The Golden Gate Bridge

What would be San Francisco without the Golden Gate Bridge? The famous bridge built by Joseph Strauss, an American engineer who loved a challenge and had dreamed of doing something that no one else had done? We can only guess, but probably none of us even want to imagine it. The beautiful suspension bridge connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean has been part of the city since 1937 and San Francisco citizens are undoubtedly proud of it.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The bridge's name was first used when the project was initially discussed in 1917 by

Mr.O´Shaughnessy, city engineer of San Francisco, and Mr. Strauss. O´Shaughnessy simply asked Strauss: "Why don´t you design a bridge for the Golden Gate? Everybody says it can´t be done." Strauss replied: "I think, it can."

Twenty years later, in May 1937, the first cars went through the Golden Gate Bridge.

Fort Baker, in the distance Bay Bridge & Financial District

Places to Find the Best Golden Gate Bridge View

The Golden Gate Bridge can be enjoyed from many points throughout San Francisco and Marin County. You could easily spend a day driving around to all the best views of the bridge.

View from the Marin Headlands, Hawk Hill

From the North Side

The north side is in Marin County, where you'll see the city of San Francisco in the background. You can go down to the water's edge (Fort Baker), or you can drive up into the Marin Headlands, where you'll find several stops. One of the best views from this side is the Battery Spencer Vista Point. By the way, the Headlands are extremely popular so it may be hard to find parking.

View from the Battery Spencer Vista Point

From the South Side

The city of San Francisco is south of the bridge. You can take the easy tourist route and stop at some vista points on this side like:

Fort Point - the old Civil War fort sitting right under the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Battery East Vista and Trail - you can get there from the Welcome Center near the bridge.

Battery West Trail - there are some great views along the paths that run along the cliffs.

On the west is also relatively new "official" viewing point, the Golden Gate Overlook.

And more: Crissy Field and Beach, Baker Beach, Marshall's Beach and Lands End.

View from Battery East Trail

So, what do you think? Isn´t it beautiful? Sure, it is!

But after all, the Golden Gate Bridge is just one of the many landmarks that make San Francisco such a beautiful city.

I´m going to discover the other beauties of this city! Stay-tuned!

XOXO