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    Golden Gate Bridge

    4.6 (2.1k reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Golden Gate Bridge Photos

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    Tracy M.

    This was just amazing I left my heart in SF! The weather was perfect to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge with the breath taking views from all angles! That other city by The Bay....

    Afshin A.

    As a San Franciscan, I often cross the Golden Gate Bridge, sometimes heading into Marin, other times just to enjoy a hike, bike ride, or a walk near the water. But my appreciation for it goes back much further. I still remember visiting it as a teenager with my parents, seeing it for the first time as a tourist, and being completely taken by its scale and presence. Even now, after passing it countless times, it never really loses that sense of awe. Completed in 1937, the bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County, and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Its distinctive "International Orange" color stands out beautifully against the fog and coastal landscape, something you really appreciate on a clear day or even more when the towers peek through the mist. If you want more than just a quick photo, there are some great nearby spots to experience it from different angles. Walking or biking across the bridge (about 1.7 miles) gives you a sense of its size, wind, and energy. For scenic views, the Coastal Trail from Baker Beach, the short but rewarding Batteries to Bluffs trail, and the longer Lands End trail all offer fantastic perspectives without needing to go far. If you have a bit more time, heading into the Marin Headlands is well worth it. Places like Battery Spencer or the hike up toward Slacker Hill give you sweeping views of the bridge, the bay, and the city skyline. For something quieter and more tucked away, Kirby Cove offers a postcard-perfect view from below the bridge, especially on a calm day. Whether you're visiting for the first time or, like me, seeing it regularly as part of everyday life, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of those rare places that manages to feel both iconic and personal at the same time.

    Raymond M.

    It's always a great time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, and every time I go, it still feels like the first. It's such an iconic and historic landmark that draws locals and tourists year-round, with so many different angles that make for great photo spots. There are several parking options in the area, but the main Golden Gate Bridge parking lot tends to fill up quickly. Battery Cranston Road parking is restricted to employees Monday through Friday. One of the better options is Battery East, which is close to the Welcome Center and offers paid parking.

    Lili M.

    Beautiful, iconic, and historic bridge that people travel thousands of miles to see. My family and I walked across the bridge and we had a great time. Tons of families walking together, people running and biking, and it was so nice to feel the clean cool air and look at the boats and paragliders in the water. I definitely recommend coming to the bridge even if you are just going to the welcome center and hanging out. Parking is very very difficult here, it maybe be best to be dropped off here instead of driving yourself.

    Robert L.

    Some places are more than landmarks. Some places become part of your story. And for me, the Golden Gate Bridge will always be one of those places. Having lived in the Bay Area off and on throughout my life, the Golden Gate Bridge has never just been a bridge I passed over. It has always felt like something bigger. Something almost alive. Whether I was driving across it with the city behind me and the ocean ahead, or walking it with that cold San Francisco wind cutting through my jacket and waking up every thought in my head, it always stirred something in me. It's one of those places that can humble you without saying a word. Massive, beautiful, unshaken... standing there like it has seen everything and still has stories left to tell. And then one day, it told me one of mine. I was walking across the bridge when I called my grandmother and asked her a question that had just come to mind: "Did anyone in our family ever work on the Golden Gate Bridge?" She told me my great grandfather did. And I can't even fully explain what that moment felt like. My great grandfather passed away when I was 15, so hearing that while I was standing there--on something he had a hand in building--hit me in a way I'll probably carry for the rest of my life. In an instant, the bridge transformed from an iconic piece of engineering into something deeply personal. It no longer felt like I was just crossing a famous landmark. It felt like I was walking through legacy. It felt like I was stepping across the fingerprints of my own family history. And honestly... that changed everything for me. Now every time I see the Golden Gate Bridge, whether it's glowing in the sun, half-hidden in fog, or standing bold against that gray Bay Area sky, I don't just see beauty. I see sacrifice. I see hard work. I see grit. I see the kind of labor that built not just structures, but futures. I think about the men who showed up, put their hands to work, and helped create something that would outlive them. Something the world would admire for generations. And somewhere in that thought is my great grandfather--a man I wish I had gotten more time with, but who somehow still left me something to connect to all these years later. That is a gift I don't take lightly. Yes, the Golden Gate Bridge is breathtaking. Yes, it's one of the most iconic places in California. Yes, tourists will always stop, stare, take photos, and try to capture its beauty. But for me, the most beautiful thing about this bridge can't be captured in a picture. Because what I see when I look at it isn't just steel and paint. I see memory. I see love. I see proof that even when people leave this world, the work of their hands, the strength of their spirit, and the legacy of their life can still remain. So now every time I drive across it or walk its path, I do it a little differently. A little slower. A little more grateful. A little more aware. And deep down, I always say the same thing: Thank you. Thank you for the work. Thank you for the legacy. Thank you for leaving a piece of yourself behind in something so strong, so timeless, and so unforgettable. To most people, the Golden Gate Bridge is a wonder of the world. To me... It's family.

