Golden Gate Bridge
Categories: Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Local Flavor [Edit]
Lincoln Blvd & Highway 101San Francisco, CA 94129
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Good for Kids: Yes
18 reviews
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
"I love coming here for a quick tan fix. No tan lines (if u choose not to wear undies) and no UV rays! After only a 15 minute spray session,…" read more »
284 Reviews for Golden Gate Bridge
I loved that the public restrooms there are extremely clean. This review is about our visit for Free Tiber/Free Burma rally on the day of Olympics torch rally day, about 3 weeks ago.
I wasn't aware of what was going on in Burma, until the recent natural disaster forced the country to reveal how this government is ruining people's lives there. And then I remembered of movie called Beyond Rangoon with Patricia Arquette about the country and saw people having to flee to Thailand.
That was more than 10 years ago. We have iPhone now but they are still suffering.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
How lucky am to go to George Washington High with a panoramic postcard view of the GGB for 4 years.
How lucky am I to get to drive across this bridge almost everyday in Matty (my Pruis)
I was stuck in traffic during the Tibet climbers (can't beat the view)
I was stuck in traffic when the toll worker got shot (can't beat the choas)
I was stuck in traffic during the head on collision (can't beat the usual 20 min drive turning into a 2 hour trip)
I am ALWAYS stuck behind a tourist car slowing down trying to take a picture in the middle of the bridge (can't beat the honking)
Can't beat always seeing the cops pulling people over before the rainbow tunnel
Tip: don't drive over 50mph. The cops are always in need of funding
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (6)
Cool (7)
Alas my 100th review! Finalamente- a stepping stone, a momentous occasion, ah- nothing like reviewing such a poignant piece of our city's history. I've noted other Yelpers using this as another monumental review, 100th, 200th, 300th, et al., as well.
Thus, I find it exciting, actually titillating to write a few random facts about this Art Deco masterpiece. If anyone thinks this bridge isn't "all that" as you may see in some reviews down the page, then let them try to erect something of this magnitude across a giant bay of water.
I love me some Wikipedia, and local random historical tidbits, which lead to the fun facts below:
1. The bridge has over 1,200,000 rivets.
2. The "golden" color of the bridge is actually an orange vermilion called international orange.
3. By the time the painting crews complete their job, a year has passed and it's time to begin painting the bridge again.
4. It's certainly the most photographed bridge in the world, although some would argue the Tower Bridge in London is also a contender for that title.
5. Since its completion, the bridge has been closed 3 times due to extreme weather conditions, all three being high wind gusts up to 75 mph.
6. In the movie, X-Men: United, the Golden Gate was destroyed by the forces of Magneto.
7. In the 2005 tele-movie "10.5," the Golden Gate bridge collapses after San Francisco is struck by an earthquake. (That was a hysterical and horrendously entertaining made-for TV miniseries)
8. Scary enough though, various and loose sources around the city have predicted that the bridge would not survive an earthquake much over 8.0 on the Richter Scale, and definitely wouldn't guarantee it's survival with an 8.5 or higher.
9. Joseph Strauss was the Chief Engineer and he spent 10 years drumming up support for the project in northern California.
Fun facts, fun times!!!
My other favorite thing to do is to walk all the way across and back on a sunny day. If you haven't done it yet- get out there and go! It's sensational.
Number of times I've crossed the Golden Gate Bridge: 3, 033
- Car: 30
- Bike: 3,000
- Foot: 3
Number of times I've wished the Golden Gate Bridge were made of chocolate: 3, 033.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (9)
Funny (19)
Cool (10)
I have been wanting to walk across this bridge forever and yesterday was the perfect day for it. Sunny, warm, and beautiful. I have driven across this bridge before, but walking was really special. I was so excited when the bus dropped us off. It truly is a beautiful bridge!!!. The walk was really pleasant. It wasn't windy at all so we really lucked out. After we crossed we walked to Sausalito for lunch. Now, a lot of people think that is crazy, but it was totally worth it. Lunch was fantastic and from there we took the ferry home.
