San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and there are plenty of fantastic places to enjoy the best views in San Francisco.
San Francisco, known for some of the steepest hills, peaks, and mountains, offers many amazing relaxing places – from stunning hilltops to 360-degree views of historic landmarks.
Whether you are visiting San Francisco for a weekend or a romantic getaway, check out this list of the best viewpoints in San Francisco as your trip is incomplete without admiring the beauty of the city and its gorgeous views.
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TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE BEST VIEWS IN SAN FRANCISCO
CONTENTS
Best Time to See the Viewpoints in San Francisco
San Francisco can foggy throughout the year, but the summer is mainly known for heavy fog, especially in the mornings, late afternoons, and evenings.
It is best to visit early in the morning, or if you do not mind the large crowds, afternoon and sunset hours are the most popular times.
If you want to capture the best shots of The Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, I recommend going around sunset or nighttime as the views are beautiful.
Be prepared for the fog
Do you know that the fog in California has a name(and even a Twitter account)?
He is called Karl, and whether you know him or not, you will most likely feel his presence on your San Francisco trip.
No matter what season it is, carry enough warm layers or a solid jacket to keep you from the cold weather and the winds, especially those that get notorious as the evening progresses.
Check the weather before you plan to visit the viewpoints.
There is no point in being one of the stunning San Francisco viewpoints only to see the skylines entirely swept by the fog.
You can check this Golden Gate Bridge cam for up-to-date weather information to see your chances of witnessing the beautiful views and the types of pictures you can capture of the bridge.
Parking areas around the viewpoints
Although almost all of the viewpoints of San Francisco come with parking lots, due to the high volume of tourists, you will find yourself competing for parking spaces, waiting in long lines, or taking detours to alternative parking lots.
So be prepared for this, and allow some extra time for parking on your San Francisco itinerary.
Uber is sometimes better.
Considering the heavy traffic and crowded parking spaces, it is better to share a ride as you need to reach the viewpoints in San Francisco.
Many hotels charge $35+ for overnight parking, which is on top of the parking fees you may have to pay, not to mention the bad traffic.
Beware of Break-ins
If you’re driving around San Francisco, be careful of break-ins, for which the city is infamous.
So do not leave anything valuable in your car behind, and double-check to ensure your locks work.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Whether you use public transportation or drive around, you will still do plenty of walking, including climbing the hills, so it is best to wear comfortable walking shoes with an excellent grip.
WHERE TO GO FOR THE BEST VIEWS IN SAN FRANCISCO
COIT TOWER
One of the historical attractions in San Francisco, Coit Tower, may not be the first thing one can think of while looking for the best views in San Francisco, but it is worth adding to your list.
This 64 meters high tower in Pioneer Park in the Telegraph Hill neighbourhood of San Francisco offers splendid panoramic views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the beautiful views of San Francisco city and the Bay.
You can also see the Financial District, Chinatown, and North Beach on a fog-free day.
This pretty white concrete column was completed in 1933 to add to the monuments of San Francisco.
Enjoy the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city from the observation deck, which you can reach by elevator. The ticket costs $7.
The views are better than the parking lot from the top of the tower at the observation deck.
Although you enjoy beautiful views at any time, sunset is the best time to witness some stunning views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Opening hours – 10 AM to 5 PM
Address – Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Parking area – There is a parking lot on the premises, but it gets packed during the weekends and holidays. Also, you can park only for 30 minutes.
How to get there – You can take the #39 MUNI bus to Coit Tower from Pier 39 or Washington Square. If you are driving, follow the signs from Stockton Street in North Beach.
Alternatively, you can walk up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower, following Filbert Street, which is the best option to get there, mainly to avoid the parking hassle.
MOUNT DAVIDSON
At 928 feet, Mount Davidson is the highest natural point located in the heart of the city and one of the top spots to enjoy the best views in San Francisco.
As expected, you can enjoy stunning 360-degree views at this 40-acre mountain-top park, boasting many hiking trails.
You need to do a short 1-mile, slightly steep hike to the base of the famous cross and Mount Davidson Vista Point, from where you can enjoy splendid views of all the significant landmarks in San Francisco.
If you are driving, there is street parking along Dalewood Way near the park’s southern entrance.
HAWK HILL
One of the farthest places to admire the best views in San Francisco is Hawk Hill. Hawk Hill is a bit farther along Conzelman Road but worth visiting.
