Difficulty level: Flat

You can look at the Golden Gate Bridge all day long, but until you take a walk on it, you won't truly know what it's like. At mid-span, you stand 220 feet above the water's surface, and passing ships below look like small toys. The distance from one vista point to another is 1.7 miles, but even a short hike (or to the middle and back) will give you a feel for the structure. It can be windier on the bridge than inland, so take an extra layer and be sure everything is secure so you don't accidentally drop it into the Bay.

Parking at the bridge's south vista point is limited and expensive, which may tempt you to rush instead of exploring. Instead of parking there, drive away from the lot (with the bridge behind you) and turn left out of the parking lot onto Lincoln. You will find a gravel lot not far down on your left. If you are approaching from the Presidio on Lincoln, the lot is just across from the two-story houses that were once the Presidio officer's quarters. You'll have to pay to park there, but you can stay much longer than at the vista point.