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Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco's Iconic Landmark

Experience the majestic Golden Gate Bridge: walk, bike, or drive across this iconic landmark offering breathtaking views of San Francisco.

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Spanning the Golden Gate strait, this suspension bridge is an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California. Completed in 1937, it was once the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. Today, it carries both vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic, offering stunning views of the bay and city.

A brief summary to Golden Gate Bridge

Local tips

  • Dress in layers, as the weather on the bridge can be cool and windy, even on a sunny day.
  • Check the official website for sidewalk closures due to construction or maintenance.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to find parking.
  • Consider taking public transportation or a tour to avoid parking hassles.
  • Visit the Welcome Center to learn about the bridge's history and construction.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, access the pedestrian walkway on the east side of the bridge. The walkway is open to pedestrians from 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily from early November to early March; and from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily for the rest of the year. Enjoy the 1.7-mile walk across the bridge, taking in views of the city, Alcatraz, and the bay. Remember to dress warmly.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take Golden Gate Transit bus routes 101, 130, or 150 from the Salesforce Transit Center or along Mission Street. Alternatively, take Muni bus #28 from Fisherman's Wharf or the Golden Gate Park. These buses stop at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza. A single ride on Muni is $3. Golden Gate Transit costs vary depending on the distance.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101 South, take the last San Francisco exit before the toll plaza, following the sign for "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area". Turn left at the stop sign into the southeast side visitor parking lot. Parking costs $5 per hour with a 3-hour maximum. Alternatively, from Marin County, follow U.S. Highway 101 south across the Golden Gate Bridge. Note that tolls are collected electronically in the southbound direction only. As of July 1, 2025, the standard toll rate is $9.75 for FasTrak users and $10 for those paying via license plate or one-time payment.

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Discover more about Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge, connects San Francisco to Marin County, bridging the Golden Gate strait. It carries U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 and welcomes pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge's construction, a feat of engineering, began in 1933 and opened in 1937. Initially conceived in 1916, Joseph Strauss, Charles Ellis, and Leon Moisseiff designed the bridge. Architect Irving Morrow selected the bridge's distinctive International Orange color to complement the surrounding landscape and enhance visibility in the area's frequent fog. The bridge spans 4,200 feet and its total height is 746 feet. Since its opening, the Golden Gate Bridge has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge, taking in the stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center offers historical information, exhibits, and souvenirs.

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