Looking for the best views of Golden Gate Bridge? Slacker Hill in the Marin Headlands has stunning aerial views of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline!
It’s hard to plan a trip to San Francisco without a visit to admire the Golden Gate Bridge. I live here, and the bridge still takes my breath away when we drive over it. Some of the best views of the bridge are from the opposite side of bridge in the Marin Headlands. You get not only the view of the bridge, but also of the San Francisco skyline. Most of the stops along the coast are packed with tourists. The road often gets backed up with people looking for parking spots.
Did you know if you drive just a bit further up there’s a secret spot that boasts the best views of the bridge? You can stare down at all the cars crammed along the viewpoints dotting Conzelman Road and feel smug about this secret spot that is off the beaten path. High up on Slacker Hill, you’ll get the best aerial views of the Golden Gate Bridge aside from renting a helicopter. You’ll also be spared sharing the view with a dozen selfie sticks and the noise of the road and all the other tourists.
You’ll be rewarded with these views:
and this….
…and this too:
If you want to visit Slacker Hill to check out the views for yourself, read on for everything you need to know! If you’re visiting the Bay Area and need some restaurant recommendations, check out my handy San Francisco restaurant guide! I also have dozens of articles in my San Francisco travel section.
Guide to Visiting Slacker Hill
Pack a Snack
My motto – no adventure is complete without snacks. We packed new N.B.T.F. Nothing But The Fruit fruit bites for fuel. These bite-sized snacks have an ingredient label I can get behind – 100% real fruit that’s picked, pureed, and pressed. No added anything – no sweeteners, no sugars, no preservatives, no artificial flavors, no fillers. It’s literally nothing. but. fruit. They’re also vegan and gluten-free.
The brand is owned by the National Grape Cooperative – a group of family farmers who grow sustainably farmed Concord and Niagara grapes. There are grapes in each version of NBTF fruit bites, giving them the added benefit of polyphenols – which are powerful antioxidants.
Want to try them for yourself? You can find NBTF fruit bites at Starbucks, Target and online on Amazon. You can also follow them on Facebook & Instagram.
Slacker Hill Location & Logistics
There is a parking lot right at the trailhead for Slacker Hill. There is a round about near the top of Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands. The lot is right there and you’ll see a little sign pointing you to Slacker Hill.
The trail crosses a road and you’ll see the trail continue:
It’s about a half mile to hike to the top. It’s pretty steep, but doable even if you’re not wearing athletic shoes.
The trail opens up on to a flat space at the top of the hill and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with 360 degree views of San Francisco, the East Bay and the Marin Headlands, as well as an aerial view of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Best Times to Visit
Slacker Hill is great at Golden Hour, which happens one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. Sunrise is a great time to avoid the gnarly traffic that winds up Conzelman Road, especially on weekends. The sun is rising over the city and things are so peaceful. At sunset, you get the lights of San Francisco starting to turn on and the sun setting over the ocean. It’s all pretty magical. 
You Should Know
There is poison oak everywhere here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Slacker Hill is no exception! Stick to the path as you go up the hill. Once you reach the summit you should be all clear.
Dress in layers! As you can see from these pictures it was super windy at the top. It’s also about 10 degrees colder at the top than it is at the trailhead. You’re definitely going to want a warm jacket, no matter what time of year you go. Summer in San Francisco is often colder than winter!
Don’t leave anything visible in your car. No matter where you are in San Francisco, don’t leave anything in your car. It’s really, really common that windows get broken. Put everything safely away in the trunk or carry it with you – even something simple as a charging cord or a sweater.
Go there:
Slacker Hill Trailhead
Conzelman Road & Mccullough Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
All photos by Daniel Fabia for A Side of Sweet
Thanks so much for reading! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and musings from me.
P.S. – Looking for more spectacular views of San Francisco? Check out Bernal Heights & my Bernal Heights Neighborhood Guide!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Nothing But The Fruit. The opinions and text are all mine.
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