The Golden Gate Bridge, SF

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The Golden Gate Bridge, SF
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The magnetic appeal of San Francisco beckons many
a tourist, the Golden Gate Bridge being its
biggest draw. At one time termed the bridge
that couldnt be built, the Golden Gate Bridge
is today amongst the seven wonders of the modern
world. This 1930s Art Deco icon is probably the
most photographed bridge in the world, serving as
a landmark not only for the city of San Francisco
but also for the West Coast. The 1.7-mile long
span of this suspension bridge with 750-foot tall
towers and sweeping lines are a sight to behold.
A viewing area, a parking lot, even a tourist
centre and restrooms for visitors make the Golden
Gate experience a very tourist friendly one.
Many a San Francisco travel guides will proudly
give you a guided history tour of the bridge and
surrounding area viewpoints. Traversed by
thousands of tourists everyday, a very popular
tour includes hiring a bike and cycling over the
bridge. The bridge also is by far one of the best
walks in the country. More often than not, a
dense fog envelops the bridge, which adds to the
romantic ambience. Alternatively, the weather
conditions can make the hike quite daunting
since the bridge is 220 ft above sea level and
almost 3kms long, a windy day can make the bridge
sway enough to take your breath away!
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Construction of this architectural phenomenon
took just over four years, post which it was
thrown, open to traffic in mid 1937. Contrary to
perception, the Golden Gate Bridge is not golden
in color but a shade of rust called International
Orange. This color was chosen partly because of
its high visibility in the fog, which is a
constant feature around the structure. The term
Golden Gate in actuality refers to the entrance
to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean,
which is known as the Golden Gate Strait. This
strait was given its name Chrysopylae or
Golden Gate by Army Captain John Freemont in
1846. If the US Navy had been allowed to have
its way, the Golden Gate Bridge would most
probably have been a striped wonder painted in
black and yellow stripes to ensure visibility to
passing ships! The bridge is a tourist behemoth
of such magnitude that there are a number of
overlooks around the city, which serve as
viewpoints. The most popular site is the South
Vista Point situated at the SF end of the bridge.
Then theres the North Vista Point on the Marin
County side. A panoramic view of the bridge can
be had from Lands End, the northern tip of
Lincoln Park. Theres another viewpoint at Baker
Beach at Presidio Park and one at Conzelman Road
on the Marin County side.
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The bridge offers very dreamy views in the
morning, when shrouded with layers upon layers of
mist, only parts of its elegant towers emerge
into sight. Another magical time to view the
bridge is at night, lit up in the most
spectacular way, its towers gradually disappear
into the darkness of the skies.