Battery Spencer Reviews

Located on the north corner of the bridge, park your car and take a 10 minuets walk up the hill (very moderate) to watch the bridge in its glory. Make sure to pick a bright sunny day and you won’t regret it.
You can continue walk or drive up the road for more magnificent view.

There are limited parking spaces on the road, but if you are lucky enough to get parked up, take the short trail (10 minute walk) to the end of the headland and get some great photos of the bridge with the city in the background. It can get a bit breezy up there, but the photo shots are worth it if you have a clear day. There are other vista points along the same road which also offer shots of the bridge but I think this is the clearest view you will get...worth a try.

Whoa, it’s a hike up here, but well worth it! The views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, the Bay, etc are beyond description. Though this is a trite saying, you do literally have to see it to believe it.

Only caveat: if you have a fear of heights or have vertigo, don’t do it. When you look down from the top, it is dizzying!

The views from the top are amazing, but you have to hike a bit to get to the top. Sometimes the fog and breeze make it hard to appreciate the views but the experience is a great one and the photos come out amazing.
Parking is a challenge since you have to park on the road and there are very limited spots.
Bathrooms are dirty and disgusting so try to avoid them.
Definitely worth a visit.

Easy walk up to some of the best views of the Golden Gate bridge. Had a bit of trouble getting a ride back to the city due to construction.

Incredible views of the city, Golden Gate and out to the Pacific. Sad to see the actual battery so run down though.

YES! So happy to have the pics.

It’s typically foggy, hubby really wanted this angle, and it was worth the jaunt to get there! The fog isn’t as dense from that side of the bridge and you can capture epic pics! we took an Uber to drop us off and walked up the rest of the way.

It’s an easy turn off once you cross the bridge from the city.

What a difference a few hours make. Earlier in the day, the view was obscured by the fog, but later that say, to return and see what was beneath the fog was just breathtaking. We could find a parking space when the fog was in, and took the opportunity to walk to the lookout. Good thing because when we returned as the fog lifted, cars were stacked all the way to the other two lookouts as well. We had to settle with a photo out of our car window.

Absolutely breathtaking views of Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. Parking is sparse, but if you wait a few minutes, something will likely open up. Great place for pics. Would highly recommend!

If you drive from north towards San Francisco just leave the highway 101 on the last exit before entering Golden Gate Bridge. Drive up the hill for a kilometre and from there, you have a great look to the bridge.

By far the best place to take your photographs of The Golden Gate Bridge. Not overly busy and several different places to stop and admire the view.

The Battery Spencer at the north side of Golden Gate offers great views of San Francisco and probably the best place to take some photos of the Golden Gate Bridge. The old battery is also quite interesting.

Take a bus, car, bike, or walk to the Vista Point and then there's a path or take the road up the hill to the west. There's an old fort up there that's pretty cool, but the views and angle on the bridge is what you're really going to be impressed by. Be sure to bring water, there are some washrooms up there but you're probably better off filling up your bottle at the fountains at the Vista Point area.

Very hard to park and no one respects lines. They cut in and park. It is a 5 minute walk from parking but the views are unbeatable. One is right at the North side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Must have a good camera and a tripod if possible. Spend some time here and have a couple of layers of clothing. Sunrise and sunset are beautiful as is seeing the ships passing below and the fog rolling in and around.

We rode over the bridge and parked out bikes in the very small parking lot. We hiked up the steep hill and saw the most breath taking views of the GG Bridge. Get photos opportunities. Many folks were taking Uber/Lyft instead of fighting for parking spaces.

We had a beautiful day to stop here and found the views to be awesome! Very busy even around noon and were worried since we had just arrived in SF and there are a bunch of signs warning you about Smash and Grab thefts (reason for the 4/5 rating). We split our group of 4 so that 2 stay with the car while 2 went up to take pics. Not an ideal situation, but we got pics of all of us at the area where you park your car. We got an easy parking space but there were cars parked all over (including someone who was trying to park behind our car when we got back in to leave and would have blocked us in?!) so may want to go as early as possible.

Taking a drive up to Battery Spencer is definitely a worthwhile excursion because you get stupendous views above the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay and San Francisco. Several areas for hiking around, but it's quite windy and chilly, so be prepared! Enjoy. ...

We stopped here and had a terrible time finding any room to park. It would be so much more enjoyable for people if they could accommodate more parking. Once you get up there though, it's a beautiful, unforgettable view! Loved it!

Went at the wrong time. It was dark by the time when we went there. Hence, it didn't really feel worth it.
Very poor lighting in the area. A little bit of a walk from the parking to get to te vista point.
The view was okay but the pictures we tried to take came out really bad.
This place needs some refurbishing & improvement.

We come here every time we’re in the bay area! No matter the time of day, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, SF skyline, and the bay is hard to beat. If you are looking for a good place to take photos, this is a goodie but can get pretty crowded.

We always walk to Battery Spencer when we stay in Sausalito. It’s an amazing walk, challenging but the views are so worth it. Wonderful place to see views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the highest point. Highly recommended.

The best most breathtaking views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen from here. And if it is too crowded at this point, there are other stops up the hill. You won’t be disappointed.

