Rolling Across the Golden Gate Bridge in a Wheelchair: A Bucket List Item Completed

When most people think of California, images of the Hollywood sign or even the picturesque beaches probably run through their mind. However, for me, I’ve always immediately thought of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I’m sure it’s because I watched Full House daily growing up (remember the awesome intro with the whole Tanner family driving across the bridge in it?). Whether you were a self-proclaimed member of the Tanner family or not though, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world’s most notable landmarks and one that I have dreamed of seeing in person for as long as I can remember.
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During my recent visit to the Bay Area, I finally had the chance to experience the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory. It was just as majestic as I had hoped it would be and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in San Francisco in a wheelchair. Here is how my experience went and some Golden Gate Bridge wheelchair access tips for you as you plan your own pilgrimage across the bridge –
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Golden Gate Bridge Wheelchair Access

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We were able to snag an accessible parking spot near the Visitor Center in the Bridge Plaza parking lot. Spaces are limited here, but since we arrived early, there were quite a few spaces available. If you need to use the restroom before your trek across the bridge, you’ll also find a wheelchair accessible restroom at the Bridge Plaza parking lot.
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After parking, you will almost immediately notice the Visitor Center, which is pretty large. There were snacks available inside and a lot of Golden Gate Bridge themed gifts. I had to buy a few items of course.
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As soon as I saw the bridge, which you can easily see from the Visitor Center, I was in awe. There it was stretching across the bay in its signature red color and I had finally made it. I’ve never been overly fascinated with bridges, but there’s something cool about the Golden Gate Bridge that almost makes your jaw hit the ground when you first see it. After taking some photos with the bridge in the background, I couldn’t wait to actually roll on the bridge.
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There was a wheelchair path that led straight to the bridge and I began my trek across it. Construction on the Golden Gate Bridge started in 1933 and it officially opened four years later, in 1937. It still stands strong at about 1.7 miles long. I only went a bit less than halfway across the bridge, but it was smooth and easy to navigate. There weren’t a ton of people walking on it when I visited, and the weather was pretty nice for late January, so it was a very enjoyable experience.
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 Golden Gate Bridge wheelchair access
Golden Gate Bridge wheelchair access

Photo by Trevor Heckendorn

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From the bridge, I could see the bay and even Alcatraz in the distance. I’ve seen the Clint Eastwood movie Escape from Alcatraz numerous times, so it was cool to see it in person… even if it was from a distance. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do an Alcatraz tour on this trip, but I have heard that it’s surprisingly accessible. Check out this post from Have Wheelchair Will Travel to learn more about accessibility at Alcatraz.
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Alcatraz in the distance

Alcatraz in the distance

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Along the Golden Gate Bridge, there were various exhibits and informational signs posted, and I took the time to read some of them as I rolled. In the summer, it would probably be worth going all the way across the bridge, but a couple hours rolling on the bridge and shopping in the Visitor Center was plenty for me on a January day. To make the most of your own experience, I’d suggest arriving as early as possible to avoid the crowds and wearing plenty of layers. The breeze from cars passing by on the bridge can be a bit chilly.
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Photo by Trevor Heckendorn

Photo by Trevor Heckendorn

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My whole Golden Gate Bridge wheelchair access experience was honestly remarkable and it was exactly everything that I imagined. Those childhood days of watching Full House and dreaming about crossing the bridge came to life for me and if you’re planning to visit San Francisco, you should certainly not miss rolling across the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.
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