About the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate strait connecting San Francisco to Marin County. Once the world's longest suspension bridge, its 746-foot towers and distinctive "International Orange" color make it one of the most photographed bridges globally. Over 10 million visitors annually walk, bike, or drive across this Art Deco engineering marvel. Pair this stop with the San Francisco guide and the wider United States overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Pedestrian hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM (6:30 PM in winter)
- Best for photos: Morning (9-11 AM) when fog often clears
- Sunset views: 1 hour before sunset from Battery Spencer (Marin side)
- Least foggy: September-October, though fog adds dramatic atmosphere
- Least crowded: Weekday mornings before 10 AM
💰 Costs
- Walking the bridge: Free
- Bike rental: $35-45 for full day (includes helmet, lock, map)
- Electric bike rental: $55-75 for full day (easier for hills)
- Guided bike tours: $60-90 per person (includes bike, guide, 3-4 hours)
- Walking tours: $40-60 per person (2-3 hours with historian)
- Private guide: $300-450 for up to 6 people
Parking: Limited lots near bridge ($1.25/hour). Consider public transit - Muni bus 28/29, Uber/Lyft to avoid parking hassle.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Engineering marvels: How it was built against all odds, wind resistance, earthquake safety
- Construction stories: 11 workers died, safety nets saved 19 "Halfway to Hell Club" members
- Color choice: Why "International Orange" over Navy's preferred gray or gold
- Photography expertise: Best viewpoints, fog timing, golden hour angles
- Multi-stop tours: Combined with Presidio, Fort Point, Sausalito visits
✨ Don't Miss
- 🚶 Bridge walk: 1.7 miles each way, allow 1-2 hours round trip
- 📸 Battery Spencer: North side viewpoint, classic postcard angle
- 🏰 Fort Point: Civil War-era fort directly beneath south tower
- 🚴 Bike to Sausalito: Cross bridge, descend to charming waterfront town, ferry back
- 🌁 Fog watching: Bridge towers emerging from fog is iconic SF experience
- 📍 Vista Point: North side lookout, restrooms, photo opportunities
- 🎨 Bridge Pavilion: South side visitor center with exhibits and gift shop
📝 Practical Tips
- Dress in layers: Can be 15°F colder and extremely windy on bridge vs. downtown
- Wind warning: 30+ mph winds common - secure hats, be careful with phones
- Fog factor: Bridge may be completely obscured - check webcams before going
- East vs. west sidewalk: East (bay side) for pedestrians weekdays, both sides weekends
- Bike-friendly: West (ocean side) designated for bikes, separate from walkers
- Photography gear: Wide-angle lens ideal, tripod challenging due to wind
- Restroom locations: South end visitor center, Vista Point north end