Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Explore San Francisco

Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy
Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy
Photo courtesy of used in book.
Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy
Photo courtesy of used in book.
Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy
Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy
Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy

Golden Gate Bridge

Type: Architecture, Great Views, Sightseeing, Uniquely Here

10Best Says

One of the world's most famous bridges, the Golden Gate spans 6450 feet and links San Francisco to Marin County. Completed in 1937 at a cost of $35 million, the "Bridge That Could Not Be Built" is now a landmark visible from many points around the Bay. Automobile access is available from US-101 or Lincoln Boulevard; pedestrian access, from the east sidewalk (5 am to 9 pm daily). A visitor center and gift shop are located on the San Francisco side, while scenic overlooks and parking can be found at either end. For those romantics out there, walking hand in hand across the Golden Gate Bridge is simply one of the most romantic walks in the whole world.

Address:

San Francisco, CA

Phone:

415-921-5858

Website:

goldengatebridge.org

Hours:

Daily 24 hrs

Admissions:

Toll for Cars Crossing the Bridge $6 - $9

EXPERT TIPS BY: Tom Molanphy
San Francisco Local Expert

Romantic Things to Do: "Don't let the summer fog on the San Francisco side fool you: the north tower in Marin is almost always fog-free."
Sightseeing: "Be sure to check out the Golden Gate Visitor's Center on the south side of the bridge."
Best Attractions & Activities: "The new visitor's center at the Golden Gate Bridge offers gifts, snacks and some fascinating history of the iconic bridge."
Free Things to Do: "Surprisingly enough, the safest place to be during an earthquake is the retrofitted Golden Gate Bridge."

Best for Romantic Things to Do Because: Walking hand-in-hand across the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most romantic walks in the world.
Best for Sightseeing Because: The Golden Gate Bridge never gets old as far sights to see.
Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: Visiting San Francisco and not seeing the Golden Gate Bridge is like visiting New York City and not visiting the Empire State Building.
Best for Free Things to Do Because: The Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco what The Empire State is to NYC.