I’ve spent lots of time in San Francisco over the years, but one thing I had never done was walk or run on the Golden Gate Bridge. This summer, I changed that, crossing something off my travel bucket list in the process.
I parked at the Vista Point just north of the Golden Gate in the evening and had this view of the bridge as I got out of my car. The well-acclaimed fog made its presence known on this evening.

It was time to set out on the open bridge. The bridge was packed with cyclists, runners and tourists earlier in the day, but being close to sunset there would be long gaps of alone time.

The Golden Gate Bridge recently celebrated its 75th birthday, opening for traffic on May 27, 1937. It connects the affluent Marin County and points northward with the San Francisco peninsula and city. It crosses over San Francisco Bay near where it meets the Pacific Ocean.

I split time between walking and running, capturing photos as I moved along.


Turned around often to see how far along I was. Off in the distance on the walkway you can see the security cart that goes back-and-forth.




I could definitely make out the San Francisco skyline across the way, despite the fog.

I loved capturing scenic shots with the International Orange in view.


After reaching the southern end, I made sure to checkout the bridge itself too.

Checkout the tourist and information center that sits here around the bridge plaza. I didn’t have a chance as everything was closed. Right in front of me were bike paths leading up to the bridge and underneath to the other side.

Some close up shots of the bridge. The bridge was painted the aforementioned International Orange to increase visibility of those passing underneath and to fit in with the natural beauty around it. The cold ocean waters in contrast with the warmly colored bridge, beautiful!


My love of travel signs definitely showed during this journey as I captured the different forms of signage on and around the bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is part of U.S. Route 101 and California Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway).

The previously mentioned bridge plaza was for those driving the bridge southbound into San Francisco. You’ll see plenty of signage as you approach. The toll is currently $6 for a standard vehicle. Northbound is free of charge. It’s 7:19 p.m. right now, check.

You’ll find signage giving some interesting facts about the bridge. The length of one International Orange painted cable is well over a mile long!

You’ll get the standard speed limit postings for motorists and…

…for cyclists as well! I set it off with my running, but could not get the picture in time. 🙂

The bridges walkway is split half for bikers, half for those on foot.

Here’s a big sign detailing other rules for pedestrians and cyclists. Watch out for those high winds! Also be prepared with warm clothes as it’s frequently windy and cool, as it was on this evening. If on a bike, make sure the cyclist speed sign doesn’t flash higher than 15. I definitely wasn’t running that fast haha. 🙂

I came across this rule and alert board immediately as I entered on the north end of the bridge. The bridge closes for foot and cyclist traffic at 9:00 p.m.

Really? Someone will make a U-turn? People must have for them to put up a sign. The bridge has six reversible lanes being adjusted as needed throughout the day. It wouldn’t be impossible to do a U-turn because north and southbound traffic are divided by small, manually placed lane markers.

I completed the back-and-forth journey in about two hours.

I was back where I started at the parking lot of the north end Vista Point. Parking is at a premium on both sides of the bridge, especially the south end, so get there early or late in the day to grab a spot quickly.
All the motorists have their lights on now and I was about to join them and head southbound back into the city. $6 check.


It was a great time walking and running across and back on the Golden Gate Bridge. I can check something else off the travel bucket list. 🙂 When you’re in San Francisco, make sure to set some time aside to walk or bike the bridge. The scenery is unreal fog or not and it will be an experience you’ll never forget.
What other bridges have you crossed on foot or by bike in your travels?
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