Best Time to Visit the Golden Gate Bridge and Crissy Field: A Waterfront Visit

The bridge’s pedestrian hours change between Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time, so check the schedule before planning a walk across it. The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with the counties to its north and offers pedestrian access on just one side.

The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District sets pedestrian hours on the east sidewalk. During Pacific Standard Time, described as early November to early March, it is open from 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

During Pacific Daylight Time, described as early March to early November, it is open from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Gates close at the end of each period and reopen at 5:00 a.m.

Choose your timing around those limits if walking on the bridge is part of the plan. Pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, must use the east sidewalk, on the side facing San Francisco. The Bridge Welcome Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Crissy Field’s Golden Gate Promenade gives you a route along the waterfront for walking or riding. You can use it as the shoreline part of an outing that also includes the bridge.

For access by Muni, Route 30 stops at Mason Street and Yacht Street, Mason Street and Halleck Street, and the Sports Basement Parking Lot. Route 28 stops at Richardson Avenue and Francisco Street.

The Presidio GO Shuttle’s Downtown route serves the Presidio Transit Center for Crissy Field access; the San Francisco transportation guide covers ways to get around between stops.

Crissy Field parking includes a lot beside East Beach and street parking in front of businesses along Mason Street. Paid parking is also available beside the Crissy Field West Bluff Picnic Area and in front of Stilwell Hall.

Pedestrians can use only the east sidewalk on the Golden Gate Bridge, and its opening hours depend on the time period. This is the side facing San Francisco.

Cyclists have toll-free access to the bridge sidewalks at any hour, but must yield to pedestrians. The speed limit is 15 mph, reduced to 5 mph around the towers.

Electric scooters and similar devices, roller blades, skateboards, roller skates, non-service animals, pushcarts, wheelbarrows and drones are not permitted on the sidewalks. Drones are also prohibited over or near the bridge and District property.

The Presidio identifies Muni Route 28 stops at Golden Gate Bridge/Parking Lot and Golden Gate Bridge Tunnel/Merchant Road. Route 29 stops at Lincoln Boulevard and Bowley Street. The Presidio GO Shuttle South Hills route serves the California Coastal Trail, 25th Avenue, Baker Beach and Stilwell Road.

Parking is limited around the bridge, so compare the lots with transit before setting out. The Bridge District recommends public transit or rideshare and warns that construction projects may temporarily close nearby roads.

The southeast visitor parking lot has 37 spaces: 26 general spaces, 6 bus stalls and 3 accessible spaces for visitors with disabled placards. Parking costs $5 per hour, with a maximum consecutive stay of 3 hours; the lot is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., including holidays.

The northeast lot offers free parking with a four-hour limit and restrooms. If you approach from Marin, access requires crossing the bridge, paying the toll and doubling back across the span. The District also identifies paid parking next to the Welcome Center and, for weekends and holidays, an additional paid area along Merchant Road next to Fort Winfield Scott.

Before you go, check the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District’s official site for current parking and pedestrian access details, and the relevant transit operator’s site for service information.

The Palace of Fine Arts is a natural companion to a Marina and waterfront outing. From Knights Inn, it is about a 7-minute walk or 4-minute drive.

The bridge and shoreline make up the main waterfront portion of the outing.

The Palace of Fine Arts visiting guide covers that nearby companion stop.

Which side of the Golden Gate Bridge can pedestrians use?

Pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, may use only the east sidewalk, which faces San Francisco.

When does the bridge’s pedestrian sidewalk close?

It closes at 6:30 p.m. during Pacific Standard Time and 9:00 p.m. during Pacific Daylight Time. Temporary weeknight closures may also affect access.

Can you cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge?

Cyclists have toll-free access to the sidewalks 24 hours a day. They must yield to pedestrians and follow the speed limits.