Top 16 things to do in Golden Gate Bridge
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-visit landmark for anyone visiting San Francisco. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable bridges in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. With its stunning views of the bay and the city, there are many activities and things to do in and around the Golden Gate Bridge. When you visit this location, you can experience a lot of interesting facts about the Golden Gate Bridge. Here are the top 16 things to do in Golden Gate Bridge that should be on your to-do list.
1. Walk or bike across the bridge
One of the best ways to experience the Golden Gate Bridge is to walk or bike across it. The bridge has a pedestrian walkway that is open 24 hours a day, and offers some of the most spectacular views of the bay and surrounding areas. If you prefer to bike, you can rent a bike from several locations around the city and ride across the bridge at your own pace.
2. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
Located on the San Francisco side of the bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is a great place to start your visit. You can learn about the history and construction of the bridge, watch a short video about its creation, and take in some stunning views of the bridge and the bay.
3. Explore the Presidio
The Presidio is a large park and former military base located near the Golden Gate Bridge. It offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as stunning views of the bridge and the bay. You can also visit the Presidio Visitor Center to learn more about the park and its history.
4. Take a boat tour of the bay
A boat tour of the bay is a great way to see the Golden Gate Bridge from a different perspective. You can take a tour from several locations around the city, and enjoy views of the bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco skyline.
5. Visit Fort Point
Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is a historic fort that was built during the Civil War. It offers stunning views of the bridge and the bay, and is a great place to explore and learn about San Francisco’s military history.
6. Take a helicopter tour
For a truly unique experience, you can take a helicopter tour of the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding areas. You will get a bird’s-eye view of the bridge, the bay, and the city, and see some of the most stunning sights that San Francisco has to offer.
7. Go on a segway tour
If you want to explore the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding areas in a unique and fun way, you can take a segway tour. These tours take you through the Presidio and across the bridge and offer a fun and exciting way to see the sights.
8. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion
The Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion is a beautiful building located near the bridge on the San Francisco side. It offers some great views of the bridge and the bay, as well as a gift shop and a cafe.
9. Watch the sunset
Watching the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco. You can watch the sunset from several locations around the city, including the bridge itself, and enjoy some of the most stunning views that the city has to offer.
10. Take a hike in the Marin Headlands
The Marin Headlands are located on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge and offer miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the bridge and the bay. You can take a hike to the top of one of the hills and enjoy some of the best views in the area.
11. Visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a massive park that encompasses many of the attractions around the Golden Gate Bridge. It includes the Presidio, Fort Point, and the Marin Headlands, as well as several beaches and other recreational areas. You can spend an entire day exploring this park and taking in all that it has to offer.
12. Go on a food tour
San Francisco is known for its diverse and delicious food scene, and there are several food tours that will take you around the city to sample some of the best dishes. You can take a tour that focuses on the neighborhoods near the Golden Gate Bridge, such as the Marina and Presidio, and try some of the local specialties.
13. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful structure located near the Golden Gate Bridge. It was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and is now a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. You can walk around the grounds and take in the stunning architecture, and even catch a show or performance at the theater.
14. Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former prison that is now a popular tourist attraction. You can take a ferry from the San Francisco waterfront to the island, and explore the prison and its history. You will also get some great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline from the island.
15. Visit the de Young Museum
The de Young Museum is a world-class art museum located in Golden Gate Park, near the bridge. It has a vast collection of American art, as well as art from around the world, and also hosts several temporary exhibits throughout the year. You can spend hours exploring this museum and taking in all of the amazing art.
16. Go on a wine tour
Napa and Sonoma Valleys are just a short drive from San Francisco and are known for their world-famous wineries. You can take a wine tour from the city and spend the day sampling some of the best wines in the world. Many of these tours also offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding areas.
Conclusion
The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see attraction in San Francisco, offering visitors a variety of activities and experiences to enjoy. From walking and biking across the bridge, to exploring the Presidio and nearby museums, and even going on a wine tour, there is something for everyone. With so much to do and see in the area, it’s easy to spend several days exploring the Golden Gate Bridge and its surroundings. So make sure to add this iconic landmark to your itinerary and experience all that San Francisco has to offer.