San Francisco wouldn’t be the city it is without the Golden Gate Bridge. Since 1937, this feat of engineering has defined the landscape, epitomizing the city’s innovative spirit. There’s no doubt it’s the most popular tourist attraction in San Francisco, bringing in nearly 10 million visitors a year!
Incredible Adventures has created the ultimate guide to the Golden Gate Bridge, giving you a rundown of everything you can expect from this iconic landmark. As a family-run business based in the city and offering a number of San Francisco Tours, this bridge is as much a part of our excursions as it is our lives!
Keep reading to learn more about the Golden Gate Bridge and the best way to see it. If you have any questions for us about our tours, feel free to get in touch.
What is the Golden Gate Bridge Famous For?
The Golden Gate Bridge was once known as “the bridge that couldn’t be built” due to the challenges of building on the strait. That was until Joseph Strauss took on the project. Construction began in 1933 and was completed in 1937. The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County, spanning 1.7 miles in length and towering at 746 feet. Upon completion, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest and tallest bridge in the world and is today regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
So if you’re wondering if the Golden Gate Bridge is overrated as a landmark or if Bay Area people get tired of the Golden Gate Bridge, the answer is no! The Golden Gate Bridge will forever be an icon of San Francisco.
If you want to learn about what else you can see in the city, read our blog: What are the Best Tourist Spots in San Francisco, USA?
How Safe is the Golden Gate Bridge?
The Golden Gate Bridge is very safe. Despite the environmental factors that previously made its construction seem impossible, the bridge has been built to withstand the effects of winds and ocean tides. The bridge is continuously maintained to uphold the highest safety standards, meaning you can experience it without worry.
Best Ways to See the Golden Gate Bridge
There are numerous ways to see the Golden Gate Bridge, whether that’s from afar, on top, or underneath!
Golden Gate Bridge View Points
If you’re looking for panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, there are a number of prime viewing spots around the city:
- Golden Gate View Point: Located on Old Conzelman Road in Marin County, this view point offers an expansive vista of the bridge, with plenty of parking spaces nearby.
- Golden Gate Outlook: If you’re planning on sticking to the San Francisco side, this outlook provides a similar viewing experience to the View Point, with benches for you to relax on and soak up the views.
- Baker Beach: To see the Golden Gate Bridge from below, you must head to Baker Beach. Situated on the west of the Presidio, you can enjoy a sun tan and picnic lunch while the bridge towers overhead.
- Presidio Tunnel Tops: Located just 1.6 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio Tunnel Tops offers ample recreational space as well as an excellent panorama of the bridge.
Fort Point: To get right underneath the bridge, Fort Point is located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can tour this historic monument and get a close-up view of the bridge’s intricate construction.
Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge
Most people who come to San Francisco want to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, an experience truly like no other. Driving and walking are the most common ways of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, but people often have a number of questions about each. We provide the answers below!
How long does it take to cross the Golden Gate Bridge by car?
Traveling by car is undoubtedly the quickest way across the Golden Gate Bridge. The speed limit on the bridge is 45 miles per hour, and without traffic you can cross the bridge in just three minutes!
How do you avoid tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge?
Tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge are only on southbound lanes, so to avoid tolls you can choose to only cross on the northbound lanes. Alternatively, you can cross the bridge by walking or cycling, which you will not be charged for.
Can you pay cash to cross the Golden Gate Bridge?
The Golden Gate Bridge tolls are electronic, meaning you can’t pay cash at a booth as you cross. The toll fee can be paid via FasTrak, a license plate account, a one-time payment, or an invoice, all of which can be paid in cash at certain locations.
Where do I park my car near Golden Gate Bridge?
When visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, the closest place you can park your car is near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. Here you’ll find a number of spots with fees per hour, which you can pay for using the parking machines. You can also find more parking at Presidio and Crissy Field.
Can you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge for free?
Yes! There is no charge to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Just keep in mind that the pedestrian sidewalk is only open between sunrise and sunset and you cannot walk it at night.
How long does it take to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Walking one way across the Golden Gate Bridge takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on your fitness and how many photo stops you take!
Cycling Across the Golden Gate Bridge
As an alternative to driving or walking, you can cycle across Golden Gate Bridge 24 hours a day. With numerous cycling routes in San Francisco, you can also make the most of your bike ride with a trip through the city. For an epic experience, travel from San Francisco to Sausalito on our Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour, where you’ll cross the bridge on two wheels!
Sail Beneath the Golden Gate Bridge
Sailing in San Francisco Bay frequently ranks as one of the best things to do in the city. You can float directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, glide past Alcatraz Island, and admire the city skyline. Along the way, keep an eye out for the abundant marine life, including dolphins and sea lions. Check out our San Francisco Cruise Tour for a stunning Golden Gate Bridge experience, which you can also elevate by going at sunset!
Best Time to Visit Golden Gate Bridge
We would argue that the best time to visit Golden Gate Bridge is any time! San Francisco experiences mild weather year-round and even the famous fog can often create an incredible backdrop for photographs.
Spring and fall will offer the clearest skies, while the fog typically occurs in the summer months in the morning. The fog will burn off by the afternoon, but you don’t want to miss seeing the bridge rising from the cloud!
For the best lighting, always aim for morning or afternoon when sunrise and sunset bathe the bridge in golden hues.
Other Golden Gate Attractions
Surrounding Golden Gate Bridge are other attractions that will enhance your visit. The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, located in the Presidio, features fascinating exhibits about the history of the Golden Gate Bridge and also has a gift store with some of the best souvenirs. At either end of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Encompassing over 80,000 hectares, you’ll find myriad hiking trails, picnic spots, camping areas, and more.
Have an Incredible Adventure in San Francisco
If you want to explore beyond Golden Gate Bridge, Incredible Adventures has your back. We have a range of tours in the city as well as Tours from San Francisco that will take you across California to destinations like Yosemite National Park. Whatever experience you’re looking for, we can make it happen. Contact us to find out more.
