Visit the Golden Gate in San Francisco: tickets, prices, times

If there is a must-see monument in San Francisco, it is the Golden Gate Bridge! So how do you visit him?

An emblematic monument of San Francisco and California, the Golden Gate Bridge encloses the strait by which San Francisco Bay leads into the Pacific Ocean. Located at the northern tip of the San Francisco peninsula, it connects the large Californian town to its neighbor Sausalito located on the southern tip of Marin County peninsula.

Famous throughout the world, it is easily recognizable thanks to its emblematic orange colour, the “international orange” and the architecture of its two pylons. It is even considered one of the 7 wonders of the modern world! The visit will be an opportunity to embrace a sublime view of the bridge, but also on the Strait, the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.

So how to discover this famous San Francisco Bridge and its beautiful surroundings? From its history to practical information, to possible visits and views to discover, we devour everything you need to know to visit the Golden Gate in San Francisco!

History of the Golden Gate Bridge

Despite the earthquake of 1906, San Francisco enjoyed some prosperity in the early twentieth century. Its position, at the end of a peninsula, however, required the construction of new transport infrastructure, including roads to ensure its economic development. The ferries and ferries of the Strait were indeed too overloaded and not practical.

♪ 1916 the idea of a bridge that would cross the Strait appeared for the first time. However, such a project represented a real challenge. The Strait is known for its strong natural constraints: dangerous currents, violent winds and a sea fog loaded with corrosive salt.

In spite of all, the project gradually started. ♪ 1919 , the name of the work is chosen by the engineer Michael O’Shaughnessy The Golden Gate Bridge, which literally means the “bridge of the golden door”. To succeed the project, an illustrious engineer was chosen in 1921: Joseph Strauss .

For nearly 10 years, the engineer will fight to get his plans and the project accepted, despite strong oppositions in California. ♪ 1933 , the work starts with difficulty. Four years later, the engineer’s dream will come to an end. The Golden Gate is inaugurated 27 May 1937 . With 2 towers of 227 meters, it spans the strait over a length of 2 737 metres !

As for its iconic orange colour and lighting, we owe it to architect Irving Morrow. Like Strauss, he had to face serious criticisms in the United States. Many wanted to see the colored aluminum bridge or even black with yellow stripes! Fortunately, the international orange triompha and the visitor can only appreciate this superb color that is perfectly embedded in the strait landscapes.

What to see and do at the Golden Gate in San Francisco?

To visit the Golden Gate, you will have to go to Battery Lancaster , also known as South Vista Point. This is the best place to access the bridge, by bike or by foot from San Francisco. We'll find him. Golden Gate Welcome Center . This place is the starting point for organized visits and discoveries on foot or by bike from the bridge.

From Battery Lancaster, you can do this cross and visit the Golden Gate Bridge . Spectacular views await you: on the bay, the strait, the bridge and the ocean. Note that the Golden Gate Bridge has 6 traffic lanes and 2 aisles on each side, one for pedestrians, the other for bicycles. However, the last two are closed at night.

To complete this Golden Gate Bridge visit, you can also enjoy the superb views located in the vicinity of the two Californian cities. The most famous are Baker Beach and Crissy Field On the San Francisco side. The first one is located southeast of the bridge near Gibson Road, the second to the west near Mason Street. Each has a beautiful beach, a variety of amenities nearby as well as large parking spaces: fee for Crispy Field, free for Baker Beach.

You can also go to:

• Fort Point, located at the southern end of the bridge and visitable free of charge every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.
• China BeachAt the end of Sea Cliff Avenue, not far from Baker Street.
• Land’s End, walking or cycling through the Lands End Trail. The departure is in El Camino Del Mar, where there is a small free parking.
• Point Cavallo and Battery SpencerOn the side of Sausalito. The first one is in Marina Road in the city of Sausalito (free parking), the second one is accessible after a short hike from the parking lot along Conzelman Road.
• Hawk Hill, located 2.5 kilometers higher and further than Battery Spencer. A breathtaking view awaits you there, with the bridge that slices on the bay and behind it all San Francisco

All these views are generally accessible by car, by foot, by bicycle or by public transport. You can also admire the bridge from the Alcatraz , another iconic place in San Francisco, to visit absolutely!

To admire and visit the Golden Gate in San Francisco from another angle, you can obviously make a cruise in the Strait. Note that Blue & Gold Fleet cruises are included in the San Francisco City Pass . The departure of the Blue & Gold Fleet cruises is done since Pier 39 .

How do I get to the Golden Gate in San Francisco?

To visit the Golden Gate in San Francisco, you will have to go to Battery Lancaster, located on Lincoln Boulevard, at number 963.

To access Battery Lancaster, we recommend you avoid the car. The parking lot is tiny and expensive, unlike other great views of the surrounding area (Crissy Field, Fort Point or Baker Street).

We recommend that you take public transport to Battery Lancaster. From the city centre, several bus lines reach the Golden Gate Bridge/Toll Plaza stop:

Golden Gate Transit Bus

• Line 10
• Line 70
• Line 80
• Line 101

Bus du San Francisco Muni

• Line 28
• Line 29

Schedules & Rates to visit the Golden Gate in San Francisco

HORARI

The Golden Gate Bridge is open to pedestrians and bicycles every day 7:00 to 9:00 . Cars can circulate from day to night.

RATES

By car, by foot or by bike

• Free walking or cycling
• Pay for cars: the city’s exit is free, the return entrance is paid ($7.25)

By ferry

To enjoy the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Strait, you can borrow one ferry . The journey lasts 30 minutes

• Adults: about $11.25 per crossing
• Children (5-18 years): about $6 per crossing

Guided tours

You can also choose to book a guided tour of the bridge, on foot or by bike. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this marvel of the modern world! To enjoy a sublime view of the bridge, it is possible to book in advance a day cruise or at sunset. Count between 30€ and 75€ on average for this activity.