It goes without saying that a trip to San Francisc...

It goes without saying that a trip to San Francisco isn't complete without seeing this bridge. It's rusty red and not decked in gold, but still pretty.

There are many spots to view the bridge. I'll mention a few here, all are FREE to visit:

1) Northern tip of San Francisco peninsula. Look for "Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center", "Fort Point National Historic Site", "Crissy Field", or "Battery Cranston". You'll see the bridge up close. Any time of day is good for photos.

2) Marin Headlands. The views here are more impressive because in addition to the bridge, you'll also see the equally beautiful San Francisco skyline. The downside is that on a sunny day, there's a lot of glare from the sun so you might be disappointed with your photos. Sunset is a great time to visit though. Look for "Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point", or "Battery Spencer", or drive to the end of Marina Road.

3) Fisherman's Wharf. Everyone goes here so while you're here, why not check out the bridge? You won't see it up close though, so you need a zoom camera. I listed this because you can take a ferry here (for a very hefty fee) and see the bridge up close. The ferry will even sail directly under the bridge.

4) The bridge itself. You can cross the bridge on foot, along the east sidewalk, the side facing downtown. There is direct access to this sidewalk from the Welcome Center or Vista Point. You can also bike on both east and west sidewalks, but bring your own (no rentals). Note that walking or biking is only allowed during daytime hours. Check their website for the actual hours.

Some more practicalities:

1) There is a toll for driving along the bridge. There are several payment options, and your choice depends largely on how often you will use the bridge. More info on tolls is available on their website. We paid $8.20 for each round-trip crossing.

2) Check the weather forecast and bring layers as necessary. Clear blue skies and mild weather aren't always guaranteed.

Have a great time!