Constructed at the entrance of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge connects the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. With construction completed on May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge has become one of the Wonders of the Modern World. Whether you drive, walk across, or view it across the Marin Headlands, the bridge has become a staple of a Bay Area vacation.
If you're interested in walking across the bridge, pedestrians are permitted on the East side of the bridge. There are no fees to walk across the bridge. Early November to Early March: 5:00am-6:30pm Early March to Early November: 5:00am-9:00pm
Given its popularity with tourists, parking near the Golden Gate Bridge has become a hotspot for criminals. If you do decide to park near the bridge, there are some precautions you need to take. First, do not leave any valuables in plain sight. This goes as far as leaving car chargers and loose change. Some people recommend leaving valuables locked in the trunk of your car. What some people don't consider is that if you park and then place all your valuables in the trunk, criminals will be observing what is being placed away. My recommendation is for you to leave all your valuable belongings at the hotel. If you must bring your valuables with you in the car, consider first placing them in the trunk then driving to the bridge.
You can park on the Southeast side of the bridge close to the visitor center, which has 37 spots in total (26 general parking, 6 bus spots, and 3 handicap). Parking is $5/hour with a maximum 3 hours of consecutive parking. If you're traveling South from Marin County you'll need to be in the right-most lane, once you pass the toll plaza you'll take the first immediate exit onto Merchant Road. You'll then take an immediate right on Cranston Road, where you'll take another right where you'll go through an underpath that'll take you straight to the Southeast visitor center. If you're traveling North from San Francisco, you'll take the last exit before the toll plaza marked as "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area".
There is also parking available on the Northeast side of the bridge. This vista point is free to park, has 135 spots, with no time limit. If you're traveling North from San Francisco, you'll need to take the exit called "Vista Point" and take a right into the parking lot. If you're traveling South from Marin County, there is no way to get to the parking lot without first crossing the bridge.
Another great option that many people enjoy is biking across the Golden Gate Bridge. Some of the great benefits to cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge is that you'll have access to the West side of the bridge. If you're visiting the area without a bike, many choose to rent bikes either in San Francisco or Marin County. Which side of the bridge you can ride on during which time gets a little complicated so plan accordingly.
Weekdays 5:00 am to 3:30 pm: East sidewalk 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm: West sidewalk 6:30 pm to 5:00 am: East sidewalk - You'll have to use a buzzer where a security guard will let you in once they verify you're a cyclist. Weekends and Holidays 5:00 am to 6:30 pm: West sidewalk 6:30 pm to 5:00 am East sidewalk - You'll have to use a buzzer where a security guard will let you in once they verify you're a cyclist.
Weekdays 5:00 am to 9:00 pm: East sidewalk 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm: West sidewalk 9:00 pm to 5:00 am: East sidewalk - You'll have to use a buzzer where a security guard will let you in once they verify you're a cyclist. Weekends 5:00 am to 9:00 pm: East & West sidewalks 9:00 pm to 5:00 am: East sidewalk - You'll have to use a buzzer where a security guard will let you in once they verify you're a cyclist.