- Visit San Francisco by Drone. See popular tourist destinations like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Lombard Street all from the comfort of your couch
- View the city in its entirety with a birds-eye-view
- Drone Enthusiasts- Learn about the best places in the Golden City for flying
With everything going on in the world right now, the future is anything but certain. How we navigate daily life, make big decisions, and spend leisure time may soon begin to take on a ‘new normal’. To all of us travel junkies, this unfortunately may include limited access to some of the world’s top destinations. Getting to these destinations will be met with restrictions, and finding the funds to participate in activities maybe even more difficult. However, thanks to the recent developments in camera technology and regulations, you may be able to continue your journeys from the comfort of your own home.
Today, we’ll get to explore San Francisco by Drone. Travel over the Golden Gate Bridge, to Lombard Street, and over to Alcatraz as if you’re in the Golden City yourself.
Golden Gate Bridge
Spanning a length of 2 miles, the Golden Gate Bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County, California. Looking for ways to boost the economy and connect growing metropolis to cities across the mile-wide Golden Gate, the citizens of surrounding communities finally agreed to the idea of the landmark in 1925. Since the commencement of its construction in 1933, this engineering marvel has proved to be legendary in more ways then one.
Being the most photographed bridge in the world, the Golden Gate has certainly withstood mother nature’s tests. It has survived two earthquakes, one during construction in 1933, and another in 1989. It has only been closed to traffic three times in its history due to weather. The suspension cable construction allows for the bridge to move more than 2 feet in response to strong winds.
Its’ fame and construction marvels continue to attract visitors from around the world. According to the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, around 40,000 people cross the bridge each fiscal year. Whether by bike, foot, or car, the views and nostalgia that hit when experiencing the sheer presence of this marvel are not to be missed.
While most see the bridge only by crossing it, there is more that this spectacle has to offer. With the right permissions, you’re able to travel under by water, or over for a birds eye view. Check out the video above for some dynamic views of the bridge and surrounding areas at sunset.
Lombard Street
Ever play the game First Word? You’re given a word and reply with the first word that comes to your mind. Ready? Go! Word: San Francisco. Your reply: Hills. If you replied with something other than hills, you’ve probably never had to walk the streets with your tour guide and a bag strapped to your back. Though they can be tough if you’re not used to them, the hills of San Francisco lend a certain atmosphere and whimsy to the city. You’ll see people enjoying them on cable cars, racing down on bikes or skateboards, and if you’re brave, navigate the winding streets by car.
Probably one of the most famous, dubbed by some as ‘the crookedest street in the world’, is Lombard Street. Close to other attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf and China town, the curves of Lombard Street were built so intensely in order to increase the safety of the area. Due to the steepness of the hills, injecting these curves insists drivers slow down and take caution. Though it doesn’t take much time to walk the length of the street, seeing it is worth your time. To get the full essence of Lombard Street, it must be seen from above. Check out the videos below to experience a bird’s eye view of this iconic street.
Muir Woods
When looking for an escape from the crowded metropolis, the temperate climate of Muir Woods is your place. Located about 16 miles (26 km) outside of the center of San Francisco, this thick forest of redwoods is a protected natural monument. Named after John Muir, this conserved areas offers the beauty and connection to nature that we all thrive on. Within the Woods, Cathedral Grove and Fairy Tree rings are seen, which elicit an awe that only nature can provide.
Though its massive beauty is best seen from above, there are strict restrictions for drone flying in Muir Woods. Special permission is required, and you must respect the surrounding environments. When visiting Muir Woods in person, make sure to check out the park’s website for more information. If you’re like us and want to view the beauty from a different perspective, look no further than the video below of the Muir Woods Overlook.
Explore San Francisco by Drone – Rules and Regulations
Whether you’re a recreational or commercial drone pilot, the Golden City gives plenty of beautiful landscapes to capture by air. However, before taking flight make sure to check out the California Drone laws to ensure a safe and legal flight. Due to the dense population of the city, vast public space, and proximity to airports, restrictions on flying can be tight Hefty fines and penalties are often handed out to enforce these restrictions. Here at The Drones World, safe flying is always our recommendation. Before sending your craft into the air, confirm that your takeoff and landing sites are legal and well out of restricted airspace.