From up here, you can see the gorgeous views of the bridge, San Franciso city and the Bay, but you also have a 360-degree view of the whole region, including Alcatraz and Oakland.
You can see the entrance leading to the Bay and Rodeo Beach below you, Mount Tamalpais, and the hills of Marin County stretching away.
To the east, check out Mount Diablo. You can also see the Point Bonita Lighthouse from here on a clear day.
As the name indicates, it is an excellent place to watch for hawks and other raptors.
You will need transport of some type unlike the other ones accessible by foot. If you rent a bike, only do so if you have experienced uphill drives.
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I highly recommend driving to Hawk Hills, as the journey through the Marin Headlands on Conzelman Road is fantastic.
On this panoramic drive through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, beginning from the observation deck, you will continue along the coast, winding past Battery Spencer.
There are trails and vista spots all over the area, from where you can enjoy the incredible views from this hilly peninsula to the Point Bonita Lighthouse.
Many more batteries in this area are perfect for off-the-beaten exploration. You can also hike out to Point Bonita lighthouse.
Late afternoon is the best time to enjoy the views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Hawk Hill.
Good to know – There are few options for dining, so make sure to carry snacks, drinks, and water.
Due to its elevation, it gets very windy and cold no matter the time of the year. Carry a warm jacket or some layers even if you visit during the summer.
Address – Marin County, California, US
Parking Area – There is a free parking area on the premises.
How to get there – If you’re heading from within San Francisco, take Highway 101 over the Golden Gate Bridge and exit 442 to merge onto Alexander Ave, which becomes Bunker Road and continues on Conzelman Road.
PIER 7
Considered one of the most easily accessible locations and hence very popular, Pier 7, stretching from the Embarcadero, a 3-mile stretch of roadway and a pedestrian-friendly walkway that connects the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge, and going far into the bay is one of the fantastic places to enjoy the best views in San Francisco.
Home to many waterfront attractions, Embarcadero offers exceptional views of the Bay Bridge.
The best way to enjoy the views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, is by walking or biking the length of the Embarcadero.
You can walk down to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, stopping at many shops, cafes, restaurants and other attractions on the way.
BATTERY SPENCER
You can enjoy some of the best views in San Francisco from Battery Spencer, a former artillery battery, constructed in 1897, located on the cliffs at the Marin Headlands.
It is also among the most popular Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints.
From here, you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the bridge, looking right down at the north tower.
You are so close to the bridge that you feel you can reach out and touch it from here.
It is the quintessential Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint, and the most common shots of the bridge you see everywhere are usually shot from Battery Spencer.
It is the top spot for photographers eager to recreate the views from Battery Spencer, which are the defining images of San Francisco.
Not just the close-up views, but you can see far into the distance, including pictures of the inner San Francisco Bay, Oakland, Point Bonita Lighthouse, and Alcatraz Island, offering the best San Francisco views.
Good to know – Late afternoon is the best time for the most beautiful captures from Battery Spencer.
The parking lot here is infamous for being a break-in hotspot, so ensure nothing is visible and your car is locked.
Opening hours – 24 hours
Address – Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965, United States
Parking Area – There are three parking areas around the premises.
How to get there – After crossing the Golden Gate, take the Alexander Ave exit. Turn left and continue under the highway to arrive at Conzelman Road. Follow Conzelman up the hill to see the lot at the first turnout on the left side. There are two more turnouts from where you can see the distant views.
KIRBY COVE
One of the beaches offering the best views in San Francisco on the Marlin side is Kirby Cove sandwiched between Hawk Hill and Battery Spencer.
It is famous for its rope swing on the beach with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Unfortunately, sometimes the swing gets cut down or temporarily goes missing, which goes back up later.
It is an easy 1-mile hike downhill to the beach starting west of the parking lot for Battery Spencer, on Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands, to arrive at the Camp Kirby site.
It is an ideal campground to watch the sunrise behind the bridge.
The views of the bridge and the Bay are gorgeous, but it gets to a whole new level of fabulousness around sunset time.
Since there are only five campsites, booking months before your visit is best if you want to camp overnight here.
The beach has a sea cave, tunnel, and some bluffs down the trail. You can access the picnic area with picnic tables, BBQ grills, fire pits, and toilets.
If you’re looking for adventure, Kirby Cove is also home to one of the best tidepools in California. The rocky shores are home to various marine life.
Parking – Free parking in the Golden Gate View Point parking lot.