This is a MUST DO for anyone that lives here. You just gotta walk across the Golden Gate once in your life!!!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
In the past two weeks I've crossed the Golden Gate Bridge four times, round trip, so I was excited to experience walking across it for the very first time. I just have to say that driving the the farthest left lane either way freaks me out so I avoid that at all costs. But yesterday we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge on foot and it was a great experience. It took approximately forty-five minutes one way, which wasn't too bad at all. I think every San Franciscan should do this at least once in their lives. :)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Its my second time to cross this bridge ever since ive been in wonderland. Sometimes i think, up to now, I still play so much the role of Alice.
The first time was pretty much undeliberate. i did not plan on crossing 4 bridges in one single day- thats Richmond Br., Golden gate Br., Bay Br, and San Mateo Br., (it was my 3rd week of driving and for petes sake what do i know.) I was lost from Richmond going back to Hayward and Golden Gate bridge stood out among the other three. I guess it was a funny and awesome experience, not knowing whats in the North or whats in South.... Well "where is North and South" that day was more like it!
So back to my review-- crossing this bridge for the first time is one of my best experiences. it was so fascinating, you just wanna stop in the middle of traffic and watch that body of water glisten underneath it. Whats more--it was nearing sunset that day, how I wish I have a built in video cam that I could click on automatic when I pass through such beautiful sceneries while driving. I cant help but go a little bit slower and worry later about where to go next even if I was lost.--all the other cars just seem to vanish in front of you... if getting lost would be this grand, then I would opt to be lost from time to time--=) =) =)
It was really worth it. Your fee for the three other tolls absolutely wouldnt matter to you anymore..that was how it is for my first.
But today I intended to go back @ sunset. I have some down time after work and ive been googling the directions for quite a while now, so i prepared my toll, put my best music up,
rolled down my windows for good fresh air ("ahh freedom" moment), and leaned back as I drove across this regal landmark. No glasses please, (dark or lensed) as i wanted to capture each second of this grandiose cruisin--
View was perfect, Golden and sparkling above all else- what seems to be Van Gogh's masterpiece.
Priceless.
Oh yeah!!! This is one of my favs to explore, from one side of the bridge to the other when my human has the strength for the day.
Fantastic views, James Bond 007 and Grace Jones on a balloon looming up ahead, getting buzzed by the Blue Angels, mega-millionaire yachts racing on the bay below, tourist cameras clickety-clacking -- what more can you ask for?
"Whatcha wanna do today?" *yawn*
"Wanna walk across the 'not so golden' GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE?!"
"Hell yes!!"
Thank you, bridge, for fun times on our honeymoon. :)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Simply majestic and iconic. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
It stood the test of time, as one can see from my dorm room in Starfleet Academy. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
No, this is not a 5-star review of the Bridge as a fabulous work of art/engineering or the views. This is 5 stars for the Bridge because it is one of the best sites in the world for honing serious bike-handling skills. Not only do you, on occasion, get a nice wicked, gusty cross wind, that gets especially tricky as it eddies around the towers, but you get a dynamic and unpredictable obstacle course, too. Of course, you may call these obstacles "tourists," "pedestrians," "tourists on bikes," "a pain in your ass," whatever, but I revel in my rides across the span, especially the east side. The kids darting to and fro, the unpredictable "quick step back" by photographers, the massive tour-packs... all test your control and your patience like no other place in the world. Here's to you Golden Gate Bridge! May your many oblivious fans ever challenge me and my fellow cyclists!
Ever since my old coked-out classmate Scott jumped off this thing, I've been a little hesistant to walk across it. Not like I'm depressed or anything, but I'm a follower and sometimes shouldn't tempt myself. Lemmings to a cliff = Janney to a suicide bridge. You see?
Driving this doesn't do it justice. You need to experience the shaking of this massive structure on a windy day. The fear will make you walk the 1.7 mile stretch quickly, running over tourists and gay people on tandem bikes, all the while keeping your body in optimal fat-burning mode.
Nice form of cardio (3.4 mi round trip), there is overflow parking on the south side of the bridge ($5/day), and beautiful views of the City.
Side note: Almost every review mentions suicide, maybe our next Yelp event should be a group therapy session.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (10)
Funny (16)
Cool (13)
Paris can't outshine San Fran.... I guess it's a patriotic sort of attachment, you know my style, you know what I mean.
Don't be dumb... the Oakland Bay Bridge has more usefulness than that beautiful Golden Gate one... !!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
CERTAINLY ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS BRIDGES OF ALL TIME.
Review 200 for me.. and what a perfect review for it.
A Beautiful Symbol of San Francisco. I often ponder the pride, dedication and engineering that went into this bridge. Not to mention the lives lost during its construction.
This is likely the most photographed bridge of all time, and out-of-towners would not dare pass this opportunity to visit.
Visiting the Golden Gate in San Francisco is a no Brainer! ! ! !
If you live in the Bay Area and have never visited.. what the hell is wrong with you????
It is often cold and windy so bring a jacket.
I have sailed underneath the bridge before and was intimidated by its size. It felt much bigger being right underneath it.
People sometimes complain about tourists.. but damn.. give them a break people.. Like you weren't a tourist somewhere before..sheesh!
I have yet to bike across it but it is on my to-do list.
Spectacular!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Every time I head south on 101 past Sausalito, head up the long winding hill, enter the darkness of the tunnel, emerge into the daylight and the perfectly framed view of San Francisco appears before me I am struck dumb by the incredible beauty of our Golden Gate Bridge.
With tears swelling up in my eyes and my heart beating with pride at the engineering feat that created this marvelous piece of living artwork connecting the earth, I wonder . . . can life really have more to offer than this exquisite beauty?
Then, as I begin to cross the bridge, I see the 1st of several blue & white signs:
"EMERGENCY PHONE AND CRISIS COUNSELING"
As if hit in the chest with the force of Ali, I wonder how the incredible beauty of this place cannot lift the spirits of those who might need phones and counseling here.
And I weap . . . for them. Every single time.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (10)
Funny (3)
Cool (11)
Tips -
South bound just after you come out of the Waldo Tunnel is the best GGB and City view - bar none.
Never drive North Bound in the far left lane.
Great walk, but an even better idea is to take a bike and go all the way to Sausilito.
Memories
The last (1987?) bridge walk. The bridge was wall-to-wall with people and it was physically impossible to walk across. The deck actually flatened out and the cables were swaying. Great experience.
Ahhh....the gate to the world!
Yes, crossing this gorgeous and historic bridge is something everyone should do.
And if you're ballsy, drive across on a scooter! Hope it's not too windy! But it makes for one awesome day in Sausalito.
Greetings My Fellow Yelpers!
I've been away from the site, due to lack of internet connection so I'm playing catch up now. Currently I'm away from SoCal, to show my Aussie Friend Dingo a great time here in NorCal. One the main attractions of the Bay Area and why all tourists take up a great deal of time is because of this bridge. I wish the Bay Bridge got the same notoriety then again, who would want to be known for a structure that people have jumped off randomly to their impending doom, due to a harsh view of reality.
Despite the negative comment I recently made, this bridge has been here for several decades and continues to be a site to see, to tourists all over the world on a regular basis. For cyclists who frequent the bridge it's to commute and enjoy a short ride from SF to Marin County. For people like myself, Jake and Dingo it's a nice spot to take a stroll some scenic photos and do a little Bboying if you will.
All in GGB, is the place to be even though their Oreo brownies are $2.50 and you get approached by random Russian tourists to "break dance" for them in front of the camera.
I'm a landmark junky and this has to be by far my favorite. I have had the pleasure of driving across this wonderful landmark on a few occasions and in addition to beauty of the bridge itself, you really are amazed by the unique beauty of the area that surrounds.
Sweeping views of San Francisco, the headlands, Alacatraz etc. are just a few things you notice when traversing the bridge. $5 is nothing for the experience you get. Drive pretty much any other urban bridge in the United States and tell me that this is not the best. My heart always beats a little faster when entering from both the north and south. As soon as the towers come into view, you know you are about to experience something unique and special.
Can you believe it? As a native San Franciscan, I had never walked across the entire bridge until last month. Instead, I would walk halfway and then back. Figured that would equate to a full trip. Haha...
