Golden Gate Bridge view trail

Perched on a bluff west of the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll find the foundation of Battery Godfrey (1895-1943); fantastic views of the bridge, Marin Headlands and entrance to the bay; and a trailhead for the Coastal Trail. Set in the Presidio, Battery Godfrey was a turn-of-the-century military site armed with three 12-inch guns that could fire 1,000-pound shells 10 miles. What's left is the concrete structure that supported the cannons.

This one is a 10, worth the trip no matter where you live. It's often best when turbulent skies offer textures to the setting. To your right is a magazine-cover-quality view of the Golden Gate Bridge. From the Coastal Trail, the cliffs plunge to the water and extend to the entrance of the bay, where ships, fishing boats and sailboats pass. Directly across are the Marin Headlands, topped by Hawk Hill and tipped by Point Bonita and its lighthouse.

The payoff spot on the Coastal Trail is a spot called "Overlook," with a bench set perfectly for a view of the bridge. The trail extends north a short distance to the toll plaza, where you can walk under the road to the well known designated overlook near the southern foot of the bridge above Fort Point. If you instead venture south on the Coastal Trail, it is routed along Lincoln Boulevard to Battery Chamberlain and Baker Beach, and beyond to China Beach.