TOP 5 GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE VIEWS | SAN FRANCISCO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Alot of my clients have made the same request over and over again over the years. And the question always is, what are your top 5 golden gate bridge views and…

What are the absolute BEST views of the golden gate bridge?

Which is why today I am sharing my top 5 Golden Gate Bridge views! Honestly, these locations aren’t a HUGE secret. These spots are probably THE most popular ways to view the Golden Gate Bridge. The information, I am sharing however, is definitely super useful! Today I will be sharing information such as parking, best time of day to take photos, and features to look out for – everything you need to know before you schedule a shoot at the following Golden Gate Bridge views!

1. Batteries to Bluffs Trail to Marshall’s Beach

Marshall’s Beach is the hidden gem most people don’t know about. When people google beach with Golden Gate Bridge views, Baker Beach will likely be the first thing that pops up. But I’m going to tell you why Marshall’s Beach trumps Baker Beach.

How long is batteries to bluffs trail?

Batteries to bluffs trail is approximately a 1.7 mile loop. Marshall’s Beach is a lot less popular than Baker Beach which is great, but it’s also a bit more secluded. It requires a 10-15 minute walk down Batteries to Bluffs trail.

What are some features of batteries to bluffs trail?

On the way down, you have a bevy of viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge. There is the view at the top of the stairs down the batteries to bluffs trail. There is the rocky ledge to the left of the trail. And lastly, there is the view when you get down to Marshall’s Beach! Marshall’s Beach is a bit smaller, but packs way more punch. Plus, the rocks in the beach add a layer of added interest to the beach that Baker Beach simply doesn’t.

What is the best time of day to take photos at Batteries to Bluffs Trail and Marshall’s Beach?

The best time to photograph at Marshall’s Beach is about 1-1.5 hours before sunset on a sunny day. The ideal weather to photograph at Marshall’s Beach would be early afternoon when partly sunny or overcast!

Where do you park for Batteries to Bluffs Trail and Marshall’s Beach?

The best place to park would be along Lincoln Blvd.

2. Battery Cranston

What are some of the features of Battery Cranston?

At Battery Cranston, you get a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge that showcases some beautiful green paths along the cliffs over looking the Pacific ocean.

What is the ideal weather to take photos at Battery Cranston?

The best time to photograph at Crissy Beach would be about 1-1.5 hours before sunset on a sunny day. The ideal weather to photograph at Crissy Beach would be partly sunny or overcast!

Where do you park at Battery Cranston?

You’d park at Battery Cranston! Be careful not to leave any items in your car, this area is known for car break-ins!

3. Crissy Beach

What are the views you get at Crissy Beach?

At Crissy Beach, you get views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the water, and a beautiful flower field as the foreground! This secluded little path is by far my favorite view of the Golden Gate Bridge because it is such a quiet little spot. No one in the background, just your lovely couple!

What is the best weather and time of day to take photos at Crissy Beach?

The best time to photograph at Crissy Beach would be about 1-1.5 hours before sunset on a sunny day. The ideal weather to photograph at Crissy Beach would be partly sunny or overcast!

Where do you park at Crissy Beach?

The best place to park would be to park at the parking lot in front of Stilwell Hall! Parking is not free here, but the few times I’ve shot here, the parking machine was broken and you might be able to squeak by without paying!

4. Baker Beach

What are the views you get at Baker Beach?

At Baker Beach, you get views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the presidio!

What is the best weather and time of day to take photos at Baker Beach?

The best time to photograph at Baker Beach would be about 1-1.5 hours before sunset on a sunny day. The ideal weather to photograph at Baker Beach would be partly sunny or overcast! The ideal season to take photos at Baker Beach is between the months of October – June during early fall, winter, and spring!

Where do you park at Baker Beach?

At Baker Beach, there are two parking lots and parking along the side Bowley street. Parking is free! I recommend turning onto Baker Beach and making a right towards the parking at the lot closest to the beach!

5. Battery Spencer

What are the views you get at Battery Spencer?

The golden gate bridge, the city skyline, and ocean views!

What is the best weather and time of day to take photos at Battery Spencer?

The best time to photograph at Battery Spencer would be about 30 mins before sunset on a sunny day or 2 hours before sunrise on a sunny day. The ideal weather to photograph at Battery Spencer would be partly sunny or overcast! The ideal season to take photos at Battery Spencer is between the months of October – June during early fall, winter, and spring!

Where do you park at Battery Spencer?

This is a tricky one! Parking at Battery Spencer is limited and especially tough on a beautiful and sunny day! There are often only a handful of parking spaces and double parking or parking along the side of the road is strictly forbidden. The road to Battery Spencer is also a one-way one-lane road so if you’re not able to get a spot, you’ll likely have to loop around which may take 20 mins! I recommend parking at the first available spot you see rather than waiting until the last minute and risk wasting 20 mins of golden hour!

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed my Top 5 Golden Gate Bridge Views!