San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized characteristics of San Francisco and is often used as a symbol of San Francisco itself. The Golden Gate Bridge spans 1.2 miles and was constructed between 1933 and 1937. The bridge was designed by Joseph Baermann Strauss and cost approximately $35 million to build. The building funds were raised by a bond that was paid for entirely by bridge tolls. It took 34 years to pay off the bond that financed the construction.
The Golden Gate Bridge is known for its Art Deco features and distinctive color. The Art Deco stylings and distinctive color were added by consulting architects, Irving Morrow and his wife, Gertrude Morrow. The Golden Gate Bridge has always been painted orange vermillion. Robin Williams once joked that the U.S. reserves that protect the bridge would be better hidden if their vehicles and clothes were painted "international orange" instead of the standard camouflage. The name of the bridge is taken from the Golden Gate Strait that it spans, and is obviously not a reference to the color of the bridge itself.
Unlike the San Francisco Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge allows pedestrians to cross. When you visit the bridge, I would recommend walking out to the first tower. You'll enjoy great views of Alcatraz and the city skyline. If your timing is lucky, you may get to see a cargo ship from China pass under the bridge.
You can get to the bridge by catching the 28 or 29 bus. You can catch the 28 bus at Fort Mason, along Lombard Street in the Marina or along Park Presidio or 19th Avenue. You can catch the 29 bus in the Presidio or along Lincoln (on the South side of Golden Gate Park) or on Sunset Boulevard. You can also visit the Golden Gate Bridge as part of the Axe Murderer Movie Tour.
