** 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 read more

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

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. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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. read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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

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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. read more

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! read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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 read more

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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! read more

Battery Spencer - No better view! IG: @ohmyono - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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 read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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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! read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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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! read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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! read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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! read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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 read more

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Great view at night. Came here back in Nov 2018 after wedding from Sausalito. We walked around the bunkers. Historically, a naval and army outpost to protect the pennisula. Hoping to see a clear day view in the future. read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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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!"). read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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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. read more

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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. read more

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.. read more

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Such a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the SF Skyline. There is parking at a few different lookout spots and a few benches here and there. The view is breath-taking. There are hiking trails around the area if you wanted to enjoy the coves and beach views. Very nice visit as a local and out of town guest! read more

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Great place to visit when you're at SF! I was a tourist for a week in SF and this place is definitely more of a touristy spot. However, if I did live in SF, I would make occasional trips to Battery Spencer to relax and enjoy the scenery. Tips to those visiting: come at sunrise or closer to sunset otherwise, the Golden Gate Bridge is just dark and you can't get much of a shot. Entrance and parking is free. Lastly, if you're coming from SF, you'll have to pay a toll going back into SF (fast track is about $7.10 and without a fast track is $8.70). read more

The best view I've seen of the golden gate bridge!! On the Sausalito side, Battery Spencer is just a 10 minute drive past San Francisco. Most people just park along the street near the viewpoint, and you walk about 5-7 minutes up the path to the top of the hill. It's definitely super windy, but the view of the Golden Gate Bridge is amazing on a clear day! Highly recommend this view for visitors to SF or even residents of the bay for a socially distanced day trip. read more

Battery Spencer - View from battery spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

Loved these views at Battery Spencer park! Before deciding to come to this location, I looked up several reviews online from different areas to view the Golden Gate bridge. This view seemed to be the closest location. Parking is a bit hectic but for us, going on a Friday early afternoon, it wasn't too crazy. The views here are breathtaking. You have to walk a little ways but it wasn't bad and so worth it. Wonderful views of the San Francisco skyline, Bridges and Alcatraz. read more

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

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

Ideal for backdrops in memorable pictures for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, & Valentine's Day! I have lived in The Bay Area for 38-years and only this weekend did I come to this MAGICAL , & HISTORICAL, PLACE! Talk about breath-taking views, and feeling so small compared to what you look out at -- The Pacific Ocean, The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Alcatraz. Literally, it IS INCREDIBLE! Getting here took a little more than an hour, due to driving from The East Bay, but once on Cozelman Road, leading up to Battery Spencer Lookout, it is a one-way road. PLENTY of free parking, National Park Security patrols frequently, along with walking the lookout venue, so it is IMMENSELY SAFE. There are public restrooms as well as a jogging path runners, and walkers, were on as it meanders through the hillside along Cozelman Road. This lookout is open 24-hours a day, but bring layers as in the evenings, it gets immensely windy and cold. You will get asked, multiple times, to take pictures of others, as you will do the same, in return, to them! Being here causes one to forget their problems and just let's one 'breathe' and recharge. Truly an amazing experience taking it all in as it's a historic former fort from the late 19th Century, and early 20th Century. If you're a native Californian, or visiting from out-of-state, or from another country, THIS IS A MUST SEE! :D read more

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Must visit if you are in SFO. The best place to get those postcard shots of the Golden Gate Bridge. Parking can be tricky. There is free parking at the base and it's a short 10 min hike to Battery Spencer. Worth the short hike. Don't miss! read more

Battery Spencer - Golden Gate Bridge and the magnificent city of San Francisco - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

Free parking 24 hours if you find an open spot. Prepare for cold wind, a walk uphill on dirt path. At night, a small flashlight is smart idea. The huge cement structure held large defense canons previously. A simple cable at the cliff edge should be respected, don't fall into the ocean! Couples, some families, groups of friends, party people. Some bring blankets to spend the night. One pre-dawn, an entire graduating high school class arrived to watch sunrise! Took me back in time... The chainlink fence has "locks of love"; metal padlocks hanging eternally in show of adoration. Weather: Fog? Mist? Strong winds prevail. During late fall "Santa Anna" or "devil winds", the skies clear up for a view to other side of GGB. But, a shot of north tower jutting out from massive fog is epic. If this angle does not work for you, drive further up the road going west. Hikers & power hikers: great place to blast your calf muscles. Be careful. Bathrooms here are usually abused by party crowd, locked at night. Make restroom stop before driving up here. read more

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This place is amazing at night, it can be a bit creepy passing through the old abandoned town but it's worth it once you get to the top read more

Battery Spencer - Golden Gate Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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Seriously the BEST viewpoint and lookout of the Golden Gate Bridge. Must see! We are now locals, but we take all of our guests here! The beauty still takes my breath away every time! They do have bathrooms here, but they were not clean when I used them last. I'd recommend using the bathroom before you come! Don't keep any belongings in your car as theft is big in this area read more

Battery Spencer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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BEST view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It looks so close you could almost reach out and touch it. Also, because you're actually higher than the bridge, you have a clear view of the cars and people crossing it. This also has amazing views of the bay leading out to the ocean. Tip: Parking is kind of crazy. On weekends it's almost impossible to find a free spot right up near the overlook. Instead, park in the lot at the bottom of the hill. There are many spots and it's completely free. There's a walking path from the lot up to the overlook. You can get all the way up in ten minutes is you walk quickly, or twenty if you stroll. If you're trying to get there for a particular time (eg: sunset) plan lots of extra time for parking. Bonus Tip: The GGB charges a toll only heading back into the city. You can cross free from San Francisco up to Battery Spencer. read more

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We went at night time and it was foggy+raining :( however we were on a 4 hour layover and we wanted to see the bridge. It was still a beautiful view. read more

The greatest view of the city bar none! I recently took my girlfriend to San Francisco and I had always wanted to take her to Battery Spencer. Every time we have tried to get there, it was either fogged in, jammed packed with sightseers, or closed due to Covid-19. Luckily this time we were able to go. It was well worth it. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city is spectacular!! It does get busy especially on weekends and holidays so be prepared to wait awhile to fine parking. It is definitely a must when you visit San Francisco!! Oh I forgot.. the best month to visit the city with the best weather is October! Not as foggy! read more

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Great spot to grab an iconic picture of the Golden Gate Bridge for yourself. It's a very mild hike. It is unpacked so bring appropriate shoes. Also if you're hiking at night, bring a flashlight, the terrain is uneven in some locations. read more

Battery Spencer - Golden Gate Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sausalito, California

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GREAT VIEW OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. Amazing views of the Bay Area! Lots of great views to take pictures with friends and family! There is parking, as you drive closer. There is also a bathroom to use, suggest brining sanitizer! read more