San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge: Visitors Guide and Fun Facts About this Historic Landmark

Visiting the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is an experience like no other. Its towering presence makes you realize just how amazing this iconic structure is up close.

You will marvel in awe at its beauty and you might even get a little tingle of excitement in your legs as you look down at the water on your walk across it.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy your time at this historic attraction. You can stroll along its eastern walkway, drive or bike over it, or stop to take pictures at either the north or south lookout points.

You can also take a cruise under the bridge or take a helicopter tour over the bridge.

Here you will find a variety of tips to visit the Golden Gate Bridge as well as some fun facts, a little history, what's nearby, and movies in which it makes an appearance.

10 Fun Facts About the Golden Gate Bridge

1. Nearly 55,000 cars cross the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge every day. That equals almost 20 million cars a year!
2. The two large towers stand nearly 746 feet above the water, similar to the height of a 65-story building. 
3. The towers are tall, but they are both hollow.
4. The two main cables that string the bridge from one side to the other are around 3 feet thick. 
5. In total, the cables contain around 80,000 miles of steel wire.
6. San Francisco is a very windy city, especially along the water, so they had to build it to hold up to these conditions. The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is strong enough to withstand wind up to 100 miles an hour.
7. What color is the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge? The color is called International Orange. How did it get its color? When the steel to build the bridge arrived, it was painted a similar color to keep it from rusting during transit. When one of the engineers saw how perfectly this color blended in with its surroundings, he did some research to find the perfect hue for the bridge. This is how it ended up being painted International Orange. 
8. Is it repainted each year? Many people are told that they paint it from end to end every year. This is not true. It's has only been fully repainted a few times since its completion. To maintain it, they do touch ups all the time and have a full-time maintenance crew.
   
9. How did it get its name? The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge sits in the Golden Gate Strait, which is where it got its name.
   
10. What is on either side? It connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County. Prior to the bridge being built, you would either have to drive a considerable distance or take the car ferry. You can see one of the original car ferries for this route at the Hyde Street Pier.
    

Can you see it from Fisherman's Wharf? Can you see it from Alcatraz?

Yes, you can see the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge from both Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz. If time is short, you don't have to venture all the way over to it in order to admire its beauty. In fact, you can see it from most points along the city's northern waterfront.

Driving Tips & Tolls

It is a little overwhelming to drive over the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge for the first time—so you might have to work hard to concentrate on the road and not the scenery. There are six lanes and they are not very wide, so make sure you are watching the road as much as possible.

How do the tolls work? The Golden Gate Bridge toll is just for southbound traffic. You no longer need to stop to pay the toll. When you reach the toll plaza, simply continue driving.

There are no longer any human toll takers at the toll plaza, so you have a few ways to pay for your toll. You can either use FastTrak, pay online with a credit card before or after you cross, or wait until you receive an invoice in the mail.

They take pictures of your license plate, so the owner of the car will get the bill in the mail if it hasn't been paid.

If you have a rental car, talk to the rental agency about their policy before crossing any bridges. They typically have a policy on how to pay for the tolls, so make sure you know before you leave with your car.

The toll is currently $9.25 for those using FasTrak, or $9.50 if you have a "one-time payment" account, which can be made up to 30 days in advance or within 48 hours after you go over the bridge. (You will not have to pay any extra fees if you use this option.) 

If you decide you don't want to bother with any of these, you can do the Toll Invoice option which costs $10.25. This option will allow you to pay by mail, by phone using a credit card, in person with cash at certain locations in the city, or in person at the Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service Center in downtown San Francisco. That way you can just go across the bridge and they will send you the bill at a later date.

Tips for Walking Over the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge

Can you walk over the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge? Yes, there is a walking path on eastern side of the bridge dedicated to walkers and bikers. No motor vehicles are allowed on this sidewalk.

There is an additional sidewalk on the western side of the bridge exclusively for cyclists during certain days and hours. That way, pedestrians don't have to worry about collisions with bikes at the busiest times.

You can access the walking path from either the north or south side of the bridge. You can walk the entire way across (1.7 miles) or just walk part way. Most people choose to walk just to the first tower and then turn around. However, you can go as far as you want.

The bridge gets really crowded during the high season, on weekends, and holidays. There are a couple of ways to avoid some of the crowded sidewalks during this time. You can either head over first thing in the morning (which is usually when it's still foggy and a bit cool) or you can enter from the north end.

