Cultural Site

Golden Gate Bridge

Walk out along the Golden Gate Bridge on its east sidewalk, then see how it was built at the Welcome Center at the south end.

Typical visit
Ages
Booking
Cycling
Cyclists cross on the bridge sidewalks toll-free, 24 hours a day.
Free tours
San Francisco City Guides run free walking tours of the bridge on Wednesdays and Saturdays; bikes cannot be rented at the bridge.
Welcome Center
The Welcome Center is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Coming with kids
The Welcome Center has interactive and stationary exhibits on the bridge's history, science and engineering.
Toilets
Restrooms are at the southeast visitor area by the Welcome Center and at Vista Point on the north end.
Food
Equator Coffee serves drinks in the Round House.
Getting there
Golden Gate Transit buses 101, 130 and 150 run from Salesforce Transit Center (Bus Plaza, Bay A) or marked stops on Mission Street to the Toll Plaza bus stop.
Wheelchair users
Pedestrians, including wheelchair users, may only use the east sidewalk, the side facing San Francisco.

Walking the Golden Gate Bridge means using the east sidewalk, the side that faces San Francisco, and walking hours are shorter in winter than in summer. Cyclists use the sidewalks around the clock, switching between east and west depending on the day and season, and indicator lights warn riders when high winds or special events close the west side. At the southeast end, the Welcome Center tells the story of the bridge next to a café, restrooms and a string of viewing points; at the north end, Vista Point has restrooms and plenty of spots for photos. The trade-off is the car: the southeast lot has 37 spaces and charges by the hour, and the bridge’s parking lots close to vehicles at weekends and on holidays for at least part of the day.

Family FAQ

How much does Golden Gate Bridge cost?

Cyclists cross on the bridge sidewalks toll-free, 24 hours a day.

Where are the toilets at Golden Gate Bridge?

Restrooms are at the southeast visitor area by the Welcome Center and at Vista Point on the north end.

Why kids will love it

Children get to walk out onto the bridge itself, and the Welcome Center’s interactive exhibits explain the history, science and engineering behind it, so the view from the sidewalk comes with an explanation of what they are standing on.

Plan your visit

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