Golden Gate Bridge
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The Golden Gate Bridge opened to vehicular traffic on May 27, 1937, joining San Francisco to the Marin Peninsula. This International Orange suspension bridge built in an art deco style quickly became a beloved part of not only San Francisco but also the USA. From abutment to abutment, this iconic California bridge is 1.7 miles long; its two large towers are nearly 750 feet tall, and the distance between these two towers is 4,200 feet. The numbers alone fail to capture the grandeur of this engineering marvel that spans the Golden Gate Strait at the mouth of the San Francisco Bay. Chief Engineer Joseph B. Strauss’ creation helped alleviate traffic congestion in a beautiful way that still captures the imagination today.
How to Get There
The Golden Gate Bridge is in San Francisco and is close to Oakland and Sausalito. Nearby airports include San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport. If you want to ride the bus over and around the Golden Gate Bridge, you can do so on Golden Gate Transit buses. You can take Golden Gate Ferries out into the San Francisco Bay.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to 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.
Campgrounds Nearby
Overview
Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California. Please note: The parking area for the campground is a short walk from the campsites, so RV or car camping is not allowed at Kirby Cove Campground.
Recreation
Hiking, picnicking and taking in the beautiful views from Kirby Cove are among the park's most popular activities. Visitors also enjoy exploring Battery Kirby, a historic army battery in use from 1898-1934. The Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88 are also close to the campsite.
Facilities
Hiking, picnicking and taking in the beautiful views from Kirby Cove are among the park's most popular activities. Visitors also enjoy exploring Battery Kirby, a historic army battery in use from 1898-1934. The Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88 are also close to the campsite.
Natural Features
Kirby Cove offers a coarse-sand beach with spectacular views - when it's not foggy - of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and northern San Francisco, including the historic Presidio. The cove is nestled at the foot of the craggy Marin Headlands and has beach access. A steep, mile-long trail to the cove begins at the parking area above Battery Spencer on Conzelman Road. The path descends through a stately grove of Monterey, cypress, pine and Blue Gum eucalyptus. Coastal sage and colorful Lupine dot the hillsides. Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Kirby Cove.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.
Nearby Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is just a 20-minute drive from Kirby Cove. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods.
Downtown San Francisco offers a myriad of restaurants, shops, museums and tourist attractions. Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island and Chinatown are popular destinations. Visitors love riding San Francisco's world famous cable cars up and down the city's hilly streets.
Charges & Cancellations
The Kirby Cove Day Use Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation.
You may also refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
Overview
As San Francisco's only group campground, Rob Hill offers a national park camping experience just minutes from the city. Here you will have access to all of the recreational opportunities the Presidio of San Francisco has to offer, including hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and so much more. The campground's spacious campsites make it a perfect choice for groups of all kinds, including multi-family gatherings, school field trips, and scout troops. To learn more about the campgrouns rules we ask you to please read over the Terms and Conditions . We look forward to welcoming you to Rob Hill!
Recreation
Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco’s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .
There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .
Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .
In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we’ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .
Facilities
Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco’s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .
There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .
Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .
In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we’ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .
Natural Features
The Presidio is a natural oasis right next door to a big city – a place where you can experience wildflowers, watersheds, and wildlife on an afternoon hike. It is also a where important work is being done to revitalize natural areas and to show how people and the environment can thrive in harmony. At the Presidio, you can explore habitats that have been lost in the urban Bay Area; see a fox or a hawk hunt for their next meal; or stroll around a natural lake that has been brought back to life.
Mountain Lake, one of San Francisco's last surviving natural lakes, is located less than two miles south of Rob Hill on the southern edge of the Presidio. Since 2013 the Presidio Trust has been working with scientists, academic institutions, and volunteers to help revitalize the lake. Polluted soil and invasive species were removed from the lake, and native plant and animal species, such as the Western Pond Turtle and Pacific Chorus Frog are being reestablished. In addition to the many resident species that call Mountain Lake home, 65 migratory bird species have been document visiting the lake on their journey along the Pacific Flyway.
Experienced and newer birders alike will also want to visit Crissy Marsh and Quartermaster Reach Marsh , located about two miles northwest of Rob Hill. The fresh water that flows through the Presidio's largest watershed, the Tennessee Hollow Watershed ultimately meets the salty waters of San Francisco Bay here, creating a vibrant destination for more than 100 bird species, including those stopping for rest as they make their long journey along the Pacific Flyway.
