A trip to San Francisco would not be complete without paying homage to the Golden Gate Bridge, undoubtedly one of the most enduring symbols of the city. Great vista points abound, yet one that always wins my vote is Battery Spencer, an abandoned military point just north of the bridge. The view here is one that will always hold you in awe: you will be standing at a cliff top with an up-close view of the Golden Gate Bridge, backdropped by the trademark San Francisco skyline. If you are in luck, you can also see the famous Karl the Fog in action, rolling in relentlessly and enveloping everything in just a matter of minutes.
They say weather and timing is everything—this cannot be more true when you visit this iconic landmark of San Francisco.
Tips
- Go in the afternoon, preferably during the golden hour when the color of the bridge is most accentuated. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset.
- The Conzelman Road leading to the vista point is a one-way street with limited parking. Plan to park a bit further and walk to the vista point. Be sure to polish your parallel parking skills as well.
- Summer is the worst time to visit, as it is usually very foggy during this time of the year and you might see nothing at all.
- Wear a windproof jacket as it can get quite windy.