Exploring the Golden Gate Bridge Overlook - San Francisco, CA
Happy Monday friends! If you’ve followed the blog over the years, you know I love Golden Gate Bridge views...so join me this week at a wonderful spot that I haven’t shared before. Let’s explore the Golden Gate Overlook in the San Francisco Headlands.
Golden Gate Overlook at the Presidio of San Francisco
Straight on views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the overlook
Location
Located off Lincoln Boulevard in the Presidio of San Francisco and world renowned for spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge (as well as the Pacific coast), the Golden Gate Overlook is one of the most famous viewpoints in this area. Not only do you get direct straight-on views of the bridge, but it is flanked by two beautiful mature cypress trees.
Golden Gate Overlook framed by two cypress trees
Looking up at the Golden Gate Overlook from Battery Boutelle
The Overlook
This Golden Gate Overlook was made possible by a match grant and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation in 2012 to honor the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge. A gravel parking area and short dirt path leads to the official viewing area, where you’ll find a curved concrete plaza. The semi-circle overlook is lined with wooden benches where you can sit back and enjoy the incredible coastal bluff views.
Golden Gate Overlook in the San Francisco Headlands
Hiking along the California Coastal Trail near Battery Godfrey
San Francisco Headlands & Golden Gate Bridge
Nearby Trails
While no hiking is required to enjoy the incredible overlook, this spot connects with three major multi-use park trails: the California Coastal Trail, the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. You can also connect to the Batteries to Bluffs trail here, which provides access to Marshall’s Beach, one of my favorite spots to enjoy views of the Golden Gate during sunset.
Poppies near Battery Boutelle in the San Francisco Headlands
Fighter jet flies by the Golden Gate Bridge
Activities
Hiking, cycling, bird watching, and dog walking are all popular activities here. Spring is a beautiful time to enjoy the wildflowers as well, which are currently blooming here in pastel purples, rich yellows, and bright white all along the winding footpaths below. There are even some beautiful patches of California golden poppies. Photographers are also quite fond of this location, which is certainly no surprise, considering the incredible compositions this viewpoint offers.
Battery Boutelle in the Presidio of San Francisco
Battery Godfrey along the California Coastal Trail
Military Batteries
From the Golden Gate Overlook you also get great views of numerous historic fortification ruins, including Battery Godfrey to the left and Battery Boutelle in front of you. The gun emplacements along this bluff were active over a century ago as part of the modernization of the nation’s seacoast defenses, starting in 1885. The San Francisco Headlands is an outdoor museum of military history that spans over two centuries, and you have the unique opportunity to get up-close to these ruins, which still include the foundations for the long-gone 6 inch pillar mounted rifles.
Golden Gate Bridge views from the Golden Gate Overlook
Keeping warm with Woolx Merino Throw
Know Before You Go
• Please remember all the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit. This is a sensitive habitat, so make sure to stay on the maintained trails...shortcuts cause erosion and climbing on coastal bluffs could result in loose, crumbling rocks with dangerous falls.
• Biking is permitted in the Presidio only on designated bicycle routes and multi-use trails. Check trailhead maps and bulletins throughout the park for specific information.
• Please obey all posted signs and remember that while dogs are permitted on many trails in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, they must be leashed at all times.
• This scenic vista point has a nearby cousin, the Pacific Overlook, which is another top spot to see wonderful bridge views.
Top 10 Places to Go in San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf
Golden Gate Park
Alcatraz
Lombard Street
Point Reyes National Seashore
Muir Woods National Monument
Spring wildflowers in the San Francisco Headlands
More Golden Gate Viewpoints
If you’re looking for more wonderful locations to view the Golden Gate Bridge, make sure to check out my full blog post on the Top 10 Golden Gate Bridge Photo Spots. They include Hawk Hill, Battery Spencer, Crissy Field, and more!
Golden Gate Bridge views from Battery Boutelle
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me this week in San Francisco. For a virtual visit of the wonderful Golden Gate Overlook, make sure to check out my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Golden Gate Overlook with two cypress trees
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Today we're checking out the top 10 photo spots in San Fran, California. This Flying Dawn Marie travel guide will take you all over SF to the best viewpoints for photography, such as Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio of San Francisco, Legion of Honor, and Lombard Street. We'll capture great Instagram shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and many other iconic landmarks in the Bay Area.