The walkway is open at 5 am every day of the year, but the closing time depends on the season.

• Early March to early November (Pacific Daylight Time): 5 am until 9 pm
• Early November to early March (Pacific Standard Time): 5 am until 6:30 pm

At closing time, there are gates that automatically go down on both sides of the walking path so you can no longer enter.

Don't forget to bring your camera during your walk. You can get some amazing shots of the bay, Alcatraz, and the bridge's large towers.

What should you wear when you visit the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge? You will want to layer your clothes in case it gets warmer or cooler during your walk. It is amazing how beautiful it can be at either end of the bridge, and then how cold and windy it will feel on the bridge. Make sure you are prepared for either temperature.

Can you climb the bridge? No, this is not an option. The only way to climb the bridge is to become part of the maintenance crew!

Note that the following are also prohibited on the bridge: scooters, rollerblades, skateboards, non-service animals, and drones.

>> Find additional walking tips here

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Tips for Biking Over the Bridge

You have two options if you decide you want to bike over the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. You can either go on a guided tour or rent a bike to go on your own. Here is a little more about each option.

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour: The guided tour starts in Fisherman's Wharf. After a ride along the waterfront, you will head up the hill to the bridge. You will then slowly bike over it as you learn about its history and what it took to build it. You will also get the chance to take some pictures of the amazing landscape and SF Bay attractions.

You then continue to Sausalito, a small coastal community just across the bay from San Francisco. This part of the journey takes you up and down a few hills, but nothing too steep. The guided portion of your ride ends here, so you have the rest of the day to explore Sausalito, grab some lunch, or do a little shopping on your own.

You can then either bike back to San Francisco or take the Sausalito Ferry. I highly recommend taking the ferry back to Fisherman's Wharf; however, you will have to purchase your ferry ticket separate from the bike tour.

This package includes the bike, helmet, a map, and other biking essentials (such as a lock for your bike while you are visiting Sausalito). You have the bike all day, so if you still have energy, you can continue to explore San Francisco on your own when you get back. Find dates and times for this Golden Gate Bridge tour on GetYourGuide.

San Francisco Day Bike Rental: If you prefer to bike at your own pace, your other option is to rent a bike for the day. This way you can come and go as you want. You can spend a little time biking around the city first, or just head straight over to the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

The bike rental company will provide you with some guidance and maps so you don't get lost. Your all-day bike rental includes a mountain bike, helmet, handlebar bag, and lock.

You can pick up your bike any time after the bike shop opens (usually around 8 am) and drop it off no later than 15 minutes before closing (usually around 6 pm or later during the busier season). This gives you almost 10 hours to explore the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito.

Book your all-day bike rental on GetYourGuide today!

NOTE: Bike rentals are NOT available at the bridge itself. You will begin your cycle journey either in the Fisherman's Wharf or the Marina District. 

>> Find everything you need to bike the bridge here

>> Find other fun biking tours around SF

Four Other San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Tours

In addition to the popular biking tours, you will also find a variety of other types of San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge tours. Here are four of my favorites.

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus includes about 20 stops throughout the city. You can get off and back on at any stop along the way. You can also spend as much time as you want at each stop.

This open-top bus will take you over the bridge to Vista Point on the north side. You can either hop out or just admire the bridge from the bus. It runs daily and is a great way to see the bridge as well as many of our top attractions.

>> Find out more and check for tickets.

2. Fire Engine Tour: On this expedition, you (and up to 12 other people) will enjoy some time on a shiny red vintage Mack Fire Engine. This open-air tour starts at the Cannery in Fisherman's Wharf.

You will ride through the Presidio, over the bridge, and then into Sausalito. On the northern side of the bridge, you will stop at the Fort Baker lookout point.

Here you will get some amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and Alcatraz. After this stop, you will drive back over the bridge.

This narrated tour includes access to authentic firefighter gear so you can stay warm on those chilly San Francisco days. It lasts about 90 minutes and is offered a couple of times a day.

>> Find out more and check for ticket availability on Viator.

3. Bay Cruise: Instead of walking or driving over it, how about cruising under it? For a completely different vantage point, check out one of the bay cruises.

This is another great way to learn about the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. It also gives you a completely different view for some amazing photos from down below.

This 60-minute tour cruises under the bridge twice. You will also learn a little more about other buildings in the city and pass by Alcatraz Island.

The boat has indoor and outdoor seating. There are also restrooms and a seasonal snack bar. This is the perfect way to get up close to the famed attraction and learn more about it.

>> Find tickets for this cruise.

More of My Favorite Bay Cruises

4. Helicopter Tour: Are you looking for something a little more adventurous? Wouldn't it be cool to see the Golden Gate Bridge from above? If you love a thrill and are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then consider a San Francisco helicopter tour.

This magical journey starts in Sausalito. Once you arrive at the heliport, you will receive some basic safety instructions before boarding to get started on the amazing adventure.

Your helicopter ride includes 15 to 20 minutes of flight time. The flight is choreographed to music with spontaneous narration by your professionally trained pilot. It's an experience you will never forget!

It runs three times a day. 

>> Find out more and check for availability on GetYourGuide

Weather & What to Wear

What is the weather like at the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge? Due to its location, you will find it's cool and windy up at the bridge most of the year.

The temps up here are about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than what you will find in other places around the city. The cool breezes come in from the Pacific Ocean into the bay, so it's quite windy up here all year long.

I recommend wearing layers, so you can add and remove items as necessary. It's often windy, even at the look-out point, and is usually even windier on the walkways.

Here are more tips on what to wear by month in San Francisco—and don't forget to take off a few additional degrees for each one when thinking about what the weather might be like at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Don't Forget to Pack these Items

What's Nearby

The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge sits on the northern end of the city. You will find plenty of things to see and do nearby.

Attractions

Crissy Field: To the east of the bridge, you will find Crissy Field. This green space offers a walking trail, a couple of places to eat, and a beach. You can also hang out with friends and family at the picnic area or just admire the bridge from below. Find out more about visiting.

Fort Point National Historic Site: This San Francisco attraction is right below the bridge. In fact, it was originally slated to be torn down to make way for the bridge, but a last-minute plea saved the building. The plans for the bridge had to change to accommodate it, and now it's a fun place to visit. Plus, you can get some breathtaking views of the bridge from the top level. Learn more here.

Baker Beach: You will find some amazing views of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands from this attraction inside the Presidio. It's a cool beach with amazing views. On a warm day, there is no better place to be. Find out more about visiting Baker Beach.

Presidio: The Presidio is an old army base that now offers a variety of things to do. You can visit some cool museums, go bowling, or stroll along the Coastal Trail. Find out more here.

Restaurants

You will find two places to eat right at the bridge. I've also included a couple of places nearby that I think you will enjoy.

Round House Café: Above is a picture of the Round House Café. They use healthy, locally sourced items for their fresh salads and sandwiches. It's a great casual spot right next to the walkway to get onto the bridge. It's open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

Warming Hut Park Store: You will no longer find hot food served here, but this beloved stop is still a nice place to warm up with coffee or hot cocoa, some packaged snacks, and Golden Gate souvenirs. To find it, you will need to walk down the stairs from the bridge or re-park your car at one of the Crissy Field parking lots. The address is 983 Marine Drive.

Chestnut Street Restaurants: You will find a wide variety of options along Chestnut Street in the Marina. This is about two miles away from the bridge, but has a large selection of restaurants that serve burgers, Italian, Mexican, seafood, and a variety of other places to grab lunch or dinner.

Presidio Restaurants: You will also find some cool places to eat in the Presidio. One of my favorites is right by the Lombard Gate: Sessions at the Presidio. You will also find a few other options farther inside the Presidio.

>> Find more of my favorite restaurants all around SF

Hotels

You will find several hotels nearby the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. Here are just a few of my top picks.

Inn at the Presidio: 4-star hotel inside the Presidio, quiet peaceful with wine and cheese reception at night. Find out more about the Inn at the Presidio

Cavallo Point Lodge: 4.5-star hotel, great views of the bridge, wonderful restaurant, at the northern end of the bridge in Sausalito. Learn about Cavallo Point Lodge and book rooms

Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio: 2-star hotel, free parking, pets allowed, free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Read reviews and book at Travelodge by Wyndham

Cow Hollow Inn & Suites: 2-star hotel on Chestnut Street in the Marina, free parking and Wi-Fi, great budget-friendly option. Find guest reviews and book at Cow Hollow Inn & Suites

>> Find additional hotel recommendations all around SF

How to Get Here on Public Transit

The best way to get here is to take the bus, and you will find a couple of options to do so.

Golden Gate Transit Buses

You will find that almost all of the Golden Gate Transit buses stop at the bridge. They have both commuter buses and hourly buses that will take you from the Financial District, the Civic Center, and places in between to the bridge.