This place was PACKED with traffic. We went in the evening hoping to get great sunset shots of the bridge - and this is the perfect location for that! There are multiple parking lots as you head up the road, and it gets very steep as you make the climb to the top. People literally stop in the road hoping to get the next parking spot. What I finally did was drop my teenager off at the lowest spot, where you can actually get that iconic snapshot, then I drove to the parking lot at the very bottom and waited for him to hike back down. An Uber driver could easily drop you off, let you hike or sit and enjoy the evening and then call another when you are ready to leave.

There is not that much to see from a historical perspective, but it has some amazing views that you can take pictures and relax with no park fees.

My poor husband had to drop me off and go because parking was maybe ten cars and crazy! People parking on the curb blocking traffic and just a mess! I couldn't image it in the summer good grief! Anyway once you get there the views are amazing! Gorgeous sunset and views of the bridge as well as old fort ruins. I loved this place very much and recommend it to any photographer of any skill!

If you want a beautiful hike and a stop for an amazing view you have found that spot. It was windy the day we went but so worth the view!

We wanted to take a quick hike to end our trip before we had to head to the airport. It was a (I understand typical) cold, foggy morning and we could barely see the bridge. But I loved it. You could see the fog fingers coming off the ocean as thick as smoke.

Walked around the battery a bit. - Very similar to parts of the fort in Pensacola FL.
Interesting to think about why those batteries are there.

Amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Busy spot even of a foggy day. Short uphill hike from the road. Parking can be a challenge but there are several options along the one-way road before you reach the main parking area. You access Conzelman Road by going through the Baker-Barry Tunnel off I-101.

Battery Spencer's view of the Golden Gate is spectacular. Definitely worth coming to, however if you're able, perhaps have an Uber or Lyft drop you off, as the parking lot is small, and even when you form a line to park, many people just simply cut in and frankly are extremely rude about waiting their turn. It's every man for himself, so when you see a spot, get there as fast as you can. A bit stressful to park, but once you're in, the view is awesome. Also, bring a sweatshirt, it gets rather cold and breezy up there.

Great views on the North side. Can get VERY busy at times. Use extreme caution on the very curvy roads. Get out and walk a bit for photos.

This is a busy location given it has such great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. They had the sketchiest bathrooms I had seen all day as we travelled around the area. worth a stop for sure but be sure to check out all the other great sites in the Marin Headlands.

I spent a couple of years in S.F. a long time ago and saw the Golden Gate Bridge quite a few times then because I took several visiting friends there. During our recent visit to S.F., we decided to see it from a different angle at Battery Spencer. The three viewpoints allow one to see the bridge at different heights. We were fortunate that it was a clear and cool fall day, and the views were spectacular. Since I had not seen the bridge from other viewpoints lately, I cannot compare how good they are. But I think it’s worth the 30 minutes of driving to view the bridge from Battery Spencer.

give yourself plenty of time to drive up the windy one lane road and to wait for a parking place. you will have several stops as you get closer and closer to the bridge. great for photos. i grew up in north bath and crossed the GG bridge dozens of times but only just went to the battery. a must see IMO!

bathrooms are horrible!

my husband and i accidentally stumbled upon the battery spencer on a trip to san francisco a couple of years ago. since then, it has been added to our list of "must-dos" anytime we're in the area.

first of all, the views are AMAZING. gorgeous shots of the bridge, the city, and the bay are all available from the various vantage points of the battery.

second, adventure!! there is something so cool and mysterious about exploring old military ruins, finding the spot where the massive artillery used to be located, and climbing around on the old bunkers and forts.

the battery spencer is located just north of the golden gate bridge, and on the way to the bonita lighthouse, so it makes a great stop on your way there. bring your sneakers and leave yourself enough time to do some exploring!

Short road up from the 101 past the Golden gate and you get to this point with lovely views of the golden gate bridge. Drive a little further up for a network of trails and views of the bay and the golden gate.

I came on a cool, clear night in November and it was outstanding for photography. I also came back at sunrise but the night was much better. Put it on your list if its a clear night.

Didn't know this existed and so glad we found it by chance. What a marvellous view of the bay and the bridge. Watch out for the wind. Late afternoon/early evening when the sun is setting is breathtaking. Don't count on the public washroom, it's disgusting!! Some history as well as a scenic view.

It does not mean you don't have to view the bridge from San Francisco side. Different view will give you different impression. Recommend to come here in the afternoon because sun light will hit the bridge from your side. Parking is very limited so better not go in the weekend.

Terrific views from this lookout. Great pictures. A bit of a trek to get there, but quite manageable.

The Battery Spencer is the old military bunker at the GG bridge! It’s not the bridge which is all the photos. The military site is covered in gang graffiti and a disgrace for all to see! I refuse to post a photo and give the gangsters notoriety!

This is the same place that you do see amazing views of the GG bridge!

This is the best place to view the Golden Gate Bridge from, the place to get that classic pic of the Bridge with the bay/city behind it. But 9 days out of 10 you will find the Bridge shrouded in mist....that's the way it is in SF.......but on those other days, when the cloud lifts, this is one of the greatest views in the world, instantly recognisable. So, if you're in SF and the cloud lifts, get yourself across the bridge to the Sausalito side, battle the traffic, the cyclists and the people with cameras and get to Battery Spencer (or the adjacent viewpoint) and drink it in.

