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Sections of Park Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail Closed to Dog Walking

To reduce the potential for coyote/dog conflict, we’ve proactively closed large sections of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail to dog walking. This annual closure is temporary; we’ll reopen these trails to dog walking in fall after pupping season ends. All 24 miles of hiking trails in the Presidio are open to people.
Visitors entering the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. Photo by Myleen Hollero.

Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center

See a history exhibition, find the perfect souvenir, and get ready to explore the bridge.

Region

Golden Gate Region

Type

Retail & Services

Interests

History

Top Amenities

Accessible Restrooms, Accessible Parking, Paid Parking, Bike Parking, Golden Gate View

Begin an unforgettable visit to the Golden Gate Bridge at this visitor center, surrounded by amenities.

The Welcome Center tells the story of San Francisco’s most beloved icon. Explore history exhibits, chat with helpful staff, pick up a map of the Presidio, and buy a souvenir to remember your adventure.

The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Getting to Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center

Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, San Francisco, CA, 94129

Map of the Presidio

By Public Tranist

Muni Route: 28 19th Avenue

Stop: Golden Gate Bridge Tunnel/Merchant Road

Presidio GO Shuttle

Route: Downtown Route

Stop: Presidio Transit Center

Directions: Walk west on the Presidio Promenade Trail for about a half hour (1.6 miles) to reach the Welcome Center. 

Parking

Paid lots are next to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. Parking is also found at Battery East Vista, at the Golden Gate Overlook, and across Lincoln Boulevard at Fort Winfield Scott. Parking rules and fees vary. Learn more about parking on the Golden Gate Bridge District website.

Why We Love the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center

Whether you’re curious about the building of the Golden Gate Bridge or just want some guidance for your visit, the Welcome Center is a wonderful resource. If you decide to buy a postcard, framed poster, or any other souvenir, all proceeds will benefit the parks.

Accessibility at the Welcome Center

The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center has street level, automatic doors. Multi-stall restrooms, including two large wheelchair-accessible stalls, are located in a separate building across the parking lot.

Insider Tip

At the Welcome Center, you can buy an America the Beautiful national park pass, which provides access to 2,000 federal recreation sites. Just ask a Park Ranger.

Visitors shopping inside the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.Photo by Myleen Hollero.

Get to Know the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center

The Golden Gate Bridge attracts millions of visitors each year. The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center will help you have an unforgettable visit of your own.

Step Into History

At the Welcome Center, you can see authentic relics like rivets and hard hats worn by workers who built the Golden Gate Bridge, watch an orientation video, and check out the 12-foot stainless steel “test tower” used to evaluate the bridge’s design in 1933.

Blue T-shirt on display inside the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.
Photo by Myleen Hollero.

Support Parks

The Welcome Center offers a delightful souvenir selection, including bridge-themed postcards, framed posters, and much more. If the fog starts to roll in, the Welcome Center also sells cozy jackets and hats to keep you warm as you explore. There is also an online store. All proceeds benefit the parks, so you can feel good about bringing home a memento.

Take a Great Photo of the Golden Gate Bridge

After stopping at the Visitor Center, you can take photos of the bride from many nearby vantage points, including Battery East, the Golden Gate Overlook, and the Pacific Overlook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The closest restrooms to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center are right across the visitor plaza next to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center parking lot.

Yes, the Roundhouse Café is just steps from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. You can get coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

If needed, you can contact the Welcome Center at (415) 426-5220 or customerservice@goldengatebridgestore.org.​

Park Itineraries

Need help planning your day at the Presidio? We’ve put together some itinerary ideas for things to see and do in the park. Whether you’re planning to spend a few hours or an entire day, there’s something for everyone at the Presidio. 

We’re Here to Help

Have a question about the park? Want help planning your next visit? We’ve got you covered.

Representatives from the National Park Service, Parks Conservancy, and Presidio Trust standing in front of the Presidio Visitor Center