Campers interested in learning more about some of the unique plant life that can be found in the Presidio are encouraged to visit the Ecology Trail . A little over one mile in length, this trail passes through lush restored serpentine grasslands where, from spring to early summer, you may see the endangered Presidio Clarkia and other native wildflowers in bloom. You'll also find yourself amid towering redwoods, oaks, eucalyptus, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress at various points along the trail.
To learn more about the natural history of the Presidio, visit the Nature and Sustainability page on our website.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the many places to visit within the Presidio, there is so much to explore in San Francisco itself. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore endless dining opportunities, visit a museum, and so much more. Visit the SF Travel website for tips to help you plan your visit to the city.
Located just over one mile from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center , the campground makes for an excellent base camp for groups wanting to walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Check with the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District for tips to make the most of your visit to this beloved International Orange icon.
Campers looking for more national park experiences can explore the other units of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), including Fort Point National Historic Site , Muir Woods National Monument , and Alcatraz Island . Stretched across 80,000 acres north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, the 37 parks sites of the GGNRA constitute one of the world’s largest national parks in an urban setting. In total, the GGNRA has more than 130 miles of trails, and 1,200 historic structures, making it a wonderful place to explore for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation holders may make up to two changes per reservation. A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Cancellations less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.
Please read Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies for more information.
Overview
Haypress Campground is nestled within the coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, near Mill Valley. The hike to this campground is 0.7 miles from the Tennessee Valley Trail head parking lot, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. Typical Haypress campers enjoy hiking to Tennessee Cove, where they can admire the dramatic geology and colorful sand of this unique beach.
Recreation
Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and trails are often populated with hikers regardless of the time of the year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), or Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay.
Facilities
Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and trails are often populated with hikers regardless of the time of the year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), or Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay.
Natural Features
Haypress Campground spans over a large grassy swath that is lined by eucalyptus trees. California quails frequent the area, and raptors are often soaring overhead. Deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats share this open space. The geology that underlies Tennessee Valley is unique and world-renowned; for example, outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert that line the trails are frequently admired by visitors from near and far.
Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Haypress Campground.
Nearby Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. The 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse (a secret jewel of the Bay Area) and the historic Cold War era Nike Missile Site are just a 20-minute drive away from the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is a 25-minute drive. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods.
Within the Marin Headlands, consider visiting the historic Battery Townsley, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, or Nike Missile Site SF-88.
Charges & Cancellations
Group Site Cancellations and Modifications
The Haypress Campground Group Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation.
Refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
Activities Near Golden Gate Bridge
Things to Do
Hiking
Two excellent places to hike near the bridge are the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Area and Fort Baker. You can also hike across the Golden Gate Bridge itself.
Fishing
Horseshoe Cove has some great fishing locations; one of these is Moore Road Pier. You could also fish off Torpedo Wharf at the Presidio.
Boating
The Golden Gate Ferries will take you out on the San Francisco Bay and give you stellar views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and San Francisco’s skyline. You can also charter a sailboat through the San Francisco Sailing Company.
National Parks
National Sites
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.
Conclusion
The Golden Gate Bridge has been delighting San Francisco residents and visitors alike since 1937. Travelers flock to this bridge and its surrounding area to take in its distinctive color and design, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay. You should visit this American beauty so you can experience its grandeur yourself.
FAQ
One place you can camp is Kirby Cove, which is on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Another option is Rob Hill Campground, which is located in the Presidio.
You can drive your RV across the bridge using the right lane. Your RV must not be taller than 14 feet, 6 inches when traveling through the Toll Plaza or 11 feet, 10 inches when traveling under it.
Free parking at the Golden Gate Bridge can be found at the Northeast Side Parking Lot, Battery East, 6302 Merchant Road Parking, and Langdon Court Parking. The Southeast Side Visitor Parking Lot charges $5 an hour for parking.
Children can enjoy riding, biking, or walking on the Golden Gate Bridge. Places like Crissy Field East Beach have family-friendly beaches, picnic areas, and trails.
Pets are not allowed to walk on the bridge, but service animals are welcome. You can take your dog to Mountain Lake Park in the Presidio, which has an off-leash play area.