10 Cool Ways to Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
For the average bridge, its sole purpose is to allow vehicles to cross a natural obstacle for safe passage. But the Golden Gate Bridge is not average by any stretch of the imagination. There are many ways visitors can enjoy incredible views of this amazing landmark. There are plenty of ways to access the bridge that aren’t by car, making it super accessible and fun to visit more than once. Below are ten cool ways to visit the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Golden Gate by Public Transit Bus
San Francisco has an excellent public transportation system, with multiple bus lines that will take you where you want to go. Whether the bus crosses the bridge or gets you to multiple viewpoints surrounding the bridge from the north or south ends, the bus is a cost-effective way to see one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks.
Buses are available from downtown to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, From the Welcome Center, you have a clear view of the bridge but there are plenty of ways to get directly to the bridge from the Welcome Center as well.
The Golden Gate by Bike Rental or Guided Bike Tour
Grab your bike and ride directly across or around the Golden Gate Bridge! The beauty of biking across the bridge is the opportunities that await you on either end. Many folks will bike across the bridge and into Sausalito to explore the charming seaside town, or bike across and back into downtown San Francisco.
If you don’t own a bike or are just visiting for the weekend, many bike rental and Bike tour companies offer bike tours that traverse over the bridge and explore all that San Francisco has to offer.
Walking the Golden Gate
Nothing beats the heel-toe express, a/k/a walking, across the Golden Gate. This is a great way to admire the bridge’s architecture and overall grandeur. It is about 1.7 miles one way across starting at the east sidewalk, so it’s a great way to get your steps in while also taking in the bridge up close and personal. Be sure to bring your camera!
Flying Over the Golden Gate Bridge
Soaring over the bridge is one of the most memorable ways to experience this magnificent setting. Choose from a Seaplane or Helicopter flight. Both are worth the cost.
San Francisco Bay Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
Hop on a boat and witness the Golden Gate Bridge from a new perspective directly on the water! Several tour companies offer multiple tour options that can get you out onto the bay to take in the gorgeous waterfront and see the bridge from multiple, breathtaking angles. Choose from options such as a leisurely afternoon cruise, a romantic sunset cruise, a luxurious dinner cruise, and more.
San Francisco Sightseeing Bus Tours over the Golden Gate
Hop On Hop Off bus tours are a popular way to cross the Golden Gate. This is a comfortable option for those who do not feel like walking long distances or engaging in a lot of physical activity. It’s possible to witness the bridge in all its glory in an open-top motorcoach!
Driving the Golden Gate
You have not truly experienced the City by the Bay until you have driven across its most famous bridge. While you will pay a toll going one way back into San Francisco, you can also drive to multiple lookout spots including the Marin Headlands, Fort Point, Fort Baker, the Welcome Center and other spots.
From The Golden Gate Bridge District: Parking is extremely limited at the southeast and northeast visitor areas of the Bridge, and ongoing construction projects in the area may temporarily close roads leading to the Bridge. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use a mode other than a personal vehicle to get to the Bridge. These include public transit, a tour bus, a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft, a rental bike, on foot, etc.
Hiking to the Bridge and then across the Golden Gate Bridge
There are many walking and hiking trails surrounding the bridge both on the city side in the Presidio and the Marin County side of the Golden Gate in the Marin Headlands. If you lead an active lifestyle and would love to get your blood flowing while also taking great photos of the bridge, locals will be able to direct you to some of the best trails for views of the bridge!
and Our Favorite! Cruise over the Golden Gate Bridge in a Convertable Jeep Tour
A jeep tour is a unique way to see and experience the Golden Gate Bridge. You can leave the driving to us and enjoy an open-air jeep with fresh air all around you and sunshine on your face. All fully guided Jeep sightseeing tours offered through San Francisco Jeep Tours include a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge in style!
Want to know more about the Golden Gate Bridge?
Check out more Golden Gate Bridge info and plan your perfect visit.
- Golden Gate Bridge – Information on access, parking, weather, photo locations and more
- Top 7 Spots for Photos of the Golden Gate Bridge
- 12 Movies Featuring the Golden Gate Bridge
- 25 Fun and Interesting Facts About the Golden Gate Bridge
- History of the Golden Gate Bridge
- Everything You Want to Know About the Golden Gate Bridge’s Paint Color – Fun Facts, FAQ and more
