Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is #1 on every visitor's list. Learn how to get there, info about the most photogenic times to visit, nearby neighborhoods, and more.
Crossing the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco’s Presidio to the Marin headlands is the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, easily identified by its International Orange color. Once called “the bridge that couldn’t be built,” today the Golden Gate Bridge is one the seven wonders of the modern world. This magnificent span, perhaps San Francisco’s most famous landmark, opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rock and treacherous tides.
The 1.7 mile-long bridge is anchored by towers that reach 746 feet skyward and was once taller than any building in San Francisco! To support the suspended roadway, two cables—each more than 7,000 feet in length and containing 80,000 miles of wire—stretch over the top of the towers and are rooted in concrete anchorages on shore.
The Golden Gate Bridge brought the communities of San Francisco and Marin counties closer together and became one of the most driven sections of historic U.S. Route 101, which stretches from Los Angeles north to San Francisco and beyond. It’s equally popular with hikers and cyclists, and is the main attraction for runners partaking in any of our many local annual foot races.
Golden Gate Bridge
Trip Inspiration
Everyone should see the Golden Gate Bridge at least once. But beyond seeing it, there are so many ways to experience this iconic landmark. Check out these articles to help inspire your next visit.
All Trip Ideas
There are a number of great, iconic attractions to experience on your way to San Francisco's most famous landmark.
Fun and fascinating trivia about San Francisco's most indelible icon.
The Presidio is full of Instagrammable locations. Here are eight overlooks in the park perfect for getting the perfect picture for your feed.
From locations around the city to even your hotel room, there are plenty of breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge vantage points in San Francisco.
There are many ways to enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can go under the bridge, fly above it or cross over it.
Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Info
Pedestrians, including wheelchair users and cyclists, can travel the sidewalks of the bridge during daylight hours. Rollerblades, skateboards, roller skates, and electronic scooters are not permitted. For information on sidewalk closures due to construction, visit goldengatebridge.org/bikesbridge/bikes.php.
There are vista points on both the north and south sides of the bridge. Both vista points have parking lots. These lots have limited space and are closed to vehicles on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We recommend using public transit or booking a guided tour, like Big Bus, to visit these outlooks.
How to Get to the Golden Gate Bridge
You can reach the Golden Gate Bridge from downtown and Union Square on Muni. Take the #38 bus westbound to Park Presidio Boulevard. Transfer to the #28 bus northbound to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re taking a Golden Gate Transit bus from downtown, the #10, #70 or #80 lines will take you to the bridge.
The free Presidio GO Shuttle’s downtown route will also take you to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. The shuttle system is a great option to use to explore the Presidio, with free and accessible service seven days a week, and with 40 stops within the national park.
If interested in biking across the bridge, the Presidio offers bike rentals and electric bike-share opportunities, plus a recommended bike path through Crissy Field. For more information, visit the Presidio online.
Tips for Photographing the Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most photographed landmarks in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is an Instagram hit whenever it’s posted. Here are a few favorite angles and best time of day to snag a shot that will give your followers serious FOMO:
Morning
An under the bridge angle from Fort Point is the perfect spot to catch the first rays of sunshine striking the enormous orange superstructure.
Afternoon
From Baker Beach, get an outside-the-gate view of the bridge and the Marin headlands.
Evening
Now’s the time to photograph the bridge with the city skyline in the background. Travel across to the Marin headlands. Take the Alexander Avenue turnoff and follow Golden Gate National Recreation Area signs leading under Highway 101 south toward San Francisco. Take first turn up to headlands.
Local photographer Louis Raphael who photographs the bridge almost daily from his Lands End neighborhood also offers these favorites:
- The beginning or very end of Lands End trail at sunrise has two very scenic vista points. Note: Visitors should adhere to all signage in the park and even in approved hiking areas should keep a safe distance from all cliff edges.
- Mile Rock Beach at sunset or sunrise has a unique perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge.
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