Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a steel suspension bridge that runs 8980 feet (2737 meters) through the bay between the peninsula and the northern shore. Two orange towers rise 746 feet (227 meters) above the water, held at both ends by massive anchorage blocks.

Joseph Strauss led construction from 1933 to 1937 after securing funding through 30 million dollars in bond sales. During the four-year building period, eleven workers lost their lives.

People come here to walk or cycle across, often in a slow procession that feels almost ceremonial when fog rolls in. The bridge is a place where locals jog, tourists take photos, and everyone shares the wind and the view over the bay together.

The eastern walkway opens during daylight while cyclists can use both paths according to a set schedule. Toll collection applies only to southbound traffic through electronic systems, and parking is limited at both ends.

The International Orange color was chosen to improve visibility through heavy fog while preventing corrosion from salty sea air. Paint crews maintain this protective layer continuously throughout the year.

Location: Marin County

Location: San Francisco

Inception: May 27, 1937

Architects: Joseph Strauss

Official opening: May 28, 1937

Longest Span: 1,280 m

Made from material: steel

Part of: Seven Wonders of the Modern World

Website: https://goldengate.org/bridge

GPS coordinates: 37.81972,-122.47861

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:01