cannot compare how good they are. But I think it's worth the 30 minutes of driving to view the bridge from Battery Spencer.

We came here to get a good shot of the Golden Gate Bridge on a super foggy day. From the bridge level, you could not see anything so we debated making the 10 minute drive up there. We chose to try and it was worth it. You go through a one way tunnel on the way up and it is a one way loop that is counter clockwise, so if you miss it, you have to go all the way around. Once up there, we chose to park early so we didn't miss it and have to do the loop. There are only about 10 spots at the site itself and we had only a short walk to get there. It was a legal spot too, with many parked illegally past the spot. It is high up and we got some good shots of the bridge with little obstruction. There is room to spread out so others aren't in your picture. The fog added to our picture.

A perfect view spot to take pictures of the Golden Gate and overall view of San Francisco. This landmark is located past the Golden Gate Bridge but isn't too far. It's part of Marin Headlands, but just enter Battery Spencer on your maps. Once you get to the top, there is plenty of side street parking. It's usually windy, so bring a jacket and hand sanitizer if you use the bathroom here. The bathroom here is sketchy, and I do not recommend kids using it based on how there is a deep hole under it. Battery Spencer is good for pictures, and there is graffiti that could be considered "Instagram-worthy." This viewpoint is a must when visiting San Francisco! My girlfriend and I put a lock on the fence, too, for the mems :)

Battery Spencer: A Scenic Gem with Breathtaking Views and Romantic Vibes Nestled in the Marin Headlands just north of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Battery Spencer is a historic military site turned picturesque overlook. As you ascend Conzelman Road, the anticipation builds, and trust me, the views are worth every twist and turn. The Views: From the top, you're greeted by an awe-inspiring panorama. The Golden Gate Bridge stretches majestically across the bay, its rusty red hue contrasting with the deep blue waters. San Francisco's skyline twinkles in the distance, and the Marin Headlands themselves unfold in rugged beauty. It's a scene that feels both timeless and utterly alive. First Date Magic: Battery Spencer is more than just a viewpoint; it's a canvas for romance. Imagine arriving with your date, the wind tousling your hair as you take in the breathtaking vista. The bridge acts as a silent witness to your connection, and the cityscape below seems to whisper secrets. It's a spot where conversations flow effortlessly, and stolen glances become memories etched in your hearts. The Wind: Ah, the wind! It dances around you, playfully tugging at scarves and jackets. It's a reminder that nature is in charge here, and you're merely a guest. Embrace it--the wind carries whispers of love stories past and promises of those yet to come. Unfortunate Trash: Now, let's address the less enchanting side. Occasionally, you'll spot a stray wrapper or plastic bottle. It's a shame, really. But remember, we can all do our part--pick up a piece of trash, and you're not just cleaning up the environment; you're preserving the magic of this place. Love Locks: And then there's the fence adorned with love locks. Couples from all walks of life have left their mark here. Each lock tells a story--a promise, a memory, a forever. It's a cute idea, isn't it? Imagine adding your own lock, sealing your love against the backdrop of the Golden Gate. Making Memories: Battery Spencer isn't just a spot; it's a memory forge. Whether it's your first date, a milestone anniversary, or a quiet moment alone, this place leaves an indelible mark. Snap photos, breathe in the salty air, and let the view etch itself into your soul. So, my fellow adventurers, visit Battery Spencer. Let the wind tousle your hair, gaze into each other's eyes, and create memories that will linger long after you've left. Location: Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965 Phone: (415) 561-4700

If you want to check out some truly spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, you should make a point of visiting Battery Spenser in Sausalito. Even on a foggy day, a trip to here is totally worth it :-) Parking can be challenging, but perservere; there are actually multiple options including parking at the side of the one-way road that leads to the main lot, and the main lot itself. Once you reach the lot, it's just a short uphill hike from the road. Tip: This is the kind of place that you should make a point of bringing your camera to, then be sure to snap LOTS of pictures! Note that while cameras are encouraged, as this place is inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, drones are strictly verbotten Once you're at the vantage point, you'll be rewarded with some truly spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the city of SF. A final tip for serious shutter-bugs - take the Slacker Ridge trail up a short, steep hill. The trail can be reached by going a short way up the road near the restroom. Once you find the trail, go uphill about a quarter mile and you'll find yourself at the spot that professionals use to take Golden Gate Bridge photos

Great spot to take photos of the golden state bridge. It's up on a hill that has a nice scenic drive. There are a few stopping points along the road to snap photos. Parking is limited to a few spots and on the side along the one-way road. Don't use the bathrooms here though. They are stinky and dirty.

So I got this new boyfriend and I'm trying to show him all around San Francisco (he lives in San Diego). So of course I take him to my "spot" to see the Golden Gate Bridge. We bring our sol food (see earlier review) up to the tippy top after miraculously finding parking in the lot, and enjoy what I believe to be the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It all gets better when an excited lil doggie on a leash jumps into my lap (see fig. 1). After lil doggie left, new boyfriend and I looked out into the water and saw this crazy current under the Golden Gate Bridge. What if someone fell in? What if it was the maintenance man? What if he's still swirling down there? Eventually, we have to keep pretending to be middle schoolers in love by getting very close to the edge and holding each other. I'm scared of heights but said new boyfriend doesn't make me get too close (a good sign). We finally escape the danger zone and scope out the bunkers to find that someone has tagged my name (see fig. 2). I promise I'm not that bad ass, it wasn't me. To conclude this silly love story, I really had to pee, but within walking 10 feet of the bathroom, I didn't think I could face the sheer stank. I think our maintenance man fell in and some say he's still swirling in the rip current.

Stunning view of the pacific and the history it carries! Golden gate Bridge looks so much better from up here!!

While doing my research for our San Francisco vacation itinerary, I came across Battery Spencer as being one of the locations w/ the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge and this info is correct. We came to Battery Spencer on 2 separate trips-08/17/2022 and on 08/20/2022. Since "sharing is caring" here are a few helpful tidbits for you... ~We visited during late August and one day there was so much fog, there were times we couldn't see the bridge at all BUT once the fog let up a little, we could see only the top of the bridge. I thought it was a great picture seeing the GGB covered in fog. The 2nd day we went up to Battery Spencer to see the GGB, there wasn't any fog so we had a clear view of the GGB but the wind was so strong & made it feel very cold! The wind literally would push you back. Just be careful as you're enjoying this spot so high up. ~Restroom: There was a restroom onsite but it was so disgusting that I might have given myself a UTI by holding in my pee! ;) ~Parking: While this is a very high tourist attraction, we didn't have any issues getting a parking spot & parking is free. Once all the parking spots are filled, people just parked along the street railing. ~Theft: There are lots of warning signs about not leaving any valuables in your car because of "smash & grabs" but on the days we visited, we didn't see any shady activity going on & there was a police car, parked in the beginning of Battery Spencer. Till next time! XOXO, Rebecca

The views here are truly breathtaking. It's an awesome vista to look out on Sausalito, San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and--if you time it right--the sunset. Reader, we timed it right. We got here by walking from San Francisco across the bridge. Then, once we took stairs under the bridge to Battery Spencer Park. It took us a little while to find our way over, but was absolutely worth the wait, the walk, and the momentary confusion until we found some more experienced tourists to follow.

Being a Bay Area gal all my life, this is one of the places to take family and friends to for landmarks to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Good thing it was a clear day I took pics here but it's not always. You just have to be lucky. Its a beautiful location to see the bridge or take a walk up the side trails for a little exercise. Its usually a windy cool day coming here so always bring a jacket just in case. Parking can be scarce especially on the weekend as there is limited parking spaces but this is definitely worth it to come at least once. I come often when I can just because I love seeing the beauty of it! :) [18R, 2023]

When you think of San Francisco, what comes to mind first? For many, such as myself, I think of the Golden Gate Bridge. But where can you get a good view of this iconic landmark? At Battery Spencer, of course! I first came to this area in 2006, when I was on a road trip with an old buddy of mine from the military. We were intrigued at both the views of the bridge, as well as the remains of the old military fort that last saw service during World War 2. Fast forward the the 2020s, and I decided to bring my girlfriend to check out the spectacular view this place provides. Getting here involved navigating the narrow mountain roads just north of the bridge. Since we came here after our visit to Sonoma, we had an easy time getting here. We got lucky and found a parking spot, which is no easy task when you have dozens of card competing for limited spots near this place. The views were spectacular, and I was able to get plenty of good photos and videos. My girlfriend enjoyed the views, and this marked one of the more memorable times in 2022. If you're a photography enthusiast like me, or simply want to scratch the Golden Gate Bridge off your bucket list, then head on over to Battery Spencer.

Incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge!! It looks even grander in-person than it does in pictures. There was a LOT of traffic on the way up on a Saturday. If you don't get a spot on the way up, there's more parking on the side of the road on the way down. Your shoes will probably get dusty, so don't wear your new pair of shoes! It will be windier once you reach the viewpoint as well.

I've always wanted to come to Battery Spencer during the daytime but the traffic/exit to get there is insanely long every time we drive by. I spontaneously decided to come here at 10pm on a Saturday night. There was no traffic and we were able to get a parking spot. I saw a couple open spots in different lots so it's not that big of an issue this late at night. You do have to walk a bit to get there and it's pretty dark so be careful walking as there are lots of little rocks on the road up. The view is so beautiful at night with all the distant city lights in the background. It wasn't windy or super cold either so it was perfect. Highly recommend coming at night as it's super chill and not crowded.

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Remember the opening of "Foul Play" after Goldie Hawn picked up the handsome hitchhiker on Hwy 1 in her VW beetle? Well, that was a dumb, pre-#MeToo move, but it led to a helicopter shot of her beetle rounding the curve and seeing the spectacle of the Golden Gate Bridge. That wasn't Hwy 1, that was Conzelman Road. I haven't been here for years and was left with the almost permanent impression that it was a pain to visit with Conzelman in constant gridlock because of all the self-absorbed tourists gunning for the last parking space. However, someone recently made a smart decision to make this scenic drive a one-way drive toward 101. Of course, that means you have to take the more circuitous route of driving through the one-way tunnel on Bunker Road (...yes, you need to wait your turn), then turning left on winding McCullough Drive, and then you too can be like Goldie (or likely her stunt double) and come upon the classic bridge view. What's nice is that it's a lot easier to park in the road than it is to wait for a space in the ridiculously small lots. Once you're parked, it's a short, windy stroll through and/or above a graffiti-saturated pre-WWII garrison to an open space that allows you to take all the postcard-worthy pics you want to post on Instagram. Yep, it's worth it...now. RELATED - Are you lost in Marin? Me too, and here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2tIHlkV

Id have to say of all the places Ive gone to in San Francisco to take pics of the famous Golden Gate Bridge, this area is the best place to go. At night its just so beautiful that I wish I had brought my foldable chair so I could sit here and enjoy the view for hours. Keep in mind this area is really dark. So just be careful of your surroundings and watch where you step.

One of the best ways to view Golden Gate Bridge.. breathtaking views! We visited on a rainy day, it was a bummer to miss full view of the bridge but nevertheless it was as beautiful as it can get.. it's so peaceful to just stand there and watch the entire stretch..

Amazing views of the golden gate bridge and the bay below. If you're lucky enough to catch it when it's not foggy or incredibly packed, then yeah it's worth the trip. Otherwise, you'll be paying that bridge toll, going through all that traffic, scouring for parking, and might not get to see the bridge at all.

