subject: Learning About And Visiting The Golden Gate Bridge [print this page] If you are thinking about visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, you should first understand the amazing history. It is one of the world's most beautiful and recognizable bridges.
The Golden Gate Bridge, symbol of San Francisco, engineering marvel, subject of many photographs, the result of one man's vision and persistence, spans the entrance to the San Francisco Bay. For many years before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, the only way to get across San Francisco Bay was by ferry, and by the early twentieth century the Bay was clogged with them.
In the 1920's, engineer and bridge-builder Joseph Strauss became convinced that a bridge should be constructed across the Golden Gate. Many groups opposed him, each for their own selfish reasons: the military, loggers, the railroads.
The engineering challenge was also enormous-the Golden Gate Bridge area often has winds of up to 60 miles per hour, and strong ocean currents sweep through a rugged canyon below the surface. If all that weren't enough, it was the middle of the Great Depression, funds were scarce, and the San Francisco Bay Bridge was already under construction.
In spite of everything, Strauss persisted, and Golden Gate Bridge history began when San Francisco voters overwhelmingly approved $35 million in bonds to construct the Golden Gate Bridge. The now-familiar art deco design and International Red color were chosen, and construction began in 1933.
The Golden Gate Bridge project was completed in 1937, a prominent date in San Francisco history. Strauss was a pioneer in building safety, making history with innovations including hard hats and daily sobriety tests.
The Bay Bridge (which was being built at the same time) lost 24 lives while the Golden Gate Bridge lost only 12, an outstanding accomplishment in an era when one man was killed on most construction projects for every million spent. Walk onto it if you can.
You can't really appreciate the size and height unless you've walked on it, at least a little way. At mid-span you stand 220 feet above the water's surface and passing ships below look like small toys.
The distance from one vista point to another is 1.7 miles, a fun round trip if you're up to it, but even a short walk will be interesting. Pedestrians are allowed only on the east (city side) sidewalk, during daylight hours.
There are many places to view and photograph the bridge. These are some of the best for a picture.
The best "postcard" views are from above the bridge on the San Francisco side. Access it from the "Last SF Exit" off the approach road, or from Lincoln Avenue.
Try your photo from the bus stop above the parking lot (70-mm lens). It is best in the morning.
The historic fort at the base of the south end is a good place for a long, low photo with the bridge receding into the distance. Reach it from Lincoln Avenue.
If you're not embarrassed about getting down on your tummy, the hillside flowers make interesting foreground accents. Go inside the historic fort and climb to the top level for unique views and angles.
There are many nice views of the bridge from the ocean side along Lincoln Avenue. Turn right out of the south vista point parking lot onto Lincoln.
Baker Beach is a good place for a view and photo from water level, but be aware that part of Baker Beach is a nude beach. You might get more in your picture than you bargained for!
Photos taken straight up the towers are interesting. If you're in a convertible or a car with a sunroof and traffic is going slowly enough, try taking a picture straight up the towers, but be careful not to distract your driver and cause an accident.
Photograph both sides of the tower - one will probably be better lit than the other. Getting this photograph will cost you one bridge toll to get back into town.
You'll also find plenty of great photographic opportunities by walking on the bridge. San Francisco has many thing to offer-this is just one of the beautiful sites you cannot miss.
