Can I Bring My Dog to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco?

Posted by Billy Francis

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the most recognizable attractions in the world. Completed in 1937, this iconic steel structure is crossed on foot, by bicycle and in cars more than 40 million times each year, but do any of these visitors have four legs and a tail?

Along with skateboards and rollerblades, “non-service animals, including dogs and horses, which are being led, ridden, or driven” are not permitted to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. However, Goldendoodles visiting The Golden City to see The Golden Gate Bridge may discover viewing it from a vantage point nearby can be even more rewarding.

Where Can I Stay With My Dog?

“Get your tails on the trails, folks!” Photo by Facebook.com/InnatThePresidio

Inn at the Presidio

Formerly one of the largest military bases in the U.S., Inn at the Presidio is now a dog-friendly hotel situated within one of the city’s national parks, Presidio of San Francisco. Inside the Georgian Revival-style building, you and your pooch will find suites with fireplaces, rooms with forest surroundings and rocking chairs on the front porch. Take a hike in search of views of the Golden Gate Bridge on Ecology Trail, located just outside the backdoor. Inn at the Presidio welcomes two pets of any size for an additional fee of $40 per stay.

“Wrapped up in a duvet like a Frenchie in the night.” Photo by Facebook.com/KimptonEnso

Kimpton Hotel Enso

Located in the city where Kimpton was born, Kimpton Hotel Enso in the Japantown neighborhood is a great place to stay with your pup near the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs and their owners are invited to join other guests for coffee and a treat to kick start the morning or at the daily wine hour after a long day of sightseeing. Then, they can head out into the outdoor courtyard to play lawn games together. Kimpton Hotel Enso welcomes dogs of all sizes to stay for free.

“Let’s go to the Argonaut!” Photo by Facebook.com/ArgonautHotelSF

Argonaut Hotel

Four-legged guests who stay in a pet-friendly room at the Argonaut Hotel are treated much better than the inmates were at Alcatraz Island, which you can see from the hotel. Fido will feel like a guest of honor when he sees his name on the Paw of Fame list and receives a treat at check-in. Take him for a stroll along the waterfront to nearby Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason, before returning to your spacious room for a well-earned rest and views of Golden Gate Bridge. Argonaut Hotel welcomes two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $75 per pet.

“This place is San Fran-tastic.” Photo by Marina Motel

Marina Motel

Marina Motel offers an affordable option for dogs and their owners traveling on a budget. Your pup will enjoy the lighted dog run with faux grass for bathroom breaks, but if she needs a longer walk, head to Marina Green for more views of Golden Gate Bridge. Then, stop for a bite to eat on the pet-friendly patio at Cultivar. Marina Motel welcomes two dogs of any size for $25 per pet for the first night and $10 per pet for each additional night.

Adventure starts here. Photo by Travelodge San Francisco at the Presidio

Travelodge San Francisco at the Presidio

Travelodge San Francisco at the Presidio is one of the most popular pet-friendly hotels near San Francisco’s best landmarks. Situated at the entrance to one of Golden City’s national parks, this budget hotel is the ideal location to easily access stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Travelodge San Francisco at the Presidio welcomes two pets up to 50 lbs for an additional fee of $20 per pet, per night.

Are pets allowed at any other hotels near the Golden Gate Bridge?

Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa welcomes two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $100 per stay.

Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square permits two pets of any size for an additional fee of $75 per stay.

Golden Gate Hotel accepts pets of all sizes for no additional fee.

Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf welcomes one dog up to 50 lbs for an additional fee of $100 per stay.

Hotel Del Sol allows one dog up to 35 lbs for an additional fee of $75 per stay.

Hotel Kabuki welcomes one pet up to 30 lbs for an additional fee of $75 per stay.

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco permits two pets for an additional fee of $75 per pet, per stay.

Hotel Zoe accepts two pets of any size for an additional fee of $75 per stay.

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf welcomes one dog up to 50 lbs in designated rooms for an additional fee of $100 per stay.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins boasts rooms with partial views of the Golden Gate Bridge and allows one dog up to 25 lbs for an additional fee of $100 per stay.

Laurel Inn welcomes two pets of any size for an additional fee of $25 per night.

Lodge at the Presidio allows two pets of any size for an additional fee of $40 per stay.

The Lodge at Tiburon permits one pet up to 65 lbs for an additional fee of $75 per stay in Standard Rooms and $150 per stay in Suites.

San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf allows one pet up to 50 lbs for an additional fee of $100 per stay.

The Westin St. Francis boasts rooms with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and allows one dog up to 40 lbs for no additional fee.

