Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Favorite thing: The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most famous bridge in the world and has most certainly become the symbol of the city.

Fondest memory: One of the most famous stretches of Hwy 101 is this bridge, which connects SF with Marin County. Its construction was an engineering feat that many people thought would be impossible in this blustery, jagged landscape before its opening in 1937. The two main cables contain 80,000 miles of cable, enough to circle the globe 3 times.
There is a $3 toll to cross the bridge, but you can bike or walk across for free. The views of the city and the bay are well worth it!

Fondest memory: If you plan to take photos of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, be prepared to deal with the fog. The city is often shrouded in thick, white patches of it. But, with a bit of luck, it can provide you with great photographic opportunities, lending an air of mystery to your shots.

Favorite thing: See the sights, all the things you've seen on TV are there, do not miss the bridge, Lombard St, trams ahhh there's too much, just go!!

Fondest memory: When we arrived we had a couple of hours until we had to return the hire car, so we drove down Lombard St and then across the Golden Gate, unforgettable.

Favorite thing: visit the world's most famous bridge - the Golden Gate Bridge - the City's pride and joy!!!

And here's a little trivia for you: Just in case you're wondering... No, the Golden Gate Bridge was not devastated by the horrendous earthquake of 1989. Phew!!

Favorite thing: pose in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.... to show your friends that you have been here!

Photo Below: Here I am standing just outside Fort Mason at the foot of the Bridge where this pic was taken.

3 more images

Favorite thing: The Golden Gate Bridge, symbol of San Francisco, engineering marvel, subject of many photographs, the result of one man's vision and persistence, spans the entrance to the San Francisco Bay. Learn a little about Golden Gate Bridge history.

Fondest memory: For many years before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, the only way to get across San Francisco Bay was by ferry, and by the early twentieth century the Bay was clogged with ferries. In the 1920s, engineer and bridge-builder Joseph Strauss became convinced that a bridge should be constructed across the Golden Gate.
Many groups opposed him, each for their own selfish reasons: the military, loggers, the railroads. The engineering challenge was also enormous - the Golden Gate Bridge area has winds of up to 60 miles per hour, and strong ocean currents sweep through a rugged canyon below the surface.
If all that weren't enough, it was the middle of the Great Depression, funds were scarce, and the San Francisco Bay Bridge was already under construction. In spite of everything, Strauss persisted, and Golden Gate Bridge history began when San Francisco voters overwhelmingly approved $35 million in bonds to construct the Golden Gate Bridge

4 more images

Favorite thing: The Golden Gate Bridge Dominates the San Francisco Skyline that you can see this magnificent and Iconic Bridge from several places and several angles in the City like from Baker Beach, from mount Tamalpais, from the two vista points on either side, from below at fort poin or at crissy field or at the marina district, even from the Twin Peaks if you have powerful zoom lenses from your camera or Videocam.

The Golden Gate Bridge was constructed by Joseph Baerman Strauss, it links San Francisco with Marin County, the 1.7 mile-long suspension bridge was completed on May 27, 1937. The Golden Gate Bridge can be crossed by car, on bicycles or on foot. It took more than four years to complete it, at a cost of $35 million dollars. It dimensions are: 4,200-foot long, with two suspension towers of 746 feet (224m) tall, These two cables are 361/2 inches in diameter, Each cable is 7,659 feet long and contains 27,572 parallel wires, enough to encircle the world more than three times. It crosses the Golden Gate Strait. It is now the most recognized landmark of the United States (beating other landmarks like the white house, central park, sears tower, etc.) and the Most popular and photographed bridge in the world!

Fondest memory: On the north side, the Vista Point parking lot is free and open daily 7am to 7pm, with a 4-hour limit. The southeast parking lot is metered daily till 9pm. Drive to Fort Point, near the foot of Golden Gate Bridge, for a breathtaking view, or drive across the bridge to the other side and up the hill to see a view of the bridge and the city. You may walk across the bridge if you desire, but bring a warm jacket along, as it can get cold. And be aware that the bridge may sway up to 27 feet with the strong winds. On the south end you will find "Fort Point" A National Historic Monument, built out of brick in 1853-1861 at the beginning of the Civil War, its lighthouse was the second built in California. The first was on Alcatraz Island. The Fort was used as a base of operations for building the Golden Gate Bridge

Crossing over the bridge currently costs $6 but will most likely continue to increase (it was supposed to be free once it recouped its costs) helps support not only the ongoing maintenance of the bridge, but also the highway, bus and ferry service. The bridge represents imagination, vision, and a sense of freedom from the mundane, and still captures people's heart in its design and look to this day.

Address: Northwestern Tip of San Francisco Peninsula

Directions: The bridge is Highway 101's link from San Francisco to the counties North.

4 more images

Favorite thing: They are two vista points at the Golden Gate Bridge, the nearest one just before crossing the bridge is the south vista point and the farthest one is upon exiting the bridge via US 101 going to the Marin Headlands is the north vista point. If you are a cheapskate, then just find parking at the south vista point near the Toll Booths (you have to pay $ 6 toll upon going back to the City from visiting the other north vista point Ok). Parking will be quite difficult as there are lots of Tour Buses and other cars in the area. There is a pay parking at the a lot next to the Bridge administration building that offers a limited number of spaces for $5.00 for a full day. If you have patience then just wait for available parking slots at the 81 slot South Lot Parking Area, subtly named "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area." Upon finding a parking slot, load on quarters as the maximum parking allowed here is 90 minutes (or six quarters at $ 1.50).

Fondest memory: hard to find parking at the South Vista Point since this is the Postcard Perfect area where you can find in the assorted brochures of San Francisco. Again, if you are a cheapskate, then just ride the Muni Bus or take a taxi going here.

Favorite thing: For an up close view of the Golden Gate Bridge, park at the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot, or park just east of there in the lot named Battery East.

From either spot, you can appreciate this engineering masterpiece and work of art. On the San Francisco side, you can walk around the parking lot for great views of the bridge and the bay and stop by the Visitor’s Center. Afterwards, take a walk across the bridge to see the equally stunning views of San Francisco from the Marin County side. If you choose to walk, take a jacket, it can be quite windy and cold!

No matter how you view it, after almost 70 years, it's still an impressive sight!

You can listen to details about the Bridge and other San Francisco sights, or add your own narrative at tourgi.com .

Favorite thing: So arrived in San Francisco after a quiet flight with United Airlines.

I rented a car at the airport at the Alamo office.

And then on the road, wow exciting, for the first time in the big America.

A dream became reality . . . here I was driving on a highway in this big, big country.

As I came closer towards the city of San Francisco, I suddenly noticed the famous Golden Gate Bridge on my left side.

I immediately pulled over, parked my car, and time for a photo shoot (many more would follow during that trip)

Ach there it was the big Golden Gate Bridge, partially covered by fog, but that did not matter. I was really thrilled.

Fondest memory: My first view on the Golden Gate Bridge