More than a bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge is the personification of San Francisco’s deep history, scenic lands, and warm culture, turned marvel of engineering and design. History buffs or enthusiasts of fine architecture or you want to see something to take your breath away: all will love time spent on a Golden Gate Bridge tour. Visit Every Corner spices up your adventure with travel guides that will unveil great landmarks of the world. This is an amazing monument, and if you intend to visit it, get ready for the ultimate adventure-to be touched by beauty as well as by history.
This travel guide takes you through everything you should not miss in the must-see attractions and experiences on a Golden Gate Bridge tour. You will discover how to learn more about its history, where the best viewpoints are, and even insider tips that make a visit an ultimate experience. Do not miss a single thing on your tour with this travel guide.
The Iconic Golden Gate Bridge: A Brief History
Ground works for this much-needed attraction; a small story of the legendary past of the Golden Gate Bridge. It took three years and finally, this suspension bridge coming 1937 joined San Francisco with Marin County across the Strait of Golden Gate. Engineer Joseph Strauss had come up with a very bolder design about its possibility of it being built when people doubted them. Among those works is great, wondrous change that engineers have come with: now reshaping the landscape of San Francisco.
It is 1.7 miles long and orange-red in color and, therefore, a method of transport and, at the same time, considered a national monument which takes in millions of visitors visiting this place each year. Taking a tour around the Golden Gate Bridge would undoubtedly be an excellent choice to watch such a legendary building and its surroundings while becoming aware of history and listening to some really fascinating stories.
Best views on the Golden Gate Bridge Tour
1. Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
The first stop on any Golden Gate Bridge tour is the Vista Point. Situated at the northern end of the bridge, in Marin County, the vista from this point gives one an excellent panoramic view of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline, with a bit of rough coastline for good measure. A great photo opportunity with the bridge majestically stretching out to cross the bay and the cityscape behind, this is one of the most excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge and one of the must-see places during your tour.
2. Crissy Field
Near the waterfront in San Francisco, here lies Crissy Field-a perspective to view the Golden Gate Bridge from a vantage point unlike anywhere else. Actually, Crissy Field is one of the former military airfields, now one of the best parks in town with the path for walking and picnic areas aside from the majestic view of the bridge. One would love the peaceful view at Crissy Field in a tour of the Golden Gate Bridge. In fact, there is magic here during sunset, when colours in the sky join colours on the bridge.
3. Baker Beach
Baker Beach is on the west of the Golden Gate Bridge. This gives a relatively more private and natural setting. It provides a rather interesting view of the bridge from where this gigantic structure juxtaposes the Pacific Ocean. When visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach gives an excellent opportunity to walk on the shore and witness the glory of the bridge in a stop-over.
4. Fort Point National Historic Site
Situated directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point offers a unique, up-close view of the bridge’s understructure. The fort, built during the Civil War, is a national historic site that provides an educational experience alongside incredible views of the bridge. While exploring this site, you’ll not only get a fantastic perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge but also learn about its role in American history.
5. Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
Hence, Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is that place in the trip, that one cannot even think to omit. In fact, it is the center which is placed near the Southern entrance of the Golden Gate Bridge. This place also houses a series of historical exhibitions, information, and numerous facts about the Golden Gate Bridge. It could serve as an interesting place to pay visit and gather memorabilia for visits.
Secret Treasures Around the Golden Gate Bridge
Whereas the major attractions around the Golden Gate Bridge are breathtakingly beautiful, it also holds some hidden gems around it. These spots are really a gem for people looking to experience some places off the beaten tracks and offer a perspective that few will have had a chance to view.
1. Battery Spencer
To see one of the finest hidden gems in its full glory, one should go to the Battery Spencer on Marin Headlands. This is an old military battery offering the Golden Gate Bridge through an entirely different view, elevated to the best position. The dramatic landscape of this place makes it a lot less crowded than other viewing points, making it perfect for someone looking for a peaceful experience. It is another must-visit place during the visit to Golden Gate Bridge with the spectacular sight of a great combination of this bridge, tough coastline, and open sky above.
2. Kirby Cove
Kirby Cove would be the destination for those who require a more seclusive experience. It is close to Marin Headlands and provides a breathtaking shot of the Golden Gate Bridge, this time from a more lower angle from this point. This hike downwards to the cove may be tiring at points, but its view as compensation, with cliffs and very serene coastlines, justifies the hike in its entirety. The destination is just so perfect for photographs and nature enthusiasts.
How to Make the Most Out of the Golden Gate Bridge Tour
A tour on the Golden Gate Bridge can be the most enriching experience; it is more to that with which you plan in detail. For such an endeavor, here are practical ways of helping one maximize this visit:
1. Visit during early hours or late evenings
It is good to avoid trodden masses to visit the Golden Gate Bridge during either early morning or late evening. Soft lights prevail early in the morning that best would suit picture-taking. For viewing sunset lights, afternoons are fine on the bridge.
2. Utilize Public Transport
Public transport can be taken, and one can board the bus or the cable car to head out to the Golden Gate Bridge. For instance, if one is going on a guided tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, then it would be great to use public transport so that one is not concerned about parking.
3. Comfortable Shoes
A Golden Gate Bridge tour will be a hike and viewpoint-based tour. So, take your comfortable walking shoes along if you are going to hike up or check out the neighborhood parks and beaches.
4. Weather Forecast
San Francisco can change the weather in the twinkling of an eye, so it is wise to check with the local weather forecast before getting there for your tours. The famous Golden Gate is usually covered thick with fog, so an open day on the bridge really offers clear views for photographs.
The Ultimate Experience
One of the memorable walks one can undertake is walking over the Golden Gate Bridge. The pedestrian walkway affords you an excellent view of the bridge. Enjoy the close view of its various aspects since one can walk from one end of the span or part of it. The experience would be unforgettable though. Among all the activities, for a Golden Gate Bridge tour, walking over it is one.
No trip to San Francisco is complete without visiting the Golden Gate Bridge. This iconic place may be viewed from one of its many vantage points or its history learned. Take a walk on its length-it is an attraction to behold and understand the reasons why it stands beautiful.
We, at Visit Every Corner, feel that there is a whole world to be discovered, and among them is one of the breathtaking destinations – the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s so much to see and do in San Francisco that this iconic landmark should top your list. So, get out your walking shoes, get your camera, and go for the tour of a lifetime at the Golden Gate Bridge.
