Whether you come here for bike riding or you come for walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, the parking at the Bridge can be tricky, especially if you're coming from the north.
This OurGoldenGate.com article is the most complete guide to Golden Gate Bridge parking anywhere on the web.
Pedestrians are required to walk on the eastern sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge, the side facing San Francisco. On weekends and on weekdays after 3:30 PM bike riders use the western sidewalk, facing the Pacific Ocean. The rest of the time they have to share the eastern sidewalk with pedestrians.
Insiders Tip: On weekends and holidays, especially when it’s sunny, all the parking lots for the Golden Gate Bridge can fill up, especially from late morning through the afternoon. If you’re traveling at a busy time consider coming early, or parking in Sausalito and taking a taxi up the hill to visit the Bridge, and get their number to call for a return trip when you’re done.
Coming from the North (Sausalito Side)
The Vista Point parking lot at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge can only be reached coming from the south. Since the $6 Bridge toll is only collected from cars traveling southbound, you will have to pay a toll to reach that northern lot, even if all you do is turn around and re-cross the Bridge. If you're going to San Francisco anyway it doesn't matter -- just stop there on your way home. But if you come from Sausalito or points north and the Bridge is your final destination you want to try to park somewhere else on the north end. We have the secret spot waiting for you...
Only at OurGoldenGate.com: If you want to walk across the span from the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge and DO NOT want to drive into San Francisco itself, you can avoid crossing the Bridge and paying the toll by parking in a "secret" lot at the north end. The satellite map below is a close-up of this parking lot, which does not appear on street maps. Use the Google map controls to zoom in and out to get an idea of its location and how it aligns with the GGNRA road. On this view it looks like the water is close to the parking lot, but the lot actually sits high atop a bluff.
Google Map Instructions: Use the "+" and "-" buttons to zoom in and out, the arrow keys to scroll the map, and the SAT button to see the satellite view.
In the summer this lot may be full, and there are a limited number of on-street spaces at the turnout just uphill from the lot on the road that runs along the edge of the bluffs. In this case you may elect to pay the $6 southbound toll, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and park in the larger lots at either end of the Bridge. Or you may park in downtown Sausalito and take a taxi or a bus to the Bridge.
A path for pedestrians and bikes leads down from this parking lot to the western sidewalk of the Bridge. Pedestrians and weekday bike riders take the walkway under the Bridge (a fun part of the trip!) to reach the eastern walkway.
Insiders Tip: Walkers should look out for bike riders as you walk down the path from this lot before reaching the Bridge. Most are considerate, but some first-time-Bridge-bikers think this path is bikes only, and a small percentage of them will careen past walkers. (Please don't judge the other 99% of bike riders based on this 1%.)
Coming from the South (San Francisco Side)
Driving from the south brings you from the direction in which no $6 toll is collected, and also gives you more parking options. To avoid having to pay a $6 toll, park in one of the lots at the southern end of the Bridge.
South Lot and Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area
This lot is located at the last northbound exit as you leave San Francisco on Highway 101, just as you're about to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. The sign for the exit reads "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area."
Immediately after exiting, make a left turn to enter the parking lot. There are 81 spaces here, along with rest rooms and a snack and gift shop. These spaces are metered, and take $1.00 (four quarters) per hour.
The view from this parking lot will be familiar: you've probably seen it on postcards a hundred times.
If this lot is full: On weekends or holidays (NOT on weekdays), a lot next to the Bridge administration building offers a limited number of spaces for $5.00 for a full day. To reach it, take the underpass beneath the Bridge that is located at the end of the street that goes through the south parking lot. Some spaces on the uphill side are also marked as free for shorter visits.
The satellite map below is a close-up of this parking lot. Use the Google map controls to zoom in and out to get an idea of its location and how it aligns with the northbound entrance to the Bridge. It may look like the water is just beyond the parking lot, but the lot actually sits on top of a bluff alongside the toll plaza.
Walkers and weekday bike riders can proceed directly from this lot to the east walkway of the Bridge to walk across. Weekend bike riders take an underpass to reach the western walkway, where bikes are required to go on Saturday and Sunday.
Google Map Instructions: Use the "+" and "-" buttons to zoom in and out, the arrow keys to scroll the map, and the SAT button to see the satellite view.
North Lot and Vista Point
After passing the North Tower northbound on the Golden Gate Bridge, move to the far right lane. Look for the exit sign labeled "Vista Point".
Hint fron the Locals: The entrance to the Vista Point at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge often gets backed up when the parking lot is full, usually on weekends or in the summer. As you approach the exit watch for cars that stop suddenly -- many fender-benders and rear-enders have happened in this area when drivers were distracted.
As you are about to complete your crossing of the Bridge, exit at the right. The circular road will lead you to parking. There are rest rooms here, but no other services. The view will again remind you of many postcards of San Francisco. Parking is free here, but there is a four-hour time limit.
If you reach the Alexander Ave. exit you have gone too far, and there is no way to get back to the Vista point by car without paying another toll to again cross the Bridge. See the "Coming from the North" section above for the smaller parking lot across the freeway you can still reach if this happens.
The satellite map below is a close-up of Vista Point. Use the Google map controls to zoom in and out to get an idea of its location and how it aligns with the exit from the Bridge. Again the satellite is deceiving, and the lot actually sits on top of a cliff alongside the Bridge. The small lot to the left is the same one shown in a closer view above in this article.
Walkers and weekday bike riders can proceed directly from this lot to the east walkway of the Bridge to walk across. Weekend bike riders take a (very cool) underpass to reach the western walkway, where bikes are required to go on Saturday and Sunday. The only downside is that you have to carry your bike up and down some stairs.
Google Map Instructions: Use the "+" and "-" buttons to zoom in and out, the arrow keys to scroll the map, and the SAT button to see the satellite view.
