Have you ever crossed the Golden Gate Bridge? What can you say about this magnificent monument connecting San Francisco and Marin County? Perhaps you too were thrilled to traverse this world-renowned bridge as you behold the beautiful scenery set before your very eyes. Crossing the wide strait also known as the Golden Gate that links the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean is certainly a good idea as you will experience its serenity and the atmosphere itself is really heart-warming too.
Looking at the Golden Gate Bridge, you will see that it is indeed a technical masterpiece worthy of adulation. But did you know that at first, many people were cynical whether this ambitious project will be realized at all? Well who wouldn’t be, knowing how wide the strait was at 1600 meters – that entailed a lot of hard work and of course a multimillion budget for sure! But with sheer determination, sufficient support, and financial backing; the bridge which was designed by engineer Joseph Strauss finally got its completion in 1937 after four years of construction with a total cost of $ 35 million. During that time, it was considered as the world’s largest and tallest suspension bridge.
The bridge was inaugurated on May 27, 1937 and 18,000 excited people walked across the bridge. The following day, it was officially opened to the public. And today, approximately over 120,000 vehicles cross the 2,737 meters bridge each day. Have you been one of them traveling across the 6-lane, 27-meter wide bridge? How did it feel?
The grand Golden Gate Bridge soon gained worldwide prominence, thanks to the records it set, the stylish Art Deco design of the two gigantic towers, the striking orange-red color, as well as the breath-taking surroundings near the Pacific Ocean. Though it has relinquished its record as the world’s longest bridge, it has already made a mark that will surely be remembered forever as one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is actually quite a challenge. With an almost 3km length and 67 meters above sea level, the bridge is less sensible to external forces like earthquakes and strong winds. Thus it makes the crossing rather unpleasant sometimes. Good thing the views are truly amazing so you don’t really mind the challenge at all and you would consider it more as an adventure. Just don’t forget to pay the toll if you are driving your own car. You may also ride a bus to cross the bridge. Buses are waiting right at the very start of the bridge.
If you pass through the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll definitely love every minute of your travel as you’ll see spectacular views along the way. Some of the fascinating locations from where you have the best views on the bridge are the famous South Vista Point, North Vista Point, Land’s End, Baker beach, and Conzelman Road. If you travel in the morning, you will be enchanted as the Golden Gate Bridge is shrouded in mist most of the time. But if you travel at night time, you will be captivated with the bridge’s eye-catching lights.
The Golden Gate Bridge is indeed one of a kind structure in the world that should not be ignored. It makes every American truly proud to have this world heritage, knowing the struggles of the people behind this project who made it into reality.
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