A Wren Says

As a visitor to San Francisco, I of course needed to see the Golden Gate Bridge. We drove to the observation deck. I was prepared for picturesque views. I was not prepared to have to fight to see them.

The first battle was parking. The lot was tight, with few spaces, but a long line of waiting cars. Luckily we got in the line up early were able to find a spot relatively quickly. The downside was that it was next to a truck that had double parked. Meaning our driver had to very carefully shimmy out the door.

The second battle was the crowds. I, perhaps naively, didn’t expect there to be so many people, even though this was a tourist spot. Instead, of being able to marvel at the structure, it was a rush. People everywhere were trying to get their perfect picture (including us). We didn’t even get the chance to stroll around to see what else there was to discover there between the crowds, the many vendors, and the need to just keep it moving.

In contrast, we took a stop at Baker Beach, because what is a trip to California without a beach stop. It was still chilly in the late march air. But strolling along the near empty beach, I could experience the tranquility of the ocean waves awhile marveling at human ingenuity. And then go meditate on a rock.

You can of course choose to go to the observation deck to get your pictures, but go with the knowledge there may be crowds. I went on a Sunday. If you can perhaps go during the week, that might help, but I can’t say for sure.  There are other ways to experience the bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is visible from multiple parts of the city, and you can of course choose to drive across it to experience it. And while you can of course enjoy your view from all those vantage points, I will be heading back to the beach.