Golden Gate Bridge and the red sweep of San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge arches across San Francisco Bay in International Orange, with 1937 engineering and clear tower lines.

Golden Gate Bridge crosses the entrance to San Francisco Bay in International Orange, linking San Francisco with Marin County. Opened in 1937, it combines a long suspended span with two tall towers and a steel deck.

International Orange over San Francisco Bay

The bridge’s colour, height and long suspended central span give it a direct visual presence across the water. Its main span measures 4,200 ft (1,280 m), and the full bridge length is 8,981 ft (2,737 m). Bridge length

The two main towers rise 746 ft (227 m) above the water, with a roadway 220 ft (67 m) above mean higher high water. Joseph Strauss served as chief engineer, with Charles Ellis, Leon Moisseiff and Irving Morrow contributing to the project’s design. Joseph Strauss

A suspension bridge of 1937

Construction began in 1933 and the bridge opened to vehicular traffic in 1937. The structure belongs to the era of large steel suspension bridges that reshaped transport corridors on the American coast. Construction began in 1933

The bridge’s design is read through its cables, towers and broad suspended roadway. Its width is 90 ft (27 m), and the bridge carries six lanes of vehicle traffic with pedestrian walkways on either side.

Scale in steel, cable and concrete

The bridge’s physical scale is as important as its colour. One main cable is 36 3/8 in (0.92 m) across, and each cable contains 27,572 wires. 27,572 wires

The towers sit on massive concrete foundations, and the whole structure is visible as a sequence of anchored forms, vertical supports and sweeping curves. The bridge was designated California Historical Landmark No. 974 in 1990 and National Civil Engineering Landmark in 1984. California Historical Landmark

Visiting Golden Gate Bridge: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The bridge stands between San Francisco and Marin County, crossed by road traffic and reached on foot or by bicycle from the city side. It also forms part of the route system that ties the bay’s northern and southern shores together.
• The main span sits high above the water, and the bridge deck is exposed to wind and traffic on all sides. The towers and suspension cables are the most prominent features from the approaches.
• The official language is English and the currency is the United States dollar.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Golden Gate Bridge

Where is Golden Gate Bridge?

It crosses the Golden Gate strait at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, linking San Francisco and Marin County.

What does a visit involve?

The bridge is a large steel suspension structure with traffic lanes, pedestrian walkways and open exposure to the bay. Its towers and cables dominate the view.

What makes Golden Gate Bridge distinctive?

Its International Orange colour, 1937 opening and 4,200 ft main span define its appearance and historical place among suspension bridges.