How to experience the Golden Gate Bridge (+ best viewpoints!)

If it’s your first time visiting San Francisco, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge is probably high on your list, and it should be. It is San Francisco’s #1 tourist attraction, and let me assure you that the hype is true. Standing tall with its iconic red towers and sweeping cables against the ocean and city backdrop, it is truly a sight to see, up close or far away!

Being a San Francisco local, I have seen the bridge countless times, I have walked on it, driven on it, seen it from numerous viewpoints, and it still takes my breath away every single time. I can gawk at it for hours and not get tired of it. Well, you can tell by now that I truly love this SF landmark. We are always taking family and friends to see the bridge when they visit SF.

If you are looking for all the inside details on visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, you are in the right place. Read on to find out the best ways to experience the bridge, my favorite viewpoints, and practical tips to know before your visit.

Girl in a white sweater at Presidio Tunnel Tops admiring the Golden Gate Bridge views — *Me admiring the Golden Gate Bridge at Presidio Tunnel Tops Park*

Ways to visit the Golden Gate Bridge

There are several ways to experience the Golden Gate Bridge, and some are better than others depending on how much time you have, your mode of transport, and what kind of experience you’re after.

You can walk across the bridge, bike over it, drive over it, sit on the upper deck of an open-top bus to let the wind in your hair (more like get your hair pulled away by the wind!), or gawk at it from one of the several viewpoints. There is no right or wrong way to experience the bridge. However, I think that seeing it from a viewpoint really gives you the full scale of it, rather than being on it.

Let’s go over each of these in some more detail, with practical information on how to accomplish this.

Walk across the bridge

The easiest way and my favorite way to experience the bridge up close is to walk on it. It’s about 1.7 miles one way and takes around 45 minutes to an hour each way, depending on how often you stop for photos.

While on the bridge, you’ll get amazing views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. Just keep in mind it can get very windy and chilly, even in summer. I usually only walk up to the first pillar and back.

A mostly empty concrete sidewalk leading to the Golden Gate Bridge — *East sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge (North end)*

To accomplish your mission of walking on the bridge, you can either park on the south end of the bridge at the Golden Gate Welcome Center or on the north end of the bridge at the H. Dana Bowers Rest Area & Vista Point. From either end parking lots, you can easily walk on the bridge.

You can also Uber to one of these locations. The San Francisco Hop On Hop Off Bus stops at the northern end parking lot, so that is another convenient option to get down here and walk on the bridge.

Bike across the bridge

Biking is a popular and fun way to experience the bridge, especially if you want to continue on to Sausalito. I have not done this myself, but my family has, and it’s super fun.

The bike route starts in Fisherman’s Wharf, goes up the bridge, and then down to Sausalito. You typically have the bike for the full day, but I recommend you take the ferry back from Sausalito and enjoy the views from the water. You will also skip biking the uphill return from Sausalito.

A mostly empty concrete sidewalk with some cyclists leading to the Golden Gate Bridge — *The west sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge is reserved for cyclists*

Keep in mind that the bike route has a lot of incline. The path starts with an uphill climb to get onto the bridge. After that, it’s mostly downhill into Sausalito.

If you’re not a regular cyclist or just want to make things easier, I recommend renting an electric bike as they make a big difference on the hilly streets of San Francisco.

When in Sausalito, stop at Lappert’s ice cream for a treat; it’s one of my favorite ice cream shops there.

➡️ I recommend this Golden Gate Bridge guided bike or e-bike tour from San Francisco to Sausalito – rent an e-bike to make it easier!

Take an open-top bus tour

Recently, I played a tourist in my own city and rode this open-top bus to go over the Golden Gate Bridge, and let me tell you that it is so windy and fun! My hair was all over the place! Keep a hair tie if you have long hair!

The iconic red pillar of the Golden Gate Bridge seen from top of the sight seeing bus — *Going over the Golden Gate Bridge on the open-top bus*

Unless you have a convertible, taking the hop-on, hop-off bus is the easiest way to accomplish this. Then, as a bonus, you can get down at the north end vista point and walk on the bridge.

➡️ This is the San Francisco Hop On Hop Off bus tour I did and recommend!

➡️ Check my detailed review of the hop-on hop-off bus tour here.

Take a bay cruise and go under the bridge

A very unique way to experience the bridge is to take a San Francisco Bay cruise from Pier 39. I have done this several times, as this is one of my go-to attractions to take visiting family and friends.

This image captures the view from beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, looking up at its iconic red structure. The underside of the bridge is prominently displayed, with the water of San Francisco Bay visible below and the sky above. — Our Bay cruise passing under the Golden Gate Bridge

These 1-hour cruises typically loop around Alcatraz, head toward the bridge, and sail right underneath it. You get a totally different view looking up at the massive towers and cables, plus great photo ops from the open-air decks. It is very windy and chilly on the water, even in the summer, so bring a jacket and a beanie.

➡️ I recommend this 1.5-hour sunset bay cruise on a catamaran boat
or
This 1-hour basic San Francisco Bay cruise

You can choose from basic sightseeing cruises, sunset sails, or even catamaran and sailing boat tours. If you want a relaxing way to see the bridge, this is a solid option.

➡️ Check my detailed write-up here about taking a San Francisco Bay Cruise.

Best Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints

Although it is fun to be on the bridge, in my opinion the best way to see the Golden Gate Bridge is from a distance to get the full scale of it.

Some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge aren’t from the bridge itself, but from spots around the north and south ends of the bridge. You can also see the bridge from various points in the city, but that will be too many to list here.

Here are a few viewpoints I always recommend as they give the best views of the bridge for photos.

Battery Spencer (Marin Headlands)

Google Maps Location: Battery Spencer

This is my go-to viewpoint when I want to wow out-of-town guests. It offers that postcard-perfect angle of the bridge with the city behind it.

*Iconic panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer viewpoint*

This viewpoint is on the north end of the bridge, up on the Conzelman Road. There are several small parking lots up this road, but I have found that parking can be challenging on weekends.

Having a rental car is the best way to get here. You can also walk here from the rest area on the other side of the bridge, although it will be an uphill walk.

Vista Point North

Google Maps Location: Vista Point North

*Golden Gate Bridge seen from North Vista Point (it was foggy that day, so the bridge’s red color is not that striking in this picture)*

For out-of-town tourists who do not have a rental car, this is the easiest viewpoint to get to as the hop-on on hop-off bus stops here. You can also get here by rideshare like Uber/Waymo/Lyft. From here, you can get a good picture of the scale of the north pillar. You can also walk on the bridge from here.

Vista Point South

Google Maps Location: Vista Point South

This vista point is near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center on the south end of the bridge. You can get here by rideshare or by car. Parking is limited, we never seem to get parking here on weekends. So we always end up going to the vista point on the north side, which is a much larger lot.

Crissy Field / Fort Point

This is an excellent viewpoint if you want to see the bridge from the beach. There are nice walking paths from Crissy Field all the way to Fort Point.

Crissy Field beach area with people windsurfing and Golden Gate Bridge in the background — *Golden Gate Beach seen from Crissy Field Beach*

I recommend starting at Presidio Tunnel Tops park overlook, there are nice red chairs here to sit and admire the bridge from afar, then cross the street to Crissy Field and walk all the way to Fort Point for a close-up of the bridge. You will also get to see a lot of windsurfers in the water.

Girl's feet resting on a low wall with Golden Gate Bridge in the background — *Can you think of a better place to relax? (Presidio Tunnel Tops park)*

Tips for visiting the Golden Gate Bridge

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that can help make your visit smoother:

