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Once called "the bridge that couldn't be built," today it is one the seven wonders of the modern world. This magnificent span, perhaps San Francisco's most famous landmark, opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rock and treacherous tides.
Crossing the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco's Presidio to the Marin headlands for 1.7 miles is the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, easily identified by its International Orange color. Opened in 1937, the bridge was built at a cost of $35 million in principal and $39 million in interest and 11 workers' lives. The single-suspension span is anchored by twin towers that reach skyward 746 feet, and was once taller than any building in San Francisco. To support the suspended roadway, two cables, each more than 7,000 feet in length and both containing 80,000 miles of wire stretch over the top of the towers and are rooted in concrete anchorages on shore. More than 10 years in planning due to formidable opposition, but only four years in actual construction, the Golden Gate Bridge brought the communities of San Francisco and Marin counties closer together.

General Visitor Info

Pedestrians including wheelchair users and bicyclists can go on the sidewalks of the bridge during daylight hours but roller blades, skateboards and roller skates are not permitted. There are vista points on both north and south sides of the bridge with parking lots. For information on sidewalk closures due to construction, visit goldengatebridge.org/bikesbridge/bikes.php.

If you can't visit the bridge in person, do the virtual bridge walk and don't forget to check out the view from the top of the south tower. Because of heavy congestion on the bridge, vista points may occasionally be closed to vehicles.

How to Get There

From downtown, take #38 Geary Boulevard to Park Presidio and transfer to #28 northbound to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. If you're taking Golden Gate Transit from San Francisco, the #10, #70 or #80 lines will take you to the bridge.

For additional information, routes and schedules, please visit the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and Golden Gate Transit sites.

The free PresidiGo Shuttle's downtown route will also take you to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. The shuttle system is a great option to use to explore the Presidio, with free and accessible service seven days a week, and with 40 stops within the national park.

If interested in biking across the bridge, the Presidio offers bike rentals and electric bike share opportunities, plus a recommended bike path through Crissy Field. For more information, visit the Presidio online.

Where to Stay

If you are planning to stay in San Francisco, there are plenty of hotels nearby or with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Find a Hotel Near the Golden Gate Bridge
Get more information on the neighborhoods here.

Instagram Moments

One of the most photographed landmarks in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is an Instagram hit whenever it's posted (#goldengatebridge, #thatsfbridge).Here are a few favorite angles and best time of day:

Morning
Under the bridge angle from Fort Point site also affords unusual afternoon view of the city skyline from Fort Point Pier immediately east of the seawall.

Afternoon
From Baker Beach, get an outside-the-gate view of the bridge and the Marin headlands.

Late Afternoon/Evening
Golden Gate Bridge with the city skyline in the background from Marin headlands north of bridge; take Alexander Avenue turnoff and follow Golden Gate National Recreation Area signs leading under Hwy. 101 south toward San Francisco; take first turn up to headlands.

For minimalists, point your smartphone upwards to get soaring close-ups of the towers and cables. Local photographer Louis Raphael who photographs the bridge almost daily from his Lands End neighborhood also offers these favorites:

Beginning or very end of Lands End trail at sunrise has two very scenic vista points. Note: Visitors should adhere to all signage in the park and even in approved hiking areas, the public should keep a safe distance from all cliff edges

Mile Rock beach at sunset or sunrise has a unique perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge.

How Long is the Golden Gate Bridge?

The Golden Gate Bridge is 8,981 feet long.

How Tall is the Golden Gate Bridge?

The Golden Gate Bridge is 746 feet tall.

Did You Know?

The Golden Gate Bridge has lost 7,500 tons (in weight) since it opened in 1937.

It is estimated that 5,000 - 10,000 gallons of paint are used to repaint the Golden Gate Bridge each year.

Three babies have been born on the Golden Gate Bridge. All of them have been boys.

The name came from the fact that the Golden Gate Strait (named by John Fremont) is the entrance into San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.

International Orange was selected as the color of the bridge because it provided visibility in the fog for passing ships and also because it was a color that fit in naturally with the bridge's setting and the surrounding land area.

