Golden Gate: Most Photographed Bridge & More
Golden Gate Guide
Use our realistic Golden Gate Guide to plan your next adventure in and around San Francisco.
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the symbols of San Francisco and California.
This post includes affiliate links that will earn us commission if you make a purchase via these links.
Sights & Places of Interest
We reached Golden Gate National Recreation Area by car. Once we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, we entered the park’s North unit.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
This part of the park protects the Marin Headlands. It has several sights worth exploring between the Point Diablo and Point Bonita. But the Golden Gate Bridge views are the park’s major attraction. Built in 1937, this one mile suspension bridge is still one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
Battery Spencer
The Vista Point is the closest viewpoint to the bridge. However, its location east of the bridge provides lackluster views. We found Battery Spencer to offer the best views of the bridge. There is a short, 0.2-mi (320 m) hike to the Battery from the parking lot. This short uphill hike is worth it. You could see the Golden Gate Bridge with San Francisco in the distance.
Battery Wagner
A viewpoint next to the Battery Wagner is just up the Conzelman Road from the Battery Spencer. You could see the bridge right from the comfort of your car. However, the view is slightly obstructed. The nearby hill partially covers the bridge’s north tower. This viewpoint has limited parking. You might need to wait for a few minutes for a spot to open up.
Kirby Cove
The Golden Gate Observation Deck is even further away. Located just above the Kirby Cove, it offers another perspective at this engineering masterpiece. If you visit the Golden Gate during fog, you can count on fascinating sun reflections.
This overlook also provides great views of the Golden Gate straight. You could even see the Lands End Lookout right across the straight.
The Conzelman Road brings visitors to the Point Bonita Lighthouse and Rodeo Beach. However, it is also a dead end road. The longer we drove west, the longer we needed to drive back. Therefore, we returned to the Highway 101 and proceeded to other Golden Gate sights.
Muir Beach
The Muir Beach is 12 miles (19 km) northwest of the Golden Gate Observation Deck. This beach and viewpoint are also part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. But you couldn’t see the bridge from these viewpoints. High ridges and deep valleys obstruct the view. In fact, you could barely see the Golden Gate straight and Lands End.
This overlook shows that this recreation area is more than the Golden Gate. It involves a brief hike that displays high cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. The Muir Beach Overlook views reminded us of Big Sur. Between the cliffs, coves, and beaches the resemblance is striking.
Muir Woods National Monument
Golden Gate National Recreation Area also serves as a gateway to Northern and North Central California. There are a lot of parks and sights within a drive from the Golden Gate. Muir Woods National Monument is the closest among them.
As the name similarity suggests, you can reach Muir Woods in about 10 minutes from the Muir Beach Overlook. Muir Woods is an extremely popular park. You need to have a reservation to stroll among its tall redwood trees. The views are worth the advance preparation.
Point Reyes National Seashore
As we continued north on the Highway CA-1, we entered the Point Reyes National Seashore. The park’s southern part is best for longer hikes. The more accessible beaches and visitor centers are up north.
The Point Reyes Beach North is about 33 miles (53 km) from the Muir Beach. Overall, it took us 1.5 hours to get to Point Reyes from the Golden Gate.
Point Reyes Beach North
After a long drive, we were glad to stop at the Point Reyes Beach North. This beach first caught our attention with its bright colored succulents all across the shore.
The Pacific Ocean, sand, and succulents made a picturesque combination.
Point Reyes Beach South
We stopped at the Point Reyes Beach South to rest and admire the Pacific Ocean. It is easy to spend hours watching the breaking waves. The ocean is the main attraction of this national seashore.
However, there are a few other notable sights. You could hike up to the Point Reyes Lighthouse or take a picture at the Cypress Tree Tunnel.
Following the Point Reyes National Seashore’s exploration we got back on the road. That marked the end of our Golden Gate visit.
Continue with our Golden Gate Guide to learn more about ways to get to the sights, entrance requirements, and places to stay.
Getting to Golden Gate
Golden Gate National Recreation Area spans across both sides of the Golden Gate strait. The South unit is well within reach of the public transport. As described in our Lands End Guide, Muni Buses 38R and 1 will bring you to the South Unit in 30 minutes.
While only across the strait, the North Unit is far more challenging to reach. There are a few options but none of them is ideal.
- If you have a car, you just need to cross the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco towards Sausalito. The bridge crossing is free if you travel northbound. But it costs at least $8 if you cross the bridge in the opposite direction.
- You could take the Bus 130 for $8 per person each way.
- Finally, you could rent a bike or walk to cross the bridge.
If you take public transport to get to Golden Gate North, be prepared to walk or pedal a lot.
Entrance Requirements & Passes
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a free park. There are two paid parking lots near Presidio. But all the other sites don’t charge use fees. Due to the Golden Gate Bridge’s popularity, the viewpoints often get crowded. Prepare to wait for a parking spot to open up if you visit on weekends.
- Muir Woods National Monument requires advance parking reservation. You could secure one at this website. The cost is $9 per car at the time of writing.
- Point Reyes National Seashore doesn’t charge entrance fees.
Where to Stay
There are limited options to stay near the Golden Gate. Your best bet is to search for accommodation south or north of the recreation area. San Francisco has lots of places to stay. Most of the city properties are a good drive or bus ride away from the Golden Gate. But staying further away could bring better deals. There are also options if you don’t want to deal with San Francisco traffic. You could look into properties along the Highway 101 around San Rafael, CA.
Takeaways: Golden Gate
Golden Gate National Recreation Area is well worth a visit. There is a lot to see at Golden Gate. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and city views to steep cliffs and stunning beaches.
Golden Gate serves as gateway to Northern California sights. Muir Woods and Point Reyes are just a drive away. All of these sights are extremely popular and parking could present an issue. Plan to arrive early or on a weekday to beat the crowds.
Take a look at our Golden Gate Video Guide and visit our YouTube channel for the latest videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golden Gate used to be the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. To this day it is one of the most photographed bridges on earth.
It is free to visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Only two parking lots near Presidio charge parking fees. Other viewpoints and lots are free.
You can cross the Golden Gate Bridge on foot in 30 to 45 minutes each way.
It is free to cross Golden Gate Bridge on foot and on a bike. Cars and motorcycles need to pay at least $8.4 depending on the number of axles. You only pay toll when crossing the bridge southbound.
Safe realist travels!
