5 Great Places to Get a Terrific Bridge View

And let’s not forget about the San Mateo Bridge, which can be spotted on a clear day from a renowned university’s hilltop.  Here are five of our favorites.
 
East Bay
Grizzly Peak. On a clear day at this spot at the summit of the Berkeley hills, a viewer can glimpse both the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, along with a spectacular panorama of the neighboring cities. Drive, bike or hike to this location – which sits within the boundaries of Tilden Regional Park – for a birds-eye view of the Bay Area. Grizzly Peak Boulevard near Old Fish Ranch Road, Berkeley. 888-327-2757. ebparks.org/parks/tilden.htm.
 
Marin
The Golden Gate Sausalito Ferry.  Hop a ferry from Sausalito with commuters and tourists for a 30-minute cruise to the San Francisco Ferry Building. Bring your camera to shoot some stunning pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay. The boat features indoor and outdoor seating with snacks for the kids and a full bar for the adults. Children ages 5 and younger ride free. The one-way fare for adults is $10.25, but cut that in half when you use your Clipper Card. Catch the ferry at the Humboldt and Anchor streets landing in downtown Sausalito. 415-455-2000. goldengateferry.org.
 
San Francisco 
Treasure Island. Catch an excellent view of San Francisco’s skyline and the new Bay Bridge from one of the world’s largest artificial islands. Treasure Island is a former naval station turned into a developing San Francisco neighborhood that now houses hundreds of residents and offers space for recreation and special events. From San Francisco, drive toward Oakland on the Bay Bridge and take the Treasure Island exit. Head to the east side of the island to check out the new span of the bridge. 415-274-0660. sftreasureisland.org.
 
Crissy Field. Some of the best sightings of the Golden Gate Bridge can be found in San Francisco without ever crossing the water. One particularly lovely spot is Crissy Field, a former military airfield that was restored for public enjoyment. Gaze at the iconic bridge from the beach or while strolling the promenade. Pack a lunch and take in the sights from a picnic table or grab a bite at the popular Beach Hut Cafe. The kids will love frolicking in the grass and sand at this scenic hangout. 1199 East Beach. 415-561-4323. parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/crissy-field.html.
 
Silicon Valley
The Stanford Dish. Hike to the peak of this landmark in the Stanford foothills on a pleasant day to catch sight of the San Mateo Bridge, Stanford University, Palo Alto and, if you’re lucky, San Francisco and the bay. The Dish is a radio telescope on the Stanford University campus, but the surrounding four-mile paved path is also a popular recreation area open to the public from sunrise to sundown. Only hikers and joggers are welcome – leave the bicycles and dogs at home. Stanford Avenue and Junipero Serra Boulevard, Palo Alto. dish.stanford.edu.
 
 Dhyana Levey is a freelance writer living in the Bay Area.