Whenever I take out-of-town family and friends on a tour of the city and they want to see Golden Gate Bridge, I take 'em to Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, Fort Point and Battery Spencer. I skip the Vista Point in Marin side since it gets too crowded with tourists. In my opinion, this is the best location to take a photo of the bridge behind you. Battery Spencer is an old military artillery post that was part of the coastal defense of California. One of the strategically important sites guarding the mouth of the bay and later the Golden Gate Bridge. Construction began in 1893 and completed in 1897. It is named for Maj. General Joseph Spencer, a Revolutionary War hero who died in 1779. Initially armed with three 12-inch breech loading rifles mounted on M1892 barbette mounts, it stood guard on this perch until 1942. The soldiers stationed here had some of the best views of the bay. It's now part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area (GGNRA) administered by the National Park Service. If you love the outdoors, a military historian, love exploring historical sites and taking photographs, this is definitely a place for you. I've even seen locals having picnics over here and a few people proposing marriage to their loved ones. Why not...you got the perfect backdrop. When Karl The Fog decides to visit, which is often, you can be standing on top of the clouds as the bridge is engulfed in his mist. Getting here, you used to drive up Conzelman Rd. after exiting from 101. During the pandemic, they changed the flow of traffic and made Conzelman Rd. only one way (down) from McCullough Rd. In order to get here, you have to go down Alexander Ave. and make a left at Bunker Rd. Wait at the entrance of the tunnel until you hit a green light. Be very patient as this will take a while and once you get the green light, keep going until you pass some houses and make a left on McCullough Rd. Take that road up hill until you reach the runabout on top and it becomes Conzelman Rd. Turn left to head to Battery Spencer and turn right to go to Hawk Hill. You might wanna drive slow to enjoy the view. There's some vista points on the side of the road to soak it all in. Watch out for cyclists as they like to take this road up to Hawk Hill. Get here early in the morning to get a parking spot as they tend to get crowded, especially on the weekends. If you can't get here early, just be patient until a parking spot opens up. Remember that this is now a one way road so you can't drive back up. So this review is my tip to you as a local. You're welcome. Enjoy the views and please pick-up your garbage and masks. It's not good for the wildlife. Respect goes both ways. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 34

It's true, this is the most beautiful view of Golden Gate Bridge. So happy, I was able to visit this area. I advise to come in the morning, like we did. Not too many people. By the time we left this location, more and more people started to show up around 11:30am. So yeah, you got to come here really early. We got there around 9:45ish & was done taking my photos/videos by 10:30am or so. Parking here is actually not that bad, because people come and go. You will definitely find a spot within 5 minutes. Plus, it's not like a huge hike, where you have to go up the hill and take your photos. Just a little walk, not crazy at all. I am very happy with all the photos/videos I took, and will never forget this place. I was born in San Francisco, raised in the East Bay. Proud to say that I am from here, and I appreciate it very very much.

Beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge! But be warned- it is usually *super* windy and cold up there. There are probably about 12 parking spots located near the entrance, but there's plenty of street parking further up if those spots are taken. There are also bathrooms, but they're the type you only want to use if you absolutely need to haha.

Love the view, good food and service. Definitely recommend this place. Personally I love their oyster

My favorite view of the Golden Gate Bridge! Incredible views that make you feel like you can just reach out and touch the bridge. Hard to beat the beautiful blue skies & Bay, the surrounding greenery & reddish rocks, the Golden Gate Bridge, all with views of the Bay Area and SF skyline in the background

The view of the Golden Gate Bridge is spectacular here! There is a fairly good amount of parking nearby and the walk to the view is pretty short. However, you will need to walk past the restrooms so hold your breath because that is the most unpleasant part! I came here on a Monday around 1:30pm and there were still a good amount of people visiting the area. It was VERY windy this day, but no fog in sight. At the viewpoint there is a fence for safety it seems, and many people have put their own locks for memory sake. Everyone was keeping their distance and its definitely worth a quick look if you're nearby!

This is our favorite spot to view the Golden Gate Bridge and we return every time we are in town. It's an easy 10 minute walk up to the view point from the trailhead with views of the old forts along the way. Very interesting history here and the protection involved for the GGB and the bay, be sure to read the posters. No matter the weather the view is beautiful, so don't let rain or fog stop you. Bring a lock and hang it on the fence with all the others, it's a lot of fun to do as a memory. Parking is free and available along the highway or if you're lucky, in the small lot located in front of the entrance. Two walkways are available to the outlook, one with wooden steps and the other is compact dirt with some loose gravel. Both are pretty easy and could possibly be stroller / wheelchair accessible. This location is across the Golden Gate Bridge, about 30 minutes from downtown, in Marin and the cost to cross is $8.40 round trip. This small hike is family friendly as we did see quite a few small children around. Definitely worth the view and be sure to visit the other sights right around the same area. Enjoy!

Highly recommend visiting this vista point at some point in your life! I love taking friends + family here when they come to visit. The views are absolutely stunning and you can see almost everything on a clear day. The drive to go here has some winding, narrow roads and once you arrive there isn't a ton of parking but I've never had an issue. Keep in mind this is a tourist stop, so make sure to secure your belongings in case someone decides to break into a car. This happens more than you'd think. I'm planning on coming to see this spot at night next. I heard it's just as beautiful!

Great spot to go take pictures for the sunrise. Recommend going for sure. Taken first week of January from 630-8am

This is an awesome sightseeing attraction that is in San Francisco California that when my wife and I went to San Francisco we hiked all around town one day and walk to Golden Gate and walk down the battery Spencer and took beautiful pictures while the sun was starting to set yeah and it was just a lot of fun very romantic in a very nice place to visit and see for sure. If you go to San Francisco then you got to check this place out because it's really awesome

Hands down, the BEST view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Let's start with the drive here- from the city, the route takes you directly across the bridge, under a hill, around and through a few hills, then along the coast to get to the beginning of the mini hike. The journey to get here had already induced screams, but even more so when I actually arrived at the landmark. You get pretty up close and personal with the bridge, and it really is a sight to behold too! I came on a weekday morning, and there was literally nobody there but a group of friends and I. A dream. I wanna come back here in a heartbeat; maybe during the sunset or sunrise with a special someone!

I absolutely LOVE this place. Perfect place to end a date or bring some out of town family members/friends. My friend showed me this place when I first moved to the city and I haven't stopped raving about this place since. Side note, since this is up in the hills/mountains and it can get dark, don't make your first date uncomfortable by taking him/her here unless you have been that trust with them haha. Anyway, battery Spencer literally overlooks the entire San Francisco bridge and it is a sight that I wish I can show off and tell about to everyone. It is just absolutely breathtaking. There's parking right outside of the overlook and a restroom right before you have to walk up a short trail to the end of it. From the past few times I've visited (both during the day and at night), parking hasn't really become an issue. I think my favorite view is during the night because I'm a sucker for city lights and you can see all of the car (lights) driving across the bridge which makes it that much cooler. 10/10 highly recommend this place and would 100% come back every chance I get!

Amazing views with exclusive sights. Only thing I didn't like about this place was the weather. When I went, it was windy and disrupted any pics I took :( So it definitely matters on the weather when you visit. Parking can also be tricky as well. Beware!

Definitely a cool place to view the bridge! Parking honestly wasn't too bad, and the location itself was pretty awesome. Fair warning, it can get brutally windy and thus cold up there, but it was manageable. There were quite a few people there, but it was a large enough space where it didn't really affect the views or anything. There are also other cool viewing spaces (whose names I don't recall because I went to those a while back), but this one is nice as well, if you'd like to view it from that particular side of the bridge.

If you're visiting SF and wondering if it's worth it to make the effort to get out here, the answer is absolutely yes (assuming that Karl the Fog isn't obscuring the bridge completely of course). If you have ever seen the Golden Gate Bridge featured in an ad, it was likely filmed from here. To get here, you'll have to drive through a one-lane tunnel that allows traffic to flow freely from one direction for 5 minutes. When the 5 minutes are up, cars from the opposite direction are allowed to pass through for 5 minutes and so on. After that you'll be driving through some windy mountain roads for a little bit but thankfully you don't have to sit through all of this again when you're ready to leave. The parking lot here leads directly to the bridge, thus making the return to the city much faster. Parking here is limited so try to come here during the week if possible. This is also a hotspot for car break ins so be sure to not leave any valuables in your car; not even in the trunk! The absolute best time to come is before or during sunset. In the morning the sun is still rising from the east, thus giving your photos of the bridge a pretty harsh glare. In the afternoon the sun is no longer in your frame and gives the bridge the perfect lighting. I've included some photo examples to demonstrate this. Lastly, if you are coming here with a romantic partner then consider bringing a lock you don't mind throwing away with you. There is a chain fence here where couples hang up their locks just like the Pont Des Arts in Paris. My fiance and I have made our contribution to the fence . It's the ultimate romantic surprise.

I always wanted to see Golden Gate Bridge at night. All I can say is that it was worth the wait :-) Had a great time and to my luck weather was pleasant, clear. Highly recommend to visit this place. Only con is parking as there are not many spots to park, could be a problem when footfall is high. You need to hike little bit. Try to visit this place before 8:30pm as post that it's very dark. There is hardly any light, so you need flashlight or torch. Would definitely like to visit again in the day time.

