One of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge, Battery Spencer is an easy drive over the Golden Gate from San Francisco with plenty of parking either in small lots or on the side of the road.

Easiest:

Use Google Maps to navigate your way there.

Otherwise by car:

If you’re coming from San Francisco, drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and take the second exit (Alexander Ave).

In the past, you’d take a left at the stop sign to go up the hill leading to Battery Spencer, but most recently (January 2020) they had turned the road up the hill into a one way street. So the way to get there involved taking a right on Alexander and then going in a wide circle to get to Battery Spencer.

The bonus about this wide circle route is that you end up seeing some great vantage points along the way.

There used to be quite limited parking, but the last time I visited in January 2020, they had turned all of Conzelman Road into a one way situation with lots of street parking available. I’m not sure if that was a temporary situation, but if you can’t find parking along Conzelman, you can always park at North Tower Golden Gate Parking lot and do the hike up.

Also, if you’re visiting from out of town, please don’t leave anything valuable in your car. Window smash n grab thievery is quite common in highly touristed spots like this throughout San Francisco.

Just a short walk from the parking lot or street parking on Conzelman, just follow the trail in and you'll be greeted by the magnificent view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Included with the view is the historic Battery Spencer, which was built in the early 1900's as a defensive standpoint for enemy ships entering into the harbour.

Make sure to bring layers as Battery Spencer is famous for its chilly wind and unpredictable fog.

Sunset yields the best lighting since the sun will be setting behind you, casting a warm glow over everything and making perfect photography conditions.

If you want less crowds, mornings and weekdays are best.

For a real treat, come on a clear night and you’ll see the Golden Gate lit up and reflecting off the water. Bring a tripod if you plan to take a photo at night.