How to Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge for a spectacular view of the city.

San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world's iconic structures. The view of the San Francisco skyline and San Francisco Bay from its walkway is unrivaled. No visit to the city is complete without making a pilgrimage. The bridge is 1.7 miles long and connects San Francisco with Marin County. The walkway is 220 feet above San Francisco Bay, and the towers rise to 746 feet above the water. It was the largest suspension bridge in the world when it opened to great fanfare in 1937.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Don't forget your camera!

1. Access the San Francisco side of the bridge from Highway 101. Take a right at the last San Francisco exit with the sign "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area." Park in the 81-space metered parking lot. The lot contains a monument dedicated to bridge engineer Robert Strauss, a collection of plaques that describe the history of bridge, an example of the impressive cable that holds the bridge aloft as well as a gift shop and snack bar. Follow the ramp to the walkway on the eastern side of the span.

2. Access the bridge from the Vista Point parking lot in Marin County. The lot is on the north side of Highway 101, immediately after crossing the bridge. Parking is free on the Marin County side, but it will cost you a toll to return to San Francisco. It is a 1.7-mile walk from one parking lot to the other.

3. Follow the walkway out onto the bridge. The bridge walkway is open to pedestrians from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Pacific Standard Time. When daylight savings time is in effect, the bridge is open to pedestrians from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Even if you don't want to walk across the whole bridge, it's worth it to walk halfway across and take in the unobstructed panorama that includes the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island and the Bay Bridge.

4. Begin your walk at Chrissy Field in the San Francisco Presidio for a real adventure. Park your car in the extensive free parking lot and walk along the beach about 1.5 miles to Fort Point, a historic structure dating back to the Civil War, which sits immediately underneath the end of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can access the bridge walkway by following the road or paths up to the parking lot.

Tips & Warnings

• It can be cold and windy. Bring a coat or sweater.

• Be sure to bring quarters for the parking meters on the San Francisco side.

• Animals are not allowed on the bridge unless they are service animals.

References

• Golden Gate Bridge: Bikes & Pedestrians