What Can I Do With My Dog in the Golden Gate Bridge Area?

Cruising canines love Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruises. Photo by Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruises

In a “pawfect” world, pups could stroll by their owner’s side on the pedestrian pathway across the Golden Gate Bridge. But, despite the blanket ban on canines trotting across the National Historic Landmark, there are a variety of ways for you and your pooch to enjoy the view nearby.

If you’re driving from Sausalito in the north, you’ll pass through The Robin Williams Tunnel, also known as The Waldo Tunnel, and be treated to a first glimpse of Golden Gate Bridge as you exit. While Golden Gate Bridge won’t let you keep driving with your dog, Golden Gate National Recreation Area is home to several pet-friendly spots where Fido can run, play and soak up views like Marin Headlands, a great picnic spot with orange vermilion towers providing a unique backdrop.

Packs arriving from the San Francisco side can begin their journey in the Presidio of San Francisco and explore miles of hiking trails through lush forests that lead to scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Fido can also stretch his legs at Baker Beach, one of the best dog beaches on the West Coast, which sits in the shadow of the mighty structure. Then, head west to Golden Gate Park, home to four separate off-leash areas. Or, visit the nearby Lands End Beach Off-Leash Dog Area for more leash-free fun on the Pacific Ocean.

Next, head to the east side of the bridge in San Francisco to get a different perspective. On the way, stop for a snack at a picnic table and take a walk on the paved trails at Presidio Tunnel Tops, one of the newest public spaces within the national park which features epic views of the stunning steel structure. Continue to Crissy Field, another off-leash playground for pups. While you’re there, sneak a peek at nearby Presidio Pet Cemetery, the final resting place for World War II guard dogs, iguanas, hamsters and more.

Finally, you and your pooch can stop at Marina Green to play in the grass, before joining other passengers on the Bay Cruise Adventure or "Escape from the Rock" tour with Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruises. Both tours provide gorgeous views of Golden Gate Bridge, the piers, and Alcatraz from The Golden Gate, the strait that leads to the Pacific on the other side of the bridge.

When Should I Visit San Francisco With My Dog?

Foggy doggies. Photo by BringFido/Melissa Halliburton

The Golden City is famed for its foggy and unpredictable weather, which can make planning a trip tricky. The most popular time to visit San Francisco is during summer, but it’s either side of this season that provides the best time to visit with pups. In springtime, the weather is cool and the region is less prone to rainfall than other parts of The Golden State. Or, you can postpone your trip until early fall when the city experiences some of its warmest temperatures and is less likely to be teeming with tourists ready to obscure Fido’s view of Golden Gate Bridge.

Where Can I Take My Dog While I Explore the Golden Gate Bridge?

While it’s great to see the Golden Gate Bridge from surrounding pet-friendly spots with your four-legged travel buddy, the temptation to cross it might be too great while you’re there. Fido will understand if you want to leave him to play at Fog City Dogs Marina. This popular doggy daycare in the Marina District near the Argonaut Hotel boasts a climate-controlled indoor play area with laser games, bacon bubbles and other fun, as well as obedience classes and group activities to keep him busy while you’re exploring without him. Or, drop him off at The Grateful Dog, where canine guests spend the day listening to relaxing music, sipping on filtered water, chewing on organic treats and going for long walks in the park.

Yes, You Can Bring Fido to the Golden Gate Bridge

More than a bridge, it's an adventure. Photo by @aidanmilofrenchies

The Golden Gate Bridge is an incredible sight, even though you’re not allowed to cross it with Fido. Reserve a vacation at a pet-friendly hotel within walking distance to stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge like the Inn at the Presidio, Kimpton Hotel Enso, the Argonaut Hotel, Marina Motel and Travelodge San Francisco at the Presidio, or one of many other pet-friendly hotels near the Golden Gate Bridge. Canine guests can explore winding trails and parks just outside these pet-friendly hotels, chomp on treats for breakfast and lounge in a dog bed after a day of exploring. Your furry best friend can join you for views of the Golden Gate Bridge from dog-friendly beaches, parks, and trails and even on a cruise around San Francisco Bay.

Start planning your vacation to the Golden Gate Bridge, check rates and get the most up-to-date pet policies at all pet-friendly hotels, activities and restaurants around San Francisco on BringFido’s website or mobile app. Remember that when you book with BringFido, you enjoy the benefit of our Pet Friendly Guarantee, and you’ll never pay a booking fee. When you're ready to make a reservation, save time and book online or call us at 877-411-3436 to speak to one of our friendly agents. Either way, our service is free.

Has your dog ever seen the Golden Gate Bridge? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/InnatThePresidio.