Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge takes first place on the list of best things to do in San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge, which spans San Francisco Bay, is a California landmark. It is the city's most photographed location, with the orange structure backed by blue water or, in many cases, peaking through low lying cloud. The flood-lit structure is equally impressive at night. The Golden Gate Bridge, which connects San Francisco to Marin County and other districts further north, was once named the best man-made sight in the United States by the United States Travel Service. The bridge, which opened on May 28th, 1937, took four years to build and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its completion, measuring approximately two miles in length.

The road over the Golden Gate Bridge is US Highway 101, or SR 1, and pedestrian and cyclist walkways are available on both sides of the bridge. The walk starts at the bridge's beginning (via the Presidio shuttle) and ends at a viewpoint in Marin County. Many residents enjoy riding their bikes across the bridge to the nearby waterfront town of Sausalito. The East Sidewalk is for pedestrians, and the West and East Sidewalks are for bicycles. The bridge is only accessible to pedestrians and cyclists during the day.

There are several ideal vantage points for a great view of the bridge or for anyone interested in photographing the bridge. From the San Francisco side, Nob Hill, known for its opulent old mansions, provides some stunning views of the bridge. Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Marin County, on the other side of the bridge, is also worth a visit. There are also completely open views from the boat and island if you plan on taking a tour to Alcatraz.

Location: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA