Golden Gate Bridge

At 2.7 kilometers in length, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Above all, it’s the most treasured and representative symbol of the city of San Francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge

Before the bridge was built, the only way of crossing the San Francisco Bay was by ferry, so in the 20th Century the bay was choked with the large number of ferries that went back and forth.

The solution came when the engineer and bridge builder Joseph Strauss became convinced that he needed to construct a bridge across the bay. After years of difficulties in its construction, the Golden Gate Bridge was inaugurated in the year 1937.

Where can you see it?

The Golden Gate Bridge can be seen from dozens of places, but the best place to go is Vista Point H. Dana Bowers (also known as "Vista Point") has other attractions on top of providing privileged views of the bridge, the city of San Francisco and the bay:

Blue Star Memorial Highway: a tribute to the United States Armed Forces.
The Lone Sailor Memorial: a statue dedicated to the Navy, the Coast Guard and the Merchant Navy.
Compass Rose: commonly known as the "Wind Rose," is a figure displaying the direction of the cardinal points.

To get to Vista Point H. Dana Bowers you just have to cross the Golden Gate Bridge in a northerly direction.

Just out of curiosity

To give you an idea of the strength of the bridge, the Golden Gate has enough wires (that make up its cables) to circle the Earth 3 times.

One more unfortunate odd fact is that the Golden Gate Bridge is the place with the highest suicide rate in the world.

Location

Between San Francisco and Marin County

Transport

By bus or car.

Map

Closest attractions

Exploratorium (1.92 miles)
Legion of Honor (2.64 miles)
Sausalito (2.82 miles)
Alcatraz (3.1 miles)
Fillmore Street (3.16 miles)

Hotels nearby

Travelodge at the Presidio
(2.24 miles)
Country Hearth Inn
(2.25 miles)
Geary Parkway Motel
(2.64 miles)
Economy Inn - San Francisco
(2.26 miles)