Golden Gate Bridge

The basics

There are plenty of ways to experience the Golden Gate Bridge: Walk, bike, or bus across the bridge; sail or cruise the waters below it; or fly high above the attraction aboard a seaplane. Alternatively, combine your visit with sightseeing in the city, admission to Alcatraz, a half-day tour in Sonoma and Napa Valley, or hikes in Marin or on Angel Island.

You can also learn about the bridge’s history at the San Francisco terminus Welcome Center and explore other Marin County highlights such as seaside Sausalito, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Muir Woods National Monument, home to Northern California redwood trees.

Things to know before you go

• The bridge is free to walk and bike across, with a protected, shared walkway for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Golden Gate Bridge tours typically run from San Francisco and Sausalito and range from leisurely outings to athletic excursions.

• Choose a bike tour or a hop-on hop-off bus around the city for a scenic ride to the bridge and enjoy other stops such as Union Square, North Beach, and more.

• The Golden Gate Bridge is wheelchair accessible, as are the exhibits, trails, and historic sites along the coastline.

How to get there

The San Francisco end of the bridge is located in the Presidio and can be reached from all parts of the city by car or public transportation. The bridge forms part of US Route 101 and California State Route 1—take any bridge-bound Golden Gate Transit bus to the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza. By car, take the last San Francisco exit, right before the toll plaza, and park in the southeast parking lot.

When to get there

The Golden Gate Bridge is striking year-round, but the best time to visit is when there are clear skies and fewer people. Stop by midweek in the early morning or late-afternoon; alternatively, visit on weekend afternoons. Avoid June through August when the infamous San Francisco fog rolls in and blocks the best views both morning and evening.

Where to find the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge

Capture the bridge in its entirety on a coastal walking tour through San Francisco’s Presidio, where you’ll spot beautiful bridge views from vantage points at Crissy Field, Fort Point, and Baker Beach. To snap a photo from the north end of the bridge, choose a tour that crosses the bridge to the Marin Headlands. While Vista Point is the most popular bridge viewing spot in Marin, it can get crowded with cars, so take a short hike toward Battery Point and Slacker Hill for sweeping views of the city.

What's the best way to see the Golden Gate Bridge?

Walking or biking across the bridge is ideal. Vista points on either end offer panoramic views of the bridge, San Francisco, Marin County, and the bay. Alternatively, take a bay cruise underneath the bridge or see it from the Presidio, Crissy Field, and Fort Point. You can drive it, too.

What is the best time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge?

The Golden Gate Bridge is often shrouded in fog, especially in summer—to increase your chances of clear views, visit in the afternoon after the fog has likely burned off. Consider visiting on weekdays, late mornings, and early afternoons to avoid crowds. On clear days, sunrises and sunsets are unbeatable.

What are the different tours you can take to the Golden Gate Bridge?

Many types of tours visit the Golden Gate Bridge. Walking and bike tours cross the bridge. Segway tours approach but can't cross. Bay cruises travel underneath. Hop-on hop-off bus tours pick up walkers from Vista Point. While wine country tours cross the bridge on the way to Sonoma and Napa.

Is it worth walking across the Golden Gate Bridge?

Yes, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a highlight of visiting San Francisco and worth it. On the relatively short 1.7-mile (3-kilometer) walk each way, visitors can see the iconic bridge close up, catch unparalleled views of San Francisco Bay, and continue to Marin County by bike, bus, or car.

Do you have to pay to park at the Golden Gate Bridge?

Parking in the south side lot of the Golden Gate Bridge nearest the main visitor areas requires paying a parking fee via metered machines or a mobile phone app. In the north side lot, parking is free with a 4-hour limit. Parking anywhere near the bridge is extremely limited.

Are there bathrooms at the Golden Gate Bridge?

Yes, there are public restrooms at Golden Gate Bridge. On the San Francisco side, there are restrooms near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center on the southeast side of the bridge. On the Marin County side, the restrooms are near the Lone Sailor statue at Vista Point.

Ways to explore

Allocate 45–60 minutes to walk across the bridge from the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center on the San Francisco side to the H. Dana Bowers Vista Point at the opposite end. Alternatively, take a ferry to Sausalito and make the one-way journey from the Marin side.

The entrance to the bridge sidewalk lies within the Presidio, a national park site adjacent to the bridge, which offers great viewpoints across the water. Book a bike tour (or rental) to cover ground from North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf across the bridge and back. Alternatively, relax on a bus tour that stops at vista points at both ends.

Accessibility

The bridge sidewalk is wheelchair accessible, and accessible restrooms are located in the parking lot at the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, a Clipper public transit card for buses and ferries

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, brimmed hat, waterproof jacket or coat, layers for unpredictable weather

Not allowed

Walking or cycling outside daylight hours, rollerblades, skateboards, roller skates, electric scooters

Amenities

The Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center has restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.

Address

The Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate strait from Presidio in San Francisco to the Marin Headlands in Marin County. Walking and biking to the bridge make lovely outings, but the pedestrian and bike pathway closes outside daylight hours. Driving isn’t a total hassle thanks to designated parking lots.

Driving

From Union Square in Downtown San Francisco, head up Stockton Street and turn left on Pine Street. Drive through the Tenderloin and swing right on Franklin—follow Franklin, turn left on Lombard, and continue to US-101/Presidio Parkway. Take exit 439 and follow the signs.

Public transportation

Take the 38 MUNI bus westbound from Union Square to Park Presidio Boulevard, then transfer to the 28 northbound to reach the bridge. From downtown, Golden Gate Transit bus lines 10, 70, and 80 go to the bridge. Alternatively, the Presidio GO Shuttle runs free routes from Beale Street downtown to the Presidio Transit Center.

Best times to visit

Arrive after 12pm, so the fog has burned off. The west side of the bridge opens exclusively to cyclists after 3pm on Fridays (and all day on weekends).

Best days to visit

The bridge rarely has downtime, but weekdays are less busy than weekends and holidays. Clear days offer the best views, so check the weather before.

Best months to visit

There’s never a bad time to see the bridge, but clear days offer the best views. Visit during warmer months outside fog season: April, May, September, or October

Special events

The San Francisco Marathon is in July, during which runners cross the bridge.