Viewpoint · San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge: free view & paid alternatives
The 1937 Art Deco suspension bridge across the Golden Gate; walking its 1.7-mile east sidewalk is free, with views of the city, Alcatraz and the bay.
Independent guide, not the official Golden Gate Bridge website. Official links are under Sources.
Golden Gate Bridge is free to visit.
- Pedestrians use the east sidewalk only: 5am-9pm during Pacific Daylight Time (early March-early November) and 5am-6:30pm during Pacific Standard Time. On some weeknights it closes an hour early for construction. Cyclists have 24-hour access. Welcome Center open daily 9am-6pm.
Free vs paid
Is the paid version worth it?
Golden Gate Bridge
Free to walk across on the east sidewalk; there is no pedestrian toll.
Pedestrians and wheelchair users on the east (San Francisco-facing) sidewalk during posted hours; cyclists ride toll-free 24 hours. Drivers pay a southbound toll.
San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Self-Guided Bike Tour
Bike across Golden Gate Bridge and stop at historic landmarks for scenic views
See tour datesBefore you go
How to actually get in for free
- From November to early March the pedestrian gates shut at 6:30pm, so start a sunset walk early.
- Only the east sidewalk is open to walkers; bikes share it at times, so keep right.
- Free history walks of the bridge run on Wednesdays and Saturdays with San Francisco City Guides.
- Drones, scooters and skateboards are not allowed on the sidewalks.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeFree to walk across on the east sidewalk; there is no pedestrian toll | everyone | Pedestrians and wheelchair users on the east (San Francisco-facing) sidewalk during posted hours; cyclists ride toll-free 24 hours. Drivers pay a southbound toll. | No |
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: Golden Gate Bridge
Guided tourSan Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Self-Guided Bike Tour★★★★★ 4.6 · 33 reviewsfrom $40
Ticket & extrasSan Francisco Bay: 1-Hour Flight over the Golden Gate Bridge★★★★★ 4.7 · 13 reviews1 hourfrom $540
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
Pedestrians use the east sidewalk only: 5am-9pm during Pacific Daylight Time (early March-early November) and 5am-6:30pm during Pacific Standard Time. On some weeknights it closes an hour early for construction. Cyclists have 24-hour access. Welcome Center open daily 9am-6pm.
Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
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Sources
Where this comes from
- goldengate.org/bridge/history-research/statistics-data/faqs/ · checked Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.