The Golden Gate Bridge spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay, carrying U.S. Highway 101 between San Francisco and the counties to the north. Its south-end viewpoints, pedestrian sidewalk and nearby Presidio sites make it easy to build a visit around transit, a walk or a bike ride.
- The bridge is about 3.1 miles from Francisco Bay Inn.
- Golden Gate Transit routes 101, 130 and 150 serve the south-end Toll Plaza from downtown or Union Square.
- Pedestrians use the east sidewalk, with hours that change between standard and daylight time.
- Parking at the bridge is limited; the southeast lot charges $5 per hour.
Choosing a Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint
Crissy Field and the bridge’s south-end area offer ways to see the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The bridge is also a working highway crossing, so your viewpoint choice can shape how much walking and transit you want to include.
For a closer look, head toward the Bridge Welcome Center, which opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It has historical information, exhibits and merchandise, along with the original 12-foot stainless-steel test tower used in 1933.
If you plan to drive, parking is extremely limited, so consider transit, a tour bus, rideshare, a rental bike or walking instead.
The southeast visitor lot charges $5 per hour, allows up to 3 consecutive hours, and is normally open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., including holidays. Its 37 spaces include 26 general spaces, 6 bus stalls and 3 accessible spaces for visitors with disability placards.
The northeast Vista Point lot has free parking with a four-hour limit; restrooms are its only amenity. Presidio parking is paid and regulated every day, including Sundays, with fees varying by location and day. You can pay at a station or through the PayByPhone app.
How do you get to the Golden Gate Bridge?
Golden Gate Transit buses connect downtown and Union Square with the bridge’s south-end Toll Plaza. Routes 101, 130 and 150 board at Salesforce Transit Center Bus Plaza Bay A or at Golden Gate Transit-marked stops on Mission Street.
From Civic Center, those same routes serve the Toll Plaza, with boarding at 7th and Market streets or McAllister and Polk streets across from City Hall. If you are planning a fuller city itinerary around the trip, a one-day San Francisco route can help you consider how the bridge fits into the day.
For the north-end Vista Point, take route 130 from downtown, Union Square or Civic Center. Ask the driver for the first stop after crossing the bridge, then follow the walkway south to Vista Point.
The Presidio gives Muni route 28 19th Avenue stops at Golden Gate Bridge/Parking Lot and Golden Gate Bridge Tunnel/Merchant Road. Route 29 Sunset stops at Lincoln Boulevard and Bowley Street.
Walking and cycling access
Pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, may use only the east sidewalk, which faces San Francisco. The pedestrian sidewalk opens at 5:00 a.m. and closes at different times depending on the time standard: 6:30 p.m. during Pacific Standard Time, generally early November to early March, and 9:00 p.m. during Pacific Daylight Time, generally early March to early November. Gates close at those times and reopen at 5:00 a.m.
Cyclists have toll-free access to the bridge sidewalks around the clock, though remotely operated east-side security gates operate overnight. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians, follow the 15 mph sidewalk speed limit and slow to 5 mph around the towers. All classes of e-bikes are allowed, but bicycle rentals are not available at the bridge itself.
E-scooters and similar devices, rollerblades, skateboards, roller skates, non-service animals, pushcarts, wheelbarrows and drones are not permitted on the sidewalks. Service animals are allowed. For a guided walk, San Francisco City Guides offers free bridge walking tours twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays; check with City Guides for the schedule.
Nearby Presidio and Crissy Field stops
The Presidio and Crissy Field add shoreline and park stops to a Golden Gate Bridge visit. The Presidio Visitor Center is beside the Presidio Transit Center and Presidio Tunnel Tops, opens every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and has ramp access.
At the visitor center, daily park overviews take place at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Free ranger campfire talks take place daily at 3:00 p.m. at Campfire Circle in Presidio Tunnel Tops. If accessibility matters for your route, accessible parking and restrooms are available at the Bridge Welcome Center, Fort Point and Baker Beach.
Pairing the bridge with the Presidio lets you combine a bay-side view with park facilities and visitor information. For parking within the Presidio, fees vary by location and day, and parking is regulated throughout the week, including Sundays.
Before you go
Sidewalk hours and lot operations can affect when you can cross or park, so check the official site before you go. The Bridge District is the source for bridge access, parking and sidewalk notices.
Bring your route plan together with your chosen viewpoint: transit serves both the south-end Toll Plaza and the north-end Vista Point, while pedestrian access is limited to the east sidewalk. If you are driving, account for the limited parking rather than assuming a space will be available.
FAQs
Which side of the Golden Gate Bridge can pedestrians use?
Pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, use only the east sidewalk facing San Francisco.
Can you cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Yes. Cyclists have toll-free access to the sidewalks around the clock, though remotely operated east-side security gates operate overnight. They must yield to pedestrians and follow the sidewalk speed limits.
Is parking free at the Golden Gate Bridge?
The southeast visitor lot charges $5 per hour. The northeast Vista Point lot is free and has a four-hour limit.
Which bus goes to the north-end Vista Point?
Golden Gate Transit route 130 serves the north-end Vista Point from downtown, Union Square or Civic Center. Request the first stop after crossing the bridge, then follow the walkway south.