Early Evening: Another fun time to visit is in the early evening. Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page. You can see it from above on the walkways or stroll down there after you walk on the bridge. This lookout is good for getting a straight on view of the bridge, which you can do from the main vista point. The Blue and Gold Ferries are a popular public transit option for those returning from Sausalito. You can hike, bike or take a shuttle around the island. Open daily from 9:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Welcome Center is the first on-site center dedicated to telling the stories of the Golden Gate Bridge. After a ride along the waterfront, you will head up the hill to the bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is a colorful International Orange and sits over a narrow straight above the San Francisco Bay. Experiences from C$228. Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. Other interesting stuff nearby: Have a cup of coffee or a snack a the Warming Hut Bookstore & Cafe. Alcatraz was a federal prison from 1935-1963. Be aware of your surroundings as both cyclists and pedestrians use the east pedestrian sidewalk. Helicopter Tour: Are you looking for something a little more adventurous? Before travel writing, her professional background included working internationally in business, nonprofits, and government. Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is a must for visitors to San Francisco; but did you know about all the fun and interesting attractions near the iconic marvel? Battery Godfrey and a handful of other gun emplacements were installed in the late 1800s and were part of the Presidio defense system until just after WWII. Here are 10 of the most popular shows where you can see this beauty on the screen. This magical journey starts with a shuttle from one of two central locations in San Francisco. However, some of the nearby parking lots cost from $1.00-$1.90 per hour. That iconic reddish-orange color was chosen specifically to blend with the land on either side of the bridge and also to act as a bright contrast through the fog. The towers are tall, but they are both hollow. Find tickets for this cruise. Alcatraz Island12. Many visitors just stick to the east side visitors center, but the west side has great Golden Gate Bridge views along with an expansive look at the Marin Headlands landscape. Tips for visiting: There is parking along Crissy Field and in a small lot just north of the wharf. Here are four of my favorites. It's also where you will find the Warming Hut, a popular restaurant with sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Here are more tips on what to wear by month--and remember take off a few degrees for each one when thinking about what the weather might be like at the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. What does it connect? I usually wear a medium-weight long or short-sleeved shirt. You can only enter this side if you are on a bike. I would love for you join me in my private Facebook group! The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is frequently featured in movies and on TV. Be sure to also check out the Golden Gate Parks Conservancy online store for one-of-a-kind gifts and collectibles. Simply park at the Golden Gate Park and walk to the Golden Gate Bridge, if you'd like to do some touristy sightseeing. I do encourage you to try the bike lane / walking as the Golden Gate Bridge is surreal and a lifetime experience. You can simply park near the bridge and stroll over it, but there are also some cool trails that lead up to the bridge which are worth doing. Now, it's a much loved part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Mother Nature has been allowed to reclaim what she lost. You can either use FastTrak, pre-pay online with a credit card, pay online after with a credit card, or wait until you receive an invoice in the mail. However, I created a complete guide to help you find parking for your visit. Crissy Field: To the east of the bridge, you will find Crissy Field. It drops off at the SF Ferry Building. You can visit some cool museums, go bowling or stroll along the Coastal Trail. It opened to pedestrians just one day earlier. In fact, you can see it from most points along the city's northern waterfront. You will also learn a little more about other buildings in the city and pass by Alcatraz Island. It's often windy even at the look-out point and is usually even windier on the walkways. If you decide to walk across, you can hike to the top or admire them from the walkway. You will find both paid and free parking options on my list. So this guide to the best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints is intended to help you find those iconic bridge experiences. It runs daily and is a great way to see the bridge as well as many of our top attractions. Baker Beach is a nice long beach located further west of the west side batteries. At closing time, there are gates that automatically go down on both sides of the walking path so you can no longer enter. What else is there to do near Golden Gate Bridge? Book your all-day bike rental on GetYourGuide today! Looking up at the southern tower from the walking path that is free and open to the public. Check out this resource for walking the Golden Gate Bridge for full details. This guide for how to visit the Golden Gate Bridge will help you get to the bridge and see for yourself why its SFs most famous icon. To maintain it, they do touch ups all the time and have a full-time maintenance crew. Recreational Fires. We found 1,606 things to do for you near Golden Gate Bridge Crissy Field Marsh 2 Reviews Golden Gate Promenade, San Francisco, CA 94129 3 minutes from Golden Gate Bridge Experiences from $89 See 3 Experiences San Francisco Bay 7,344 Reviews San Francisco, CA 12 minutes from Golden Gate Bridge Experiences from $13 See 62 Experiences Its free to visit the Golden Gate