Golden Gate Bridge Reviews (San Francisco, California)

finding it in the fog

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

November 11, 2012

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Best of IgoUgo The fog had been floating about all morning, and then it cleared so we decided to head over the bridge. We drove across and parked in the car park at the vista point in Marin County. It was incredibly busy, it took a while to get a parking space. ...Read more The fog had been floating about all morning, and then it cleared so we decided to head over the bridge. We drove across and parked in the car park at the vista point in Marin County. It was incredibly busy, it took a while to get a parking space. There were several tour buses and those hop-on-hop-off tours as well. We could see people cycling and walking across the bridge. We didn't have time that day to do that, but I was hoping to another day, but this to make sure we saw it without fog.

It was still a bit hazy so though the skyline of San Francisco was visible it wasn't crystal clear. but you could make out a few of the distinctly shaped landmarks of the skyline. But there was a good view of the bridge. And also you could see the Bay Bridge.

Its one of those famed landmarks. That distictive orange-red colour of the bridge, which was the colour used of the original primer to protect the metal. Those two towers with their art deco design standing at either end suspending the roadway across the bay with huge cables. It is symbolic of the city. Show a picture of the bridge and most people will instantly recognise it. So it was nice to see.

It was a good view from the Marin County end of the bridge towards the city. There is a patio type viewing dec. But the toilet facilities were lacklustre to say the least and had a huge queue.

We drove back over the bridge into the city. You only pay the toll going across the bridge into San Francisco which I found strange.

Unfortunetely, I never got the chance to walk or cycle over it...the next day I wasn't feeling well so didn't fancy getting to the middle and the bridge and keeling over. On my way down Route 1 I again drove across the Golden Gate Bridge (which is shared by HIghway 1 and the 101). This time the tower on the Marin County end was visible but San Francisco including the tower on that side was very definitely in the fog. It was rather strange to drive halfway across the bridge and drive into the unknown. There is a toll to drive back across the bridge. But you can walk across one side of the bridge during day light hours, or cycle, as there are plenty of places renting bikes in San Francisco for that purpose alone.

Worth the trip to see this iconic bridge. It was also interesting to be there in 2012 as the bridge was celebrating 75 years of its opening. It has stood the test of time well and shows genius in its engineering design. It is impressive to see even if other bridges surpasses its length and height. Close

From journal Finding San Francisco in the fog

Tourist must-visit

by sc426

Manhattan County, New York

November 24, 2011

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Every SF tourist should have an experience of flying over the bridge to enjoy the view and actually walk across the bridge enjoy the closer-up view. There is no toll for walking, so get out of your car and walk!

Golden Gate Bridge

by dkm1981

Blackburn, England, United Kingdom

November 11, 2011

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Best of IgoUgo The Golden Gate Bridge is probably the most famous of San Francisco’s landmark and arguably the most famous bridge in the world. It spans the bay from The Presidio to Marin County on the other side and, as far as bridges can be, it is actually quite ...Read more The Golden Gate Bridge is probably the most famous of San Francisco’s landmark and arguably the most famous bridge in the world. It spans the bay from The Presidio to Marin County on the other side and, as far as bridges can be, it is actually quite pretty. It isn’t the biggest bridge in the world, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most impressive.

It is a suspension bridge that was finished in 1937. At either end of the bridge is a little placard showing off some of its most impressive facts; the two towers are a lofty 746 metres high, the roadway across it runs for 1.75 miles and the cable used to construct it is enough to circle the Earth three times. Apparently it is five times stronger than it needs to be, which explains why it has suffered no damage despite years of hurricane winds, earth quakes and extremely heavy use. One of the most fascinating facts though in my opinion is that it can sway up to 21 metres – something that I absolutely wouldn’t like to have tested whilst I was on it. The bridge is painted in ‘international orange’ a colour that makes it even more famous – I wouldn’t like to guess at how many extra tonnes the paint gives the bridge.

A trip to the city isn’t complete without crossing the bridge in one form or another. One of the most popular ways to do this is by cycle and there are lots of ‘cycle the bridge’ tours available from the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco, where bike hire will cost around $18 for a round trip. The first time I visited, I crossed it on a bus. If you are thinking of going by vehicle, then you need to bear in mind just how busy the six lanes of the bridge get and that there is a $5 charge for the south bound trip. It is worth it once you’ve done it though because there is a lovely viewpoint at the far side where you can take some fabulous photos of both the bridge and the city in the background.

This time I visited, we walked across the bridge. I actually bottled it about a third of the way across as you can definitely feel the sway that I mentioned. This isn’t helped by either the huge vehicles trundling past on the other side or the numerous signs along the way offering counselling to those who have thoughts of jumping off. Its status as the world’s most popular suicide spot is, unfortunately, something else that makes the bridge famous and the evidence of this status is there in the signs.

My husband (the daredevil) walked much further than I did and took some spectacular photographs of the huge towers and the island of Alcatraz in the distance. He wasn’t enough of a daredevil to look too far over the side in the middle of the bridge though, where there is a small protrusion which acts as a kind of viewing platform.

Back on terra firma at the beginning of the bridge there is a grassy area where you can admire the construction in all its glory, as well as a rather overpriced gift shop that, as the numerous signs tell you, has no toilet facilities. There are also a couple of benches and some quite interesting signs that tell the story of the bridge from its construction to now.

