The Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)

Connecting the city of San Francisco with Marin County in northern California, the Golden Gate Bridge is a classic American icon and quite possibly the most famous bridge on the planet. It spans the strait in the Pacific Ocean which gives it its name, and on its construction in 1937 was an amazing feat of engineering. The statistics speak for themselves. It spans almost 2miles in length and its two towers rise to almost 800 feet above the water. It dominates the skyline from every possible vantage point in the city and a stroll across this ‘wonder of the modern world’ is a quintessential San Francisco city break activity.

 

Immortalised on celluloid and in popular culture for decades, it is the most photographed bridge in the world and all the more evocative in early morning as it is often shrouded in mist. No less visually stunning is a view of the bridge after dark. It is lit by hundreds of high pressure sodium lamps and gives the wonderful effect of its spectacular art deco towers gradually dissolving into the night sky. On San Francisco short breaks, you can stroll or cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge during daylight hours and it’s definitely worth the effort to really appreciate its scale and magnificence close up.

 

There are a number of designated viewpoints to head to in order to get the very best shots of the bridge in all its monumental glory. South Vista Point is the most popular observation point, but can get very crowded at weekends and from the opposite side, North Vista Point offers a fabulous photo opportunity with the city skyline as a backdrop. Other vantage points include Baker Beach and historic Fort Point for a different perspective at the water’s edge. On weekend breaks in San Francisco, you will agree that views from the bridge are to die for and it is notorious as being the world’s number one spot for suicides. An amazing 40 million vehicles cross the Golden Gate Bridge every year.