What to Do
Visiting the world famous Golden Gate Bridge is a unique experience for everyone. Whether you drive, walk, bike, shop, or just want to look, there is something for everyone. We even have a virtual Bridge Walk for those of you that are unable to come to the Bridge. Here are a few tips about What to Do.
Biking | Walking/Hiking | Shopping | Learning | Snacking
Current Golden Gate Bridge Construction Alerts and Detours
Walking/Hiking
WEST Sidewalk CLOSED through April 1, 2012
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Golden Gate Bridge South Side Gardens |
Pedestrians (including wheelchair users) and bicyclists may access the sidewalks during daylight hours. Pedestrians and bicyclists share the east sidewalk on weekdays and all must pay close attention as the sidewalks can get very busy. The Bridge is 1.7 miles long and we encourage you to wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing. There are a number of things that are NOT ALLOWED on Bridge sidewalks, such as rollerblades and dogs. Click here to learn more.
Pedestrians and bicyclists may access the east sidewalk, located near the Strauss Statue, daily (hours adjusted seasonally). On weekdays, pedestrians and cyclists share the east sidewalk during all hours through September 2011 due to seismic retrofit construction on the west sidewalk (normally, bikes and pedestrians share the east sidewalk just from sunrise to 3:30 pm). As the sidewalk can get very busy, please pay close attention and watch for passing cyclists. The sidewalks can be accessed from the southeast parking lot or the northeast parking lot (directions).
Take a short walk to the Fort Point overlook from the southeast parking lot (directions). Follow the brick sidewalk located behind the Strauss Statue, continue to follow the brick path to the right until it meets a narrow asphalt roadway (Battery Lincoln Rd) and go LEFT to the Fort Point Overlook.
You can also take a walk through the renovated garden area on the southeast side of the Bridge (directions). Stepping back from the Strauss Statue, visitors are faced with yet another visual treat: the immaculate gardens. On less than five acres, the annual and perennial flower beds and manicured hedges accent the brick sidewalks inviting guests to wander up or down a path to view the Bridge from a different prospective. The gardens have been acclaimed in Joan S. Hockaday's book, The Gardens of San Francisco, and in Pacific Horticulture Magazine.
For a map of walking, biking and hiking trails located on the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge located in the nearby Golden Gate National Recreation Area and The Presidio, check out this link: http://tinyurl.com/36kpuj.
Shopping
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Golden Gate Bridge Gift Center |
The Golden Gate Bridge Roundhouse is now closed. In April 2012, a new Bridge Pavilion will welcome visitors, provide orientation and information services, house exhibits, and offer high-quality commemorative and interpretive merchandise. The 3,500 square foot Pavilion will occupy a portion of the southeast parking lot, across the plaza from the Bridge Café.
Can't make it to the Bridge? Visit our virtual Gift Center to purchase transit passes and the Bridge's 75th Anniversary Store to purchase exciting new books, apparel, kids items, collectibles, etc.
Learning
Construction statistics of the Golden Gate Bridge are presented on a cross section of one of the Bridge's main cables displayed to the left, and a little behind, the Strauss Statue. The main cable section demonstrates the magnitude of this incredible engineering feat. The Strauss Statue is located on the southeast side of the Bridge (directions). The statue of the original Chief Engineer stands as a constant reminder of his vision and determination to build this modern wonder. The Roundhouse Gift Center located behind the Strauss Statue offers a wealth of books and videos about the history of the Golden Gate Bridge.
When visiting the Vista Point parking lot located on the northeast side of the Golden Gate Bridge, be sure to visit the Lone Sailor Memorial. To learn more about the monument, visit the U.S. Navy Memorial website.
Snacking
The Bridge Café is located on the southeast side of the Bridge (directions). The Café is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm during the summer months (daylight savings time) and during the winter months from 9:30 am to 5 pm. We sell a variety of snacks, including muffins, sandwiches, salads, desserts, sodas, water and Starbuck's coffee to reenergize you during your visit.