Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge has been heralded as one of the top ten construction achievements of the 20th Century. The Golden Gate Bridge is the second-longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. The long fight for the Golden Gate Bridge, which began in 1916, spanned a period of twenty-one years. It wasn’t until May of 1937 that the dream was achieved. The building of the bridge broke records that were thought to be unbreakable.

The Golden Gate required the tallest towers, the longest, thickest cables, and the largest underwater foundation piers ever built. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is the largest urban national park in the world. The total park area is 75,398 acres of land and water. Approximately 28 miles of coastline lie within its boundaries. It is nearly two and one-half times the size of San Francisco. It also contains 116 square miles of open space, 10 historic forts, 79 shipwrecks, 2 redwood forests, 1,250 historic structures, 100 miles of trails, 27 rare and endangered species, and 5 lighthouses. These features can provide days of entertainment and enlightenment.

Run by National Park Rangers in partnership with a number of non-profit organizations, the GGNRA receives over 2 million visitors each year – more than any other National Park in the United States. The landmark bridge, one of five bridges spanning the Bay, opened in 1937 connecting San Francisco to Marin County to the north.

The color of the bridge, called "International Orange," was chosen as a natural complement to the surrounding scenery. Car toll is $3 and is collected southbound only. Vista points and parking areas are located at the northeast and southeast ends of the bridge. Pedestrians can access east sidewalk from 5am to 9pm. It is a 50-minute walk over the bridge with views beyond compare.

The historic "Roundhouse" at the south end offers information and souvenirs. Buckeye Roadhouse is a hospitable haven for locals traversing short distances and for motorists who've logged many highway miles. The homey, yet sophisticated, kitchen excels at traditional and contemporary American cookery, emphasizing seasonal specialties, Bay Area sea fare and local organic produce.