Battery Spencer Viewpoint - San Francisco
I wasn’t able to visit San Francisco as I was hoping to this Summer because of Covid-19 and the California wildfires, but I can’t wait to travel up the coast again soon. And when I do, I’ll be sure to visit one of my favorite spots to view the Golden Gate Bridge…welcome to Battery Spencer.
History
Located at Fort Baker, Battery Spencer was a reinforced concrete gun battery. Construction began in 1893 when Battery Spencer would be a protection point for the San Francisco Harbor and home to multiple M1895 12-inch caliber guns, as well as buildings to house generators and shells. By 1942 it was deactivated, and the remaining guns were ordered scrapped in conjunction with the first large scrap drive of World War II. Now the land is part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area and all the guns are long gone, but you’ll still enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the bay when you visit.
Visiting
A gentle, short 1/4 mile walk brings you up a staircase from the small parking area where you’re greeted to incredible views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The easy uphill walk leads to an elevation above the bridge which gives you a good perspective of just how massive the Golden Gate Bridge really is! This is a popular sunset spot (and rightfully so), which means it can be bustling with visitors. However, my favorite time to visit is sunrise when there is always plenty of parking, and you might even get the whole area to yourself.
Know Before You Go
• Battery Spencer is free to enter and open 24/7
• During peak hours the parking lot can completely fill up and traffic may become backed up by people waiting for a spot to open up.
• Driving directions: From the northbound 101, exit onto Alexander Avenue and keep right. Turn left onto Bunker Rd and continue under the freeway through the tunnel. Then turn left onto McCullough Rd. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the one-way Conzelman Rd. Stop off at the parking lot immediately on your right for some beautiful views, and then continue to drive down Conzelman Rd. There will be one more opportunity to pull off for a view, and then the 3rd parking area is the trailhead for Battery Spencer.
• Because of the high open elevation, it can get quite brisk and windy…especially around sunrise and sunset, so plan accordingly
• Make sure to bring your camera as this is one of the best spots in all of San Francisco to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge
Nearby Attractions & Beaches
• Golden Gate Bridge (see this post)
• Palace of Fine Arts (see this post)
• Muir Woods National Monument
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks for joining me today in San Francisco and for a full list of the best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints see this post. For more information on Battery Spencer, check out my Behind the Blog video below…and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!
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