Bridge. Read More: If you are into photography, check out this guide to the best photography spots in San Francisco (in addition to the bridge). Bay Cruise: Instead of walking or driving, how about cruising under it? Located within thePresidioand facing the Main Parade Lawn,The Walt Disney Family Museumdelights both children and adults by celebrating beloved Disney classics and more. Best time for viewing the bridge: After noon in order to avoid morning glare. You may have to walk a half-mile to a mile to get from these bus stops to your hotel. Visit the Parks Conservancy website or National Park Service-GGNRA websiteto begin your adventure. If youre coming from the city,Golden Gate Bridge Bike RentalsandBlazing Saddlesboth offer rentals and tours for every size cyclist, whileSausalito Bike Rentals is your best bet if youre coming from Marin.Wheel Fun Rentals(which has two locations in Fisherman's Wharf) offers an audio-guided bike tour that uses GPS technology to give you info on your exact location. The National Park Service offers a cell phone tour of Fort Baker that covers 10 spots on a three mile walking tour. Recreational fires are permitted and regulated only at certain sites. You should also check out this article with facts about the Golden Gate Bridge and learn things like how and when it was built, and why it moves like Jagger. Like the other areas surrounding the bridge it has a civil war, WWII and cold war history. At the time that it was built, it was the longest suspension span in the world and even today, its 4,200 foot (1,300/m) length keeps it in the top ten. They use health, locally sourced items for their fresh salads and sandwiches. (See privacy policy). How long does it take to cross the bridge? I would love for you join me in my private Facebook group! Click to find out more about this and other unusual stuff that you can do in San Francisco. You can either head over first thing in the morning (which is usually when it's still foggy and a bit cool) or you can enter from the north end. Copyright 2009-2023 by SFTourismTips.com. This long, narrow stretch of green space is easy to see from the bridge. There are also restrooms and a seasonal snack bar. This long, narrow stretch of green space is easy to see from the bridge. Find my tips for riding a bike across the bridgehere. This way you can come and go as you want. This will allow you to learn more about its history, including Joseph Strauss, who made this gorgeous gem a reality. It has several viewing platforms along with easy access for walking the bridge. You can scramble around the old concrete bunkers and climb on top of the walls for views of the bridge. Which view of the Golden Gate Bridge is the best? Look for the 114, 132, or the 154. Set paths and a boardwalk make it an easy place to explore. On your next trip toSan Francisco, try these creative ways to enjoy the bridge and the surrounding area. Here's where to camp in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Suggested duration More than 3 hours Fort Point dates to the American Civil War. I agree and consent to receiveemails from Visit California and its partners with special offers and exclusive content and that I am at least 18 years old, See San Francisco's most iconic structure from every angleby foot, bicycle, boat, and more. Weekdays: You will also find less traffic on the weekdays. According to the Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District, the bridge has shed a whopping 12,300 tons over the course of the decades. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Decades ago, the Presidio's Crissy Field was a military airfield. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a51c223c9c659b7b2f45ffdf858132f0" );document.getElementById("bdd8f95227").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are a participant in the various affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. It's also where you will find the Warming Hut, a popular restaurant with sandwiches, salads, and coffee. The Golden Gate Park to Battery Spencer lookout bike ride is 7.3 miles long and takes approximately . Can you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco? What should you wear when you visit the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge? But midday is better for getting into the fort. Hiking. Can I walk all the way to Sausalito? Your guide to one of San Francisco's biggest LGBTQ community events outside of Pride. Best time for viewing the bridge: Like Crissy field, sunrise is best for light. Once called "the bridge that couldn't be built," today the Golden Gate Bridge is one the seven wonders of the modern world. They have both commuter buses and hourly buses that will take you from the Financial District, the Civic Center, and places in between to the bridge. This is the view of the bridge from the top deck of the Hop On Hop Off bus. Inn at the Presidio: 3-star hotel inside the Presidio, quiet peaceful and wine/cheese reception at night, find out more about the Inn at the Presidio, Cavallo Point Lodge: 4.5-star hotel, great views of the bridge, wonderful restaurant, on the north end of the bridge in Sausalito, learn about Cavallo Point Lodge and book rooms, Travelodge by Wyndham: 2-star hotel, free parking, pets allowed, free wifi and breakfast, read reviews and book at Travelodge by Wyndham, Cow Hollow Inn & Suites: 2-star hotel on Chestnut Street in the Marina, free parking and wifi, great budget friendly option, find guest reviews and book at Cow Hollow Inn & Suites, >> Find additional hotel recommendations all around SF. Crissy Field & Torpedo Wharf 2. What is the weather like at the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge? You'll have the chance to photograph this beauty at night and other top attractions. It's one of the oldest buildings in SF and interesting to see from above. Learn more here. And weve also got a guide for non-bridge things to do in The Presidio. There is a stop in downtown Sausalito, and it will drop you off at the southern (San Francisco) side of the bridge. Its towering presence makes you realize just how amazing this iconic structure is up close. Today, the bridge carries about 112,000 cars and 10,000 pedestrians cross the bay every day. The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge sits in the Golden Gate Strait, which is where it got its name. 8.6/10 Excellent! There is also a section on the bottom for how to see the bridge if you dont have a car. It goes up to the blufftops, past the abandoned gun batteries and ends up at the south end of the Bridge. They typically have a policy on how to pay for the tolls, so make sure you know before you leave with your car. 1. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). In the Presidioone of San Francisco's most historic, picturesque, and famous open spacesa new attraction has just opened for visitors. This is also when the cyclists are required to use the western walkway (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm), so you will have less bike traffic. There are no longer any human toll takers at the toll plaza, so you have a few ways to pay for your toll. You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. Sidewalk closures are dependent on lane configurations during ongoing construction which you can check here >. 2. 17 mi from Golden Gate Bridge. From the trail, you can take a side trip down to Marshalls Beach and also spend time creeping around the abandoned Battery West, Battery Godfrey and Battery Boutelle military gun emplacements. You can get off and back on at any stop along the way. Baker Beach 6. 0.80 miles round-trip. 2. Yes! Plus, you can get some breathtaking views of the bridge from the top level. The Fort Point historic landmark sits below the south end of the bridge (the San Francisco side). The best Golden Gate bridge view is from Camp Reynolds on the west side of the island. First is that the bridge is perched at the tip of the bay, acting as a gateway to the Pacific Ocean and connecting San Francisco with the rest of northern California. I'd double-check them in the morning as the ferry does not run very often to SF. Wherever you are, you're guaranteed to get a breathtaking photo that will surely boost your Instagram following. It inspired a bunch of movies featuring crazy birdmen (Birdman of Alcatraz), crazy escapees (Escape from Alcatraz) and crazy commandos (The Rock). Find out more about visiting. Walking across this incredible gem is a highlight of many trips to SF. My father-in-law was in engineering school during the construction of the bridge and he and his fellow engineers-in-training actually made a class outing to the bridge where they walked up the struts to the top of the tower. The latter two are part of our locals only guide to unusual things to do in SF. If you are looking for more things to do in San Francisco, check out these fun activities: Save time planning your trip to SF with these insanely useful links: Share this Golden Gate Bridge Visitors guide with your friends on Pinterest: This Golden Gate Bridge guide is very helpful. Find out more and check for availability on GetYourGuide. West Side Batteries5. Is it repainted each year? Installed in 1986, The Wave Organ is an acoustic, wave-activated sculpture built on the jetty that forms the small boat harbor in theMarina. The Round House is now Equator Coffee. Both visitors and residents of SF want to experience the Golden Gate bridge park and see for themselves how it guards the city. The total walk is about a mile to get there and back. This gives you almost 10 hours to explore the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito. Best time for viewing the bridge: Late afternoon or sunset will give you nice light on the west side of the bridge. Heres a full guide for things to do on Angel Island. Hike and Explore Both ends of the Bridge touch the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It's a great place to explore, have a picnic, or go for a bike ride. Many US movies and TV shows have been filmed . This is the perfect way to get up close to the famed attraction and learn more about it. A work of art, an engineering marvel, and an American icon, the Bridge is flanked on both ends by the natural beauty of the Golden Gate National Parks. Its a great place to interact with me and others that know the area well. deep. They always have interesting special exhibitions. If so, check out this page with everything you need to know to bike the bridge. What is the distance? The largest island in the San Francisco Bay sits on the eastern side of Alcatraz. You can get some amazing shots of the bay, Alcatraz and its large towers. Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. 1. Golden Gate Bridge bike ride distances: Fisherman's Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge: 4 miles. Battery Spencer10. You can either go on a guided tour or rent a bike to go on your own. Find out more about visiting here. Make sure you bring anything you will need for your walk. Fire Engine Tour: On this expedition, you (and up to 12 other people) will enjoy some time on a big red shiny Mack Fire Engine. Visit the Parks Conservancy website or National Park Service-GGNRA website to begin your adventure. From the bridge to Sausalito: 2.8 miles. That equals almost 20 million cars a year! Round HouseCaf: Above is a picture of the Round House Caf. Experiences from C$528. Other stuff in the area: There is a coastal hiking trail along the bluff that goes past the batteries and to an overlook for Marshalls beach. Not far from the Welcome Center is the Lucas Arts building where you can see a statue of Yoda and original costumes from the Star Wars movies. He was made of firmer stuff than I, because the mere idea of tight-rope walking up to a 746 foot tower makes me want to reach for anti-anxiety medication.
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