From Union Square: Your best option from Union Square is to head over to one of the stops along Mission or grab the bus at the Salesforce Transit Center. The 101, 130, and 150 are your best options. 

From Civic Center: If you are in the Civic Center area, head to the stop across from City Hall at McAllister and Polk Streets. There are others, but this is the best bus stop if you have to wait for a little while. Pick up the 101, 130, or 150.

From Fisherman's Wharf: If you are heading over on a weekday afternoon, you can pick up one of the commuter buses that will take you to the bridge. They pick up along North Point Street. Look for the 114, 132, or the 154.

If you are heading over any other time, you will need to wait at Van Ness and Union where the 101, 130, and 150 pick up. You can either walk to this stop or take the Muni 49 bus, which will drop you off across the street. Ask the driver to point out where the Golden Gate Transit bus picks up so you don't miss it! 

NOTE: As you approach the bridge, make sure to pull the cord or press one of the buttons to alert the driver that you want to stop at the bridge. They don't automatically stop at every stop on the route. 

#28 SF Muni

The SF public transit system, Muni, offers one bus that will take you to the Welcome Center on the southern end of the bridge. The 28 runs all the way from Fisherman's Wharf to the bridge and then all the way to the Daly City BART station.

It runs along Lombard Street and 19th Avenue, which is where you will find the majority of the stops. It runs through Golden Gate Park too, so you can easily get between these two attractions. This one is the best option if you are coming from Fisherman's Wharf.

How far is it from the SFO airport?

Do you have a long layover at SFO and want to check out the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge? It will take you about an hour and 15 minutes by public transport or about 45 minutes by car.

If you want to take public transit, simply hop on BART at the airport. Take it to the Daly City stop and then catch the #28 bus. Reverse the route to return to the airport. I only recommend doing this if you have plenty of time (at least 5 hours as you will have to return through security).

>> Additional tips on getting around SF

Driving & Parking

Parking is very limited at the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. There are five lots near the bridge overlook points. In total, there are just over 250 spots in these lots.

I highly recommend taking other means of transit to get here. However, if you are only able to get here by car, here are a few tips to find parking.

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge in the Movies

The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is frequently featured in movies and on TV. Here are 10 of the most popular shows where you can see this beauty on the screen.

1. Full House (1987-1995): This fun sitcom was set in San Francisco. Although most of it wasn't filmed here, they included plenty of shots around town. The opening credits start with a view of the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, the outside of their house in Pacific Heights, and, of course, shots near the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

2. The Room (2003): If you haven't seen this movie, you are in for a treat—sort of. It's one of the worst films of our time, but has gained a cult following. It features the bridge a couple of times in the movie.

3. Hulk (2008): From the top of one of the bridge's towers, above the fog, the Hulk jumps onto a fighter jet.

4. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): This film features incredible close-ups of the bridge and other SF landmarks, including Alcatraz, as Magneto uses his powers.

5. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994): Several scenes from this movie were filmed in SF and at the Golden Gate Bridge.

6. 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002): This romantic comedy features a web designer protagonist and takes place in San Francisco. There are beautiful shots of the bridge, the cable cars, and more.

7. Coach Carter (2005): This movie was based on the true story of a high school basketball team and their coach in Richmond, CA, just across the bay from San Francisco. 

8. Blue Jasmine (2013): This Woody Allen film brings a ruined New York socialite to San Francisco to impose upon her sister. Watch the drama unfold at scenes all around the city. 

9. A View to a Kill (1985): In this James Bond movie, the hero dangles from a blimp over the SF skyline, until it runs him into the Golden Gate, where a fight scene then ensues on the heights of the bridge.

10. Milk (2008): In this film about SF's famously assassinated first openly gay elected official, Milk's friends scatter his ashes at sea just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. 

In total, it's been featured in more than 100 TV shows and movies.

Golden Gate Bridge History

The Golden Gate Bridge history starts in the 1930s during the Great Depression. Joseph Strauss wanted the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge built to connect Marin County with the city.

Many thought he was crazy and that building a structure in that location was impossible. However, Strauss received enough support and a bond was issued.

He and his team received nearly $35 million dollars to build it. They were also told to complete it in four years. It ended up coming in under budget and earlier than originally scheduled.

The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge officially opened to cars on May 28, 1937. It opened to pedestrians just one day earlier.

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