Experiences from C$228. After that, it will be a bit glare-y, unless theres fog, then it will be.umfoggy. Here are some ideas: Visit Golden Gate Park: This massive park is home to many attractions, including museums, gardens, and a Japanese tea garden. Pick up the 101 or the 130. You'll see the entrance just to the west (near the roadway) of this famous lookout point. Find out more here. In the Presidioone of San Francisco's most historic, picturesque, and famous open spacesa new attraction has just opened for visitors. Before planning a trip, youve carefully thought of everything you need to know. 0.80 miles round-trip. The temps up here are about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than what you will find in other places around the city. (This article contains affiliate links. It's a straight path with a little bit of an uphill walk until you reach the center. Tips for visiting: You can catch a ferry from either Pier 29 or Tiburon. Tips for visiting: Dont be in a hurry. You'll want to leave a little extra time as well since you will probably walk slower than you think over the bridge (there are so many great things to stop and admire!). If you get hungry, check out the Salt Root Cafe for coffee and Brazilian cheese puffs (YES!). Because of the trees, youll play peekaboo with the bridge but if you find the right spot, you can get a full wide angle view of the whole west side of the bridge. 3 km from Golden Gate Bridge. This is the view of the bridge from the top deck of the Hop On Hop Off bus. 5 Amazing Things to Do at the Golden Gate Bridge - Visit California Hike to a hidden beach by way of the 1.7-mileTennessee Valley Trail, see ruins of the Sutro Baths atLands End, or get your heart rate up with a hike through the hillyheadlands. It runs through Golden Gate Park too, so you can easily get between these two attractions. The only way to climb the bridge is to become part of the maintenance crew! From the trail, you can take a side trip down to Marshalls Beach and also spend time creeping around the abandoned Battery West, Battery Godfrey and Battery Boutelle military gun emplacements. You can also hang out with friends and family at the picnic area or just admire the bridge from below. You can hike, bike or take a shuttle around the island. There are a few sidewalks that lead you to the east pedestrian walkway. What does it connect? 10 Iconic San Francisco Eats & Drinks That Every Visitor Must Try. Riding or Walking on the Bridge. Whichever way you travel, make sure to stop atFort Pointfor the ultimate bridge selfie. . Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page. Best time for viewing the bridge: After noon in order to avoid morning glare. A view of where Fort Point sits below the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Early Evening: Another fun time to visit is in the early evening. (You will not have to pay any extra fees if you use this option.). (1,544 reviews) "Great stay for one night right next to the airport." Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023. Things To Do Near Golden Gate Bridge There are plenty of things to do near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. If you are a trivia nut, you should definitely check out these cool facts about bridge before you visit. You will want to layer your clothes in case it gets warmer or cooler during your walk. The chief engineer, Joseph Strauss, wrote a poem called "The Mighty Task is Done" after the Golden Gate Bridge was completed. This is what it looks like as you are driving on the bridge. It's open from 9 am to 6 pm. During spring and summer, take one of the companysAlive After Fivehappy-hour cruises, which offer up cocktails and small plates as the ship glides past the bridge,Alcatraz, and other city sights. You can stroll along its eastern walkway, drive over it, or stop to take pictures at either the north or south lookout points. But altogether, there are 8 parking lots within walking distance of the south end and another 3 on the north end. It has a full FAQ and answers logistical questions about when and how to visit, where to park and different ways to access the bridge. With a guide, ride from Fisherman's Wharf to Marina Green and Crissy Field, and stop at Fort Point and Vista Point for photo ops of the bridge and . San Francisco CNN . 6 Things You May Not Know About the Golden Gate Bridge Find out more and check for ticket availability on Viator. 