Is there a more iconic San Francisco sight than the Golden Gate Bridge? I don’t think so. The mighty span that connects the city with neighboring Marin County and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is downright mesmerizing. This soaring suspension bridge is instantly recognizable, and not only because it appears in countless photographs. On a recent San Francisco trip I decided to take a few photos of my own while trekking across the bridge—something I did on my first visit to the city back in 1994.

Here are a few facts about this engineering marvel:
• The bridge spans Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to San Francisco Bay, hence the name.
• It took just over four years to build, opening to vehicle traffic on May 28, 1937.
• It has a total length of 8,981 feet—about 1.7 miles—and a 4,200-foot central span.
• Its total weight is some 887,000 tons.
• More than 1,900,000,000 vehicles have crossed the bridge (both northbound and southbound) since it opened.
• A crew of painters works full time to maintain the distinctive color (known as international orange) that protects the bridge’s steel components from the high salt content in the air.
• Some movies that include scenes with the bridge as a backdrop are “Vertigo,” “Superman,” “X-Men: The Last Stand” and “Monsters vs. Aliens.”

I headed out on a Saturday that began overcast and rainy but—as often happens—turned mostly sunny by noon. For a starting point I suggest the Warming Hut, at the western end of Crissy Field. I was on foot, but if you drive here there are some public parking spaces next to the buildings along Mason Street. By the way, this is a cool little bookstore with lots of eco-friendly gifts (including handmade, compostable greeting cards!), a nice selection of stuff for kids and a cafe where you can grab hot free-trade coffee and an organic sweet treat.

The fishing pier across from the Warming Hut offers a prime view of the bridge. After snapping a few pics, I took advantage of the restrooms (in the building behind the Warming Hut). To get to the bridge from here, walk along Marine Drive until you see the sign for the steps that lead up a hill to the southeast side visitor parking lot. The climb is steep but fairly short (0.4 miles), and there’s an up-close perspective of the bridge that you don’t get from any other vantage point. You’re also sure—as I did—to run into someone who will oblige and take your picture.

I skipped the gift shop here (called the Roundhouse for its circular shape), but if you must have a Golden Gate Bridge souvenir this is the place to pick one up. Pedestrians are allowed only on the east sidewalk, which is shared with cyclists (skateboards, roller blades and roller skates are not permitted). Although the walkway is fairly wide, watch what’s going on around you since you’ll be simultaneously distracted by the incredible views.

Although my pronounced fear of heights was not sorely tested walking across the bridge, there really isn’t anything to prevent you from falling, other than a protective metal guardrail that’s probably not more than 4 feet high. So while I was able to lean against the guardrail and hold my digital camera out with both hands to take a picture, there was no way I could look down. And it was so windy that a couple of times I thought the camera was going to fly out of my hands. The wind really is unrelenting, and before I reached the other side I had to stop and put on my hoodie (which had spent the day tied around my waist) because it felt so cold. It’s a good idea to dress in layers.

The other constant is the ceaseless roar of traffic rushing by. This walk is not conducive to conversation, although everyone from joggers to packs of kids to moms pushing strollers was out enjoying the sunny weather. And with good reason—the panorama of boats bobbing on the steel-blue waters of the bay, with the city in the distance, is really spectacular. You also have a head-on view of the massive twin towers supporting the bridge’s main cables. They’re a dizzying sight.

Plan on about 45 minutes to reach Vista Point, where there’s another parking area, restrooms and an overlook that offers a view of the bridge from the opposite end (not as impressive in my opinion). By this time the sky was starting to cloud over and there was a chill in the air, so I called a friend and asked if he could come and pick me up. And it was good thing I did, because San Francisco’s capricious weather lived up to its reputation; five minutes after he arrived it began pouring down rain. I was grateful enough to gladly pony up the $6 toll.

Walking across the Golden Gate is one of those touristy things that even locals enjoy doing. By all means add it to your to-do San Francisco list. 

The Warming Hut is in Presidio Building 983 at Marine Drive and Long Avenue, within Fort Point National Historic Site. The website www.goldengatebridge.org provides lots of useful information. Click on the map to see the Golden Gate Bridge area in TripTik Travel Planner.