On a clear day, the Golden Gate Bridge offers a panoramic view of the Bay and the San Francisco skyline. “What Nature rent asunder long ago, man has joined today,” said chief engineer Joseph Strauss at the opening ceremonies in May 1937.
Construction started: January 5, 1933 and was completed on April 19, 1937. The total cost of construction rounded out to be 35 million dollars, equivalent to 798 million today.
The Golden Gate Bridge runs 1.7 miles in length, its highest point stands 746-feet above the bay.
Irving Morrow a relatively unknown architect, designed the overall shape of the bridge towers, and the art deco elements. The famous International Orange was Morrow’s personal selection winning out over the US Navy’s suggested black and yellow stripes.
At the time of its opening, the Golden Gate Bridge was both the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world.
One minute the Golden Gate Bridge can be clear and visible from afar, the next it can be draped in a veil of fog. Normally, the Golden Gate Bridge starts its morning shrouded by fog, lovingly named Karl, you can check Karl’s numerous social media platforms for updates on appearances around the bridge and S.F. Bay. By mid-day, the fog coverage burns off and the visibility is awesome. Be warned, as the day is overcome by the evening, chances are that Karl will return.
San Francisco has so many great vantage points to observe the Golden Gate Bridge. The Presidio, with it’s numerous trails and access points to the beach, will afford some breathtaking unobstructed views of the bridge.
Crossing to the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, breathtaking views looking back towards the San Francisco side reveal memorable photo opportunities.
Travelers finding their way down to Fort Point are rewarded with totally unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge. As early as the 1950’s to the current day, this location can be seen in many famous movies, television shows, as well as games.
A must do while visiting San Francisco, is to traverse the expanse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors who take the opportunity will be happy they did. Remember that San Francisco is fickle when it comes to her weather. Upon the Golden Gate Bridge, it is best to have warm layers available no matter what time of year it pretends to be.
Walking, cycling, driving across the Golden Gate Bridge is something even locals do daily. To capture the essence of the bridge’s grandeur, one needs to experience being on it. As you walk from the south side (San Francisco) to the north, one will see the S.F Bay and S.F. skyline completely. The visitor will be able to get close to the edge without obstruction.
At night, the Golden Gate Bridge lit up with the fog horns mooing and Karl settling in is a worthwhile experience.
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