How to get there – From San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the Alexander Ave exit.
BATTERY EAST VISTA
Located above Fort Point National Historic Site is the Battery East Vista, one of the underrated places to enjoy the best views in San Franciso, including the Golden Gate Bridge.
The place gets its name from the many old artillery batteries placed along the way.
You will visit the Battery East Vista if you take the San Francisco Bay Trail in the Presidio or the California Coastal Trail.
If not, you can take the walking path or the bike trail from Fisherman’s Wharf that takes you across the bridge and into Sausalito.
Both are great spots for a pleasant stroll in the evening and offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you want to rent a bike, you can rent it from one of the many rental shops in the Fisherman’s Wharf area or on Lombard Street.
Opening hours – 10 AM to 5 PM
Address – Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Parking Area – There is a large parking lot on the premises, which costs $1.20 per hour and $7 per day. Fees are charged between 10 AM and 5 PM daily.
How to get there – You can walk from the Welcome Center near the bridge to arrive at the Battery East Trail.
CRISSY FIELD
One of the easily accessible destinations to take in the best views in San Francisco is Crissy Field, a long and beautiful beach stretching from the Marina to Fort Point.
You can enjoy stunning Golden Gate Bridge views across a grassy field along the beach, where lush mountains and the ocean from the perfect backdrops.
Crissy Field was an airfield serving the Pacific Air Coast Defense Station during both world wars.
Crissy Field is now a popular spot for enjoying a picnic lunch, playing games, or flying kites.
You can also bike on the promenade near Crissy Field to enjoy iconic views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands on the northern side.
Unlike the other viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge, from Crissy Fields, you can enjoy the night views of the bridge, which are enigmatic and different from what you witness during the daytime.
Wear a headlamp and warm jacket, though, since some stretches are dark and the whole area gets chilly at night.
Although you will witness beautiful views of the bridge at any time of the day, sunrise transforms the landscape.
You will see the stunning rays of the sun touching the skyline and casting magic over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Parking Area – There are plenty of spaces on Mason Street or in the Sports Basement. On Mason Street, the fees are $1.20 per hour and $7 all day at the kiosks. On Saturdays and Sundays, you must pay to park there between 10 AM and 5 PM.
Address – 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
How to get there – Crissy Field is located at the northernmost tip of San Francisco. You have the option of driving along US-101.
If you prefer public transport, take the 30 bus from Union Square to Sports Basement. Or make use of the free PresidiGo Shuttle, making many stops downtown.
Many walk to Crissy Field from Fisherman’s Wharf, which takes about 30 minutes.
Also, you can rent a bike in Fisherman’s Wharf and ride down, enjoying some fantastic waterfront views.
If you have time, I recommend going further from Crissy Field to arrive at Golden Gate Beach, a sunny beach ideal for relaxing, swimming, taking a stroll and, of course, getting fantastic views of the bridge and the sailboats.
Good to know – Use the parking lot, a dead-end, at Crissy Field to cover all the three best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints – Crissy Field, Torpedo Wharf and Fort Point in one go.
Stop at the Warming Hut for a snack bar, hot chocolate or buying gifts. From here, continue to the long pier leading to the Bay, which offers more stunning views of San Francisco city.
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ALCATRAZ ISLAND
If you are looking for mystic and unusual ways to photograph the bridge and the cityscapes, one of the best views in San Francisco can be found on Alcatraz Island.
An infamous federal prison for nearly 30 years, Alcatraz looks eerie in the middle of the Bay. This spot has inspired many movies and has a rich and exciting history.
When it comes to the views, you will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of San Francisco Bay and the various angles of the Golden Gate Bridge, making your visit worth your time.
You need a zoom lens to capture the best views, and some of the exciting spots for amazing views include the prisoner’s recreation yard, prisoner gardens, or inside the cells.
Most tourists opt for the return ferry tours, including access to the island and a self-guided audio tour of the national park. You will also sail close to the bridge, giving you more photo options.
Both the day and night tours are available. You must book this tour of Alcatraz in advance, which you can do here.
I recommend booking well in advance since it gets sold out as the boat trip is one of the top things to do in San Francisco.
How to get there – Take the Alcatraz Island ferry from Pier 33 in San Francisco.
TWIN PEAKS
Twin Peaks is one of the tallest viewpoints in San Francisco at 925ft, located in a residential neighbourhood close to the city.
It is one of the fantastic places to admire the best views in San Francisco and is free to access.
The area is a popular spot for hiking, dog walking, and enjoying magnificent views among locals and visitors.
On a clear day, you can spot many of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks as you take in the 360-degree views of the city skyline, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, downtown, the Salesforce Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid against the backdrop of beautiful Pacific Ocean.
To get there, you can either hike or drive up the windy road, and park in the free parking lot.
If you want to hike, take the 0.7-mile trail to the top comprising stairs. Bring a warm jacket, since it gets cold up here.
LAND’S END
Although Lands End is farther away and is the furthest point in western San Francisco, the wilderness makes it a fantastic spot.
The Land’s End area is one of my favourite spots for enjoying the best views in San Francisco because, besides the city skyline, you will be treated to hillsides dotted with wildflowers, wildlife, and the Pacific Ocean.
You will pass through gorgeous wild landscapes adorned with wildflowers, cypress, cliffs, coastal trails, ship decks, and spectacular views of the whole entrance to San Francisco Bay, making it one of the fantastic Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints.
One of the iconic attractions of Land’s End is the labyrinth made from many rocks that have been moved around and reassembled by artists to create a fantastic structure.
Land’s End, a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, has many trails you can check out.
The Lands End Point Lookout area is where you can witness the views of the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints.
Take the Lands End Trail from the road up to the Coastal Trail for a short and beautiful walk.
It will take an hour from the Cliff House. You will take some steps down, reaching the Lands End lookout on the cliff’s edge. Also, stop at the Sutro Baths at the end of the trail.
Another trail to witness the Golden Gate Bridge views is the Eagle’s Point trailhead near Lincoln Park.
Located close to the famous Legion of Honour, you can along a sidewalk passing through the Lincoln Park Municipal Golf Course.
Address – 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
Parking – Parking is available at Camino Del Mar.
How to get there – From the parking lot at El Camino Del Mar, take the Lands End Trail down the steps and out to the lookout.
SLACKERS HILL
Located at the top of the Marin Headlands is one of the top places to enjoy the best views in San Francisco at night. Slackers Hill offers fabulous 360-degree views looking down on the bridge and across to the city skyline from the Marin side.
You need to do a one-mile out-and-back hike up to Slackers Hill, beginning at the trailhead next to the parking lot at the intersection of Conzelman Road and McCullough Road, which is short but steep.
There’s no shade on this trail, so be prepared for lots of wind and sun.
At the top, you’ll see pretty beaches, the Marin Headlands, the ocean, and San Francisco city, apart from the bridge.
Sunsets are fantastic from this hilltop, and I recommend watching them if you have time. Do plan to arrive early, though, if you want to stay back for sunset to include the time for hiking to the top.
If you are up for more adventure, you can also do the more strenuous, 1.6 miles(one way) hike beginning from the North Tower parking lot near the bridge up the SEA Trail to Slacker Hill.
Address – Sausalito, CA 94965, USA.
Parking – Free parking at Conzelman Road Parking Lot
How to get there – After you cross the bridge, take the Alexander Ave exit, then left onto Bunker Rd, right on McCullough.
DOLORES PARK
Mission Dolores Park, located in the Mission district is one of the famous picnic spots and an ideal place to enjoy the best views in San Francisco.
Although you can not see the birdviews from the park, you will be treated to sweeping panoramas of the city skyline in Dolores Park, including downtown San Francisco, Twin Peaks, Salesforce tower, and Transamerica Pyramid in the Financial District amidst the lush palm trees.
Apart from strolling around and people-watching, you can play basketball and tennis, sunbathe, or have a picnic lunch. There are many small eateries for you to grab snacks and ice creams.
During summer evenings and weekends, you may also be able to attend one of the many cultural events in the park.
FORT BAKER
If you take a short ride towards Marin Headlands, you can enjoy some of the best views in San Francisco at Fort Baker.
Fort Baker, a former military training area until WWII constructed in 1905, is located below Vista Point at the northeast end of the Golden Gate Bridge.
You can enjoy splendid views of the bridge, similar to the Vista Point view, but a little farther away and at a unique angle.
Besides the gorgeous views, another reason to visit is that the place has many things to offer for history lovers.
Fort Baker, a part of the Golden Gate Park Recreation Area, currently houses the famous Bay Area Discovery Museum, giving rich insights into San Francisco Bay’s history and ecology.
