Scenic Drive Across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands

Short, iconic, and almost absurdly scenic: over the Golden Gate Bridge, then up the winding road into the Marin Headlands for the view everyone comes for.

San Francisco Bay Area · Drive · about 25 min · 6 miles · Pleasantness: Very High

Why this route is pleasant

  • Crosses the Golden Gate Bridge itself
  • Climbs Conzelman Road along the headland cliffs
  • The single best view back at the bridge and the city
  • Open coastal grassland and old military batteries, no development
  • Ocean on one side, bay on the other

What you'll see

  • The Golden Gate Bridge towers up close
  • Hawk Hill and the Conzelman Road overlooks
  • Point Bonita Lighthouse out on the point
  • The SF skyline framed across the bay

Best time to go

Early morning before the fog rolls back in, or just before sunset for the warm light on the bridge.

Open this route in Pleasant Routes · More San Francisco Bay Area routes · All cities