Anyways, the BF and his dad wanted to take a nice Sunday afternoon stroll. It was a beautiful sunny day, so the drive through the Presidio to the bridge was quite enjoyable. Save yourself some money and park in the Presidio... there are several lots within walking distance to the entrance of the bridge that are free to the public.
this is a great bridge but when i'm crossing it. i think "do i feel lucky?
should i venture into the outer lane to go faster? will another car coming in the opposite direction careen out of control and impact me?
i don't feel so lucky. i stay in the slow lane.
i think i've driven this bridge like twice. HYPE! i prefer half moon bay.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
If you don't understand why this is one of the greatest achievements of humankind, then you are worthless and deserve to live in Pawktucket or Leesburg or Mobile or whatever joyless shithole you came from.
The GGB is as close to perfect as it gets.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
I've had a clear view of the bridge towers at home, from the late 1990s until now, and an old observation I had now haunts me. I strongly recall that at on at least one occasion(St. Patricks Day?) the bridge was temporarily green-colored. But I brought this up with friends, they didn't believe it, and now I can find absolutely no evidence to support this anywhere on the Internet.
I mean, it doesn't sound impossible considering that they have a crew retouching it continuously - they could have added stripes or something to make it green from a distance, without necessarily doing the whole thing. But I can't find a single photo or even a reference, just my own memories. Maybe I really am just wrong on this one....
Either way, it's a pretty awesome bridge.
i recently had a conversation with a friend about what a retard i am when it comes to art and architecture. i can tell you when things are tall or wide, and i can tell you if i think something is ugly. but beyond that, i don't know shit about, let alone the differences between art deco, post modernism, doggy-style, whatever. i also don't understand why i blurted out "homer simpson" when asked at a job interview who i admired most.
anyway, i walked across the golden gate bridge today for the first time without being forced by an out of town visitor, and i decided that i liked it. i like it because it's tall and long, and because it's orange. i like it much better than the sears tower in chicago which gets lost amongst a sea of architectural "wows". the sears tower also bugs me because it's named after a corporation, and because it scared the shit out of me when i used to work right next to it - it blocked lots of sunlight and reminded me of the corporate hell i was in.
i also like the golden gate bridge because my ass is noticeably smaller than 90% of the people who walk or bike across it.
this is the dumbest, most useless review ever. so sue me.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (11)
Funny (14)
Cool (11)
Driving over the Golden Gate bridge after work in the sunset makes you really appreciate this glorious city we live in. Minus one star for the expensive toll.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Funny (3)
Cool (1)
bay areaaaa!! hyphy hyphy hyphy!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
My favorite vantage point besides the Headlands: sun roof open, at night, dead of winter (but no rain)...watch as the towers approach you...wait quietly as it soars overhead and disappears from view, silently slipping away...shhhhh (set the tone with The Boatman's Call....) ahh now that was gorgeous...
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
San Francisco is sooooo cool it has a $5 cover charge!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (13)
Cool (9)
What can I say that hasn't already been said?
Can you believe they started construction in 1933?!
That alone is amazing!
I've stopped here many times. I usually go to the north side and park there with a sammich and some jager.
I like this side better, because there's less traffic and you get an incredibly awesome panoramic view of the bay, bridge and city. I've taken some amazing pictures and video here.
Shine or rain, you can't go wrong with this hilltop.
There's something so majestic and grandiose about this place. You smell it in the air and you feel it in the wind. I'm sure it'll get a sigh and a deep breath out of you.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (6)
Cool (5)
I have lived in this city for 5 years now and you still can't wipe the enormous smile off my face when I drive across this bridge. I remember the first time I crossed it, convertible top down and with the sun out--I won't ever forget that feeling. Seriously. Thinking about it right now even makes me smile.
On the to-do list: bike the bridge, run the bridge, sail under the bridge.
Tips for tourists: don't forget your winter coat :)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
It's a bridge! It's a big one, people like to jump from it all the time but it costs a small fortune if you have to drive across it on a regular basis.
It's a great thing to see, it's impressive when there's no fog around it...
