Golden Gate Overlook In San Francisco

Golden Gate Overlook in San Francisco offers some amazing views that are too good to miss. So here’s all the info for visiting.

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How To Get To Golden Gate Overlook

The Golden Gate Overlook is located on the southwest side of the bridge, just off Lincoln Boulevard in the Presidio area of San Francisco.

There are plenty of options for getting around San Francisco:

By Bicycle:

Cycling is a great way to get around the city at your own pace.

The San Francisco Self-Guided Bike Tour is perfect, as it allows you to rent bikes for up to 24 hours at a time.

Plus, if you tell them how many miles you wish to ride, the staff will even plan you out a great route that includes all the best sightseeing and stops on offer.

The overlook is actually a popular destination for cyclists as well as hikers who traverse one of the three primary multi-use park trails that intersect here.

By Public Transport:

The city centre itself is linked by Muni.

Muni is San Francisco’s bus and metro system that runs throughout the city, operating buses, trains, cable cars and the F-line heritage streetcar.

For riding any forms of these transport, the best option is to purchase a San Francisco Visitor Passport, and hop on and off between tourist spots.

A Visitor Passport can be purchased at ticket kiosks, or via the MuniMobile App, and at certain sales locations.

By Hop On Hop Off Bus:

The San Francisco Sightseeing Hop-on-Hop-off Bus lets you explore all the legendary sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.

It’s possible to get off and visit the Golden Gate Overlook whilst the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus is in that area.

By Tour:

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Golden Gate Overlook Entrance Fee

Free to visit.

Golden Gate Overlook Opening Times

Open all day, every day.

Best Time To Visit Golden Gate Overlook + Tips

Spring and Autumn in San Francisco offer some of the warmest temperatures of the year, without the crowds that visit during the summer.

It goes without saying that a clear sunny day is going to give the best views. However, this area is well known for unpredictable fog, so don’t be surprised if it makes an appearance!

Also, it can get a little chilly with the wind blowing off the sea, so I would recommend layering up!

Sunset offers some beautiful warm lighting for photos and once it’s dark, the Golden Gate Bridge, lit up in all its glory, is definitely worth stopping for.

What To Pack

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Golden Gate Overlook History

The relatively new observation points of Golden Gate Overlook, as well as the nearby Pacific Overlook, were constructed in 2012 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge.

In fact, the Golden Gate Recreation Area, due to the popularity of Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints, has added and renovated various areas around the bay. Thus providing more and different views of California’s superstar structure for the ever-eager tourists.

Golden Gate Overlook features a beautifully curved, concrete plaza that sits on the edge of a coastal bluff. It was designed to be in keeping with the surrounding military fortifications, whilst also giving some stunning views of the famous bridge.

The Golden Gate Overlook was made possible by a lead challenge match grant from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund and matching funds from the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and the California State Coastal Conservancy.

What To Expect At Golden Gate Overlook

The Golden Gate Overlook in San Francisco is a great spot to view the bridge from. Furthermore, unlike some of the other view points it doesn’t seem to get overly crowded.

A gravel parking area and short path lead to the official viewing area, where you’ll find a curved concrete plaza.

Wooden benches placed around the semi-circular viewing point offer you the opportunity to stop and really take in the sights. On a clear day, the views of the coast and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge are breathtaking.

It’s possible to see the bridge straight-on, which offers up some great photo opportunities. As well as walk to the side to see a closer and more on-level view of the bridge.

There is one particular view of the Golden Gate Bridge, seen through the middle of two tall cypress trees, that has become very popular. Some couples even pose here for their wedding photos – it’s that good!

So make sure the Golden Gate Overlook is on your San Francisco bucket list – you won’t be disappointed!

If there’s a group of you, to keep the cost down, a great full-day tour that hits all the top spots, including the Golden Gate Overlook, is the San Francisco: Muir Woods Giant Redwoods & City Private Tour.