Privacy Policy | Use Policy | Affiliate Disclosure. Subscribe to the Parks Conservancy's monthly e-newsletter, Park E-ventures, for the latest updates from your favorite national park. Sausalito is included on the 2-day and premium 1-day City Sightseeing bus passes. Made in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and shipped through the Panama Canal, Total weight of steel: 83,000 tons (75,293,000 kilograms), Two main cables pass over the tops of the main towers and are secured in concrete anchorages at each end. Its the best way to appreciate the scale of the bridge towering above you. Great photos of you guys The Golden Gate Bridge project was completed in 1937, a prominent date in San Francisco history. This guide for how to visit the Golden Gate Bridge will help you get to the bridge and see for yourself why it's SF's most famous icon. Strauss was a pioneer in building safety, making history with innovations including hard hats and daily sobriety tests. Golden Gate Bridge: Vista Points and What to Expect - TripSavvy This article starts by answering some commonly asked questions about how to walk the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer in San Francisco: My Favorite Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoint You can catch it at several places in downtown SF and on Union Square (Post and Powell), as well as the toll plaza near the southern end of the bridge, near the Roundhouse Cafe. Fees are charged between 10 am and 5 pm daily: $1.20 per hour, $7 per day. If I were you, make this your last stop before you leave our majestic city, make this the last memory of beautiful San Francisco. This lot tends to fill up. The Golden Gate Bridge, symbol of San Francisco, engineering marvel, subject of many photographs, the result of one man's vision and persistence, spans the entrance to the San Francisco Bay. Recommended option Line 8 bus, ferry 1h 43m To drive there, pass by the Vista Point exit and take the next one, the Alexander Avenue exit. >> Got a question about San Francisco or the bridge that you need answered quickly? How to Visit the Golden Gate Bridge: Everything You Need to Know Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Your gift helps preserve over 80,000 acres of parkland. Kirby Cove is a small beach west of Battery Spencer, just outside the Golden Gate Bridge with a super view. There are two parking lots for Point Bonita, and the SF Muni Bus 76X goes out there on weekends. However, there are a few specific places that allow you to capture it at its best angle. Proceed through the far right toll lane #1, and make an immediate right exiting U.S. Highway 101 just past the Toll Plaza onto Merchant Road. Its 4,200-foot main span between the two towers was the longest for a suspension bridge until 1964, while . See Hop On Hop Off bus tours for more info and booking. If you are approaching from the Presidio on Lincoln, the lot is just across from the two-story houses that were once the Presidio officer's quarters. There's a walkway that connects the two lots that goes under the bridge. Even if you don't take that guided tour, you may want to learn more about the Golden Gate Bridge's history and find out some of the most fascinating facts about it. You can either bike back and forth across the bridge or make it a one-way journey out to Sausalito, returning by ferry. The little yellow GPS Go Cars have a Fort Point loop option. I love how giddy driving under it still makes me even though we moved to San Francisco over 6 years ago. You can get to them from theWelcome Centernear the bridge (walk down, towards the bay). The toll booths are all-electronic, so it isn't quite so easy as pulling out some cash. I scouted around for the best places to take photos of the bridge (and where to park). You might get a spot in the Vista Point lot, but if not, there's a possibility that you can get a place in the lot right by the bridge, on the west side. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Note: the end of Baker Beach closest to the bridge is also the unofficial nude area, but most of the time you won't see any nudes there;-) Marshall's Beach is where most of the nudes are; that beach is even closer to the bridge, with great views, but it's quite a climb to get down there. Ill definitely be walking over it next time . Golden Gate Bridge by Automobile: Follow the signs from anywhere in the city, taking Lombard Street (US Hwy 101) west. Closes for some holidays, like the two weeks around Christmas and New Year's. The pop of red and graceful Art Deco design are in striking contrast to the national park lands located on either side of it. Im constantly taking Golden Gate Bridge photos. You can't really appreciate the size and height unless you've walked on it, at least a little way. Then take East Road around the peninsula before you connect with Alexander for a short stint before heading into Sausalito proper. Distance to the south end Welcome Center: 1.8 milesDistance to the north end VIsta Point: 3.5 miles. Surprisingly, it's easy to park near the bridge, especially on the San Francisco side. If Goldstar doesn't have tickets for the date you want, you can book bay cruises at the wharf, at Piers 39 and 41. Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. Hawk Hill is a bit farther along Conzelman Road, but it's worth a visit. P.S. There are also nice views of the bridge from Pier 39,Alcatrazand Angel Island. I want to do it now too! This is the most popular walk in SF, especially for out of town visitors. Thats our Indian Summer and when we have the most clear days! There is a fairly large pay lot at Crissy field. It stops near the path to Battery Spencer (Kirby Cove Rd stop). Stroll with them and learn who named the bridge, how the structure cheated the law of concrete and steel, and what members of the Halfway to Hell Club did to join their organization. The path down to the cove begins a short distance west of the parking lot for Battery Spencer, on Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a8e7ef6528a0cca3dc15ec14c77fde0d" );document.getElementById("bdd8f95227").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are a participant in the various affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you get lost, just ask a staff member and theyll point you in the right direction! You can also explore more of the bridge by taking a tour. From there, walk toward the bridge and through the underpass to get to the vista point. Can you do it on Christmas Day and what is the weather like? This walk assumes that you start at the south end Welcome Center. And all the other fun gems in the park totally make up for the smaller bridge view. The inside is kind of like a castle stairs are to the right up about 4 floors. Good news is, theres a Golden Gate Bridge cam that you can use to see what it looks like in real-time! On Foot or Bike. You can reach the Golden Gate Bridge from downtown and Union Square on Muni. See map above. 1. And also home to my super-secret (but I guess not secret because Im telling you right now) spot to see the bridge. Yes- you can walk the bridge everyday. Thank you for your support! On a Sightseeing Bus: You can combine a trip to the bridge with other sightseeing using a hop on hop off pass. I love how at the top of almost any hill in San Francisco, you can see the towers peeking out between the fog. Enjoy varied attractions from top museums to exquisite gardens and extraordinary events. As you can imagine, this makes it super difficult to view the Golden Gate Bridge sometimes. But I got to see a coyote trotting along the road that crosses the trail. This kind of pass is only worth it if you also want to have an action packed day visiting further flung spots like Golden Gate Park and Haight Ashbury. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter. While youre over in Kirby, you can swing by Fort Baker on your way home! Such a great opportunity to get your exercise, have incredible views, and take awesome photos. Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 4.1 miles. I have a whole post on exactly what to wear in San Francisco based on the season, so check that out for packing tips! There are nine parking lots at the southern end of the bridge, and some of them are free. Hike to a hidden beach by way of the 1.7-mile Tennessee Valley Trail, see ruins of the Sutro Baths at Lands End, or get your heart rate up with a . When the sun is shining and the fog is lifted, hiking along this trail will make memories that will last a lifetime. I always loved walking (or running haha) across the bridge. From Crissy Field, you get a nice view of the bridge and the Marin Headlands on the northern side. Heres some cool San Francisco and California blog posts you should check out next! The bus stops at both the Welcome Center and the Vista Point so you can walk the bridge as a one-way. Hike up to the bridge. What are your favorites? However, some of the most famous photos of the Golden Gate Bridge are taken from this ridge. San Francisco Fog: Where, When, and How to View It Lands End is farther away, but the wild landscape is gorgeous, with a spectacular view of the whole entrance to San Francisco Bay. Restored in 2001, Crissy Field wasted no time in becoming a San Francisco icon and a gem of the Parks Conservancy. On the western side of the bridge there are some great views along the paths that run along the cliffs. How to Experience the Timeless Beauty of Qubec by the Sea, Enjoy the Best of Qubec Culture and Outdoor Adventure Within Easy Reach, Hike, Bike, and Raft through the Great Outdoors in Western Qubec, Explore the Great Outdoors Along the St. Lawrence River for an Invigorating Adventure, Buon Appetito in the Umbrian and Tuscan Countryside, Explore the Wonders and Heritage of the United Arab Emirates, Enjoy a Feast of Architecture and Art in Abu Dhabi, Experience Traditional Arabia on this Epic Family Adventure, Marvel at the Dazzling Grandeur of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A hike along the SCA Trail will provide a breathless vista of the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding Bay. But fair warning: its always chaos. A very detailed post! There are so many pretty views in the city, it's hard to choose just a few. One of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge is from a boat on one of the bay cruises, especially the ones that take you right under the bridge. Or rent a bike in SF and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito; Fort Baker is on the bike route to Sausalito. The Golden Gate Bridge is open to auto and bicycle traffic 24 hours a day and to pedestrians during daylight hours. On weekdays after 3:30pm and on the weekends, the