location-photo
camera
len
Sony Alpha 7R III
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Shutter Speed
1.3 sec
Aperture
f/2.8
Focal Length
29mm
ISO
125

Battery Spencer Military Bunker view of Golden Gate Bridge

avatar
@andrewwille1
The views at Battery Spencer Military Bunker are some of the best in the Bay. You're treated to an up-close-and-personal vantage point of the Golden Gate Bridge with the rest of San Francisco and the Presidio behind it. When there's fog, it creates a fiery look that's full of vibrancy and color.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

  • Wide-angle lens (29mm)
  • Model
  • Shoes you can hike in/don't mind getting dirty
  • Windbreaker

How to get there

N37° 49' 37.6367"W122° 28' 50.2903"
This photo was taken near the Battery Spencer Military Bunker, with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The best way to reach this location is by car. I recommend parking anywhere along Conzelman Road and then after you've parked, walk out to Battery Spencer. From there, you'll have to cross the fence furthest south and hike down to the bottom bunker. The hike from the top of Battery Spencer down is about 10 minutes, but it is steep so be careful and make sure you're wearing sturdy shoes.

Tips

When to go

Best season

All months

Best time

Night
As long as there's fog, you'll be able to visit Battery Spencer during any month of the year. In the summer and fall months, you'll have a better chance at capturing fog.
You'll be able to photograph the illuminated lights from the bridge once the sun dips behind the horizon.

Field tips

The weather is always hard to predict at this location, and often times it's very windy. I suggest layering and bringing a windbreaker so you're protected.
Make sure that the lens you're using isn't too narrow. If it is, you won't be able to feature the Golden Gate Bridge.
I like bringing along a model to work with in the bunkers. They add a sense of scale, as well as a focal point.
Try to find interesting ways to add depth to your photo. Get lower on the ground and incorporate some of the landscape in the foreground or get closer to the bunker so you can snap the textures of the structure.

Current weather

San Francisco, California
Partially cloudy
50o
F
Sat
58o
46o
Sun
58o
53o
Mon
54o
51o
Tue
52o
47o
Wed
52o
46o

Blue Hour

14:35
50o
Partially cloudy

Sunrise

15:02
50o
Partially cloudy

Golden Hour

01:12
50o
Partially cloudy

Sunset

01:48
50o
Partially cloudy

Do nearby

There are more hiking and biking trails here, like Slacker Hill.
You can also walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, which is something I highly recommend doing if you haven't.

Locations nearby

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