You can also dine at the restaurant on the premises or grab a drink at the nautical bar at the Yacht Club.
The parade grounds and the Coast Guard Station are worth stopping if you visit with the kids.
Although the views are beautiful at any time of the day, try visiting the Fort before the late afternoon for the best light conditions.
The Fort is massive and needs sufficient time to explore, so leave time for that apart from being here for the views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Also, if possible, book the cell phone tour arranged by The National Park Service, which is fantastic and covers ten spots on a three-mile walking tour.
Opening hours – 9 AM to 6 PM
Address – Sausalito, CA 94965, United States
Parking Area – There is a free parking area on the premises.
How to get there – Take the Alexander Avenue exit off Highway 101 to Fort Baker.
BATTERY EAST VISTA
Located above Fort Point National Historic Site is the Battery East Vista, one of the underrated places to enjoy the best views in San Francisco. The place gets its name from the many old artillery batteries placed along the way.
You will visit the Battery East Vista if you take either the San Francisco Bay Trail in the Presidio or the California Coastal Trail.
If not, you can take the walking path or the bike trail running from Fisherman’s Wharf that takes you across the bridge and down into Sausalito.
Both are great spots for a pleasant stroll in the evening and offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you want to rent a bike, you can rent it from one of the many rental shops in the Fisherman’s Wharf area or on Lombard Street.
Opening hours – 10 AM to 5 PM
Distance from Golden Gate Bridge – 2.4 miles
Address – Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
MOUNT TAMALPAIS EAST PEAK
If you are looking for a quick hike to soak in the best views in San Francisco, head to Mt. Tamalpais East Peak, from where you can see the entire Bay Area.
There is a parking lot next to the visitor’s centre. Follow the paved trail to the peak for beautiful views.
If you are interested in more hikes, this park has multiple trails to explore for day hikes near the bay area.
LOMBARD STREET
Lombard Street is one of the most unique roads in San Francisco, a one-way street filled with 8 full twists and turns that you can drive on. It is one of the top attractions and among the famous places to enjoy the best views in San Francisco.
It is best to walk up and down the street than to drive, since this is such a popular attraction, you will have to wait in lines of cars waiting for their turn to drive down.
You can also take the Powell-Hyde cable car to get here, which stops at the top of the street.
You will be treated to the views of North Beach, Coit Tower, the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in North Beach, and the Bay Bridge as you walk amidst historic homes and colourful flowers.
PARKS TO ENJOY THE BEST VIEWS IN SAN FRANCISCO
GRANDVIEW PARK
Grandview Park, located at the top of Turtle Hill on the eastern side of the Sunset District, is one of my favourite recommendations if you want to enjoy the best views in San Francisco away from the touristy crowds.
You’ll need to climb stairs to get to the park, and you will be duly rewarded with stunning skyline views up to the Marin Headlands as you arrive at the 360-degree vantage point at the top of the hill.
I also recommend watching the sunset from here as the views are incredible.
During the daytime, many hiking trails wander around the park you can get on if you wish to walk.
To get to the top, take the 16th Avenue Mosaic Staircase, the famous colourful set of stairs known for its 163 vibrant ceramic tiled steps.
The views of the colourful tiles from the top add to the beautiful panoramas when you reach the top. If you are driving, you can find street parking on 14th and 15th Avenue.
CORONA HEIGHTS PARK
Another park for enjoying the best views in San Francisco is Corona Heights Park offering panoramic city views.
Corona Heights Park is a popular hangout spot among locals and visitors as you can admire stunning sunset and sunrise views.
The park is famous for its distinct red rock formations apart from the gorgeous 360-degree views from the summit.
Get ready for a climb because you’ll want to check out these sweeping views of San Francisco on top of the signature Red Rock formation! If you plan to visit SF during springtime, plan a picnic here and enjoy lunch among the California wildflowers and wildlife.
You can spend a day easily here having a picnic lunch, admiring the California wildflowers, while your kids can have fun at the playground. There is a dog park and Randall Museum nearby along Castro Street.
To reach the vantage points at Corona Heights Park, you need to navigate mostly dirt paths and stairways to the top.
If you’re driving you can park on a side street and walk to the park.
ALAMO SQUARE
Home to the famed Painted Ladies, and the colourful historical Victorian homes, Alamo Square, located atop hills, is one of the top places to enjoy the best views in San Francisco.
