Golden Gate Bridge: reviews, price and practical tips

+23
recs
4.7/5 7 reviews
À la pointe nord du Presidio, San Francisco, United States
À la pointe nord du Presidio, San Francisco, United States
Boat tour from $42*
Booking recommended
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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 in California, the Golden Gate Bridge is easily the most famous and adored bridge in the country. Serving as the city's signature landmark and a classic postcard image of the American West, its two towering pylons and international orange color make it an absolute must-see on any first trip.

Literally meaning the "Golden Gate Bridge", it owes its name to the strait it crosses, which was named by Captain John Fremont in memory of the Golden Horn, the waterway of Istanbul.

The Golden Gate Bridge stretches across the Pacific Ocean and connects the northern peninsula to the south. Built by Joseph Strauss and Irving Morrow between 1933 and 1937, it held the title of the world's longest suspension bridge for nearly 30 years at 2,737 metres. Equipped with 6 traffic lanes, you can cross it by car, bicycle, or on foot.

The construction project was colossal, involving complex underwater work, a 300-metre temporary pier, and foundations built 13 metres below the waves. All of this took place in a harsh environment featuring high winds, saltwater corrosion, and seismic risks. A genuine engineering feat, it is reputed to be 5 times more robust than any other structure. Dozens of technicians monitor its maintenance daily, and 40 million vehicles cross it every year.

Frequently featured in popular culture, you will spot it in iconic films like James Bond, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, X Men, and others. Tragically, around twenty suicides occur here each year. To combat this issue, the city approved the installation of safety nets, which were put in place during 2019.

When evening arrives, it lights up with countless lights, creating a stunning view. There are numerous spots from which to admire it. The most popular are undoubtedly Hawk Hill, Baker beach, and Battery Spencer. You can also hop aboard a harbor cruise to get up close. The Blue and Gold Fleet is included in the San Francisco City Pass.

Boat tour from $42*Booking recommended
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Reviews of Golden Gate Bridge

Summary of 7 reviews
4.7/5
Average rating
+23 recs +23 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.6
As a couple
4.9
With friends
4.7

Avygeo ranking

#116
in the world
#4
in Americas
#3
in the United States
#1
in San Francisco

Must-see!!!

Yes, it is a major classic and yes, in person it is much less pretty than on our computer wallpapers, but you cannot visit San Francisco without going there. <br>Many viewpoints are available, but if you have a car, I suggest picking up some snacks for a little sunset drink and waiting for the sunset, GORGEOUS :D

59
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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!

33
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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.

18
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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.

11
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 ;)

12
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