The Golden Gate Bridge was one of my “must sees” for our California Road trip. I couldn’t wait to get there and was delighted when we went across three times before leaving San Francisco.
What makes this bridge so special? See how many of these facts you know!
Who knew the Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed bridge in the world and is featured in many motion pictures?
When your wife is a blogger, you get used to her directing photo shoots, often yelling at the last minute or making you stop so she can get out of the car for the perfect shot. The first time we crossed, I kept telling Ed to slow down so I could get a picture. Fortunately, we found parking at the Vista Point parking lot just as we crossed over and the morning fog had lifted. If you go to San Francisco you MUST get your picture taken here or at some of the other vantage points.
Did you know when the Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937 it was the longest (1.7 miles) and tallest suspension bridge in the world?
So when I first saw the bridge I thought, “Oh, it’s smaller than I expected.” It looks so much larger in photos. But, there is only one Golden Gate Bridge and it is San Francisco, and once I learned a little more, I love it! There are bike and pedestrian paths along both sides and as you move along, you feel as if you are part of something significant. I got goose bumps.
Who knew the Golden Gate Bridge’s signature color (International Orange) was made by Sherwin Williams?
The bridge is constantly being repainted to keep it glowing. The bright orange color is one of the things that makes the bridge iconic, and it helps the structure stand out on foggy days. I wonder how they get it painted? While we were crossing, we saw a worker walking on the catwalk way, way, up high. Whoa! By the way, you can get a can of International Orange at Sherwin Williams. Just for fun you should go to your local store, ask for a swatch of International Orange and tell them you are going to touch-up a bridge.
You have to pay to go across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Electronic tolls are collected in one direction only-in the southbound direction into San Francisco (you can check in anytime you like-but you can never leave?) At the time of this writing our car will cost $9.75 and an invoice will be sent based on our license plate. Well worth the money and not even the cost of a gallon of paint.
Do you know how the Golden Gate Bridge got its name?
Nope, not for the area’s association with the Gold Rush. The name actually comes from the water, The Golden Gate Strait, that runs beneath it.
So there you have it. I’ll leave you with this:
“The morning fog will chill the air, I don’t care. My love waits there in San Francisco. Above the blue and windy sea. When I come home to you, San Francisco. Your golden sun(bridge) will shine for me!” (Music by George Cory, lyrics by Douglass Cross, sung by Tony Bennett)
Threads of Thought
Have you been to San Francisco?
What are your memories or what would you like to see there?
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Deb, it sounds like you guys had a wonderful trip. Looking forward to hearing more details. See you tomorrow. Go well.
We did! Yes, more details to come!
I’m glad you were able to visit San Francisco. It’s one of my favorite places in the whole world. It would be a favorite even if it weren’t the home of my two grandsons and their parents. My son John has lived there since 2003 and I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve visited the city. Some of my favorite places are Golden Gate Park (it has something for everyone), the Hidden Mosaic Steps in the Inner Sunset, Stern Grove in Parkside (the kids’ neighborhood), and West Portal, up the hill from where the kids live.
I would love to have an insider’s view like you have! We were only passing through, but would love to go back. It’s a fascinating city!
Next time go to Fisherman’s wharf and take a boat ride that goes under the bridge from the bay to the ocean. Some of them go out to Alcatraz. The town of Sausalito across the bridge is very interesting. When I went there are two restaurants that sit on the water and you can see the lights of San Francisco come on. Your next trip should include visits to both Sonoma and Napa Valley for some great wine tasting.
We took the ferry to Alcatraz, Saw fisherman’s wharf, and went to Sonoma. More to posts to come! Thanks for commenting!
You made me recall my past visits to San Francisco years ago. Yes, love the Golden Gate and the Oakland Bay Bridge is quite an adventure, too.
You’ve had some amazing adventures!