Parked on the side of the road, it was only a short walk to the Battery Spencer. Enjoyed the scenes all the way to the top. Worth the journey!

I've biked here multiple times. It's a very hard climb but the sweeping views over the bay and the SF city skyline is well worth it.

This is a great place to get your photographs of the Golden Gate Bridge. Parking is extremely difficult for a type A personality type, but the trick is to drive past the battery on up the hill, turn around and come back to wait for someone to leave and get a parking place. That's what we did and it only took about 10 minutes to get a spot. I wouldn't recommend trying to park illegally as park rangers may be around and give you an expensive ticket.

Once there you can walk a short distance to the edge and take lots of photographs. Be prepared for high winds. We also experienced some fog, but it we were able to watch the fog roll in and out in just a matter of minutes.

There isn't much to see of the actually battery, but some of the old doorways and structures make nice backdrops for portraits.

There is a bathroom, but due to the high volume of visitors and it's primitive design (it's a standard US Park composting toilet) it's pretty yucky.

All in all, it was a fun time. Worth the drive and the wait for the photos.

We decided to stop hear to view the Golden Gate bridge. A short walk from the car park, led to the most amazing and close view of the bridge. My husband walks with a cane, and while he took his time, and struggled with the gradual incline, insisted that the views were well worth the effort.

What a great place for some historical viewing!!! Drive there was a little sketchy in a 36 ft RV but totally doable. Parking could be an issue. Excellent views of Golden Gate Bridge!!! Loved seeing where the battlements once were to protect the bay and bridge. Sunset time was epic and breathtaking. Not to crowded.

We drove over Golden Gate Bridge with an Uber and he dropped us of at this viewpoint. Still 5 minutes by foot and enjoy a beautiful view! It's less crowded than Vista point and far more beautiful! I wouldn't recommend doing this by bike because it's very steep!

If you ever saw pictures of SF bay and the Golden Gate, one of them was probably taken from this spot. Probably the best place to see the bay and the bridge. If in the city make sure you visit!

It is free, there is parking, make sure you bring a jacket or a jumper, can be quite windy!

I think it's one of the best views you can have the bridge. The road to get there is a road that gives you like the turn of the mountain (it takes about 10min to turn full) and on the tour there are other viewpoints with good views.

That is.. if there isn't too much fog.. Went early in the morning, and all I saw was.. nothing.. Check the weather before going.

This is the iconic photo spot! Parking can be difficult during high season but either way this spot and a short little walk get you exactly where you want to be to see the Golden Gate Bridge

You will get an excellent view of the Golden Gate bridge from here. It is quite windy here, so do be prepared for the cold.

Definitely worth a visit.

I went to the viewpoint/Battery trail and it was blocked by cement blocks. The Parks department had blocked 3 viewpoints along the road. You can walk to these viewpoints but it's a hike from where you can park.

DON'T go to the site where all the tour buses take you. RENT A CAR and go to Battery Spencer! The views are amazing. There are many foot paths to enjoy the views, and there is also a foot path to small lighthouse as well. Know that it's one way in, and you will have to follow the road out a different way. It takes you down the steepest grade street in the US (i think!)...nothing to be afraid of as many cyclists travel it too. A great experience and not as crowded!

Fantastic view of the golden gate bridge and San Francisco. Well worth the climb above the gun emplacement to make the most of the view.

You'll get perhaps the best view of the Golden Gate bridge from this point. You also get a great view of the Bay and the cliffs. This is North of SF and a bit of a drive and potentially difficulty finding parking, but worth it. Just be sure to not have anything visible in your car, as there were a number of broken windows from breakins when we were there.

Went here early morning to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge, Easy to find, requires a short hike up to the viewing area, when there is no fog this is a great view of bridge and San Francisco skyline

Battery Spencer overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Walking through the remains and seeing what is left of this battery is a moving experience, taking into account the history behind the buildings and the area.

I heard about this vantage point to view the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay and San Fran, but was warned about the very limited parking. I arrived with a camper in tow, expecting the worst. Someone, however, had a brilliant idea and changed the two-way road into a one-way, with the second lane reserved for parking all the way along the road. Brilliant !! I was able to get in, park and get out with a minimum of problems. Kudos to whoever did this.

There are certain venues I go to that does not have a bad seat when it comes to watching a concert. That is what Battery Spencer is. A good view from every seat.

From the north, Battery Spencer offers one the best view points of the Golden Bridge. Slightly above and west of the bridge, the vantage point offers fantastic views of the bridge, the Golden Gate (the actual harbor entrance), the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco Bay, with the City of San Francisco as a drop back.

Tip #1: If you are a serious photographer, head a little further up the road, park near the restroom, and head up the Slacker Ridge trail. It is about a quarter hike mile up a fairly steep hill, but it is worth it. This is where the professional photographers go to photograph the bridge.

Tip #2: There is currently (October 2019) a road construction project going on that allows for only one way traffic down Conzelman Rd, the usual access to Battery Spencer. Here is the work around. Head up Alexander Ave and turn on Bunker Road. This leads you through a one lane tunnel; take a left where you see a sign for Hwy 101. This connects you to Conzeman Rd; take the second exit on the roundabout to head toward Battery Spencer. There are several stunning viewpoints on the way.

