Spanning the Golden Gate Strait – a one-mile wide and 1.7 mile long body of water between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean – stands the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This majestic suspension bridge connects U.S city San Francisco to Marin County, two topographical extensions of Northern California’s famous peninsula. The iconic Route 101 and California State Route 1, which spans the strait, is known far and wide as a symbol of San Francisco’s beauty. It has even been deemed one of the Wonders of the Modern World by esteemed engineers- thereby cementing its importance both to Californians and citizens around the world!
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol recognized worldwide and has been officially proclaimed one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. According to Frommers travel guide, it’s “perhaps the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed bridge in existence”. A visit here will be an unforgettable experience for anyone who travels to San Francisco! When it first opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was not only the longest but also the tallest suspension bridge worldwide with a main span of 4,200 feet (1,280 m) and an impressive total height of 746 feet (227 m). Nowadays, this iconic symbol representing San Francisco as well as California holds fifth place among all suspension bridges when considering their main spans.
The Golden Gate Bridge was built by engineer Joseph Strauss in collaboration with architect Irving Morrow and was completed in 1937. The total construction cost was $35 million, which at the time was a significant sum for the period. In May 1933 the bond issue that paid for construction had been approved by 77% of the voters in each of the four counties that had to approve it: Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma, and Napa. The bridge was named for the Golden Gate Strait, the body of water it spans.
The bridge’s signature color is International Orange, chosen for its vibrant contrast to the blue water and sky. It has been designated as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by both the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Institute of Steel Construction. It is a photo opportunity for visitors from all over the world, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay area.
The Golden Gate Bridge has withstood wind, fog, earthquakes and countless millions of cars since its completion in 1937. This legendary bridge serves as a reminder of our ability to overcome obstacles and build something truly remarkable. It is a symbol of hope, progress and the spirit of innovation that has kept us moving forward for centuries. The Golden Gate Bridge stands as a testament to our ingenuity, perseverance and courage—and it remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
This iconic structure continues to inspire generations of visitors with its unique beauty and remarkable history. With the release of their documentary film, “The Dream Behind the Golden Gate Bridge,” filmmakers Peter and Kenneth Jarett show how this once-in-a-lifetime engineering feat has come to define San Francisco and become a symbol of human progress and innovation throughout the world. The bridge is truly a marvel and will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.
The Unique Features That Make the Palace of Fine Arts a Must-See Attraction in San Francisco
