The Golden Gate Bridge spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay and carries U.S. Highway 101 between San Francisco and the counties to the north. It is about 3.1 miles from La Casa Inn, and transit, walking, cycling and limited parking offer different ways to plan a visit.
- From La Casa Inn: about 3.1 miles to the bridge.
- Golden Gate Transit routes 101, 130 and 150 serve the south-end Toll Plaza stop.
- Pedestrians use the east sidewalk, whose daily hours vary with daylight-saving time.
- The Bridge Welcome Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Choosing a bridge viewpoint
The bridge’s south end, north-end Vista Point and east sidewalk give you different ways to see the span and the bay.
At the south end, the Bridge Welcome Center offers historical information, exhibits and merchandise. Outside, its original 12-foot stainless-steel Bridge test tower, used in 1933, is a notable piece of the bridge’s history.
For a view from the north end, Golden Gate Transit route 130 stops at Vista Point after crossing the bridge from downtown, Union Square or Civic Center. Ask the driver for the stop, then follow the walkway south to Vista Point.
Parking at the bridge is extremely limited. The southeast visitor lot charges $5 per hour, allows up to 3 consecutive hours and is normally open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., including holidays. It has 37 spaces, including accessible spaces for visitors with disability placards.
The northeast Vista Point lot is free, has a four-hour limit and has restrooms as its only amenity. The Bridge District recommends transit, a tour bus, rideshare, a rental bike or walking instead of driving. Parking rules and opening hours can change, so check the official site before you go.
How do you get from Russian Hill to the Golden Gate Bridge?
Golden Gate Transit and Muni both serve stops at the bridge, so you can choose a route based on which side you want to reach.
For the south-end Toll Plaza, Golden Gate Transit routes 101, 130 and 150 run from downtown or Union Square. Board at Salesforce Transit Center Bus Plaza Bay A or at a Golden Gate Transit-marked stop on Mission Street. From Civic Center, board at 7th and Market streets or at McAllister and Polk streets, across from City Hall.
Muni route 28 19th Avenue stops at Golden Gate Bridge/Parking Lot and Golden Gate Bridge Tunnel/Merchant Road. Route 29 Sunset stops at Lincoln Boulevard and Bowley Street. Check the route and stop that best match your plans before setting out.
If you are combining the bridge with the waterfront, Aquatic Park Historic District is about an 11-minute walk from La Casa Inn. The Aquatic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf walk from Russian Hill covers that nearby waterfront area.
Walking or cycling across the bridge
Pedestrians cross on the east sidewalk, the side facing San Francisco; people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices use this same sidewalk.
In Pacific Standard Time, generally from early November to early March, the east sidewalk is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. In Pacific Daylight Time, generally from early March to early November, it is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Gates close at that time and reopen at 5:00 a.m.
Cyclists can use the bridge sidewalks without paying a toll, subject to the published sidewalk schedule and remotely operated east-side security gates overnight. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians, follow the 15 mph sidewalk speed limit and slow to 5 mph around the towers. All classes of e-bikes are allowed, but bicycle rentals are not available at the bridge itself.
E-scooters and similar devices, rollerblades, skateboards, roller skates, non-service animals, pushcarts, wheelbarrows and drones are not permitted on the sidewalks. Service animals are allowed. The Bridge District offers free walking tours with San Francisco City Guides twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays; check City Guides for the schedule.
Nearby stops in the Presidio
Fort Point sits below the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a nearby stop to pair with time at the bridge.
The Presidio Visitor Center is beside the Presidio Transit Center and Presidio Tunnel Tops. It is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and has ramp access.
The center offers daily park overviews at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.; free ranger campfire talks take place daily at 3:00 p.m. at Tunnel Tops’ Campfire Circle.
Muni route 28 19th Avenue stops at Golden Gate Bridge/Parking Lot and Golden Gate Bridge Tunnel/Merchant Road, while route 29 Sunset stops at Lincoln Boulevard and Bowley Street. Wheelchair-accessible parking and accessible restrooms are available at the Welcome Center, Fort Point and Baker Beach.
FAQs
Which sidewalk can pedestrians use on the Golden Gate Bridge?
Pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, use only the east sidewalk, facing San Francisco.
Can you cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Yes. Cyclists can use the sidewalks without paying a toll, subject to the sidewalk schedule and overnight security gates. They must yield to pedestrians and follow the posted speed limits.
Is there parking at the Golden Gate Bridge?
There is limited parking at the bridge. The southeast lot charges by the hour and has a three-hour maximum, while the northeast Vista Point lot is free with a four-hour limit.
What can you visit near the bridge?
Fort Point sits beneath the bridge, and the Presidio Visitor Center and Presidio Tunnel Tops are nearby destinations in the Presidio.