    Alyssa A.

    Absolutely iconic, the Golden Gate Bridge should be a must-stop on anyone's visit to San Francisco (or included on a road trip that drives through the area!). One of my favorite things to do is to walk across it and back. It really allows you to take in all of its grandeur and the surrounding beauty. It's about 1.7 miles one way, so it's definitely an activity you have to plan for. But it's worth it. Driving across it also gives a completely different experience, both in the day and at night. Even though you can't see much of a view at night, it is so much more beautiful and peaceful to drive across at night. There's a parking lot at a scenic viewpoint on the Marin County side of the Golden Gate Bridge that gives absolutely beautiful views. There is a toll to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. I don't have an account set-up, so I got the invoice in the mail - $10.75 for one crossing. Overall, not as bad as I expected. Easy to pay. Great experience. Highly recommend.

    Joe J.

    The Golden Gate Bridge is one of those places you've seen your whole life in pictures, movies, and TV, but your brain still isn't prepared for the scale when you're actually there. It doesn't look real at first, more like a background someone edited into the sky. Driving across it feels different than you expect. You're focused on the road but at the same time the water opens up on both sides and you realize how high up you actually are. Cars moving steady, wind pushing across the lanes, and the towers rising over you makes it feel less like a road and more like passing through a landmark. I ended up seeing it from multiple angles instead of just one spot. From the car you feel the height, from Fort Point you understand the size, from Battery Godfrey you get the postcard view, and from Alcatraz you see how it sits in the whole bay like it's connecting the entire city together. The fog kept changing the whole vibe every few minutes. One moment it's bright and clear, next moment the top disappears and the bridge looks endless. Makes every photo look like a different day even though it wasn't. What's wild is how normal it is to locals. People commuting across it like it's just another highway while visitors are treating it like a main character. It's less like visiting a bridge and more like finally seeing a place you already knew your whole life.

    Bellami L.

    Bringing my furbaby here was the highlight of my visit. The scenery is amazing, and seeing such a famous landmark in person was unforgettable.

    Michelle F.

    I had never been under the Golden Gate Bridge until today when the cruise ship I am on sailed under it. It was beautiful to look above and then look behind to catch to sunrise reflection across the bridge. The views from above are nice but the view from the water is just as special.

    Bridge
    Nate S.

    Idk man this place is just iconic, can't find a reason to dock a star. Very breezy, bring a jacket.

    Takashi Y.

    I've wanted to visit the Golden Gate Bridge since I was a child, and at the age of 46, I finally got to visit it for the first time. As long as we're alive, dreams do come true. Walking across this bridge, which was built in the 1930s, I was able to feel its history. Being able to see Alcatraz so clearly from the bridge was moving.

    Marie F.

    San Francisco is so much more beautiful when you're no longer a resident. I remember hating this city for it's constant fog and never-ending odor when I used to live here. SF still smells rancid but it was a gorgeous day for a visit. There were definitely some parts of the city that smelled more offensive than other areas. Don't miss that!!! I haven't seen the Golden Gate Bridge since I was a child so I was pretty emotional bringing my son here. The drive here was scenic and parking wasn't bad at all. There were plenty of visitors but not too crowded and everyone was friendly. Bye San Francisco!

    Shveta A.

    There are some places that people say you have to see in person to appreciate. The Golden Gate Bridge absolutely fits into this category. The bridge itself is magnificent, from the scope, architecture and design. From my days of watching Full House I always wanted to experience visiting myself. It also is so much more than a bridge, it feels like you're a part of history when you are near it or on it. This landmark with its brick red coloring is truly something to experience.

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    Golden Gate Bridge Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Golden Gate Bridge

    Can you ride a scooter on the bridge?

    If you are talking about an electric scooter, the answer is "no." Motorized wheelchairs, however, are permitted.

    Can i park my RV (or similar) and sleep at Lonely Sailor Statue? which schedules?

    You can reach out to them and inquire - here you go. https://www.navymemorial.org/visitors-center

    What's the best spot to take a picture of/with the bridge? Is it Golden Gate Park?

    Below the bridge, there's a place you can drive up to. It's honestly beautiful if you have a convertible and hop on the trunk while someone takes your picture. You get the full bridge in the picture, plus, a great shot of you on a camero for example… 

    Where do we get photographers for pictures here?

    You are your own photographer cell phone, tablet or camera. There are no photos taken by an outside source or the tour company that will offer to sell you a picture. I hope that answers your question as it was framed in a manner that was not clear… 

    Where is the best spot to get a hotel once I get there?

