Tips for Visiting Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
May 18, 2025
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Golden Gate Bridge
In California you will find an iconic landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, which offers postcard-perfect views of the surrounding area. Here you can walk across the 1.7-mile span while soaking in the panoramic views of San Francisco Bay or learn about the rich history at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. This iconic structure is an architectural and engineering marvel. It was completed in 1937 and is the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world stretching 4,200 feet across the San Francisco Bay. The striking orange color was chosen to enhance visibility in the city’s frequent fog and complementing the natural surroundings.
Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is the perfect starting point once you arrive at the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot. You can park in the Golden Gate Bridge Plaza east side parking lot next to the Welcome Center. The Welcome Center is located on the San Francisco side of the bridge and provides an introduction to the bridge’s history, engineering, and cultural impact.
Inside the Welcome Center you will find interactive exhibits and historical photographs that will show the incredible strength behind the bridge’s design. You can also find a gift shop where you can purchase items such as books, souvenirs, apparel, and locally made items.
Parking at the visitor center is $5 an hour and maximum time allowed for parking is 3 hours. Parking lot hours is 7am to 9pm daily. Machines are in the parking lot to pay for parking. They accept credit cards, $1 bills and coins, no change given. They also accept the ParkMobile app payments.
Restrooms are available in the smaller building in the parking lot.
Welcome Center hours: 9am to 6pm daily
There are multiple other parking options if this lot is full. Read this blog post here from Inside Guide to San Francisco Tourism for details.
View of bridge from the Welcome Center
Outside the Welcome Center you can view parts of the bridge that were used in the construction of the bridge over time. Then step over to the overlook for breathtaking views of the bridge, bay, and city skyline making the perfect photo opportunities before you walk across the bridge. Look at these gorgeous flowers making the perfect accessory to my photos.
Golden Gate Bridge Structural View
Taking the path toward the bridge shows the marvelous structure that spans across the bay. You can walk or bike across the bridge. No bike, no problem, you can rent bikes nearby or take a guided bike tour. Bike rentals are not available at the Welcome Center but below are two bike rental options nearby.
Equator Coffees – Round House Cafe
Located next to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center you will find the perfect place to grab a coffee before walking across the bridge. You can also grab a bite to eat from sandwiches, soups, pastries, signature coffee and specialty drinks, or bagels.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm
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Walking on the Golden Gate Bridge
Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a must do experience. The pedestrian walkway stretches along the eastern side of the bridge where you will find views of the city skyline and Alcatraz Island. The 1.7-mile span one-way takes about 30-45 minutes with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and smell the ocean breeze. You can feel a slight sway of the bridge as you watch the traffic drive by.
You can choose to walk across the entire bridge or stop at any time and turn around and walk back.
TIPS: Devices not permitted on the Golden Gate Bridge:
Electric scooters
Roller blades, skates, or skateboards
Any animals except service animals
Drones are banned from flying over the Golden Gate Bridge
Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge
There is a toll fee to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Tolls are only collected on the southbound lane into San Francisco. You do not have to stop on the bridge to pay the toll, it is toll-by-plate, and they will snap a picture of your license plate and bill you. You can then pay online, by phone or in person at a cash payment location. Toll fees start at $10.25 and up.
View of the bay from the Golden Gate Bridge
From the eastern side of the bridge, you can see the beautiful San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, Bay Bridge and multiple ferries and sailboats on the water. On a clear day the view is breathtaking so don’t forget your camera as you take in the sites along the bridge.
Other San Francisco Bay Tours
Tips for visiting the Golden Gate Bridge
Burglary happens so keep valuables hidden and lock your car doors.
Dress in layers or bring a jacket, even on sunny days the bridge can be windy and cool due to its location on the bay.
The east sidewalk is open during daylight hours.
The parking lot fills up fast so get there early to guarantee a spot.
Marshall’s Beach offers dramatic views of the bridge with the Pacific Ocean for perfect photo opportunities.
Mornings before 10am might show less fog and fewer crowds.
Golden hour (late afternoon or sunset) offers the best light for photos.
Accommodations: Browse booking.com or VRBO for options in San Francisco.
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The perfect way to spend a few hours of your day
Stopping by the Golden Gate Bridge offers a wonderful opportunity to check off a famous landmark on your bucket list. Whether you choose to walk across the bridge, explore the Welcome Center, or just enjoy the views from the overlook, you will be in awe at the beauty of this magnificent landmark that spans across the San Francisco Bay. No trip to San Francisco is complete without standing on or near this iconic bridge.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures. Pic: Boondocking in Virginia
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