bikes use the west side sidewalk. There's a small bike rack and some permanentbathrooms near the Battery Spencer lot. How the outdoors improve your physical and mental wellness. Want to see the sights from on high? 4 Great Photo Spots HOW TO GET TO THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE The Golden Gate Bridge is located over its namesake, the Golden Gate Strait, and stretches from San Francisco on the southern side to Marin County on the north. Located at 530 Parnassus Avenue in the Inner Sunset, the library at the University of California, San Francisco, offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge from its main reading room. On the map, it looks like you can continue onto Marine Blvd (that goes out to Fort Point), but you'll have to back-track along Mason to hook up with Crissy Field Ave to get there. About The Golden Gate Bridge . This is one of those moments where Ill be surrounded by friends and good food and pets and kids and kites in the sky and thinkingdo I really live here? From the first parking lot, there's a short, mostly level walk (0.14 miles, 0.23 km) to the ruins of the battery. Getting to the Golden Gate Bridge by car Also, at most of the good Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints, its really chilly and windy. Yes, theres a whole labyrinth hiding on the edge of the city! DM me on Instagram. The trial down is usually full of California wildflowers. San Francisco is suffering from an epidemic of car break-ins: over 23,000 in 2019 alone. Marshall's Beach is just north of Baker Beach; it's smaller and more secluded (and also clothing-optional). After all, its important to realize that the Golden Gate Bridge is just one of the many features that make San Francisco such a beautiful city. Check out our guide to hiking in the Presidio, which (in addition to Crissy Field and Batteries to Bluffs), features three more hikes. They offer some great views and make for a pleasant stroll or ride. For many years before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, the only way to get across San Francisco Bay was by ferry, and by the early twentieth century, the Bay was clogged with them. Its best to go here if you have a car as it can be hard to get back with an Uber/Lyft sometimes. After reading your article now I want to walk the bridge. Distance across the Golden Gate Bridge: 1.7 miles (one way) Ghirardelli Square to Sausalito: 8.5 miles (one way) Ghirardelli Square to the Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoint: 6 miles one way, 12 miles round trip One of the more popular routes is to cycle from . It's similar to the Vista Point view, just a little farther away and at a different angle. Near the beach there's a picnic area with picnic tables, BBQ grills and fire pits, plus toilets. Check the Golden Gate Bridge transportation district or the Blue & Gold fleet for ferry schedules. The walk down to Point Bonita Lighthouse is a hallmark Bay Area experience that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge . 12 Ways to Experience the Golden Gate Bridge - AFAR Not too far from the bridge is the Lucas Arts office building and they have a statue of Yoda and if their lobby is open you can see some of the original costumes from Star Wars- super fun for the kids (and nerds like me). Start in Crissy Field, detour down to to the fort and then backtrack up the Battery East Trail. Fortunately, they have a big, electric sign at the intersection, telling you there's a detour and to turn right to get to the Marin Headlands. Golden Gate Bridge Guide: How To Reach & Best Time To Visit You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It will takes you on the tourist trail throughout the city. The real "Golden Gate" is the strait that the bridge spans. You can, however, take the 76X bus which runs along Conzelman Road from San Francisco on the weekends. Lot for Battery Spencer; first Conzelman Road turnout. Tip: there's another lot, the North Tower lot,just on the other side of the bridge on Conzelman Road. Although the idea of traversing the Golden Gate by way of a bridge had been discussed for decades, the fear that fog and wind would make the project nearly impossible discouraged planners. Whether you hike, walk, bike, shop, take a guided tour, or just sit back and take it all in, there is something for everyone. Save time planning your trip to SF with these insanely useful links: Share this guide to walking the Golden Gate Bridge with your friends on Pinterest: This is great! Marin Headlands - Hawk Hill The Marin Headlands, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a vast expanse of rolling hills directly north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Twin Peaks to the east, the Financial District to the northeast, the vast Golden Gate Park and the speck of Golden Gate Bridge to the north, and then to the west, the vast Pacific Ocean. Hyde Street Pier, located at the Northern end of Hyde Street, is a great spot for seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from within the city. A marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles long and 90 feet wide. I-YEL: Inspiring Young Environmental Leaders. This option is nice if you are interested in creeping around some of SFs old military bunkers. West Side Batteries 5. Fort Point is the old Civil War fort sitting right under