Is It Worth Walking Across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Is it worth walking across the Golden Gate Bridge? I asked this same question when I visited the bucket-list Californian city of San Francisco for the first time. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. It's a stunning feat of engineering, spanning 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. Many tourists flock to the bridge to take in the breathtaking views and snap some memorable photos.
But is it really worth walking across the Golden Gate Bridge? Some argue that the experience is overrated and not worth the effort, while others swear by it as a must-do activity in San Francisco.
Personally, I’d dreamed of seeing this landmark in person and had it in my head that my family and I would walk across the overpass until our hotel receptionist scoffed at the idea when we checked in. Instead, she tried to point us toward expensive bike tours and car rentals, which only further solidified my plans to walk across the bridge and prove her wrong. And I can confidently say that it is one of my favorite memories from our trip to San Francisco!
In this blog, I’ll be answering some of the most common questions people have about walking across the Golden Gate Bridge so that you can have this experience go as seamlessly as possible. We’ll cover how much time you should devote to walking across the bridge, what time of day is best, where you should start your walk, and what you should do on the north side of the bridge.
Can You Still Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Yes, the Golden Gate Bridge is still accessible by foot, and this shouldn’t be changing any time soon! The pedestrian walkway on the eastern side of the bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists 24/7. Walking across the bridge offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the surrounding hills.
However, it's important to note that the bridge can be quite busy with both pedestrians and cyclists, especially during peak tourist season. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings and follow the posted rules and regulations, including staying on the designated walkway and not blocking the flow of traffic. With that being said, the walk across the bridge is extremely safe, and there aren’t any huge causes for concern.
Sun Protection for Walking Across the Golden Gate Bridge: Visitors should be prepared for the weather, as it can be quite windy and chilly on the bridge, even on sunny days. In fact, we went walking across the Golden Gate Bridge on a cloudy and windy day in June, not giving any thought to sun protection. After returning to our hotel that evening, we realized we had gotten windburn/sunburn as a result of not using any sunscreen. I highly recommend lathering on some sun protection prior to walking across the bridge.
How Long Does It Take to Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge?
The bridge is approximately 1.7 miles long and takes about 30-40 minutes to walk one way. The walkway is situated on the eastern side of the bridge and is separated from the road by a concrete barrier, providing pedestrians with a safe and unobstructed view of the bay. Each day, individuals of all ages walk across the bridge. You’ll see strollers, bicycles, families; you name it!
The bridge’s walkway is wide enough to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists, with separate lanes designated for each. There are several rest areas along the way where visitors can stop and take in the scenery or snap some photos. I wanted to take my time walking across so that I could look back on the San Francisco skyline and take a variety of photos. Since we weren’t in a rush, it took a little longer to walk across than if we had gone straight across without taking any photos. However, it still took us well under an hour to walk across.
Another factor that can affect the amount of time it takes you to walk across the bridge includes the number of visitors on a given day, as you might need to slow your pace due to heavy foot traffic or wait behind others for a specific photo op.
Best Time of Day to Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
Choosing the best time of day to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge can enhance the overall experience for visitors. Consider your options below and their pros and cons.
Early Morning: One of the best times to walk across the bridge is in the morning, just after sunrise. The bridge is usually less crowded in the morning, which can allow visitors to enjoy the scenery without the crowds.
Late Morning: This was actually when I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, starting my journey around 11 am. I enjoyed this time, as it didn’t require an early wake-up call and also allowed us to see the bridge in the daylight. While there were a fair amount of people on the bridge, it didn’t feel overcrowded. Just make sure to apply sunscreen!
Late Afternoon/Golden Hour: Another excellent time to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge is in the late afternoon, just before sunset. At this time of day, the golden hour can create a beautiful ambiance on the bridge if the weather is acting in your favor. The sunset can also create a dramatic backdrop for photos. However, it's important to note that the bridge can be quite crowded in the late afternoon, particularly during the summer months.
Night: Visitors can also consider walking across the bridge at night. Given that the bridge is open 24 hours a day and is illuminated by lights in the evening, it is still possible to walk across even after the sun has set. Walking across the bridge at night can offer a romantic setting as you peer back over the city lights. However, visitors should exercise caution when walking on the bridge at night, as visibility can be reduced in this dark lighting.
