How to Walk / Bike on the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic attractions in all of California. People come from all over the world to see it, and most only drive across it or look at it from one of the main viewpoints. It is actually pretty easy to walk or bike across the famous bridge though, and it gives you a better appreciation of the engineering on this remarkable structure. If you want to do that, read on to learn more about it or watch the video below.

Details

  • 1.8 miles each way
  • Location: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129
  • This information is from my visit in 2017, 2019 and 2023
  • Read more of my favorite San Francisco stops here

Getting There

Getting to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is the hardest part of this adventure. There is not much parking here, so I would recommend public transportation or an Uber/Lyft. If you can’t find parking at the welcome center you can park in the Battery East lot which is just a little further down the road. Once you park, make your way to the welcome center to begin your adventure. Public transportation options include the Golden Gate Transit bus or the Muni bus, which both stop near the Welcome Center.

The Bridge

Before heading out on the bridge, be sure to walk down to the viewpoint that is right on the top of the hill and has an excellent view of the bridge itself.

You can even see Fort Point below the bridge here as well. If Fort Point is open when you visit, you should also visit it, it is awesome.

After viewing the bridge, head out onto the bridge to begin your walk. The west side of the bridge is for bikes, and the east side is for walkers. Splitting the two is an excellent way to do it as you don’t have to watch for bikes hitting you, and the bikers don’t have to swerve between people. They normally only split it like this on the weekends though.

The walk is flat, and it takes a while, mainly because you will want to stop all of the time to take photos.

There is just something cool about being on this iconic bridge and the views really are great.

It takes about 3/4s of a mile to get to the first tower, and this is also a good turn around point if you want to head back.

This spot has some great views of both downtown San Francisco in the distance and the bridge back the way you came.

Heading on, you can go to the second tower and to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point. This is the best place to turn around as the views here are fantastic and it is a natural spot to stop.

All in all, this is a great spot to explore in the city of San Francisco. It is one of those iconic places that you have to see with your own eyes, and one of the best ways to do that is via a walk on the bridge.

Check out the video I made above about my time on the bridge and let me know what you think in the comments.

Similar Posts