Name: Golden Gate Bridge
Address: Golden Gate Brg, San Francisco, CA
Telephone: (415) 921-5858
Rating: 4.8

Famed 4,200 ft art deco suspension bridge open to car, bike & foot traffic.

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Golden Gate Bridge

Arun Chandran

Provided by Google

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The Golden Gate Bridge stretches an impressive 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County.

Bridge Length

The bridge's iconic orange-red hue, known as 'International Orange,' was specifically chosen by architect Irving Morrow. It's a slightly lighter shade than what you might see on an astronaut's spacesuit.

Signature Color

Over 2 billion cars have crossed the Golden Gate Bridge since its opening in 1937, making it one of the most heavily trafficked bridges in the world.

Vehicles Crossed

During the bridge's 50th anniversary celebration in 1987, an estimated 300,000 people walked across, causing the bridge to sag by 7 feet due to the weight.

Bridge Sag

A safety net was strung beneath the bridge during construction, saving the lives of 19 workers.

Safety Net Saves

Despite starting during the Great Depression, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, finishing in just four years.

Construction Completion

The Golden Gate Bridge has only been closed three times due to weather since its construction, all due to high winds.

Weather Closures

The Golden Gate Bridge weighs a massive 887,000 tons, making it one of the heaviest bridges in the world.

Bridge Weight

The Golden Gate Bridge, with its striking "International Orange" hue, is more than just a bridge; it's an enduring symbol of San Francisco and a testament to human ingenuity. Completed in 1937, this architectural marvel spans the Golden Gate Strait, a mile-wide channel that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. The bridge's remarkable suspension design, supported by two towering structures taller than the Washington Monument, showcases the ingenuity required to conquer the area's challenging conditions. The cables, composed of over 80,000 miles of wire, are designed to flex with the wind and temperature changes, allowing the bridge to withstand the region's strong winds and seismic activity. The vibrant orange color was chosen not just for aesthetic appeal but also for its high visibility in the fog that frequently blankets the San Francisco Bay.

The Golden Gate Bridge, with its striking "International Orange" hue, is more than just a bridge; it's an enduring symbol of San Francisco and a testament to human ingenuity. Completed in 1937, this architectural marvel spans the Golden Gate Strait, a mile-wide channel that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. The bridge's remarkable suspension design, supported by two towering structures taller than the Washington Monument, showcases the ingenuity required to conquer the area's challenging conditions. The cables, composed of over 80,000 miles of wire, are designed to flex with the wind and temperature changes, allowing the bridge to withstand the region's strong winds and seismic activity. The vibrant orange color was chosen not just for aesthetic appeal but also for its high visibility in the fog that frequently blankets the San Francisco Bay.

South tower seen from walkway, with Art Deco elements

Below Golden Gate Bridge

Washington Monument in Washington DC's National Mall Parks and Memorials

Washington Monument

On the south side of the bridge a 36.5-inch-wide (93 cm) cross-section of the cable, containing 27,572 wires, is on display.

Cable of the Golden Gate Bridge

David Ball

Introduction

The Golden Gate Bridge is also a significant, albeit often overlooked, example of Art Deco architecture. Architect Irving Morrow infused the bridge with subtle Art Deco elements that enhance its visual appeal. Characteristic chevron patterns and angular forms, hallmarks of the Art Deco movement, are found in the brackets of the horizontal struts and the staggered vertical forms of the concrete pylons. These geometric details add to the bridge's sense of dynamism and progress. Additionally, the bridge's lighting scheme, inspired by the era’s skyscrapers like the Empire State Building, accentuates the verticality of the towers at night. Even the concrete base of the south tower features a subtle chevron treatment, reflecting Morrow's meticulous attention to detail and reinforcing the bridge's status as an architectural masterpiece.

The Golden Gate Bridge is also a significant, albeit often overlooked, example of Art Deco architecture. Architect Irving Morrow infused the bridge with subtle Art Deco elements that enhance its visual appeal. Characteristic chevron patterns and angular forms, hallmarks of the Art Deco movement, are found in the brackets of the horizontal struts and the staggered vertical forms of the concrete pylons. These geometric details add to the bridge's sense of dynamism and progress. Additionally, the bridge's lighting scheme, inspired by the era’s skyscrapers like the Empire State Building, accentuates the verticality of the towers at night. Even the concrete base of the south tower features a subtle chevron treatment, reflecting Morrow's meticulous attention to detail and reinforcing the bridge's status as an architectural masterpiece.

The quintessential Art Deco building

Irving Morrow

View of the Empire State Building in New York City from the Top of the Rock at 30 Rockefeller Plaza during sunset. 

Empire State Building

Corbis

Art Deco Influence

The Golden Gate Bridge stands as a monument to the triumph of human ingenuity over natural obstacles. The construction of the bridge presented formidable challenges, including the strait's turbulent waters, strong tides, and the notorious San Francisco fog, which made building conditions treacherous. Moreover, the bridge's proximity to the San Andreas and Hayward faults required earthquake-resistant foundations. Engineers developed innovative solutions, such as blasting rock under deep water to stabilize the structure, ensuring the bridge's long-term stability. The design of the bridge, initially met with skepticism and criticism, underwent revisions to enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

The Golden Gate Bridge stands as a monument to the triumph of human ingenuity over natural obstacles. The construction of the bridge presented formidable challenges, including the strait's turbulent waters, strong tides, and the notorious San Francisco fog, which made building conditions treacherous. Moreover, the bridge's proximity to the San Andreas and Hayward faults required earthquake-resistant foundations. Engineers developed innovative solutions, such as blasting rock under deep water to stabilize the structure, ensuring the bridge's long-term stability. The design of the bridge, initially met with skepticism and criticism, underwent revisions to enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

A view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin Headlands on a foggy morning at sunrise

Golden Gate Bridge

Did You Know?

Bridge Length

Signature Color

Vehicles Crossed

Bridge Sag

Highlights from Reviews

Location