This feat of engineering may no longer be the longest, the tallest, nor the oldest, but it remains one of the most photographed bridges in the world and still has the power to inspire awe. It’s also something of an event to cross. This iconic landmark stretches 2.7 kilometres across the "Golden Gate", where the San Francisco Bay opens into the Pacific Ocean.
The single-span suspension bridge took four years to build and connects San Francisco and Marin County. It first opened to traffic in 1937 and offers fantastic views over the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean. The best way to gauge the phenomenal scale of the bridge and to make the most of the views on offer, weather permitting, is to cycle or walk the length of the bridge. Be prepared to wrap up warm, even in summer. The bridge is often immersed in a sea of fog and it gets very windy. In fact, the bridge was designed to withstand winds of more than 160 kilometres per hour for a very good reason!
Pedestrians are only allowed on the bridge during daylight hours and they have to walk on the east pathway. A small barrier runs along the pathway, separating it from the road. However, cyclists can use the pathways on both sides.
The best views of the Golden Gate Bridge can be enjoyed from Vista Point at the north part of the bridge in Marin County. If you’re an early riser, catch it at sunrise when you can see the bridge slowly brighten in the sunlight. Or see it at night, when the lights sparkle and shimmer on the dark water beneath.
