Golden Gate Bridge: reviews, price and practical tips

+19
recos
4.7/5 6 reviews
À la pointe nord du Presidio, San Francisco, United States
À la pointe nord du Presidio, San Francisco, United States
Boat tour from $40*
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Golden Gate
Golden gate sous la pluie
Golden gate sous la pluie

Golden Gate Bridge at a glance

Located in San Francisco, California, in the United States, the Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most recognizable and beloved bridge in the country. Serving as the city's icon and a defining image of the American West, its massive twin pylons and orange-vermilion color make it a standard stop for any first-time visitor.

Literally the bridge of the golden gate, it takes its name from the strait it crosses, named by Captain John Fremont as a nod to the Golden Horn, the waterway in Istanbul.

The Golden Gate Bridge spans the Pacific Ocean, linking the northern peninsula to the south. Built by Joseph Strauss and Irwin Morrow starting in 1933, it held the title of the longest suspension bridge in the world for nearly 30 years at 2,720 meters. It carries six lanes of traffic, and you can cross it by car, bicycle, or on foot.

The construction was a massive undertaking. It involved complex underwater work, a temporary 300-meter pier, and foundations set 13 meters below the surface. All of this took place in a hostile environment characterized by high winds, salt-water corrosion, and seismic risks. As a feat of engineering, it has a reputation for being five times more robust than other structures. Dozens of technicians monitor its maintenance daily, and 40 million vehicles cross it every year.

Frequently appearing in pop culture, you will spot it in iconic films like James Bond, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, and X-Men. Tragically, the bridge has been a site for suicides, averaging about twenty per year. To address this, the city voted to install safety nets, which were put in place starting in 2019.

When evening arrives, the bridge lights up, creating a striking visual. There are several spots to view it. The most popular are Hawk Hill, Baker Beach, and Battery Spencer. You can also board a cruise to get a closer look. The Blue and Gold Fleet is included in the San Francisco City Pass.

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Reviews of Golden Gate Bridge

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Summary of 6 reviews
4.7/5
Average rating
+19
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.5
As a couple
4.8
With friends
4.7

Avygeo ranking

#189
in the world
#10
in Americas
#5
in United States
#1
in San Francisco

Iconic!

Obviously, if you are visiting San Francisco, it would be hard to miss, as it is a true symbol of the city. Crossing by car is a toll road, but you can do it on foot for free. It is fun to do, but with the traffic, it is not necessarily the most pleasant experience! You are happy to reach the end and enjoy the view. We took the Hop On Hop Off bus back, which allows you to tour the city. If you get the chance, I recommend taking a bay cruise, and if possible at sunset! In addition to the experience, you will get magnificent photos of the Golden Gate, the city of San Francisco, and Alcatraz!

4
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A monumental structure

The symbol of the city! Its orange red color is iconic. Unfortunately, it is hard to see the whole thing, as the bridge is often partially in the fog, especially in the morning. Bring a good sweater because it can get chilly, even when I went in June. From the Presidio of San Francisco park, you get a very nice view and several good spots to take photos. You can go across the bridge by car, on foot, or by bike. I chose to walk across it to take the time to enjoy the scenery. The boat is also a good option to admire it from underneath.

2
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A San Francisco classic

I have lost count of how many movies I have seen the Golden Gate Bridge in. This legendary brick-colored bridge connects the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. We chose to visit it by bike, which is a good option. In March, however, there was a crazy wind and it was not exactly a relaxing ride. I suggest you cross the bridge (it is a long walk) so you can admire the view from the other side, which in my opinion is more interesting.

2
05/05/2025

Un "vent de gueux", merci, je prends note de l'expression :)

05/05/2025

Un "vent de gueux", merci, je prends note de l'expression :)

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Nice views, but that is all

You see this bridge on screen all the time, and seeing it in person, it felt almost ordinary to me. On the other hand, the scenery all around is magnificent. It is still worth seeing.

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Crossing the famous bridge

Having visited San Francisco in the summer, I was very impressed by the Golden Gate Bridge. Getting there isn't simple, as it requires taking public transit since it is not close to the city center. But once you are there, you can enjoy a nice little walk and even cross the bridge! A sort of pilgrimage, lots of people are motivated to walk across the famous bridge, and at the other end, it is a bunch of tourists but also a great sense of satisfaction and beautiful views.

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The icon of San Francisco

If you ask people who have visited San Francisco to name an image, the Golden Gate often comes up.

Contrary to the myth of omnipresent California sun, it is actually pretty common to only see part of the bridge because of the bad weather and the fog in particular. But that is part of its charm :)

The huge steel towers sometimes act shy and only reveal themselves in moments ;)

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