Stroll around the park to enjoy 360-degree views of the city skyline behind these remaining six Victorian homes, built between 1892 and 1896.
Known for their distinct Queen Anne-style architecture, they are the only houses that survived an earthquake and fire.
The best time to go is during Golden Hour, as you can see the sun reflecting off the windows of the buildings downtown in the distance.
It is one of the best views of San Francisco at night.
KITE HILL
Located in the Castro district near the famous Twin Peaks, Kite Hill is one of the less-crowded places to enjoy the best views in San Francisco.
You can enjoy the fantastic views of the Castro District, Market Street, and the downtown skyline.
BERNAL HEIGHTS PARK
Bernal Heights Park is one of the parks popular among locals and visitors known for its excellent trails, and the popular Bernal Heights swing, which has become Instagram-famous.
From Bernal Heights, you can enjoy the splendid views of the Golden Gate Bridge to your left and the Bay Bridge on the right.
Since Bernal Heights is protected from coastal fog by the hills to the west, it is one of the few fog-free spots, making it one of the best places for beautiful views in San Francisco.
Enjoy picnic lunches, walk the trail, and soak in the views of the sprawling suburbs, San Bruno Mountain, the skyscrapers of the Financial District and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
The night views are better than the day as you see the whole city lit up.
INA COOLBIRTH PARK
Ina CoolBirth Park is a tiny park in the Russian Hill neighbourhood that offers panoramic views of San Francisco, including downtown, the Coit Tower, Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge from the heights of Russian Hill.
The park is only a ten-minute walk from North Beach. You can also access the park by taking the Powell-Mason Cable Car to Mason and Vallejo Street, and taking the stairs.
BUENA VISTA PARK
Buena Vista Park, a beautiful 36-acre park is the oldest in the city, and offers some of the best views in San Francisco, making it worth a stop.
You can hike along its many trails, or reach the highest point in the park from where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the St. Ignatius Church, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin headlands, and Golden Gate Park.
OTHER UNIQUE WAYS TO ENJOY THE BEST VIEWS IN SAN FRANCISCO
BAY BOAT CRUISE
One of my favourite Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints is not on land but on a cruise! How about sailing right under the bridge, especially during the magical sunset?
If you have done it before, you will agree that one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge is from a boat on one of the bay cruises, especially the ones that take you right under the bridge.
On this cruise, you will be rewarded with vistas of Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge.
It is best to go when the bridge is lit with thousands of lights forming a dazzling panorama, the sights of which will be one of your memorable experiences in San Francisco.
If you book a boat tour, carry warm clothes as it gets super cold.
At the Fisherman’s Wharf marina on Jefferson Street, you can rent one of the fishing boats.
If you want cruises, you can book bay cruises at the Fisherman’s Wharf and Piers 39 and 41. You don’t need reservations.
Or take one of the ferries that leave from the wharf from Pier 39 and Pier 41. You will spend an hour on the Bay on these ferries and include a trip under the bridge.
TAKING A GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE TOUR
If you want a hassle-free experience, one of the best ways to explore the bridge is to take a guided tour – A bike, a boat trip, a bus, or a walking tour.
Depending on the one you choose, you will be introduced to the rich history of the bridge, and you will get to admire the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the perfect spots to capture with your guide’s help.
You can even soar high above the bridge in a private helicopter tour if you want to splurge.
RIDING OR WALKING THE BRIDGE
Walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge are popular ways to experience the bridge and enjoy stunning views of San Francisco.
If you are looking for in-depth shots of the bridge’s architecture or creative shots, being on the bridge is best.
It is almost 2 miles to walk or bike on the walkway, and there is no charge for walking or biking across the bridge.
If you plan to walk, you can begin from the San Francisco side and after reaching the Marin Headlands, get back on a ferry.
Alternatively, you can take a boat to experience sailing under the bridge to reach the Marin side and walk back on the bridge.
Note that there are different paths for bikers and pedestrians on weekends and if you are after that 3:30 PM on weekdays.
TREASURE ISLAND
One of the popular day trips from the city, Treasure Island is the place to go to enjoy the best views of San Francisco from different perspectives, especially the stunning night views of the Bay Bridge and the glistening city skyline.
You can either make a day trip or spend overnight for a fun trip to Treasure Island besides enjoying the views of San Francisco.
To get here, get on the Bay Bridge and head towards Treasure Island.
BEST VIEWS IN SAN FRANCISCO MAP
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