If you're lucky with the weather, and can get there when the fog's not an issue this is an excellent place to view the bridge. Parking is limited, mind, so be patient, and you'll be rewarded. As for restroom facilities - best hold it if you can. Primitive doesn't even start to cover it.

Take your camera, grab some stunning pics and soak up the scenery.

Thousands of pictures capture the beauty of San Francisco. If you want to make your own postcard pics, you have to go to Battery Spencer on the northwest side of the Golden Gate Bridge. You won't be disappointed. Doesn't matter what the weather is, it changes momentarily and every view is incredible. You can't be SF traveler without at least one visit here.

Offers one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline. Located just north of the bridge, this historic site features stunning vantage points that make it perfect for photography and sightseeing. The surrounding park area is ideal for a leisurely walk or picnic, and the panoramic views create a breathtaking backdrop. Whether you’re visiting during the day or at sunset, Battery Spencer is a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of San Francisco.

Windy and crowded but still a worthwhile visit. We lucked out on a parking spot and walked up. I didn’t know what to expect but it was an awesome view. And the battery was fun to walk about the cells.

This place has one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. While parking can be a problem, patience will pay off. Its a small hike to get out to the area with the view. Well worth the time and effort to come here and just relax with a beautiful view above the bridge and city.

The view of the Golden Gate bridge is amazing from Battery Spencer. A different experience altogether. It can get windy at times. Parking can be a headache during peak hours.

This place has a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Went on Fourth of July this year and wasn't too crowded. Took an Uber from San Francisco. The cost was inexpensive.

The views of the Golden Gate Bridge were great. Took and awesome time-lapse photo of a ship leaving the harbor and going under the bridge. Bring a jacket because it's cold and windy at that spot. The fortifications were an interesting side note.

If you get a chance to go here it does not disappoint!! Beautiful amazing views and photo opportunities to take advantage of

I hiked all the way from the San Francisco side of the bridge to the Battery Spencer. I was dog tired, but it was WORTH IT. The view is breath taking with the beautiful bridge right in your face and the city of San Francisco as the background. Many people drive over to Battery Spencer, so the traffic on the hill is a little bit ridiculous. However, on my way back, it was not super hard for me to get an Uber. You can also meet some of the most interesting people at Battery Spencer. They are super friendly and they would love to help you to take a picture. The Battery Spencer buildings are also quite impressive. It was one of my favorite places in the bay area.

This is where you will find numerous places to take some beautiful pictures of the bridge, the city, water, and surrounding area. Don't miss it!

This is without doubt the best place for a photo of the Golden Gate bridge. It has a lot of historic signifigance also and it is sad that the city has let the place fall apart as a ex "fort" or gun emplacement.

Absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous. Recommend taking a bottle of wine and just sitting - relaxing fresh air magnificent view. Take an Uber - would not miss this opportunity!

Going to Hawk Hill and battery Spencer is a must for the best view of the Golden gate and San Francisco. Thew vista is spectacular, and you get a good sense of the entrance to the Bay.

I routinely take out of town visitors to this site. You can hike around and look at some decayed historical WW2 military batteries, but the real beauty is in the views. I think you get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Skyline. You can walk around the hill and then see expansive shoreline views outside of the Golden Gate Bridge. We took a friend who is a professional photographer and could barely get her back into the car. Never gets old.

Drive a little farther down ( Hawk hill on google maps) and there are the old radar stands for the Nike Control site> A small hike up and you get some great views. A sports stroller will make it too.

If you want an amazing view/picture with the Golden Gate bridge, take a trip to battery spencer... probably the best pictures you're gonna get in the whole of san fran. Abit of an uphill walk from the parking lot, but the view from above is totally worth it! I advise heading there earlyish, just to beat the tourist crowds. We arrived at about 8amish, and the combination of the view plus early morning sun gave us amazing photos.

Definitely worth a stop, especially if you're visiting Sausalito anyways. Cant stress enough!!

If you have a car and a clear day and/or evening, this is something no visitor to SF should miss. Spend an hour and drive around the Marin a Headlands as far as the roads can go. The spectacular views of the city and the bay are not to be missed!

I think others have pretty much summed this up. The site is actually old military, but this area has a one-way street with random little parking lots asking the way from which you can get a good vantage point for pictures of the Golden Gate bridge. I didn't take any chances and hid everything in my car to not risk a break-in. Took the first parking spot I could find as it was crazy busy.

Excellent view, however the road up gets really busy and it is a bit chaotic. Finding somewhere to park can be difficult.

It's such a wonderful place to see the San Francisco Golden Gate. We recommend you to visit. However, you must be careful. It wasn't a threat, but it came on purpose and fired two shots. It's the first time that you shoot your hand with your phone. But I saw a really wonderful view.

Best place for night time photography of the Golden Gate bridge. During the day, there are lots of hikes and things to do in the area. There is Slackers Hill (up the road, and then around mile hike) and Hawk Hill, both for beautiful views of the city. Also the parking lot down the road (close to the bridge, before you up the slope) is a trail head for the California Coastal Trail. Which is a very nice hike and takes you all the way to the Marin Headlands (but it's easy to get lost on that trail, so be careful)

This is one of my favorite areas in all of the US. I wind up in this area on business typically in December each year, and I always visit this area at least once before I leave. It's one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Take some time to walk down to the beach, too.