25 Best Things to Do in San Francisco In total, there are just over 250 spots in these lots. They are open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner everyday. Keep your service animal and yourself safe by being very aware of others on the bridge, both in front and behind you. Most people go to the Welcome Center on the south bridge. Before travel writing, her professional background included working internationally in business, nonprofits, and government. Biking the Bridge: Trying to decide if you should bike the bridge instead? unusual stuff that you can do in San Francisco, Lazy Persons Guided Tour with Electric Bikes, The Best California Road Trip Itineraries: 13 Grand Adventures, Where to Go Wine Tasting in Pismo Beach: Complete Winery Guide, You can do a DIY stroll using this guide for. There are plenty of ways to enjoy your time at this historic attraction. This is a beautiful stretch of road and take your time enjoying the views. Inn at the Presidio: 3-star hotel inside the Presidio, quiet peaceful and wine/cheese reception at night, find out more about the Inn at the Presidio, Cavallo Point Lodge: 4.5-star hotel, great views of the bridge, wonderful restaurant, on the north end of the bridge in Sausalito, learn about Cavallo Point Lodge and book rooms, Travelodge by Wyndham: 2-star hotel, free parking, pets allowed, free wifi and breakfast, read reviews and book at Travelodge by Wyndham, Cow Hollow Inn & Suites: 2-star hotel on Chestnut Street in the Marina, free parking and wifi, great budget friendly option, find guest reviews and book at Cow Hollow Inn & Suites, >> Find additional hotel recommendations all around SF. Nerd alert! Find out more about visiting. Like the other areas surrounding the bridge it has a civil war, WWII and cold war history. From early November to early March (Pacific Standard Time) they close at 6:30 pm. The Round House is now Equator Coffee. Learn more about it here. If you miss the ferry, you can also take the 130 Golden Gate Transit bus back to SF. The entire area is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Chestnut Street Restaurants: You will find a wide variety of options along Chestnut Street in the Marina. It drops off at Fisherman's Wharf near Pier 39. This is one of my favorite spots when I'm out exploring this area. How long does it take to cross the bridge? Its a moody hulk of a building marooned out into the middle of the bay. I'd double-check them in the morning as the ferry does not run very often to SF. The best way to get here is to take the bus and you will find a couple of options. Can I take the ferry or public transportation back from Sausalito? 1806 Belles St Suite 5B, San Francisco, CA 94129-1805. Crossing the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco's Presidio to the Marin headlands is the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, easily identified by its International Orange color. Sure, it has info about when and how the bridge was built. From Civic Center: If you are in the Civic Center area, head to the stop across from City Hall at McAllister & Polk Streets. It runs daily and is a great way to see the bridge as well as many of our top attractions. They use health, locally sourced items for their fresh salads and sandwiches. Just shy of two miles long, the bridge makes for a thrilling but super-manageable bicycle ride. Warming Hut: The Warming Hut is a very popular salad and sandwich spot that is in Crissy Field. The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is strong enough to withstand wind up to 100 miles an hour. You will also find that almost all of the Golden Gate Transit buses stop at the bridge. Walk, run, or bike over one of the two tunnels leading to the Golden Gate Bridge while taking in bridge views plusAngel Island,Alcatraz Island, and southern Marin County. Also, be sure to check out the new Golden Gate and Pacific Overlooks near the Bridge. Each section will give you a bit of history on that location, how to find it, the best time of day for viewing and the best place to photograph the Golden Gate bridge. Take the 38 bus to 42nd/Clement and walk up to the Legion of Honor. Also, I don't recommend skirts. Find out more about visiting Baker Beach. Here's where to camp in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Its current job is to function as a platform for finding one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge park. They have hands on exhibits about the bridge engineering which are both educational and fun. What are the hours to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge? So this guide to the best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints is intended to help you find those iconic bridge experiences. On your next trip toSan Francisco, try these creative ways to enjoy the bridge and the surrounding area. Tickets & Tours - Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Artist Andy Goldsworthy has created four site-specific sculptural installations within thePresidio, all of them reflective of the natural beauty and inspiration this tremendous park provides to visitors. This magical journey starts with a shuttle from one of two central locations in San Francisco. Bike the Golden Gate Bridge. Read my tips before you book the bikes! The art deco building, which opened in 1938, is your very last chance to grab a bite on the city side of the San Francisco Bay. If youre coming from the city,Golden Gate Bridge Bike RentalsandBlazing Saddlesboth offer rentals and tours for every size cyclist, whileSausalito Bike Rentals is your best bet if youre coming from Marin.Wheel Fun Rentals(which has two locations in Fisherman's Wharf) offers an audio-guided bike tour that uses GPS technology to give you info on your exact location. You can take this same photo from inside the Equator Coffee in the Round House on the south side of the bridge. Free Parking near the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA - 2023 We are. 3. