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Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Description

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting San Francisco to Marin County; it is the city most iconic monument. The bridge spans the straight connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean called the 'Golden Gate'. It has a total length of 2.7km, a span of 1.3km and height of 227m, all records at the time of its completion in 1937. The clearance below is 67m at high tide. Design and engineering were led by Joseph Strauss, Leon Moisseiff and Charles A. Ellis. The colour is 'international orange' and was selected because of its high visibility in the foggy weather prevalent in the Bay.

Access & Transport

The bridge is at the northern end of the city, at the top of the Presidio. It carries the U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 across the strait. There are walkways on either side of the six vehicle traffic lanes. The structure is a long walk from downtown so best to take a bus if pressed for time: #101, 114, 130, 132, 150, 154, 172 stop at the southern toll gate. There are parking spaces near the toll gate and near Fort Point Historic Site (good for pictures but not for walking on the bridge) for those driving.

Instructions & Recommendations

If you are a keen walker with a spare half day you should walk across to Sausalito and then cross back by ferry into the city. For those parking near the southern gate, don't leave any valuable in your car.

Meta review

An icon not just of SF but of California, the bridge is always listed as one of the must-see places for any traveller to the region. Online reviews state that the structure is beautiful to look at, by day or by night and that it is very much worth crossing to the northern side (walking, cycling or by bus) to get the best viewpoints. The only drawback is the lack of safety at the parking lots: cars are regularly being broken into.

Environmental & Social

Visitors don't really add to the carbon footprint. We deem this activity environmentally neutral

Conclusion

A landmark of the city that is best enjoyed from up close. The best views are arguably from the northern side, if you can spare the time.

Key positive

Visually impressive

Key negative

A lot of car traffic

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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