On a clear day this is the place to be. Great view of the Golden Gate Bridge with the city of San Francisco in the background. The fog can roll in and blacker out the bay but there is still a lot see. There is also plenty of great hiking to do around the batteries with an assortment of trail varying from paved to narrow winding one that lead back into the hills. Battery Spencer should be on everyone's San Fran to do list.

This is my favourite spot to view San Francisco from. You can see the city, bay, bridge and all the way out to sea. And you're on the Marin side so even more to explore from this great point.

Which I am one. I tour Coastal Artillery forts/batteries whenever I travel. This is a must. The view of the ocean is wonderful. The entire Marin Headlands area with Fort Baker, Fort Cronkite, Fort Barry etc is fantastic for the outdoors hiker and military history buff.

This a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city of San Francisco. It can get chilly and windy up there.

Bring your cameras and tripod if you have them. Youll have the best photos of the bridge from this location. We even saw whales in the water. Amazing.

Super view, of course. Get there early when the sun is coming up behind the Berkeley hills. Very special feel at this time of day. It's also the only time to find a parking space.

Parking was a nightmare so we came back down the hill & found a big parking lot on the right at the bottom, from where it was an easy walk back up.(10 mins uphill)
Very windy but fantastic view of the bridge

I waited so long to have the opportunity to come to San Fran and see the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. At Battery Spencer we got the most perfect breathtaking view of San Fran and the bridge. Got to capture the perfect picture. This blew my expectations out of the water. Will gladly be coming back to be mesmerized once again by the views here.

Must go for Golden Gate photo op..plenty of parking. Short walk. Wheelchair friendly. Great great great

Great view of Golden Gate Bridge. One caveat is taking pictures of the city and GG Bridge a little challenging in the morning since you face east to take those pictures.

Must go to place to get a nice shot of the Golden Gate bridge. If the day is foggy do go there in the afternoon. The place is basically overrun by tourists but you can't really blame them, can you? MUST GO!

I saw the bridge from a few different places and this was by far my favourite view! You are quite close and have a good angle. We came after sunset as the lights started to come on which was really pretty. Not heaps of parking, we only just got a spot, there were plenty of parks further up the hill which we should have done but as you drive down the actual parking lot is quite small.

If you're okay with crowds and challenging parking but you want the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge (in my opinion), this is the spot. The price is right - no cost - and the views during the golden hour are incredibly romantic; perfect for a surprise engagement or proposal. Check weather before you go - it can be windy and cold up there but worth the effort.

Repeating what's already been said - don't think there is a better view of the bridge. In any weather. I'd think that seeing the bridge disappearing into fog is spectacular.
We caught a bus over the bridge to the Bridge Vista Point and then walked. There is a staircase that goes under the main road coming over the bridge. You get to see under the bridge as a bonus. Once on the other side, cross the parking lot (or you can park there since parking next to the old battery site is limited) There is a track disappearing between trees. The track zig-zags up to the road going to the Battery Spencer.
It does not require great fitness - easy to do with kids, but might be hard for people with limited mobility. It takes 10-15 minutes.
Once there, you'll get to see what is left of the battery that was stationed there to protect entry to the bay. There are toilets. Can't remember if there was water stations/fountain.
We walked back down to the and then over the bridge to complete experience - but that does require a bit more effort - well worth it in my opinion.

My recommendation is to go all the way to the top, to Hawk Hill, first. There is more parking up there, because for some reason everyone just stops at the first overlook. Keep going! At the top are the old bunkers and military grounds and you are able to climb up for an amazing view out over the Marin Headlands with the Golden Gate Bridge right behind you. So it's amazing to watch the sunset!

This location is a nice place to take pictures of both the Golden Gate Bridge and the city of San Francisco. The battery is also very interesting to give an insight into the city's military past. The location served as coastal defense for the bay. Make sure you continue up the road to some of the other vista locations, particularly Hawk Hill. Depending how the fog or marine layer appears on the day of your visit, you can get some very interesting pictures

Top of the little hill place to get a panoramic photo of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. I was able to have everything from broad ocean vistas to views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and Fort Baker to the east. Very limited parking space! There is not a lot of room to hover and wait for someone to leave.

I WAS ROBBED!!! NEVER COME HERE AT NIGHT TIME!!
There was a very dark skinned guy wearing all black and with a sweater hoodie hanging around this area. My mother came all the way from LA and on her last night we got ambushed by a guy who said he had a gun and wants to take everything from us. We did not give our stuff to him as we were tackling back but if he had a real gun or a very sharp knife things could have taken a worst turn. The police took a report but unfortunately it seems the guy got away. Please save yourself the trouble and DO NOT come here at night!!!

Not that I think any picture of the Golden Gate Bridge can ever do that majestic bridge any justice, but if you want some spectacular picture, do yourself a favor and head to this spot.

You will love the views from this great outpost above it all in the Bay area. We saw many people come who were inspired by the views, so it is not just me. Best of all, this is not one of those high priced perches that costs a bundle. Just get on your bicycle or drive your car and enjoy!

Stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, plenty of parking - a great spot to sit and relax for an hour and get great photos of the bridge.

This is by far the most amazing point to see the GGB. It is very scenic and relaxing...though it would be very windy but awesome experience...

Civil war and world war 2 battery shelters to protect the entrance of the bay are still here. Some have lots of graffiti but you can still imagine what it must’ve been like.

