Golden Gate Bridge
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Golden Gate Bridge - by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash
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.
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
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo