Page last update: 14 May 2025
How many people visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area each year?
Over 15 million visitors come to Golden Gate National Recreation Area annually. It is one of the most visited sites in the US National Park System.
- 17,187,508 visitors in 2024, up 9.9% from 15,638,911 in 2022.
- 14,953,882 visitors in 2023, down 4.4% from 2022.
- 15,002,227 visitors in 2019 (pre-pandemic), 12,400,045 in 2020 (during the pandemic), and 13,712,614 in 2021.
How many people visit the Golden Gate Bridge each year?
Every year, over 10 million people visit the Golden Gate Bridge.
- At the end of June 2024, Southbound traffic data showed 16.7 million crossings for the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Note: This is total traffic, including locals and repeat crossings.
- 23.7 million visitors were recorded in San Francisco in 2024, many of whom visited the Golden Gate Bridge.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area Visitor Spending
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area contributes $1 billion in annual tourism revenue for the local economy.
- In 2023, visitors spent $1.51 billion, a 37.4% increase from $1.10 billion in 2022.
- Visitors spent $1.04 billion in 2019 pre-pandemic. Because of the pandemic, revenue fell to $684 million in 2020 then recovered to $862 million in 2021.
Number of Visitors at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 2025
- From January to March of 2025, 3.31 million people visited the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Number of Visitors at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (2025)
| Month | Recreational Visit |
| Jan | 1.06 M |
| Feb | 1.01 M |
| Mar | 1.24 M |
How many people visited the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 2024?
- 17,187,508 people visited the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 2024, a 15.0% increase from 2023 and 14.6% more than 2019.
How many people visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area per day?
- Over 40,000 people visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area daily.
How much does it cost to visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
- Visiting the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is free, but some activities and accommodations (like camping or guided tours) may have fees.
When is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s peak season?
The peak season at Golden Gate National Recreation Area is late spring, summer, and early fall.
- May through October is when you’ll see the most visitors, with over 1.5 to 1.8 million visitors.
- Good weather for outdoor activities is the main reason for the crowds.
When is the best time to visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
- Spring (March-May): Fewer crowds, mild weather, wildflowers blooming.
- Summer (June-August): Warm weather, high visitation, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Fall (September-November): Mild temperatures, fewer crowds than summer.
- Winter (December-February): Cool, coastal views, smaller crowds.
Golden Gate Travel Resources
- California RV rentals (or private rentals)
- San Francisco RV rentals (or private rentals)
- San Jose RV rentals
- Santa Cruz RV private rentals
- Sacramento RV private rentals
How popular is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most visited national recreation areas in the US.
- In 2024, it was the #1 most visited park site in the US with 17,187,508 visitors.
Learn more about Parks listed by State here.
Top 10 Most Visited Parks in 2024
| Rank | Park | Recreation Visitors |
| 1 | Golden Gate NRA | 17,187,508 |
| 2 | Blue Ridge PKWY | 16,733,639 |
| 3 | Great Smoky Mountains NP | 12,191,834 |
| 4 | Gateway NRA | 8,929,035 |
| 5 | Lincoln Memorial | 8,479,349 |
| 6 | Gulf Islands NS | 7,801,176 |
| 7 | Natchez Trace PKWY | 7,364,833 |
| 8 | George Washington MEM PKWY | 6,782,717 |
| 9 | Lake Mead NRA | 6,412,854 |
| 10 | Vietnam Veterans MEM | 5,295,711 |
Why do people visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is famous for beautiful coast views, historic sites and outdoor fun.
Popular spots are:
- Golden Gate Bridge – Scenic views.
- Alcatraz Island – Guided tours.
- Muir Woods National Monument – Redwoods.
- Marin Headlands – Hiking and coast views.
- Baker Beach – Photography and picnicking.
Camping Statistics for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 2024
In 2024, the most common types of camping at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area were:
- Concessionaire Lodging (61,530 campers).
- Tent Camping (4,760 campers).
- Backcountry Camping (1,390 campers).
What are the most common causes of visitor deaths at Golden Gate NRA?
A total of 162 deaths have been recorded in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area from 2007 to August 2024. The leading causes of death in the park are:
- Undetermined causes: 47 cases
- Suicide: 46 cases
- Drowning: 27 cases
- Falls: 12 cases
- Motor vehicle crashes: 6 cases
- Other transportation accidents: 6 cases
- Poisoning: 6 cases
- Medical emergencies (not during physical activity): 4 cases
- Medical emergencies (unknown cause): 4 cases
- Environmental factors: 2 cases
- Medical emergencies (during physical activity): 2 cases
Safety Tips While Visiting the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Remember to:
- Stay on trails to avoid falls and cliffs.
- Check the weather before you go, fog and wind can reduce visibility.
- Be careful near water as currents are strong and swimming is not recommended.
- Follow park rules so you have a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Inform someone of your plans if hiking alone and carry a charged phone.
Park & Memorial Statistics
- Blue Ridge Parkway Statistics
- Castle Clinton NM Statistics
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP Statistics
- Delaware Water Gap NRA Statistics
- Gateway NRA Statistics
- George Washington MEM PKWY Statistics
- Glen Canyon NRA Statistics
- Gulf Islands NS Statistics
- Korean War Veterans MEM Statistics
- Lake Mead NRA Statistics
- Lincoln Memorial Statistics
- Natchez Trace PKWY Statistics
- Vietnam Veterans MEM Statistics
- World War II MEM Statistics
References
NPS: National Park Visitation Statistics