Go early or late in the day for fewer crowds: Midday tends to be the most crowded. If you can, go early in the morning or later in the evening for fewer people and softer light for photos.
Weekdays are better: If your schedule allows, go on a weekday. Parking is easier, and it’s much less crowded at the viewpoints and walking paths.
Dress in layers: Even if it’s warm in the city, it can be very windy and chilly on the bridge.
Check the pedestrian and bike hours: The east sidewalk is typically open for pedestrians, and both the east and the west are open to cyclists, but they aren’t open 24/7, and schedules can vary depending on the month. Check here for current hours if you’re planning to walk or bike.
Mind ‘Karl’ the fog: On really foggy days, the top of the bridge or even the entire bridge might be hidden. If you want that clear postcard view, try checking a webcam or the forecast before heading out.
Be prepared for hills and walking: Whether you’re exploring the Presidio, crossing the bridge, or visiting the Marin side, expect some walking and inclines. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water on sunny days.
Plan ahead for food: There aren’t many food options right at the bridge. There is a small cafe at the Welcome Center on the south end, but I usually recommend packing snacks or planning a meal nearby, like in the Presidio Tunnel Tops (there are food trucks and a restaurant here), or Sausalito if you’re biking across. Lately, I have seen street vendors in the parking lots near the bridge, but I have never tried them.
Restrooms: Restrooms are located at the vista points on both the north and south ends of the bridge. There are no restrooms on the bridge.

San Francisco Bay Cruise going near the Golden Gate Bridge — *San Francisco Bay Cruise going under the Golden Gate Bridge*

Getting to the Golden Gate Bridge

As locals, we typically drive to the bridge, but for tourists, below is the order of my recommendations for getting to the bridge to save your valuable vacation time.

Hop on hop off bus: Easiest way to get to the bridge’s North Vista Point, ride on the top deck, and even use the ferry at Pier 39 stop to see the bridge from a bay cruise.
Rideshare: It is very convenient to use Uber/Waymo/Lyft in San Francisco to get to the various vista points.
Bike Tour: If you enjoy biking, this is a great way to see the bridge and the surrounding areas with a guide. Plus, you can return back on the ferry from Sausalito.
Public Transit: You can use the Golden Gate Transit buses from various locations in the city, like Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. Check here for the bus information.
Driving: Least recommended, as parking is extremely limited on the south and north points of the bridge. If you visit on a weekday morning or afternoon, you might have more luck with parking than during the evening or on weekends.

Driving on the Golden Gate Bridge, the red towers and the cables seen — *Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge*

Is it free to visit the Golden Gate Bridge?

Yes, it’s completely free to walk, bike (bike rental costs to consider if not your own bike), or view the bridge. There’s no admission fee or reservation needed for the sidewalks or the viewpoints.

The only cost would be for the transport to get here. If you drive southbound into San Francisco, there’s an electronic toll (around $9.25 for most cars, no cash accepted). Check here for more information about toll payment.

Some Fun Facts about the bridge

I’ve picked up a few facts over the years that are always fun to share:

The bridge first opened in 1937, after around four years of construction.
The main span (the distance between the two towers) is 4,200 feet long, once the longest suspension span in the world.
The bridge’s signature color, International Orange, was chosen for visibility in fog and to complement the natural surroundings, and it truly is striking.
The fog here is called ‘Karl’, although I don’t get the reference. Occasionally, I have seen clear views around the bridge, with the fog just covering the bridge portion, which is bizarre and amusing! As if the bridge is not in the mood for pics! See pic below.

Views of city and ocean seen from Coit Tower and a thick layer of fog covering the Golden Gate bridge — *Golden Gate Bridge hiding behind the fog* (*this is from the Coit Tower*)

Final Takeaways: Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

I hope you now have all the information you need to visit the Golden Gate Bridge on your trip to San Francisco!

No matter how many times I’ve visited, it’s always a treat to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether you’re walking across it, catching a glimpse from one of the viewpoints, or sailing underneath it on a bay cruise, there’s something special about seeing this iconic landmark of San Francisco up close.

However you decide to experience it, make sure to take a moment and soak it all in! It’s one of those classic San Francisco moments you’ll remember.

More about San Francisco

Check out my San Francisco itineraries:
Explore San Francisco attractions:
Check out my San Francisco neighborhood guides:
- Things to do in Haight Ashbury – San Francisco’s hippie neighborhood
- How to spend one day at North Beach – San Francisco’s Little Italy
- Visiting Muir Woods from San Francisco
- Things to do in Golden Gate Park

⭐ Got questions about your trip?

Join my private Facebook group – California Travel Advice & Tips! It’s the perfect spot to connect with me and other California locals, as well as past visitors. It’s a great growing community and the quickest way to get answers for your visit!

➡️ Join my Facebook Group here

How to experience the Golden Gate Bridge (+ best viewpoints!)