The bridge has only been closed three times due to weather since it was built; all three times due to high winds gusting close to or over 70 miles per hour.

The bridge has also been closed for visits from dignitaries President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Charles de Gaulle of France and also on its 50th and 75th Anniversaries.

Movies that included the Golden Gate Bridge:
You May Also Like:

Why Golden Gate? The History Behind the Name
6 Things to Do While Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge
14 Little Known Facts About the Golden Gate Bridge to Impress Your Friends
Movies Featuring the Golden Gate Bridge
How to Go Over, Under and Above the Golden Gate Bridge
Why Fort Point Needs to Be Added to Your San Francisco Bucket List
Great Spots to View the Golden Gate Bridge
Experience a San Francisco Sunrise from the Marin Headlands - 360 Video

Photo by Louis Raphael

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Once called "the bridge that couldn't be built," today it is one the seven wonders of the modern world. This magnificent span, perhaps San Francisco's most famous landmark, opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rock and treacherous tides.

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Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District

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Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness steeped in human history. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.

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Great Things to Do In Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Park

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With everything from a boat tour in Waterton, an interpretive bus tour in Glacier and golf in Whitefish, you'll find endless activities and attractions in and around Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks.

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The Highest Open-Air Observatory in New York

Find yourself in the center of it all, above it all, when you visit the Empire State Building's open-air 86 th Floor Observation Deck. As the most famous observatory in the world, the 86 th Floor has been the setting of dozens of movie and television scenes, as well as tens of millions of unforgettable personal moments.

The Observation Deck wraps around the building's spire, providing 360-degree views of New York and beyond. From up here you'll get one-of-a-kind views of Central Park, The Hudson River and East River, The Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty, and much more. Our official Observatory Experience app teaches you about your view from every direction. Then take advantage of our high-powered binoculars to get a closer look.

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The Highest Open-Air Observatory in New York Find yourself in the center of it all, above it all, when you visit the Empire State Building's open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck. As the most famous observatory in the world, the 86th Floor has been the setting of dozens of movie and television scenes, as well as tens of millions of unforgettable personal moments.

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Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building Experience is more than just a view. Embark on a journey through one of the most famous landmarks in the world, where you will experience the Art Deco lobby and murals, the historical "Dare to Dream" exhibit, and sustainability exhibit. Learn the fascinating history of the building's construction, restoration and industry-leading sustainability retrofit. Take in New York's most breathtaking views from its open-air observatory. See New York's world-famous skyline as it was meant to be seen-until 2am every night. Enhance your visit with the free Empire State Building Experience app, available on the App Store and Google Play.

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Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building Experience is more than just a view. Embark on a journey through one of the most famous landmarks in the world, where you will experience the Art Deco lobby and murals, the historical "Dare to Dream" exhibit, and sustainability exhibit.

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History of Niagara Falls | Niagara Falls State Park

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Get to know America's oldest state park. With historical details and fascinating facts, you can learn about Niagara Falls State Park before you arrive.

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Extra-terrestrial life does exist, the head of Nasa has confirmed, but said aliens were not hidden in Area 51.

Nasa Administrator Major Charles Bolden told British schoolchildren that he was confident that scientists would find life outside of Earth because there were so many planets that are similar to our own.

Asked by 10-year-old Carmen Dearing if he believed in aliens, he said: "I do believe that we will someday find other forms of life or a form of life, if not in our solar system then in some of the other solar systems - the billions of solar systems in the universe.

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Area 51 and extra-terrestrial life both exist, says head of Nasa

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Extra-terrestrial life does exist, the head of Nasa has confirmed, but said aliens were not hidden in Area 51. Nasa Administrator Major Charles Bolden told British schoolchildren that he was confident that scientists would find life outside of Earth because there were so many planets that are similar to our own.

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Area 51 source 1

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Stonehenge-like structure spotted on Google Maps 'is China's Area 51,' UFO fans claim

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Guides for big bend tourism, rio grande rafting, hotels, hiking, biking, lodging, big bend national park, state park, restaurants, weather, big bend texas

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Guide to Big Bend National Park, in far southwest Texas, 300 miles from El Paso - hiking trails, map, wildlife, photographs