    If money is not an object then I would suggest "Cavallo Point" in Sausalito. You will not only have a view of SF and the bridge but also have a bit of history as the location used to be military baracks that have been styled to perfection while… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Golden Gate Bridge

    You can walk across the bridge, take beautiful photographs with the whole city, bridge, and fog in the background.

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    Japantown

    Japantown

    4.2
    (552 reviews)
    5.3 km

    Came to San Francisco during Super Bowl week and had the chance to explore Japantown and Lower…read morePacific Heights again, and it honestly reminded me why I love this city so much. After being in Washington, D.C., where it was much colder, the warm SF weather felt amazing and made walking around the neighborhood even better. The food was incredible! We tried several different restaurants, and every place had something special, from comforting ramen to fresh sushi. Japantown has such a great mix of authentic flavors, cozy spots, and unique little shops that make the whole experience feel lively and welcoming. Being back in San Francisco, enjoying great food, good weather, and the energy of Super Bowl week, was just an all-around great feeling. I truly believe this is one of the best Japantowns in the country, and I can't wait to come back and explore even more.

    I'm sure I'm biased bc I grew up up coming here in the 70s/80s and then as a teen and grown up in…read morethe 90s... 2000s lol... it's like a second home despite a lot of changes over the years. Some of the changes I like and some not so much. Parking is hella easy in the underground lot and you can always find a nice gift at any price range as well as a nice snack, drink or meal. I always bring my visitors here when we run out if other stuff to see- but it's hit or miss. My company either loves it and always asked to return, or they think it's a waste of time lol. Like I said, I love it and always will- but I'm not sure how much is pure nostalgia. Recommend visiting at least once. I know the J town in LA feels a lot bigger and I appreciate that one too, but this one is my favorite and I have to show support as a Sansei. Most importantly, restrooms are always clean lol ...

    Photos
    The last of the cherry blossoms
    The last of the cherry blossoms
    12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.
    12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.
    Godzilla

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    Godzilla
    Palace Of Fine Arts

    Palace Of Fine Arts

    4.7
    (1.2k reviews)
    3.1 km

    "You ain't nothin' but fine, fine, fine And I wish you were…read moremine, mine, mine You ain't nothin' but fine, fine, fine" (Rockpile) I just read that San Francisco ranks #2 among the most expensive U.S. cities to live. But that doesn't mean there aren't some bargains to be had if you know where to look. As a case in point, look no further than the jaw dropping outdoor grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts. You can see this magnificence for free. It was built for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition with a Greco-Roman soaring rotunda, looping colonnades, and 17 acres of parks, walking paths, and wetlands make it one of San Francisco's most photogenic spots. The architecture reminds me of what you see in the Gladiator movies, or in photos of ancient ruins, with Corinthian columns, sculpted figures, and grand arches. We spent an hour or so just strolling around and enjoying the beauty of what surrounded us. And it was all free of charge.

    The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in San Francisco. Whether…read moreyou're a visitor or a local, it's the perfect spot to slow down and take in the scenery. The views are stunning from every angle, with the iconic rotunda reflected in the lagoon and surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush vegetation. The lake is full of life, and it's common to see swans, ducks, geese, and other birds enjoying the water, making it feel like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The lagoon is known for attracting a variety of bird species throughout the year. There are plenty of grassy areas to spread out a blanket, relax with a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The walking paths are easy to explore, and every turn offers another great photo opportunity. On busy days, you'll often find vendors nearby adding to the lively and welcoming environment. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk, a romantic setting, or just a place to sit and enjoy nature, the Palace of Fine Arts delivers. A true San Francisco treasure that never disappoints.

    Photos
    Harmonious
    Harmonious
    Evening view
    Evening view
    Palace Of Fine Arts

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    The Westerfeld House

    The Westerfeld House

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    5.7 km

    This house is incredible with an amazing history. Truly gorgeous and fun to share with people who…read morehaven't seen it before.

    "You see that mansion up there on the hill? They say Charles Manson lived there, in the top room…read moreof the house." That was my first introduction to The Westerfeld House from the drugged out property manager who used to manage my apartment building - and he was wrong (surprise!) But there is a tie to the Manson Family: One of its members lived there until he moved to Spawn Ranch. And rumor is Charles Manson did visit a few times. Tom Wolfe even wrote about The Westerfeld House in The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test calling it, "A great old shambling Gothic house, a freaking decayed giant known as 'The Russian Embassy.'" (I'm curious if one of my mom's law school friends crashed there because she was one of Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters. It IS a small little world in which we live.) Built by a wealthy chocolatier then sold to the architect of the Palace Hotel, the Westerfeld House was built in 1889 for the then-grand sum of just under $10,000 ($27M in today's money) and is now a designated Landmark and privately owned. It housed a nightclub called "Dark Eyes" in the late 1920s just before the stock market crash then it was divided up into a boarding house in the '40s. In the '60s, Joplin and Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Grateful Dead used to hang out at The Westerfeld House. In the 1970s the founder of the church of Satan lived there (his pet lion left some deep claw marks in the ornate door frames and molding around the house). Longtime and current owner, Jim Siegel, apparently had Buddhist monks bless the house because of its provenance. I've gotten a chuckle over the years that its owner sometimes hangs hand-painted protest signs as window coverings: When Alamo Square became a huge tourist destination (it took a long time to be "discovered", surprisingly) it seemed like all the tour bus companies discovered it at once: There were eight or more busses every 5-8 minutes buzzing the park and blaring Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart.." And Siegel hung signs that read "Get off the damn bus, walk around and SEE the city!" In so many ways, The Westerfeld House is so very representative of San Francisco! Look for the house on Fulton at Scott that looks a bit like the Addams Family mansion and you're there.

    Photos
    Another view
    Another view
    Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square
    Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square
    Beautiful building- Westfield House

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    Beautiful building- Westfield House
    Cottage Row

    Cottage Row

    4.1
    (12 reviews)
    5.2 km

    A quiet, cozy, off the beaten path, mini park with lovely flowers and trees in between busy areas…read more Recommend, especially if you can find parking.

    Big things comes in small packages…read more There are several mini parks in almost every neighborhood in San Francisco, and Cottage Row is a historic district (#82000983) located in Japantown that stretches along the block of Bush and Sutter streets and flanked between Webster and Fillmore streets. I would often walk to my wife's work as part of my exercise after work. I'd start from New Montgomery & Market Street all the way to Pacific Heights, which is roughly about 3 1/2 miles or so depending on the route I take. I vary my route some days and have taken different streets that are more hilly depending how I feel that particular day. On one of my many routes, I discovered this gem of a place just a block from Japantown Center. From Sutter St., there are signs posted regarding the park in front of a brick steps and pathway that stretches one block ending on Bush St. Along the path are Victorian-era houses, which adds a unique charm to the park. The park itself is well manicured with beautiful flowers, plants and even lone Redwood tree standing tall and proudly in the center. It may be small, but this mini park actually feels very spacious due to the layout and brilliant design of the park. It definitely maximizes the space without feeling cluttered and it feels very relaxing just being here. The smell of flowers and different plants provides an illusion that you are in a forest garden. I can feel my stress levels diminish as I soak in the energy of the park. Doing some research, the brick pathway along the backside of the park used to be called Japan Street due to the families living there were primarily Japanese-Americans. Sadly, they were interned during WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor. An unfortunate time in American history that must never be forgotten and repeated. Now the park is maintained by the city, and they do a wonderful job of doing so. I can imagine the people in the neighborhood utilize this space by sitting on the benches while reading a good book; playing with their kids or grandkids; walking and playing with their dogs or enjoying a casual stroll to get some sun. Either way, it's a charming little park that is worth a visit should you be in the area.

    Photos
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row

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    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    3.7
    (25 reviews)
    6.5 km

    The 49 Mile Scenic Drive was created in 1938 in order to showcase the highlights of the City of San…read moreFrancisco. for the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It was already a convoluted route which originally began at city Hall and ended on Treasure Island. Since 1939 the route has been altered somewhat but still remains convoluted and today plagued with traffic problems and poor maintenance of signage. Specifically, the Seagull in profile with a blue background signs have been badly faded and not all are clearly visible. You will need to use the internet to get a clear description of the route. Some of the major sites along the route are City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Little Saigon, Japan Town, Union Square, China Town, Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Coit tower, Fishermen's Wharf, Palace of fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Merced, California Academy of the Sciences, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks The Castro and Oracle Park. Parking at these various sites runs the range of easy to very difficult. Metered street parking is available at some locations. Due to the numerous hassles involved in trying to run the route most tourists opt for city transportation or the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. "If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

    This is a great idea but in the day and age we are in now I wish they already had a google map link…read morefor this drive. As most of the reviews mentioned the signs are missing so I had to follow a map on SF website and my friend would navigate me which is great if you're traveling with people. A lot of the places we already hit due to our own itinerary but some of the places on the drive I never saw when doing research about the city so this was great anyways!

    Photos
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive

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    Dragon's Gate

    Dragon's Gate

    4.3
    (144 reviews)
    7.0 km

    Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it…read morein the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character.

    I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when…read moreyou're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.

    Photos
    Dragon's Gate
    Dragon's Gate
    Dragon's Gate

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    Golden Gate Bridge - landmarks - Updated August 2026

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