Golden Gate Bridge Tours and Activities

Golden Gate Bridge which includes general coastal views, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and night scenes
Golden Gate Bridge which includes landscape views, general coastal views and a bridge
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge which includes views, a bridge and landscape views
Golden Gate Bridge showing general coastal views, boating and landscape views


One of the most iconic bridges in the world, walk the 2.7-kilometre marvel of engineering for the best views over the bay and the ocean beyond, fog permitting.

This feat of engineering may no longer be the longest, the tallest, nor the oldest, but it remains one of the most photographed bridges in the world and still has the power to inspire awe. It’s also something of an event to cross. This iconic landmark stretches 2.7 kilometres across the "Golden Gate", where the San Francisco Bay opens into the Pacific Ocean.

The single-span suspension bridge took four years to build and connects San Francisco and Marin County. It first opened to traffic in 1937 and offers fantastic views over the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean. The best way to gauge the phenomenal scale of the bridge and to make the most of the views on offer, weather permitting, is to cycle or walk the length of the bridge. Be prepared to wrap up warm, even in summer. The bridge is often immersed in a sea of fog and it gets very windy. In fact, the bridge was designed to withstand winds of more than 160 kilometres per hour for a very good reason!

Pedestrians are only allowed on the bridge during daylight hours and they have to walk on the east pathway. A small barrier runs along the pathway, separating it from the road. However, cyclists can use the pathways on both sides.

The best views of the Golden Gate Bridge can be enjoyed from Vista Point at the north part of the bridge in Marin County. If you’re an early riser, catch it at sunrise when you can see the bridge slowly brighten in the sunlight. Or see it at night, when the lights sparkle and shimmer on the dark water beneath.

Tours & day trips

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Top Golden Gate Bridge Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Inn at Golden Gate

Inn at Golden Gate

2 out of 5
2707 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
Inn at Golden Gate
Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco

Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco

2 out of 5
2755 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco
La Luna Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

La Luna Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

2.5 out of 5
2599 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
La Luna Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Marina Motel

Marina Motel

2 out of 5
2576 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA
Marina Motel
Alpha Inn & Suites

Alpha Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
2505 Lombard Steet, San Francisco, CA
Alpha Inn & Suites
Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point

4.5 out of 5
601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito, CA
Cavallo Point
Signature Inn San Francisco Marina District

Signature Inn San Francisco Marina District

2 out of 5
2440 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
Signature Inn San Francisco Marina District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Golden Gate Bridge

While visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, be sure to enjoy stunning sunsets and explore nearby attractions that highlight local art and theatre. This iconic landmark offers a range of activities, from leisurely strolls across the bridge to enjoying the vibrant culture of the surrounding area, ensuring a memorable experience during your trip to California.

Shopping

Visit Ghirardelli Square, a vibrant shopping destination just 4.8km from the Golden Gate Bridge, offering delightful shops and entertainment. Main Street, located 8.0km away, features a mix of boutiques and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, Winery Collective is also 4.8km away, perfect for unique gifts.

Recreation

At Oracle Park, immerse yourself in the sports atmosphere and enjoy a game while soaking in the vibrant energy. The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium offers live music experiences that will uplift your spirits. For a more relaxed outing, play a round at Presidio Golf Course, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

The Coastal Trail, located 3.2km from the Golden Gate Bridge, offers breathtaking scenery and a thrilling hiking experience. For some ice skating fun, head to Union Square Ice Rink, 6.4km away. Additionally, Perimeter Road, also 6.4km from the bridge, provides a fantastic outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

At the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the enchanting atmosphere at Louise Davies Symphony Hall, just 6.4km away, for a touch of culture and romance. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the outdoor vibes at San Francisco Carousel, also 6.4km away, or catch a film at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, 4.8km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Golden Gate Bridge

When visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, there's a wealth of attractions suited for every type of traveller. Explore urban parks, charming streets, and beautiful beaches while soaking in stunning views of the iconic bridge. Whether you're after cultural experiences, family outings, or outdoor adventures, you'll discover the best spots to admire the Golden Gate from various angles, ensuring your trip is filled with unforgettable moments.

  • Golden Gate Park: A sprawling urban oasis, Golden Gate Park offers family-friendly activities amidst beautiful gardens, walking paths, and recreational areas. Enjoy a picnic, explore the Japanese Tea Garden, or visit the de Young Museum for a dose of culture.
  • Pier 39: This lively jetty is a must-visit for its stunning waterfront views and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy street performers, explore unique shops, and indulge in fresh seafood while watching playful sea lions basking on the docks.
  • Alcatraz Island: Known for its infamous prison, Alcatraz Island provides a fascinating glimpse into history. Take a ferry ride and explore the island's rugged beauty, with self-guided audio tours featuring captivating stories from former inmates.

Best time to go to Golden Gate Bridge

The best time to visit Golden Gate Bridge is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Golden Gate Bridge

When visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, consider travelling in February or November to December for lower accommodation prices. Fridays offer the best rates, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified hotels. For extra savings, look for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities. Additionally, explore free attractions around the bridge and utilise public transport to keep costs down. Always check for flexible cancellation policies and special deals to make the most of your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Golden Gate Bridge are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Golden Gate Bridge is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Golden Gate Bridge is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool offers you the flexibility to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Golden Gate Bridge with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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