If you are looking for the ultimate picturesque spot for capturing images of San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge then look no further than Battery Spencer. Named after a Revolutionary War hero, Battery Spencer makes up a number of reinforced concrete gun batteries that are located throughout the area that is known as Fort Baker, which was once a military outpost, but serves as a recreational area complete with parks, hiking trails, hotels and even a children's activity museum, all at the northern end of the iconic bridge painted International Orange with the main area of the post. The reason why this lookout spot, complete with concrete patios and walkways is even located where it is, is because as the nation began to complete its westward expansion and continued to industrialize well into the late 1800's, the government decided to turn its attention to establishing the country as one of the world's top military powers. The U.S. Army assumed responsibility for the defense of the nation's coasts and ports and set up batteries up and down the coastline to protect from potential invaders. All of these batteries would become crucial defense posts during World War II. Once the battery was decommissioned and the guns and carriages were removed, the Golden Gate Recreation Area took over the battery and it remains administered by the National Park Service. The real issue is how one gets to the Battery Spencer overlook especially when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge off of Highway 101. Once you exit the Alexander Ave exit you follow the traffic, you're no longer allowed to travel underneath the highway and must head the long way through the Baker Barry Tunnel which is a one lane road controlled by a traffic signal. From there you travel on Bunker Road and follow the signs by turning left onto McCullough Road which leads you up the winding hills of the Marin Headlands and then you will make it to the Coastal Trail roundabout, parking lot and restroom. But the key here is not to stop and park here because you will be tricked into thinking this was the only place to park, but rest assured there are additional parking spaces along the way on what is now Conzelman Road which twists and turns parallel to that of the coastline. Your second parking lot is the North Tower Golden Gate Parking Lot and your third lot is the Golden Gate View Point Parking Lot. Finally your fourth and final stop is the promised land of Battery Spencer Parking Lot. When you are lucky enough to grab a parking spot (you can wait for a brief time as traffic comes in and out) you get out of your car and if you walk right and head down the hill, it leads you down Kirby Cove Road, which is a walkway down to Kirby Cove Beach, a lovely beach with brown sand with beautiful views of the Golden Gate and city of San Francisco. If you continue walking straight, you will pass by the public restrooms, and head along the dirt road which leads you past the Ridge Battery, another abandoned post, and then it's off to the Battery Spencer with its amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. The actual space that made up the Battery is now three shelled out bunkers, which is relatively safe to explore, but not much to see, and then once you pass those, you hit the slope that serves as the viewing overlook for the Bridge and Bay. The ground may seem slanted, because it is, but there's a manmade guard rail that can prevent runaways. It is here you take your greatest pictures to your social media content, jumping and posing as if your body is conquering the Bridge itself. You really can't skip the barriers and travel any further or higher, although there is a smaller path past the rail where you can sure try to get that even closer view, but it is really not recommended to go any further. And this Battery Spencer in a nutshell, getting back to the Highway and the city is super easy, as it mere feet away. Rest assured that Battery Spencer will always be there, in the fog, wind and sunshine ready to take on locals and tourists alike. With views at Battery Spencer you can't get an experience any more iconic and the fact that it is open and free for everyone to take in, we should be so lucky to partake in all of the time!

For me this is the best place where you can get to see the Golden Gate Bridge. You get fantastic pictures of it . I do recommend going early as it get fill with people the later it gets

Battery Spencer is one of the most marvelous, least known, storied places in all of the SF Bay Area. It's the kind of place that locals are keen to show their out-of-town guests. Everybody knows the iconic view from photos and advertisements, but not nearly as many have gone to see it in person and gasp! The history of the batteries that ring the San Francisco Bay and the guarded to Pacific Shoreline is rich and fascinating. The forts that were installed to guard San Francisco, and the batteries that they supported, are worthy of your attention and appreciation. From the Gold Rush, to WWII, through the Cold War Era, these installations tell a story of the city, the bay, and the area. The fact that their views are spectacular is just a bonus! Read up, grab a jacket, pack a lunch, and don't forget the kids... I know that my own love of history was instilled by my parents, starting with many affordable and unforgettable road trips throughout the Colonial, Revolutionary War, and Civil War history from whence I came (hint: "Yo! Tony!").

Great place for pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's relaxing and great views. Hit or miss though with all the fog.