Although cars pass over it and a constant stream of ships pass underneath it, if you’re a first-time visitor then the best way to experience what was once the world’s longest suspension bridge is on foot.
This is one of the world’s most photographed landmarks, and to cross it on foot is an unforgettable experience, with its magnificent views and all the history and mystique surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge. Often chosen as a movie backdrop, the bridge is both exotic and yet instantly recognisable. This icon of US engineering and architecture stretches over 2.7 kilometres across the so-called ‘Golden Gate’ the tidal opening where the San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific Ocean.
This single-span suspension bridge’s primary function is to connect San Francisco with Marin County. The bridge took four years to build, which is a relatively short timescale in view of its size and reputation! It was opened to traffic shortly before World War II, in 1937, and because of the ever-changing weather conditions of the bay area, was designed to withstand winds in excess of 160 kilometres per hour.
The views offered from the bridge are legendary throughout the United States and throughout the world, and it’s the perfect vantage point from which to get some great photos of the bay area, the city skyline, the Pacific Ocean and the Marin Headlands on the north side of the bridge. Cycling or walking across the its vast span will give you a sense of its epic proportions and scale as well as the feeling that you’re crossing a true American icon.
Pedestrians can only cross the bridge during daylight hours, and can only walk along the east sidewalk, whereas cyclists can use both east and west sidewalks. Wrap up warm as it gets pretty windy on the bridge, even in summer!
This is really a destination not to be missed while visiting San Francisco.
