Golden Gate Bridge

Visit Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is obviously the star of the attraction as a whole. You can simply drive over the bridge in your own vehicle, but you could also walk or bike over it. Another popular exploration method is via bus; many of the Golden Gate Transit buses go over the bridge on their routes.

In order to learn more about this amazing bridge, you can visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. This facility is located just south of the southern entrance to the bridge in the Presidio. Information about the bridge, interesting exhibits, and a gift shop featuring collectibles are all available here.

The Presidio itself is an impressive complex worthy of exploration. The northern tip of this old military installation features not only the southern entrance to the bridge but also Fort Point, which is an old US Army fort preserved during the construction of the bridge. Other attractions at the Presidio include a heritage museum called the Presidio Officers’ Club, a golf course, and the lovely Golden Gate Overlook.

Ticket Information

The Golden Gate Bridge collects one-way tolls going southbound toward San Francisco; the toll amount is determined by axle and is cash-free. If you drive your own two-axle vehicle or motorcycle, you’ll pay $8.75 via FasTrak, $9.00 via a license plate account or a single payment, or $9.75 via toll invoice. If you carpool, you’ll only have to pay $6.75 via FasTrak. Pedestrians and bikers can cross the bridge for free.

Family-Friendly Options

The Presidio has some fabulous family-friendly attractions. One of these is the Walt Disney Family Museum, which features interactive exhibits narrated in Disney’s voice. Young and old alike will appreciate the old cartoons, music, and drawings on display here.

In the northeastern corner of the Presidio is Crissy Field East Beach, which is a popular sandy beach with lovely views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Kids can frolic on the sandy beach and watch the kitesurfers on the Bay; adults can sunbathe and grill. This beach is not good for swimming, but if you want to get in the water, you can head over to Crissy Field West, which has a free open-water swimming pool.

Close to the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge is the Bay Area Discovery Center, which is in Sausalito. This children’s museum includes multiple interactive exhibits aimed at children who are between 6 months and 8 years old. As the children play outside, they can see the Golden Gate Bridge to the southwest.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Since traffic is heavy during the morning and evening commuting hours, you should visit the bridge at times other than 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The afternoon is generally considered to be the best time to cross Golden Gate Bridge since traffic is usually lighter and the weather nicer than at other parts of the day. If you’re approaching from the south, you could explore parts of the Presidio before crossing the bridge.

Whether you want to have a cup of coffee in the morning or a meal later in the day, you can tank up at the Round House Café. No matter where you sit in this venue, you’ll have a lovely view of the Golden Gate Bridge and its surrounding environment.

The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., so you could visit this information hub before crossing the bridge if you’re approaching from the south. Don’t forget to buy a souvenir in the gift shop before you go.

Fort Point is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and you can enter for free. You’ll be able to get some fantastic pictures of the underside of the Golden Gate Bridge from this unique perspective. You can explore the fort yourself or take a free tour.

One interesting place to explore on the northern side of the bridge is Fort Baker. This old military complex includes more than 25 historic buildings, a protected harbor, and lovely views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer and Battery Wagner are two excellent bridge viewpoints in the Fort Baker complex.

Golden Gate Bridge Accommodations

On Site Accommodations

If you want to stay on the north side of the bridge, you could choose Cavallo Point Lodge, which is located in the Fort Baker complex. Many of their rooms have views of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the San Francisco Bay.

Should you prefer to stay on the south side of the bridge, you could select the Inn at the Presidio. This historic hotel was once the lodging place for bachelor officers, but it’s now an elegant boutique hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast in the morning and a wine and cheese reception in the evening.

Another possibility is the Lodge at the Presidio, which is a sister property to the Inn at the Presidio. The lodge is a converted barracks built during the 1890s to house the soldiers of the former encampment; some rooms have windows that look out at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Activities Near Golden Gate Bridge

Weather, Safety & Accessibility

Weather & Packing

The Golden Gate Bridge is often a foggy and windy place. Its unpredictable climate can change suddenly, and it often experiences strong afternoon winds. As a result, the bridge may be colder and windier than you expect, even in summer. If you’re walking across the bridge, you should wear layers of clothing in case the weather changes during your trek.

Safety & Accessibility

You should take public transit or a ride-share to the bridge because parking lots fill up quickly. No electric scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, or roller skates are allowed on the bridge. Cyclists need to yield to pedestrians and must not exceed 15 mph when biking across the bridge.

The East sidewalk is accessible to those using mobility devices. Accessibility ramps provide access to the bridge’s pedestrian walkway, the Round House Café, and the exhibits. A Braille model of the bridge brings the bridge to life for the vision-impaired, and some exhibit information is rendered in Braille.