Battery Spencer
Mill Valley, California
| Address: | Conzelman Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA |
| GPS: |
37°49'46.6"N 122°29'0.2"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
Restrooms Trails
Hike
This is easily one of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge. For over half a century, this was one of the most strategically important sites guarding the Golden Gate. Completed in 1897, the battery was named for Joseph Spencer, who had been a Major General in the army during the American Revolution. It was armed with 3 rifled guns having 12" diameter barrels. The fortification saw continuous service until 1943, when it was declared obsolete and its guns scrapped.
Distance: 0.2mi each way
More Information
Battery Spencer - FortWiki Historic U.S. and Canadian Forts
Battery Spencer (1897-1942) - Battery Spencer was a reinforced concrete Endicott Period 12″ gun battery located on Fort Baker (1), Lime Point, Marin County, California. Named in G.O. 16, 14 Feb 1902, after Maj. Gen. Joseph Spencer, a Revolutionary War hero who died 13 jan 1789. Battery construction was begun in 1893, completed in 1897 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 24 Sep 1897 at a total cost of $110,352.70. Deactivated in 1942 during World War II.
https://fortwiki.com/Battery_SpencerBattery Spencer above the Golden Gate Bridge - OurSausalito.com
Guide and directions to the Battery Spencer view area for the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, located in the GGNRA in Sausalito CA
https://www.oursausalito.com/marin-headlands-and-ggnra/battery-spencer-golden-gate-bridge.htmlBattery Spencer: The Best Viewpoint for the Golden Gate Bridge - California Through My Lens
If you are looking for the traditional photo you have seen hundreds of times, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the foreground and San Francisco in the background, then look no further than the Battery Spencer overlook on the northside of the bridge. This viewpoint provides a jaw-dropping vista of the famous bridge, as well…
https://californiathroughmylens.com/battery-spencer-golden-gate-bridge/Client Challenge
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https://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/article/Golden-Gate-view-of-the-city-and-the-sea-from-6325704.phpBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read MoreDirections
From Mill Valley, California
- Head east on Sunnyside Ave toward Hill St (256 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Hill St (285 ft)
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto E Blithedale Ave (1.6 mi)
- Merge onto US-101 S via the ramp to San Francisco (5.5 mi)
- Take exit 442 toward Sausalito (128 ft)
- Merge onto Alexander Ave (390 ft)
- Turn right onto Conzelman RdDestination will be on the left(0.3 mi)
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