A San Francisco landmark since its completion in 1937, the Golden Gate
Bridge is used by 41 million people every year. Standing 220
feet above the water, it arguably is one of the most recognizable bridges
in the world. Since 1937, nearly 1.6
billion people have used its 1.7 mile-long
span
between San Francisco and the
counties
to the north. The Golden Gate's highest point is 746 feet, and some of
its foundations are 110
feet under water. More than 1 million tons of concrete was used to build
the huge anchorages for the bridge's supporting cables, and the length
of the steel
wires used in those cables is enough to circle the earth three times.
You are welcome to drive, walk, or bike across the bridge.
Parking areas are provided on both sides of the Golden Gate if you
choose to use the bridge's 10-foot-wide sidewalks. You'll enjoy stopping
to read the construction statistics,
which are presented on a cross section of one of the Golden Gate's
main cables, as well as taking in the nearly five acres of annual and
perennial flower beds in the
renovated garden area on the southeast side of the bridge. The southeast
parking area has a number of visitor services, including a café, gift center,
and restrooms; the northeast parking area has restrooms. If you drive,
it's wise to remember that the speed limit on the bridge is 45 mph.
Fines for
speeding are enforced.
Location
The Golden Gate Bridge is located on U.S. Highway 101. Driving directions to both parking areas can be found on the official Web site.
Hours of operation
The bridge does not close to traffic, but pedestrians and bicyclists
can access the bridge only during certain hours. The northeast parking
area is open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily; the southeast parking
area is open
6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Check the Web
site for
updated parking hours, sidewalk hours, and rules of the road for cyclists.
Costs
A $3 fee is collected for southbound traffic. There is no toll for cyclists or pedestrians. The southeast parking lot has metered parking spaces (25 cents for 15 minutes). The northeast parking lot has free parking, but has a four-hour parking limit.
Special considerations
Skateboards, roller skates, and in-line skates are not permitted on the bridge.
Weather near the bridge is generally mild year-round,
but it can be breezy. Evening fog rolls in during the summer and fall months.
Dressing in layers is suggested.
The Bridge Café offers a variety of snacks. Hours are
from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during summer months; 9:30 a.m. until
5 p.m. during the rest of the year.
Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.
