Battery Spencer
Battery Spencer
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksLookoutsMilitary Bases & Facilities
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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4.5
217 reviews
Excellent
175
Very good
35
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Pranav Balachandar
Tampa, FL156 contributions
Apr 2022
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.
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.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN5,971 contributions
Oct 2022
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.
Written 22 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel548
Farmington Hills, MI744 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
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.
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alec D
Seattle, WA2,603 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
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!
Written 18 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jayyen93
Dublin, Ireland595 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
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
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.
---
tl;dr version:
1) Abandoned defensive battery with the best view of GGB
2) Free to view though the facilities are not maintained
Written 14 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark H
Sonoma, CA2,524 contributions
Oct 2019
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.
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.
Written 10 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kristensonsma
Denver, CO45 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
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.
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.
Written 6 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lianna @thisworldmyview
Philadelphia, PA55 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
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
Written 9 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ladyomaha
Omaha, NE324 contributions
Jun 2018
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.
Written 5 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate W
Grand Rapids, MI42 contributions
Jun 2016
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!
Written 29 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I read from Google map that Conzelman Road is closed until May 2020. Does it mean Battery Spencer is closed as well?
Written 23 December 2019
You need to come around the back side as the other person said. If coming from SF, This means you need to exit Alexander Rd - stay right - turn left on Bunker-go through tunnel. Turn left on McColough and then left again at turn about onto conzelman. Google the route - it’s a nice drive and beautiful view.
Written 24 December 2019
My wife and I are visiting San Francisco in a couple of weeks, and on one of our days we are going to Muir Woods, but instead of heading right back to the city, we wanted to make a stop and see the views of the bridge from Battery Spencer/Marin Headlands side. Does anyone have any advice? Is there a lot of walking from different view points, how much time would be good to stay there? We’re having difficulty with this, so any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Written 14 May 2018
Hi Jeff,
There is limited parking around each of the view points, and you will need to drive between them as they are quite a walk between each other and you'll have to walk on the road itself (dangerous in my opinion).
There is a short walk from the car to the vista point of about 5 minutes up the hill.
It is worth the stop if there is a clear day with no fog, where you can see the city line in its glory. The time that you chose to spend there is really up to you: from few minutes just to snap a photo to a relaxed sandwich stop.
Written 14 May 2018
My wife and I are visiting San Francisco in a couple of weeks, and on one of our days we are going to Muir Woods, but instead of heading right back to the city, we wanted to make a stop and see the views of the bridge from Battery Spencer/Marin Headlands side. Does anyone have any advice? Is there a lot of walking from different view points, how much time would be good to stay there? We’re having difficulty with this, so any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Written 14 May 2018
Parking is limited, but people usually spend 15-20 minuets around that point, be patient.
Written 10 June 2018
What is the best way to get here if I don’t have a car in San Fran?
Written 26 October 2017
Go by bus - the #76X bus travels from Sutter & Sanson Streets over the Golden Gate Bridge to Battery Spencer, Point Benita Lighthouse and on to Fort Cronkhite car park. Costs $2.75 each way.
Only problem is it only runs on Sat & Sun, departing Sutter St at 9.30 AM, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30 PM, 2.00, 3.30 & 5.00PM. Return bus departs from Fort Cronkhite at 10.30am, 11.30, 12.30pm, 2.00,3.30 5.00 & 6.30pm.
Written 27 October 2017
How early would you suggest going to battery spencer. I keep reading get there early, what would be a good time?
Written 19 June 2017
Because the parking lot is small, I would suggest that you go on a weekday and that you get there by 10am, just to easily get a space.
Written 26 October 2017
Where is a good place to park here? We would like to see the view of the bridge from this side. Also, I see lots of reviews saying people walked across the bridge. Is this recommended? A little afraid of heights.
Written 31 March 2017
We took and uber and there are places that you will see where to park. We walked up the path to watch the sunset. The bridge is protected to walk over. We saw tons of people walking and biking. It is incredibly beautiful
Written 5 April 2017
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