The Golden Gate Bridge connects the city of San Francisco with Marin County to the north and marks the point where the bay meets the ocean. Consisting of a single span of 2.7 kilometres, it took four years to build and was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1937. Its exposed location called for a robust design that would withstand high winds and extreme weather, yet its elegance and beauty have made it one of America’s most photographed landmarks, as well as a genuine architectural icon.Every day a constant stream of cars and coaches carries sightseers back and forth across the bridge, but one of the best ways to experience its sheer scale is to make the crossing on foot or by bicycle. There are walkways on both carriageways, safely protected from the traffic lanes by barriers pedestrians are restricted to the main east walkway during daylight hours only, while cyclists can use either side, apart from early evenings and weekends when the east walkway is pedestrian-only. Even in summer, the winds at the summit can be chilly, so make sure you’ve got a few extra layers of clothing with you before you set out, as well as a snack and a bottle of water to keep you going.As you cross the bridge, pause to admire the ever-changing views of the bay. Most people start from the San Francisco side and make their way slowly across to the Marin Headlands. Vista Point at the northern end is famous for its wonderful panoramas of the bridge itself and the city far beyond, especially at dawn when the sun rises through the early morning mist, or at night when the famous skyline is outlined with twinkling lights.There is a public bus service across the bridge, so check out the timetable if you don’t fancy making the long return walk.
Golden Gate Bridge
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Cruises & boat tours
See all 40 activitiesOpens in new tabGolden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!
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Tours & day trips
See all 447 activitiesOpens in new tabSan Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
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Wildlife & nature
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabGolden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!
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Private & custom tours
See all 160 activitiesOpens in new tabGoCar San Francisco Tour
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Reviews of Golden Gate Bridge
4.6
Top destination
5/5 - Excellent
ChrisF
27 Sep 2019Good views of the bridge from Battery Yates (near Fort Baker) and Hawk Hill on the Marin Headlands (especially at sunrise).
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
30 Jul 2019Remember that its's a road bridge so it is very noisy.
2/5 - Disappointing
Verified traveller
11 Jun 2019Couldn’t see it for the fog
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
8 May 2019Take a hire bike from Powell St (Blazing Saddles), and ride down and across the bridge into Sausalito, and take ferry back (about 3 hours).
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
4 Apr 2019take a coat , its very windy
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Surf Motel
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Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Geary Parkway Motel
4750 Geary Blvd, Richmond District, San Francisco, CA
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Alpha Inn & Suites
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Cow Hollow Inn & Suites
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Infinity Hotel San Francisco, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
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Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Days Inn by Wyndham San Francisco - Lombard
2358 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
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