Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
See a history exhibition, find the perfect souvenir, and get ready to explore the bridge.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s run by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and National Park Service.
If needed, you can contact the Welcome Center at (415) 426-5220 or customerservice@goldengatebridgestore.org.
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Experience the Presidio
The Presidio is San Francisco’s national park site, with endless trails, fun events, and unforgettable vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge.