It depends on what mood you’re going for during your walk across the bridge. Are you getting your morning jog in? Is it date night? Are you a tourist going on a leisurely stroll? These will all impact your final decision, as different times of the day can provide different pros and cons. I would personally recommend late morning or late afternoon to travelers wanting to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time.
Where Is the Best Place to Start Your Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Starting From San Francisco: I enjoyed starting our walk across the Golden Gate Bridge on the south side of the landmark in San Francisco itself. We took some time to explore Fort Point National Historic Site and grab some shots of the bridge. I highly recommend viewing the bridge from its base before beginning your walk, as it offers unique views that you won’t be able to get from on top of the bridge.
Getting From Fort Point to the Golden Gate Bridge: From Fort Point, visitors can access a path that leads to the bridge's pedestrian walkway. The path is approximately 0.7 miles long and includes stairs and a bit of an incline. As visitors make their way up the path, they'll eventually reach the pedestrian walkway and can continue walking across the bridge to the Vista Point parking lot on the north side, or they can turn around and walk back to Fort Point. I enjoyed being able to gain views from both ends of the bridge, but rather than walking back, we caught an Uber down to Sausalito on the north end to explore this cute waterfront community.
Starting From the North Side: It's important to note that the path from Fort Point to the Golden Gate Bridge can be a bit steep and challenging, and it may not be suitable for all visitors. Visitors with mobility concerns may want to consider starting their walk from the Vista Point parking lot in Marin County, where the path is more accessible. Keep in mind that starting your walk here would lead you toward San Francisco.
What to Do on the North Side of the Golden Gate Bridge
After walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, there are quite a few options for things to do on the north side. A popular activity on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge is to visit the Marin Headlands. The Marin Headlands offers visitors hiking trails, stunning views of the bay and the bridge, and historic military sites. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike and take in the natural beauty of the area. There are also several picnic areas in the Marin Headlands, making it an excellent spot for a relaxing lunch with a view.
Located close by, Battery Spencer is an excellent spot for taking photos of the Golden Gate Bridge. This viewpoint has become a favored spot for photographers over the years and has made its appearance in quite a few Hollywood films. There are also several benches at Battery Spencer, making it an excellent spot to sit and take in the scenery.
However, my top recommendation for what to do on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge is to visit Sausalito. This adorable town is an ideal location for waterfront dining, boutique shopping, and gallery viewing. The main street, Bridgeway, offers a range of shops and eateries, and visitors can stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views before purchasing a ferry ticket back to San Francisco.
Taking the Ferry From Sausalito to San Francisco
Taking the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco is a popular and enjoyable way to travel between the two cities. The ferry offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay, and visitors can relax and take in the scenery during the 30-minute ride. Therefore, not only did we get to view the bridge from its base and walk on top of it, but we also got to see it from the water!
Additionally, the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco passes right by Alcatraz Island, allowing ferry passengers to see the abandoned prison from a close-up view without having to fork out money for a tour of the island.
The ferry departs from the Sausalito Ferry Terminal and arrives at the San Francisco Ferry Building. It ended up being one of my favorite parts of our trip and is an activity I always recommend to anyone visiting San Francisco.
Price: $14 Adult Single Ride (Ages 19-64), $7 Youth (Ages 5-18), $7 Seniors (Ages 65+), Free (Children 4 and under)
For more information regarding ferry fares, schedules, and maps, visit the official ferry website!
After arriving back at the San Francisco Ferry Building, you’ll have your choice of activities you’d like to embark on in San Francisco. We decided to walk from the ferry building to the touristy Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. You can read more about my San Francisco itinerary in this blog!
So, is it worth walking across the Golden Gate Bridge? Absolutely! This activity that was first looked down upon by our hotel receptionist turned out to be one of my highlights from our entire road trip through California. If you have it in your heart to do something, don’t let others discourage you from it (unless they truly are looking out for your safety, of course). The Golden Gate Bridge is a stunning landmark, and I highly recommend turning it into an unforgettable experience by crossing it on foot and taking the ferry back from Sausalito.