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco - GetYourGuide The Marin Headlands is a hilly peninsula at the southernmost end of Marin County, California, United States, located just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, which connects the two counties and peninsulas. You will also find a few other options further into the Presidio. If you are driving and wish to visit the Golden Gate Bridge from the Welcome Centers south end, then take Highway 1 north toward the bridge, look for signs that say Welcome Center and last exit for the bridge. The southeast side visitor parking lot right near the Welcome Center on the San Francisco side gets crowded early, and it is difficult to find a parking space, so I never recommend parking here. The ferry ride back to the city takes around 30 minutes. Is it repainted each year? Be aware of your surroundings as both cyclists and pedestrians use the east pedestrian sidewalk. Best time for viewing the bridge: Before the sun get too low in the afternoon. The 28 runs all the way from Fisherman's Wharf to the bridge and then all the way to the Daly City BART station. Wherever you are, you're guaranteed to get a breathtaking photo that will surely boost your Instagram following. Lands End 7. If so, check out this page with everything you need to know to bike the bridge. BridgeCaf: The Bridge Caf is another place to grab a few snacks. The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge sits in the Golden Gate Strait, which is where it got its name. It is a little overwhelming to drive over the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge for the first time -- so you might have to work hard to concentrate on the road and not the scenery. It's a popular spot for running and walking. How to Have a Dog-Friendly Stay in San Francisco, 8 Great Places for Camping in San Francisco and Beyond, Explore San Francisco's Newest Park, The Presidio Tunnel Tops, Everything You Need to Know About the Castro Street Fair, Everything You Need to Know About San Francisco's Sea Lions. SIGN UPFOR OUR EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREESAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE. You can get off and back on at any stop along the way. Alcatraz Island12. This is how it ended up being painted International Orange. Check the links below for the latest information. This one of the tour buses takes you around SF and allows you to jump off and on at any of their designated stops. Presidio: The Presidio is an old army base that now offers a variety of things to do. Fill up on the massive hot dogs covered in slaw, California-style salads, or the ever-popular chowder in a bread bowl, which sells out nearly every afternoon. But you can amaze your friends with arcane nuggets like how the lead Engineer for the bridge was also a romantic poet, and how there were tap dancers on the bridge on the first day it opened. You can get some amazing shots of the bay, Alcatraz and its large towers. You can hike up to visit or admire it from the bridge. Youll be able to see dawn rise over the San Francisco skyline and then get ethereal views of the Golden Gate Bridge as the morning light spotlights the brick at Fort Point. You will find two places to eat right at the bridge. Experiences from C$528. You can also check out this great guided tour. It will take you about an hour and 15 minutes by public transport or about 45 minutes by car. Visiting theGolden Gate Bridgeis a must for visitors to San Francisco; but did you know about all the fun and interesting attractions near the iconic marvel? What was once a point of departure for U.S. Navy sailors is now a creative compound that houses galleries, restaurants, theater companies, andOff the Gridfood trucks. You will also get the chance to take some pictures of the amazing landscape and SF Bay attractions. The flight is choreographed to music with spontaneous narration by your professionally trained pilot. This is coming into SF from Marin, but both sides look the same. One of the things to keep in mind is that once you leave Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point (on the Sausalito side), there are no services until you reach Sausalito. All rights reserved. On the