The Golden Gate Bridge on San Francisco Bay is a lovely symbol of the city, of California, and of America, up there with Statue of Liberty and the St. Louis Arch. Approximately 9 million visitors flock to the Golden Gate Bridge each year to marvel at its architectural beauty and traverse its span. Learn more about the history of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.
The Golden Gate Bridge - In 2012, the Golden Gate Bridge celebrates its 75th anniversary. This icon, known throughout the world, is used everyday by commuters from Marin, Sonoma, and Solano counties, as well as those heading out from San Francisco to destinations north such as the bayside town of Sausalito, beautiful Muir Woods, or Sonoma Wine Country. A toll payment is necessary for those traveling south into San Francisco, but the 1.7-mile journey over San Francisco Bay with its captivating views of the city and headlands is totally worth it.
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway in San Francisco -
Just 4 miles from the stunning Golden Gate Bridge, the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway hotel is the perfect getaway destination for exploring San Francisco. Spacious and tastefully decorated hotel rooms feature plush beds, immaculate bathrooms, and in-room refrigerators. After a day spent marveling at the Golden Gate Bridge, return to your comfortable room and cozy up to the flat-screen LCD television, complete with cable channels like HBO and pay-per-view movies. Or better yet, take a dip under the stars - or fog - in the hotel's heated outdoor swimming pool.
Historic Golden Gate Bridge -
Many have observed that the Golden Gate Bridge is not actually golden, but more a warm, tomato red known officially as International Orange. The name comes from Golden Gate Strait, the entrance from the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay. The Golden Gate Bridge took 4 years to build and opened to traffic in 1937. There are many reasons the art deco suspension bridge is the color it is, including visibility for passing ships and blending with the natural landscape.
Visiting San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge -
Walking from one end to the other is a popular activity, rewarded with views of the Marin Headlands and the skyline of San Francisco. While cars using the Golden Gate Bridge must pay a toll when entering San Francisco, those walking or cycling do not. Be sure to bring a warm jacket or windbreaker, for the fog can seemingly eat up the Golden Gate Bridge, and the wind can be fierce. Many tour bus companies will drop off visitors at one Bridge parking lot and pick them up on the other side. For more information, go to http://goldengatebridge.org/visitors/
