One of the world’s most iconic structures is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Bridge first opened on May 27th, 1973 and ever since then it’s been cemented in history through dozens of pop culture moments from Star Trek, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Here’s to wishing the Golden Gate Bridge a very happy birthday and celebrating 83 years.
When I first moved to San Francisco in 2016, it took me six months before I caught a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge and an entire year before I crossed it. The first time I crossed it, I fell in love. Now I spend at least once a week chasing sunrises or sunsets while capturing it’s beauty from all over San Francisco. To celebrate 83 years, I’m going to share the top five Instagram spots to capture the Golden Gate Bridge. I’ve also included a bunch of fun facts at the bottom of this post, check them out!
Top 5 Instagram Spots
1. Marshall’s Beach
Marshall’s Beach offers the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as gorgeous sunsets over the ocean. Take the time to walk along the beach, explore the rock formations, and if you’re lucky you’ll find native wildflowers in bloom. Marshall’s Beach is my personal favorite, you’ll find me here once a week and if you do I hope you’ll say hello!
How to Get There?
The only way to access Marshall’s Beach is by foot off of the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. To get started, enter in your GPS “Langdon Court Parking”, from here it’s a quick 20 minute walk to the beach.
2. GOlden Gate Overlook
The Golden Gate Overlook offers incredible views of the bridge by naturally framing it between Cypress trees. You’ll have a blast finding fun and creative shots. Don’t be surprised if you come across couples getting their wedding or engagement photos done.
If you’re heading to Marshall Beach, you can’t miss it as they’re right next to each other. Take some time and have fun exploring the batteries while taking in views.
How to Get There?
Enter in your GPS “Golden Gate Overlook”, from here explore the batteries and walk the nearby trails.
3. Battery Spencer
One of the best view points is Battery Spencer. Chances are if you’ve seen a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge, it was probably taken from this view point. If you only have time for one stop while exploring San Francisco, I would recommend going here! The viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the bridge and San Francisco behind it.
How to Get There?
Enter in your GPS “Battery Spencer, Conzelman Road, Sausalito, CA”, you’ll find yourself driving down a one-way from the top of the hills, take a few extra stops and pull over on your way to the Battery Spencer viewpoint for some additional photos.
4. HAWK HILL
Hawk Hill is one of the highest points to gaze at the Golden Gate Bridge and take in views of San Francisco. From here, keep an eye out for hawks roaming the skies and soaring through the Marin Headlands. When San Franciso’’s famous fog rolls in, you’ll find dozens of photographers lined up to capture the famous photo of the bridge poking through.
How to Get There?
Enter in your GPS “Hawk Hill”, this will take you to a similar route to the Battery Spencer. At the roundabout, you’ll be making a right to go to the top of Hawk Hill. I recommend combining this with the Battery Spencer!
5. Crissy Field East Beach
Crissy Fields is a wonderful location to spend the afternoon with friends or family, plan a picnic or grill up some delicious food! It has everything you need including accessible parking and restrooms. It’s also a very popular location for the locals to grab some sunshine. Keep your eyes out for surfers in the ocean!
How to Get There?
Enter in your GPS “Crissy Field East Beach”, this will take you directly to the parking lot. Get out and enjoy the views!
Now for a Few Fun Facts
1. Record Breaker
When the Golden Gate Bridge was first built, it claimed the title of the longest suspension bridge in the world for over 25 years, spanning 4,200 feet.
2. It Wasn’t Supposed to be Orange
It almost wasn’t orange! The original plan included painting the bridge black and yellow to make the bridge easily visible for ships and during San Francisco’s famous fog rolling through. Instead, the designer Irving Morrow determined “international orange” would suit the surroundings better while still offering visibility.
3. Naming the Bridge
The bridge is named after the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.
4. Instagram Loves It
It’s the 9th “Most Instagrammed” attraction in the United States.
5. One Billion People
Over 1 Billion People have crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, the billionth car was recorded in February 1985.