A must visit spots to see the GG Bridge! It's really windy up top. We have actually been here twice during this visit to SF. It's worth revisit and stop to look at the views.

The view from here is great. One thing i will say is that it can be hard to get a parking space here, so when you see one take it. The views of the bridge are great, fog is common in the area so if is there on the day you go, you have to suck it up lol.

This is by far the best view of Golden Gate Bridge. It's best to visit in the afternoon simply because only then the sun is behind your back shining on the city. In summer I usually like to go there around 6 p.m., in winter it must be 4 or 5 p.m. Every time I took people there, they were stunned. This place is really beautiful. The only problem is that you have to have a car to get there. There's not too many parking spaces there however the rotation of cars is pretty high so there is usually always some parking space opening at all times. Google maps will take you there if you just type "Battery Spencer". It's usually not very crowded and the photos come out amazing. Last time I visited, the restrooms were closed.

If you want a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge, this location is a must stop view! Go early as there are only a few parking spaces, maybe 10. But you only need a short visit to get an incredible photo!

We didn't actually go and explore the Battery; we only went to watch the sunset over the bridge. Get there in time to park, as parking is very limited. We drove up and turned around and thankfully someone was leaving. The sunset view there is gorgeous, and we were treated to spotting a pod of whales in the bay below.

As others said, this place have simply the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Parking might be hard - you either do it not entirely legally or park below and walk up.

The ultimate location for viewing the Golden Gate Bridge. From this point you get a perfect impression of the magnitude of the Golden Gate Bridge's construction. Also, the battery takes you back into the history of San Francisco and the period of the Gold Rush.

Parking is a problem yes, but the walk from the next lot at the top of the hill is 10 minutes. THE view of the Bridge. You can hear the vehicles going by.

Free access. Short, easy hike from the road on the northwest side of Golden Gate Bridge. Interesting place to explore with the added benefit to get photos of Golden Gate from an elevated position.

I specifically went to San Francisco with the intent of just taking photographs of areas I had never seen before. One suggested location was Bonita Lighthouse Point. Once you're on the Sausalito side you take this small Winding Road along to Bonita Point. On returning to San Francisco I noticed a lot of cars on the right at a small parking lot after waiting I finally got a shot to get a spot. Took my camera in following the crowd in finally ended up at this military Fortress type installation. There it was the most beautiful shots of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge with the city behind it. Here are a few of them. Weekdays are better for getting a spot to park then weekends.

We had spent the day in the city and on a whim we decided to pull off and take the detour to see battery spencer. I love to take pictures. This is a great place to get a shot of the bridge. The only thing I reccomend is dress warm. It was very very very windy.

I also found the history about this place interesting. and it was kinda cool to see the WW2 site.

This place gives you the most amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge! It's a bit difficult to find parking here, but if you do, it's a short walk up a hill to the top and the reward is 100% worth it. It's a breathtaking view and you won't be disappointed!!

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!

This the one of the best places to get a great view of the Golden Gate bridge. It gets really busy as you would expect but we'll worth a visit.

We were at all the recommended spots for views of the GG and the city and Battery Spencer is definitely the most spectacular. There are no words to describe. You park on the one-way street and walk about 3 minutes to get to the viewpoint. It is an old military bunker that is in ruins but people go for the view, not the place. Just don't leave things in the car, this is a rule for all of California, if you leave something visible in the car they will break your windows.

I went to the Battery Spencer an early morning in April to try to catch the sunrise. I was not lucky enough to get to see the sunrise, but the view is still unbeatable. You are so close to the Golden Gate Bridge and you have the view of San Francisco city at the background. Be aware that it can get very windy here since it's pretty high up. The vista point is very easy to get to. Just follow the gravel trail and it will lead you to it.

The wonderful thing about the Golden gate Bridge is that you can view it from every conceivable angle. battery Spencer gives you a view from above the Golden gate Bridge. You must see it if you're in the Bay Area. You'd be surprised how many locals never drive out here. Come see the Marin headlands and stop at battery Spencer. You will be shocked. It doesn't matter what the weather is. Even if it's pea soup fog, you'll see a little bit of Golden gate Bridge sticking out of the top. Bring a camera and take plenty of pictures, but do not bring a drone. This is Golden gate National recreation Area and drones are strictly forbidden.

If you're considering a visit to San Francisco, look no further for the perfect location to see the city as a backdrop to the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer is a short hike of about 750 feet from the parking area; and parking is super tight - especially on nice days. There is a prison-style bathroom but at least there is one. Photos can be a challenge with all of the tourists so consider hiring a professional. I love this location for post-wedding, engagement, and family photos.

This is a must do if in San Francisco. You can drive upto the battery or walk. We walked, it's a steep 15 minute walk but it is so worth it at the top. The most amazing views of the bridge and San Francisco city skyline.

The battery spencer and the conzelman road are where u will get the best view of the golden gate bridge in my opinion...
We had a good sunny day there ... we could see all the golden gate and the city of san francisco without any fog ... i don't know if we was lucky ... but it was awesome ..

One of the 2 best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Battery Spencer was built to protect the Golden Gate but was deemed obsolete and abandoned in 1943. It is hard to find parking near the hawk ridge site but there is more parking below and the trail up to the ridge is worth the hike.