north end, you will find Fort Baker. The latter two are part of our locals only guide to unusual things to do in SF. Two of my favorites are right by the Lombard Gate: Presidio Social Club and Sessions at the Presidio. You will find several options for parking near the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. Her work is found in the San Mateo Daily Journal and The Skyline View (Skyline College). It is amazing how beautiful it can be below and then how cold and windy it will feel on the bridge. If time is short, you don't have to venture all the way over to it in order to admire its beauty. Ready to walk across? It has several viewing platforms along with easy access for walking the bridge. There are a couple of ways to avoid some of the crowded sidewalks during this time. You will find plenty of things to see and do nearby. San Francisco Day Bike Rental: If you prefer to bike at your own pace, your other option is to rent a bike for the day. Fort Point dates to the American Civil War. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. A . You will ride through the Presidio, drive over the bridge, and then make your way into Sausalito. Many people are told that they paint it from end to end every year. Batter Spencer counterbalances the west side batteries and like them, it is now a concrete remnant of a bygone area. It's also where you will find the Warming Hut, a popular restaurant with sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Lands End is the furthest point in western San Francisco before the coastline curves south. Here are our favorite things to do that are close to the Golden Gate Bridge. As another option, you can do some shopping and explore the Richmond District or Sunset District, while taking in the sites of, not just the stunning Golden Gate Park, but also ramble the greenery of Labos Valley Overlook . Presidio Tunnel Tops You will want to leave plenty of time, though, as the walk is usually slow and steady, so plan for it to take you at least 45 minutes each way. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Full House (1987-1995): This fun comedy was set in San Francisco. This outdoor space features theOUTPOST, a jaw-dropping children's play area open year-round. Fort Baker sits below the Vista Point and was an army post built in 1905. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For shoes, I recommend you wear close-toed shoes with socks. You can either use FastTrak, pre-pay online with a credit card, pay online after with a credit card, or wait until you receive an invoice in the mail. It sits right under the bridge at the south gateway to the bay. This resource will tell you everything you need to know about Golden Gate Bridge parking. I usually wear a medium-weight long or short-sleeved shirt. Most people don't realize that it's windy on the Golden Gate Bridge and usually a bit cooler than San Francisco or the surrounding areas. You can only enter this side if you are on a bike. It opened to pedestrians just one day earlier. This gives you almost 10 hours to explore the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE - 7489 Photos & 2013 Reviews - Yelp Dress for cool, windy weather. You should also check out this article with facts about the Golden Gate Bridge and learn things like how and when it was built, and why it moves like Jagger. Or you can soar high above the bridge in a private helicopter tour. Fort Baker9. You can take the ferry back from Sausalito if you plan to walk over the bridge. Aug 6 - Aug 7. Its also free to walk the nearby trails, the historic Fort Point site and the gun batteries. Heres a full guide for the Lands End hike. The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is frequently featured in movies and on TV. The Golden Gate Recreational Area protects an astonishing 82,027 acres of land stretching from Silicon Valley to Tomales Bay, and some of its most beautiful spots are right around the Golden Gate. For more information and a schedule of their walks, visit the San Francisco City Guides website. From the east sidewalk, you will get some great views of Alcatraz Island. Plus, you can get some breathtaking views of the bridge from the top level. Some of the businesses featured in this video may now be closedeither temporarily or permanently. The largest island in the San Francisco Bay sits on the eastern side of Alcatraz. Fort Point was constructed in 1853 and pre-dates the civil war. The main span, 1,280 metres (4,200 feet) long, is suspended from two cables hung from towers 227 metres (746 feet) high; at midpoint the roadway is 81 metres (265 feet) above mean high water. How to visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, How to Get to the Bridge (by Car, Uber & Public Transportation), The Best California Road Trip Itineraries: 13 Grand Adventures, Where to Go Wine Tasting in Pismo Beach: Complete Winery Guide.