Everyone walks on the golden gate bridge for photos but that's where the worst shots happen. Fog, brutal wind, crowds taking selfies directly in your frame. While the bridge crossing itself can be enjoyable for runners and cyclists, photography-wise you end up with the same mediocre shot as a million other tourists.

Battery spencer gives you the classic postcard angle everyone thinks they got on the bridge itself. Drive or rideshare to the marin side (conzelman road, free parking), then a 5-minute uphill walk from the lot. Best light is sunrise around 6:30am - though summer fog often persists until noon, especially june through august mornings.

Crissy field works for golden hour shots with the city backdrop, but honestly most bridge photos look identical at this point. Try the tide pools at land's end (geary boulevard to the ocean, sutro baths area) for something different. Fewer tourists, dramatic coastline, and you can catch the bridge from a totally unique angle.

Photography nerds: bring a heavy tripod for battery spencer - the wind up there destroys lightweight gear. For film shooters, the contrast between the orange bridge and blue bay water is perfect for velvia or ektar. Digital shooters should bracket exposures since the dynamic range can be brutal on bright days.