Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco

Views / Presidio

Golden Gate Bridge: Parking Vista Point Near San Francisco

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Map of Golden Gate Bridge (click to enlarge):

This landmark defines San Francisco. The gateway where the Bay meets the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge has established the boundary to riches for people throughout history. For a relaxing trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, try a San Francisco limousine tour. But what can you do once you get there?

• One of the nicest things you can do in San Francisco is to walk along the beach -- Crissy Field -- in the shadow of Golden Gate Bridge. It is about a one hour walk with tons of parking available right at the waterfront. Just drive to Safeway on Marina Boulevard and continue on Marina Boulevard for about one half mile to park just past Safeway in the water-side parking lot (huge) at Fort Mason. This parking lot is actually FREE! You can then walk along the beach and a new tide pool area that has been created to preserve birds. The walk goes for about one mile, past the volleyball fields, past windsurfers until you are right under the Golden Gate Bridge. I love to take this walk and the Crissy Field area has been completely redone from it's Army pave-over to a beautiful grassy field with many birds, joggers, roller bladers, and walkers. Crissy Field is also one of the world's best beach locations for windsurfing. This area was once an airfield with hangers. For all that we hate Fisherman's Wharf, we love Crissy Field's view of the waterfront and Golden Gate Bridge. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

• Ride a bike across the bridge - there are protected one-way bike lanes on the bridge. It can be very windy to ride across so dress warmly. If you continue a short way, you will end up in Sausalito -- a great place for a fun (but pricey) lunch. Bike rentals are available throughout Fisherman's Wharf for around $8/hour or $32 per day.

• Walk across the bridge - this takes a little (lot) more time than the bicycle but is an experience you will never forget. It can be very windy to walk across so dress warmly with a good jacket.

• On either side of the bridge are small parking lots where you can view the Bay, ocean, and Marin Headlands.

Golden Gate Bridge - by Charles Davis

• Another way to view the bridge is via a ferry or group boat charter. With the ferries, you can bike one way, and ferry back from Sausalito or Tiburon (Marin County cities).

• Visit the Presidio - a former army base now converted to a beautiful park. The Presidio bounds the Southern (San Francisco) end of the bridge and connects the Marina District to the Richmond District. It features beautiful bayshore, sandy beaches, and great walks and bike rides. The Presidio is a popular area for windsurfing and fishing.

• The Presidio features one of the City's largest nude beaches -- Baker Beach. The beach is partially clothed, but as you continue to the more secluded end of the beach, clothing becomes optional.

Now - we'd love to hear how you've enjoyed the bridge; special viewpoints; and unusual stories. Comment on our new San Francisco blog here.