The Golden Gate is a California suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait which is the junction between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, linking the city of San Francisco (northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula) to the city of Sausalito (southern tip of County of Marin). Its construction took four years (1933-1937). Recognized worldwide for its orange color and the architecture of its two towers, is the most famous landmark of San Francisco. It was Joseph Strauss, German-born engineer, the director with a group of specialists. It was inaugurated on May 27th, 1937 with a ‘pedestrian day’ where thousands of people turned out for the occasion. It has 30 meters wide, six lanes open to traffic and two alleys for pedestrians on each side. They are currently working to put the bridge with safety standards in an earthquake because the area is known to be on two quite dangerous faults. The bridge is thus gradually renovated, so much so that the original steel will eventually disappear completely. The real challenge is that no one has to realize this work.
Tips
You can visit the Golden Gate Center open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 except on Christmas and Thanksgiving Action.
It is convenient to reach it by public transportation or by bike because it’s difficult to find parking.
You can cross the bridge on foot or by bicycle, but only during the day, access is completely closed at 18.30.
It is best to get information about how to pay the toll on their website before you go.