You can’t possibly go to San Francisco without experiencing the world’s most famous bridge, but if you haven’t got a head for heights, be prepared to be afraid – very afraid!
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From journal San Francisco - Top Five

Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge!

by Jctravel1983

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

December 14, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo The Golden Gate Bridge. This must-see that deserves attention, so this is it! When we where touring through America it was something we just wanted to see while being in San Francisco. It’s always something you see and hear about on television and ...Read more

From journal America the place to be

This red icon is well worth checking out in detail

by MichaelJM

Nottingham, England

October 19, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo As much as Alcatraz island is a "must visit" so is a journey down to the iconic Golden Gate. It is one of those sights that are world renowned and I believe is a wondrous one to cast your eyes over. But we didn’t just want to see it – we were in San ...Read more

From journal Planning to tour West Coast USA

Crossing the Golden Gate

by lilangel

Ocala, Florida

April 3, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo Thoughts of San Francisco conjure up many images, but perhaps none come as quickly as that of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many ways to visit the bridge, and it can be viewed from multiple locations around SF. However, the only true way to ...Read more Thoughts of San Francisco conjure up many images, but perhaps none come as quickly as that of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many ways to visit the bridge, and it can be viewed from multiple locations around SF. However, the only true way to experience San Francisco's most famous landmark is on foot.

Upon arriving in San Francisco, we participated in a tour that drove across the bridge and viewed it from Vista Point. I've always heard about the infamous fog of San Francisco, but I never imagined what it was actually like. On the day of our tour the city was so foggy that we could barely see the top of the bridge even when we were standing on it. The most exciting part of this experience was hearing the fog horns on the bridge sound. The tour guide told us a few interesting facts about the bridge and gave us 10 to 15 minutes to look around. Everyone in my group was left feeling like they had yet to truly experience the Golden Gate.

After this inadequate journey to the bridge we decided that we would return and walk the 1.7 miles across the bridge on a clearer day. After a few days, our opportunity finally presented itself. To avoid doubling our walking distance by traveling on foot both directions, we caught a taxi to Vista Point and walked toward the city.

There is a toll involved with crossing the bridge and this cost is added to cab fare, making the charge a little more than what would typically be the case. However, it was only two to three dollars and did not deter us from choosing this transportation option.

After arriving at Vista Point, we started across the bridge. The walkway is well paved and easy to navigate. It is separated from traffic, but we did have to watch out for bicyclists and joggers.

As we walked, we were able to experience the famous red pillars and architectural designs up close and personally. We were also able to take numerous photos from all angles and marveled at multiple suicide hot line phones on the bridge to address the needs of people in distress. In addition to examining the intricacies of the bridge, we were able to see gorgeous views of the city and bay.

As we reached the end of the bridge, the walkway wound toward a gift shop. In the shop we found several interesting items of Golden Gate memorabilia. Next to the shop was a small park that included a statue of the bridge's architect and a floral recreation of the bridge. I also obtained my favorite picture of the bridge from this vantage point. Had we not walked the bridge, we would have missed all of these details.

The park is a little isolated, so you should bring a number for a cab in case you find no other options for traveling back into the city. Wear comfortable shoes and keep your camera focused! Close

From journal Are you Going to San Francisco?

Walking the Golden Gate Bridge

by Ricardo!

Santander, Spain

March 3, 2007

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Walking the Golden Gate Bridge was great. After a while you can get a little tired but it is worthy. You can have great views of the city and the bay, which will give you the opportunity to take beautiful pictures.

From journal The Amazing San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge

by cindylou11157

Pottstown, Pennsylvania

February 15, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized bridges in the world. Painted in its famous orange color, this icon is seen from the Fisherman’s Wharf area. The bridge connects San Francisco and Marin County along highway 101. This was ...Read more The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized bridges in the world. Painted in its famous orange color, this icon is seen from the Fisherman’s Wharf area. The bridge connects San Francisco and Marin County along highway 101. This was once the largest suspension bridge in the world. The steel girders were built in my hometown. Bethlehem Steel is listed on the construction plaque on the bridge.

I entered the visitor center from the San Francisco side. The bridge is even more impressive up close. Make sure you bring a jacket if you plan on walking the span of the bridge. It is 1 mile long and it gets very windy especially at mid span. You have a great view looking out both ways, one way the Pacific Ocean and the other the spectacular view of the city, Alcatraz and Angle Island. The bridge is notorious for suicides. The eerie thing about walking the bridge is all the suicide and help signs located along the span. Thirty four suicides were reported for 2006. After walking the bridge pull out of the parking lot and make a left and view the bridge from below. You get another prospective.

Take the drive across, the toll is only $4 round trip. There is another viewing point from this side.

I would not suggest taking a tour. My first visit I drove out on my own and the second time I took a tour and you only have 10 minutes to see the bridge. This does not give you time to walk the span of the bridge. Another way to see the bridge and is very popular is renting a bike and riding across. All over the wharf area are places to rent bikes.

A San Francisco trip would not be complete if you did not visit The Golden Gate Bridge. This is a must see site. You will never get tired of looking at this. The bridge has an all new look when the fog rolls in. This bridge is a photographers dream to photograph. I could not get enough shots of it. Close

From journal A San Francisco Treat

Golden Gate Bridge

by joshhansen

maple valley, Washington

September 17, 2006

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Seeing the golden gate bridge is like seeing an amazing wonder. It seems to span forever and rise to the heavens. It's one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. You can walk across it but it can be cold as the wind comes in from the ocean, ...Read more

From journal California

Golden Gate Bridge

by JesusW

Mexico city, Mexico

April 24, 2006

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This a landmark for tourists, but also a really busy entrance to the city. At the beginning they built the bridge just because there was a gap in the bay, but now the northern side of the area has become very populated and you get incredible traffic ...Read more

From journal The Golden Gate and Alcatraz

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finding it in the fog

Tourist must-visit

Golden Gate Bridge

Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge!

This red icon is well worth checking out in detail

Crossing the Golden Gate

Walking the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge

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