the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. On the bridge itself, pedestrians are confined to the east side walkway. The Marin Headlands, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a vast expanse of rolling hills directly north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Read our Go Car saga, or to book it, see Go Cars. Want to stay up-to-date on all things Golden Gate? Note: the 76X route is currently suspended, Bus stops and parking lots for Vista Point and Battery Spencer. See my tips on biking the bridge, exploring Sausalito, and taking the ferry back to SF. For a special treat, watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate on the Alcatraz night tour. For more info and photos of the Lands End trail, and how to get there, see Lands End. Together with a team of talented Whimsy Writers, we inspire our community to take the ordinary and make it extra. Leave a comment and let me know, and your place could be the next one for my photoshoot! Golden Gate Bridge 4.5 49,730 reviews #1 of 823 things to do in San Francisco Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks Bridges Visit website Call Email Write a review About Stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building, this well-known bridge is the gateway to San Francisco. In fact, its called the Golden Gate because of the golden hillsides that characterize the Marin Headlands to the north of the bridge. View from second turnout on Conzelman Road. Conzelman Road, the road that runs along the bluffs, becomes one-way, allowing traffic back towards the freeway only. We will be visiting with the kids in the summer and had plans on walking the Golden Gate Bridge thank you for sharing all the ways to walk it. Golden Gate Overlook and Visitors Center (added by Josh). HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. To get a good deal, usually half-price, on one of the ferry rides, check with Goldstar.com. It's one of the world's most beautiful spans. Best Places to View the Golden Gate Bridge - Gutsy Travelers The lighthouse and tunnel access to the point is only open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. How to Go Over, Under, and Above the Golden Gate Bridge Whenever we plan on shooting the bridge, we always check this cam first to see if the bridge is even visible. Bike the Golden Gate Bridge. Read my tips before you book the bikes! I'm the founder of Whimsy Soul (this blog you're reading!) Ahh, tis the struggle of living in the Bay Area. After you take the exit, turn left at the first intersection and go under the freeway. Visiting San Francisco and looking for the absolute BEST viewpoint of the Golden Gate Bridge? Traveling south from Marin County: Follow U.S. Highway 101 south across the Golden Gate Bridge. The Bridge's Welcome Center offers merchandise and historical information. It's open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m . I had never actually considered walking across the bridge but it seems like a good idea! Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Fog can make it nearly disappear. The remains of the old artillery batteries that used to protect the city are scattered along the trail that follows the edge. This pier, located close to Ghirardelli Square, is home to historic ships that you can tour while you're there. To get there by bus from downtown, take the PresidiGo shuttle to the Main Post. but low and behold, the first time I hiked here, we ran into a naked guy frolicking in the ocean and taking photos of himself with a tripod. You will find a gravel lot a short distance away on your left. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Hey the best way to see the Golden Gate Bridge is on it. Less crowded than Baker Beach, Marshall Beach offers a similar natural landscape that Baker Beach does. You can imagine it was quite difficult to distill this list to only five! The view is going to be amazing. This spot is super cool since most people dont know that you can actually climb to the top of Fort Point and stand on the roof. The distance from one vista point to another is 1.7 miles, a fun round trip if you're up to it, but even a short walk will be interesting. You can see his portfolio on his website here. There are literally thousands of angles from which you can see it. Golden Gate Bridge 4.5 49,729 reviews #1 of 823 things to do in San Francisco Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks Bridges Visit website Call Email Write a review About Stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building, this well-known bridge is the gateway to San Francisco. It takes 45-60 minutes to walk across the bridge, but you can take your time and stop at the various overlooks. Stretching from just south of the Golden Gate Bridge to Battery Crosby, the trail offers spectacular coastal panoramas, views of the Golden Gate, and a safe descent to Marshalls Beach. But its worth the trek! Hawk Hill!! This is the beach closest to the Golden Gate Bridge on the San Francisco side, hence the great view. Bicycle Route 95 When it was built it was the longest and the tallest suspension bridge in the world. Best Spots to Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge - Gennifer Rose You can also get to Vista Point by riding a bike across the bridge. And while thats a good view, sure, I hate how overcrowded that parking lot is.