Golden Gate Bridge

Click Above

Dining
- O'Claude Le Tohic
- Lazy Bear
- Niku Steakhouse
- Acquerello
- Atelier Crenn
- Birdsong
Lodging
- Cavallo Point Lodge
- Lodge at the Presidio
- Inn at the Presidio
- Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
- Four Seasons Embarcadero
- Saint Regis San Francisco

Dining
- O'Claude Le Tohic
- Lazy Bear
- Niku Steakhouse
- Acquerello
- Atelier Crenn
- Birdsong
Lodging
- Cavallo Point Lodge
- Lodge at the Presidio
- Inn at the Presidio
- Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
- Four Seasons Embarcadero
- Saint Regis San Francisco

Authors Comments:

The Golden Gate Bridge is the number one must see attraction of San Francisco. Even after driving accross it for many decades, the experience is always moving. The views in all directions are marvelous. For those with ambition, you can walk over the bridge from either end, but parking is limited. Always bring a warm coat even if it appears to be a sunny day. The best views of the “Golden Gate” are from the mountains on the north side of the bridge. Once you cross the bridge, take the Alexander Avenue exit. Then take your first right on Bunker Road and your first left on McCullough. Follow the signs. That will take you through a one-lane tunnel and back to the top of the mountain. The views from here are the best, overlooking the bridge and the city of San Francisco. There are several turnouts for photos as you drive down the hill and back onto highway 101 and over the bridge again.

Overview:

The Golden Gate Bridge is little over a mile from end to end. The two towers are a little less than a mile apart. It took over four years to build. Although many workers fell from the bridge, all but eleven survived. The construction started at both ends until the two spans met in the middle. The string-like cables you see swinging above you are actually over three feet in diameter. The tides are extremely strong under the bridge and can prevent boats, especially sail boats from entering or exiting against the tide. Massive amounts of water entering and retreating the expansive bay get pulled out through the 300-foot-deep channel under the bridge. San Francisco Bay is 550 square miles and 60 miles long and all that water must go somewhere. You can navigate the San Francisco Bay by boat, well inland to Sacramento and Stockton. Golden Gate Bridge tolls must be paid using FasTrak or online, otherwise you or your car rental company will be billed for the toll with no penalty.