Golden Gate Bridge

A 2.7 km International Orange suspension bridge completed in 1937 and a symbol of San Francisco. Walking or cycling across it and photographing the towers in the fog from several viewpoints are must-do experiences.

The Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate strait, connecting San Francisco with Marin County. It opened in 1937. Its main span is 1,280 m, the towers are 227 m tall, and when completed it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The 'International Orange' colour was chosen to stand out in fog and to blend with the surroundings. To experience it, the east sidewalk is open to pedestrians. Hours differ slightly between weekdays and weekends, roughly 05:00 or 06:00 to 18:30 or 21:00, with longer hours in summer. A round trip on foot takes about 1 hour for 2.7 km. The wind can be strong and cold, so bring a jacket. Cyclists use the west sidewalk on weekends, or the east sidewalk. The classic route is to rent a bike at Fisherman's Wharf (about USD 40–60 per day, from companies such as Blazing Saddles), ride past the waterfront and Fort Mason, cross the bridge to the town of Sausalito for lunch, then take the ferry back to Fisherman's Wharf (about USD 14, with a separate bike fee). The whole trip takes about 4 hours. Viewpoints include the Welcome Center and Vista Point at the south end (with views of the bridge deck and a historical exhibit in the visitor centre), Crissy Field beach and Fort Point in Presidio Park (under the bridge, for shots looking up at the structure), and Baker Beach (sand and bridge views, good for sunset). On the north end, on the Marin County side, Battery Spencer offers the classic high vantage point over the towers and the city skyline, and there is also a Vista Point. Only southbound vehicles pay the toll (about USD 9.75), which is billed automatically and charged by car rental companies. Getting there: take Muni bus 28 or the free PresidiGo shuttle from the city centre to the bridge, or Golden Gate Transit buses to the north end. Paid car parks are available at the bridge, but they often fill up on weekends. In summer, fog is thickest between 9 and 11 a.m., and the towers are often only half visible. The fog usually lifts after midday. In autumn, clear days offer good photos all day long.

Golden Gate Bridge

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Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby