20th Century · California
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge from Marshall's Beach. — Frank Schulenburg
Why Golden Gate Bridge Matters
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most celebrated feats of engineering in the world and the defining symbol of San Francisco. Its International Orange towers, soaring above the fog and the strait that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific, held the record for the longest suspension-bridge main span for nearly three decades after it opened in 1937. A triumph of Depression-era ambition, it married bold engineering with Art Deco design to create what many consider the most beautiful bridge ever built.
By the Numbers
The Span
- Main span
- 4,200 ft (1,280 m)
- Total length
- ~1.7 miles (8,981 ft)
- Tower height
- 746 ft above the water
Design
- Chief engineer
- Joseph Strauss
- Color
- International Orange
Construction
- Built
- 1933–1937
Today
- Carries
- U.S. Route 101 & California Route 1
Timeline
- 1933Construction begins in January at the height of the Depression.
- 1937The bridge opens to pedestrians on May 27 and to vehicles on May 28.
- 1964Loses its longest-main-span record to New York's Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
- 1987Some 300,000 people crowd the deck on the bridge's 50th anniversary.
Complete History
For decades a bridge across the Golden Gate strait was dismissed as impossible, given the deep, cold water, strong tides, and frequent fog. Engineer Joseph Strauss championed the project and became its chief engineer, but the elegant final design owed much to engineer Charles Ellis, who worked out the complex mathematics, and to consulting architect Irving Morrow, who shaped its Art Deco towers and lighting.
Construction began in January 1933, at the depth of the Great Depression, and the bridge was built with remarkable safety for its era: a pioneering safety net strung beneath the deck saved the lives of 19 men, who called themselves the 'Halfway to Hell Club.' Eleven workers nonetheless died before the bridge was completed. It opened on May 27, 1937, first to some 200,000 pedestrians, with vehicles following the next day.
The bridge's main span stretches 4,200 feet between towers that rise 746 feet above the water — the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world at its opening, a main-span record it held until 1964. Its distinctive International Orange color was selected by Irving Morrow because it complemented the natural surroundings and stood out in fog. Today the bridge carries U.S. Route 101 and California Route 1 and is maintained by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.
Historic Images
Interesting Facts
- When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge had the longest suspension-bridge main span in the world, at 4,200 feet — a record it held until 1964.
- The bridge's color, International Orange, was chosen by architect Irving Morrow because it complements the landscape and is highly visible in the area's frequent fog.
- A safety net installed during construction saved 19 workers, who formed the informal 'Halfway to Hell Club.'
- The two main towers rise 746 feet above the water, and the roadway hangs about 220 feet above the strait at high tide.
- Contrary to a popular myth, the bridge is not repainted end to end every year; instead an ongoing crew continuously touches up its International Orange paint.
Visiting Today
- Hours
- The bridge carries traffic 24 hours a day. The pedestrian sidewalk is open during daylight hours, which vary by season; the Welcome Center on the San Francisco side is open daily.
- Admission
- There is no toll for pedestrians or cyclists. Vehicles pay a toll, collected electronically, only in the southbound direction into San Francisco.
- Best time to visit
- Late summer and fall often bring the clearest skies; mornings can be shrouded in the famous fog. Sunset light on the orange towers is especially striking.
- Nearby
- The Presidio, Fort Point beneath the bridge's southern end, Crissy Field, and Sausalito across the strait in Marin County.
Dress warmly and expect wind on the span even on sunny days. Parking near the vista points fills quickly, so arrive early or take transit; the walk to the far tower and back takes about an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Golden Gate Bridge?
The bridge is about 1.7 miles (roughly 8,980 feet) long overall, with a main suspension span of 4,200 feet between its two towers.
What color is the Golden Gate Bridge?
It is painted a distinctive shade called International Orange, chosen by architect Irving Morrow to blend with the natural setting and stand out in fog.
When was the Golden Gate Bridge built?
It was built between 1933 and 1937, during the Great Depression, and opened to pedestrians on May 27, 1937, with vehicle traffic beginning the next day.
Can you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Yes. The bridge has pedestrian and bicycle pathways, and walking across for the views of the bay, the city, and the Pacific is a popular experience. Access hours vary for pedestrians and cyclists.
