Golden Gate Bridge Guide: Walking, Views and Tolls

The Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, spanning the strait where San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific. It's about 2.7 km long, its towers rise 227 metres above the water, and it's painted a colour called International Orange, chosen partly because it stands out in fog. These are the questions visitors ask us most.

Can you walk across it?

Yes. Pedestrians use the east sidewalk, the side facing the city. It's open from early morning until early evening in winter and later in summer, and the exact hours change with the season, so check the bridge's official site. Cyclists switch between the two sidewalks depending on the day and time (the east side on weekday mornings, the west side later and at weekends), and must give way to walkers; the bridge's site has the current schedule. Dogs (other than service animals), scooters, skateboards and drones are banned. Walking all the way across takes 35 to 45 minutes. Most people walk to the first tower, stand under it looking straight up at the cables, and turn back.

How do I get there without a car?

The Muni 28 bus stops at the bridge toll plaza, next to the Welcome Center at the south end. A more scenic approach is to walk along the bay from the Marina through Crissy Field, a restored tidal marsh and beach, which takes about an hour with the bridge ahead of you the whole way. The car parks at the south end are small and fill early.

Where are the best views?

From the Marin side, Battery Spencer on Conzelman Road looks down on the north tower with the city behind it, and it's the classic postcard shot. On the city side, Fort Point, a brick fort from the 1860s, sits right underneath the southern end of the span. Baker Beach gives a view from the ocean side, and the Lands End trail sees the bridge framed by cypress trees. Crissy Field is the easiest viewpoint of all.

What if it's foggy?

In summer the fog often rolls in during the afternoon, sometimes hiding everything but the tops of the towers, which can be just as striking. You'll hear the foghorns before you see anything. For clear views, go in the morning, or plan your visit for September and October, when the fog is less frequent (see our best time to visit guide).

How do I pay the toll?

Only drivers heading south into San Francisco pay, and the toll is all electronic, with no booths or cash. Rental cars usually charge it through the company's own toll programme, so ask at the desk. In your own car, pay through the Bay Area FasTrak system online, or an invoice will be sent to the registered owner. Driving north is free, and our day trips guide covers where to go once you're over.