San Francisco, United States1-2 hoursSunset
Golden Gate Bridge
Ideal: Ideal for photography, skyline views, walking, and first-time California visitors.
It opened in 1937 and remained the world's longest suspension bridge for twenty-seven years with a 1,280-meter main span. The color is International Orange: the Navy wanted black-and-yellow stripes, but architect Irving Morrow noticed the orange primer worked with both fog and red cliffs and insisted on keeping it. A safety net was used on site for the first time and saved nineteen workers; survivors called themselves the Halfway to Hell Club.
Quick facts
- Built
- 27 May 1937
- Opened
- 28 May 1937
- Architect
- Joseph Strauss
- Height
- 746 ft
- Length
- 8,981 ft
- Heritage status
- California Historical Landmark
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Why go?
- To see San Francisco's most recognized symbol up close
- For bay, city, and ocean views from one spot
- Because it offers a classic California experience on foot or by bike
Travel tip
Fog can make the bridge look dramatic; for clearer views, afternoons often work better.