An easy pull off right before you cross the bridge. A short walk up a hill leads you to a fantastic view of the bridge and city in the background. Beware there is a sign that says not to leave any valuables in the car as there is frequent theft, although I had no problems.

Excellent location to view the Golden Gate and San Francisco. On a clear day you can see quite a distance. Easy access via road, however they have made the access "one way" to accommodate more parking for visitors (a good thing, but be sure to follow signs). Well worth the side trip on a clear day!

Its one of those "gotta tick it off" places
That doesn't take away the fact that the view from up there is breath taking!

Views of the Bay & the bridge

Why not stay til sunset, walk up a bit and watch the sunset!

This is a must stop. Not only to take your own iconic picture of the Golden Gate, but maybe to find a seat, take out your picnic lunch, and just soak in the gorgeous vistas that await you. We drove all the way to the top and then worked our way down, stopping at the various lookout points. Each stop has a different perspective of the bridge. We lucked in a found an open bench, sat down and enjoyed a little casual lunch soaking up the sun and view.

Absolutely stunning views of the mountains, the Golden Gate Bridge and other points of interest. Winding roads to get there, but worth it.

This is one of the most unique places to take a pic of the bridge. At the right angle you can take a pic that looks like your holding the bridge up with one hand. Be careful of the sun. There is no shade.

We drove to Battery Spencer on the back road. Our GPS couldn’t find the directions because of road construction. The parking at Battery Spencer is hard to find in the evening. The views were wonderful.

Went to this place to watch the sunset over San Francisco.
The view of GoldenGate Bridge was awesome since this is a mountain top. There are 3 different viewing areas. I recommend taking pictures on the main viewing area then moving to the very top viewing area around sunset.
The top area has access to the GG Bridge , Alcatraz and San Francisco area and there is a walkway tunnel that has viewing of the sunset over the ocean. Spectacular views.
Keep a jacket with you as it is wendy and gets cold around sunset

Along with Marshall Beach, this is one of the best spots to see the bridge. You can also see Alcatraz and the city at different spots. Parking is tough though but be patient. You can always park at the bottom visitor/view place and hike up.

Excellent, up close view of the Golden Gate Bridge. We also read online about the battery and walked though the buildings. Definitely stop by here!

After seeing on a number of TV shows this view i wanted to find it myself. After searching it out on Maps and Trip Advisory i found this place. And boy was it worth the drive over there :) would highly recommend

This was a cool place to visit. It also has the best views of the GG bridge. Parking is available but there are no restrooms that I observed.

It's quite windy from Here! But despite that, Battery Spencer is a must visit place to admire the Golden Gate Bridge. There's a small hiking trail that you can follow through to take pictures of different angles of the bridge.

Pictures don't do justice to this view though, must visit!

This is the 2nd turnout on the Marin Headland road. Parking can be problematic and it requires a little walk to the battery. However, when you get there you will have the photo spot of a lifetime to capture the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. In addition, there are the ruins of Battery Spencer to look through as an added bonus.

After a long day walking in the city we drove up the road (conzelman) and stopped near the battery.
If you go there in the next days/weeks you must consider- because of the last few storms that hit the area, there is no place to park the car in a safe place.
All of the Vista points are blocked.
Just continue up the road and find a place to stop.
The view is very nice- specialy at night or when the sun is going down.

Have fun

We've been to the park side, the tourist side, but the Battery Spencer over looking it all has got to be the best view of the bridge and the city. We woke up early to catch the sunrise over the city and bridge. It was worth the drive because the photos of the sun coming up was dazzling. This place offers many vantage point of the city, the bridge, the cliffs, and and the city and Sausalito. You can get extremely close to the bridge for that perfect shot. It you're looking for a relaxing jog, this is a heart thumper. Parking is limited so you might have to search a bit but be patient. It's worth it.

Can catch the 76X bus from downtown San Francisco to here (via the Golden Gate Bridge) then get the next bus on towards Point Bonita Lighthouse. Alternatively you can hire a bike and cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge to get here, or drive yourself...

We loved this find on our vacation! ON TOP OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. Amazing views if not foggy! And lots to learn about the battery itself!!!

With so many different vista point to choose from 'on the other side' This has got to be the most prolific one. From here you get the iconic pictures.. clear day or covered in mist either way.

Simply Just beautiful !!! It was worthy to drive and walk around the whole area not just for the pictures but amazing scenery 360 degree.

We hiked over here from Vista Point. We were out right at sunrise and got some amazing views of the bridge. Its a climb from Vista Point, but it just made us appreciate pastries and coffee at the Warming Hut across the bridge even more.

The Battery Spencer is a great location to get a birds eye view of the notoriously famous Golden Gate Bridge. It’s amazing!

This is my absolute favorite place to go in Sausalito. We started at Hawk Hill, drove along to Battery Spencer and ended up at Point Bonita Lighthouse. (The tunnel halfway to the lighthouse is open only during visiting hours: Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) The drive is spectacular. World War II fortifications and the sights of the bridge are well worth the trip. It's so very picturesque with many, many photo ops.

Need to walk to this place. The view is great, can see the city and bay bridge. But there is no guns and other facility not in perfect condition. The restroom is terrible.

We went to the place by Uber. When we visited, parking space nearby was blocked, so be careful where to get off when you visit. From the nearest road, you need to walk 5 min and you can see the wonderful view of Golden Gate Bridge as well as background city of San Francisco! Must visit.

Friends brought us to San Francisco via Sausalito and took us to Battery Spencer for our first view of the Golden Gate bridge. It was a WOW moment to see this famous bridge for the first time and realise we really were in SF.

The views of the bridge, sea and city were all so amazing! This is one of the best places to visit when exploring San Francisco. The city centre is about a 90 minute - 120 minute walk away so maybe consider cycling or using a taxi if you're not into walking.

Went early in the morning, there was ample parking. It was windy of course, but not too cold. Beautiful view of the bridge and the Bay. Perfect photo spot. Can be very romantic for couples or loads of fun for famines and friends.

Guaranteed awesome view of bridge- take photos with DSLR and tripod or even your cellphone! Whether you catch an amazing sunset on the bridge or the fog rolling in, you are guaranteed a great experience. Yes, there will be wind. Layer clothes according to your needs. Short walk from parking lot. Yes, parking is insane. The view is worth the patience and agony. We rode our bikes and did just fine. Many people walk up the hill as well. This is a "free" opportunity to see something cool - be respectful of others. Many people were disregarding signage and fences to stay back for safety. Will assume Darwin's theory will hold true. You can get awesome photos from almost any place there.

I was recommended to take the drive up the Marin Headlands to Battery Spencer by a local car club (SF86 Enthusiasts) as a way to get some great shots with my GoPro, and they were right. The drive is fun (but be warned, some roads are one way and very narrow), and there are LOTS of great views on the way from the Golden Gate Bridge

We really wished we had gone the day before as the fog started to roll in and the wind really picked up. The drive over is long due to the traffic. We did Uber over and back. If you drive the parking is very limited. Uber was able to drop us off and we walked around and got some pictures. But the temps dropped and the wind really picked up a lot. Really wish we had gone on a sunny day as the views are great and would have liked to spend more time there.

You have seen this view in magazines and movies. If you are in the area, you need to see it for yourself. You will remember it for the rest of your life.

If you can go later in the day and have a little time, you can watch the evening fog roll to cloak the bridge and the city. The perfect finale to viewing the Golden Gate.

This is the best view you’ll get. A few old structures are also on site and public restrooms (not the best).

Please check maps to make sure you get the approach correct. Route was adjusted to accommodate more visitors. There is more parking now but the road has become one-way.

Dress in layers. Windy.

What a beautiful view!! My kids loved waiting to drive through the tunnel to get to the top of the mountains lots of hiking and photo-ops.Absolutely a must visit!!

Awesome view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay and the San Francisco Skyline! You can watch this Landmark in movies, but WOW, in person it is really impressive. Great place to take pics and hike around. Wear comfortable shoes and hopefully you find a nice parking spot. Enjoy!

I’m so glad we drove over the Bridge to Battery Spencer! I was hesitant since most of the bloggers said finding a parking spot was a gamble. This was not the case for us on a Sunday afternoon in July! The road is pretty long with several hundred feet of parallel parking on the shoulder that we didn’t have any trouble. Afraid we would not find a spot close to the Battery, we pulled off at the first available spot & walked down to an overlook. (No one stays long, so parking spots keep opening up.)Just a note: it is incredibly cool up there w/ the wind- in Sausalito we were fine in T-shirts, but up here we needed three layers! We then drove to the second pull off & my daughter & I walked out to the point- beautiful views of Sausalito all the way around to Marin Headlands. Definitely go up to the Battery & not just the 1st pullover.

The Golden Gate Bridge is a phenomenal sight!! If you want to get a better view of this beautiful bridge, then head over to Battery Spencer.

What is Battery Spencer? Back in the day (1897-1942), it was one of the main protection points for the San Francisco Harbor. There are several structures to explore if you wish. Most folks, like us, were here to see an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The views are absolutely breathtaking wherever you look from the vista points. Depending on the weather conditions, you can admire the bay, Alcatraz island, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Simply stunning!! Make sure to bring your camera. You are going to be taking many beautiful and memorable photos!!

This is the best Golden Gate photo spot from Sausalito. There are some other options, but this is the best spot by far. You have to walk a bit from the car park and prepare for strong wind, but it is worth it.

Go to Battery Spencer for the best yet unique view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge! Almost everyone will choose the easy and the well-known way at the Welcome Center on the south end, but Battery Spencer on the north end literally has the higher vantage without the obstruction!

Formerly a defensive battery, this viewpoint is now abandoned. Clearly Battery Spencer was not designed to be a tourist spot as the restroom is extremely sketchy and the whole ground remains wild, but hey, you are here only for the bridge anyway! Because you will be viewing the bridge toward the east, it's also a great spot to see the sunrise against the most photographed bridge in the world.

That being said, while the battery is free to enter, you do have to pay the toll on the bridge if you return to SF, so you should also plan to visit Sausalito in the same crossing. However, I still think this is a much better place to view the Golden Gate Bridge not only because of the wonderful view but also because it's much less crowded!

I went early in the morning though and you should too, because parking is extremely limited.

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tl;dr version:
1) Abandoned defensive battery with the best view of GGB
2) Free to view though the facilities are not maintained