Golden Gate Bridge Photo Spots

Located in beautiful San Francisco, California, the Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark known across the globe. Here at ​​Flytographer, having captured over three million memories worldwide, we can easily connect people with trusted photographers around the world for fun photo shoots. Today, we asked our local photographers in San Francisco to share the best places to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Labelled as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, its majestic presence over the sparkling waters of the Golden Gate strait makes for incredible photos—the perfect souvenir for any trip to San Francisco! 🌁

 

TLDR

(A little sneak peek just for you 😊)

  1. Moore Road Pier: Visit this historic pier on the north side of the bridge to find the best views.
  2. Baker Beach: Capture iconic Golden Gate Bridge views framed by this stunning California beach.
  3. Crissy Field: Explore San Francisco’s rich history and ecology at this former military airfield within a national park.
  4. Crissy Park Beach: Relax at this beautiful beach park with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands
  5. Palace of Fine Arts: Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of this majestic building and its gardens—the second most popular San Francisco landmark after the Golden Gate Bridge.

Photo: Flytographer in San Francisco. Cristina and partner capture memories in San Francisco with a hometown photoshoot at Baker Beach.

1. Moore Road Pier

Moore Road Pier is a postcard-perfect destination that holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Located at the bridge’s north end and stretching out into the Bay Area, this iconic landmark offers stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, the sparkling waters of the Strait, Alcatraz Island, and of course, the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. 😍

And this fabulous location isn’t limited to a spectacular view! It is located at the southern end of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, an incredible national park with much to explore, including historical sites, hiking trails, and more. 

While Moore Road Pier has one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, there are a variety of other viewpoints within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. An especially interesting vantage point is at Battery Spencer, an overlook set atop the bluffs of the park, where you’ll have a view of the bridge below. The entire length of the bridge can be captured here, so this is a fabulous spot for a photo with the bridge behind you. 📸

Whether hiking the trails, strolling along the shore, or simply enjoying the views, Moore Road Pier is a must-visit destination and one of the best places to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge!

🗺️Travel tip: This is one of the best places to take in San Francisco sunsets so be sure to visit in the late afternoon to take advantage of the golden hour glow.

Photo: Flytographer in San Francisco. Brad and partner celebrate a birthday in San Francisco with a birthday photoshoot at Moore Road Pier.

2. Baker Beach

Baker Beach is a beautiful coastal gem that showcases San Francisco’s gorgeous scenery. Located on the west end of the Presidio and just south of both Fort Point National Historic Site and the Golden Gate Overlook, there are plenty of things to do in this area. 

With its golden sands, dramatic bluffs, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Baker Beach is a favourite among locals and a great place for visitors to experience. And the vantage point from the beach is one of the best photo spots in the city, with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge framed by shimmering sand and sparkling waters. Truly a magnificent sight! 🌊

Beyond its picturesque views, Baker Beach is the perfect place to settle in and enjoy some time in nature. Sunbathers can relax on the soft sand, while adventurers can take advantage of the Presidio’s hiking trails, where they will have the opportunity to explore the stunning coastal landscape.

Photo: Flytographer in San Francisco. Samantha and partner celebrate an anniversary in San Francisco with an anniversary photoshoot at Baker Beach.

3. Crissy Field

Crissy Field is a vibrant urban park on the bridge’s San Francisco side. Once a military airfield, it has since been transformed into a favorite spot that attracts visitors from around the globe. 🌎

Crissy Field Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and natural habitats—including Crissy Field Marsh with its tidal wetlands—making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. 🐦 

And, being a former airfield, Crissy Field is also a fabulous destination for history buffs! Learn all about the history of the site at Presidio Visitor Center and Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center, both just a short walk from the heart of the park. 

Aside from its natural and historical richness, Crissy Field is one of the best places to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge. For a unique view, snap some photos in front of the Greater Farallones Visitor Center, a historic building surrounded by palm trees—and a captivating forefront for your Golden Gate Bridge photos! 📸

🗺️ Travel tip: From Crissy Field, you’re well situated to explore the Presidio of San Francisco, an incredible national park located within the city. Wander along the hiking trails, cycle through the winding roads, or paddle on Mountain Lake for a leisurely afternoon in the California sun.

Photo: Joseph in San Francisco for Flytographer. Brent and partner celebrate a proposal in San Francisco with a proposal photoshoot in Crissy Field.

4. Crissy Park Beach

No visit to Crissy Field is complete without spending time at Crissy Park Beach! Located along the northern edge of the Presidio, this sandy beach is the perfect place to soak in the beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area and the surrounding natural landscape. 🏖️

For the best views, head to Crissy Field East Beach—a great vantage point to take in panoramic views of the iconic bridge, Kirby Cove, and the rugged Marin Headlands. Naturally, this is one of the best places to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge. 🌁

For those looking to make the most of their time at the beach, Crissy Field East Beach is a popular spot for recreation. The waves tend to be gentle here, making it an ideal place for swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. 🚣The long stretch of sandy coastline encourages sunbathing and picnicking, so bring a book and some snacks for a wonderful afternoon!

Photo: Flytographer in San Francisco. Efrem and partner celebrate a proposal in San Francisco with a proposal photoshoot at Crissy Park Beach.

5. Palace of Fine Arts

Named one of the best things to do in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts is an architectural masterpiece and a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Bernard Ralph Maybeck designed this grand structure for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and it has since become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, second to the Golden Gate Bridge. 😮

The Palace of Fine Arts is world-renowned for its stunning Greco-Roman-inspired architecture, characterized by its line of grand columns, striking centre dome, and beautiful reflection pool. 🏛️

The grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts are truly enchanting. Meticulously landscaped gardens filled with lush greenery and a tranquil reflecting pool with a flock of graceful swans create a magical scene.

Needless to say, the palace’s exquisite beauty and serene surroundings make it a favourite spot, and indeed one of the best places to take photos in all of San Francisco! And, if you’re able to get the angle just right, you can capture a photo of the majestic building with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background—an unforgettable shot.

Photo: Emily in San Francisco for Flytographer. J’mee and partner capture memories in San Francisco with a couples photoshoot at the Palace of Fine Arts.

Capturing Memories at the Golden Gate Bridge

There’s no doubt about it—San Francisco is an incredible destination fit for any traveller’s bucket list! With gorgeous California scenery and incredible viewpoints, there are plenty of places to take great photos of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge during your visit. Connect with a local photographer to capture your memories in San Francisco. 💖