Battery Spencer, Former military fort in Marin County, United States
Battery Spencer is a former military fortification perched on a high cliff north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. The site contains remnants of old gun placements and observation areas spread across open ground overlooking the water below.
Construction of the fortification began after the Civil War, with modern artillery installations added from the 1890s onward to defend the bay. During World War II, portions of Battery Spencer were dismantled to provide materials needed for the war effort.
The site gained fame as the backdrop for the opening credits of the television series Full House. This cultural connection has made it a destination for visitors seeking to recreate the famous shot and connect with the show's legacy.
Access is via steep Conzelman Road with limited parking that fills quickly during busy times, so arriving early is advisable. The short walk from parking to the viewpoint is slightly uphill and takes about 10 to 15 minutes, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
The clifftop location at roughly 750 feet elevation provided perfect sight lines for coastal defense and remains why the views are so exceptional today. This geographic advantage allowed soldiers to spot approaching vessels from great distances and continues to offer one of the finest vantage points in the area.
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