I think it's 4.5 seconds from roadway to water. Work with a guy that was almost hit by a jumper while kite surfing....that would have sucked!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
this bridge is famous for many locals and non-locals since it was built. many come to see it, walk across it, ride across it, propose on it, drive to home/work on it and....to die on it. for some reason, this bridge attracts the most suicides than any other bridge of it's type. an ironic phenomenon.
the absolutely best way to see this magnificent structure is by boat at the peak of summer. trust me. and if you're lucky, you'll get to be underneath it while a huge cargo ship gets pushed/pulled into the bay by a tug boat.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (4)
When I think of the Golden Gate Bridge a very distinctive memory comes to mind. My band toured in a van built for maybe four and there were six of us with tons of equipment and duffel bags all jammed in.
It was the dead of summer and there we were, racing up Interstate 5 to play some shows in San Francisco. We had just plowed through the Mojave Desert sweating like pigs, stripped down to t-shirts and tank tops with all the windows cracked open. The van smelled of B.O. that hummed so hard it could've stripped paint off a battleship.
The temperature inside the van must have been 250 degrees and we were coated in greasy, grotty sweat. The sunlight from the desert was a blinding gold death ray. In the distance we could see the grand Golden Gate Bridge looming up ahead. As if in a sci-fi movie there was an enormous gray cloud hanging in the middle of the bridge, sitting there waiting like a big, fat bug.
As soon as we got on the Golden Gate we drove through the ominous cloud and everything changed from gold to gray. The chill hit us like an ice cube bath and we quickly slammed all the windows in the van shut. Our dicks shriveled up quicker than a Minutemen song and we threw on our sweaters and coats. Suddenly we all had to pee real bad!
Not bad for August. Mark Twain said it best when he said, "The coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco".
P.S. By the way, the shows went great and Frisco has the best food (next to Chi-town). I'll be back next autumn in my Long Johns. Yummy.
P.S.S. Zomb E. you can swallow my soul - I'm an evil puppet and my soul is cursed, anyhow.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (6)
Cool (4)
The GGB means so many things to me:
- its a gateway to the north
- its a symbol of the achievement man can make in harmony with our surroundings
- its an ambassador to the world, showing the wonders of our city
- its a welcome sign to the ships returning home, or coming to visit
- and it's just plain cool
Every time I drive across I am nervous because everyone is looking around while driving, even me. And I grew up around here.
I've ridden across it's span on a bike, walked across it, explored underneath in on foot (areas now closed off), and sailed under it on a boat. All things I would highly recommend doing even if you are a seasoned SF vet.
re member the time that they closed the bridge to let everyone walk across and there were so many people the span flattened out? Boy were there some nasty comments in the Chronically after that day. In my house we have a picture of the China Clipper flying over the bridge - as well as a few of my prints.
Love it, just love it.
So get on your bike (rent one if you need to) and ride across it. IF you can, keep on going into Sausolito and take the ferry back. It will be a day that you remember for the rest of your life.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (4)
You HAVE TO bike across this bridge. It is amazing being so high in the air and looking at the view of the Pacific Ocean with the breeze blowing in your face. (Much less crowded than the walking side too.)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I've walked the bridge twice. I think that's enough for me. If you haven't done it you need to.
It's really amazing how long the bridge is. I pass this almost daily on the car or bus, but it is a whole different experience actually walking the bridge.
Tip #1: Go on a sunny day. I always see people walking in the fog. You can't see anything in the fog. On a sunny day you can the Marin Headlands, Albatraz, Bay Bridge, Angel Island, and more.
Tip #2: Take Pictures of the amazing view.
Tip #3: Bring a Jacket or sweater, maybe both. It gets pretty chilly. Even on a sunny day it can be cold.
It loses one star because they have that stupid fences up. I forget if they are going to do the suicide barrier. Really sad that they put the fences up.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I love this bridge, its one of the few bridges in the world that I would parked, get down and take pictures with it, I'm sure you guys did the same thing.
Its the real Landmark of San Francisco, with stories, I love stories.
Its big. Its golden. And the view is breath taking on a clear day. Enjoy this site while its still here.
I've been there so many times now and it never ceases to amaze me! I've even been fortunate enough to loop the bridge in a helicopter twice and recommend that too! I think the best part about the bridge is its setting and how majestic it looks among the rocks, ocean and green mountains. Also its colour - international orange - most people don't know that :0P Also..most people take photos from the top, I'd recommend going down the track a little and there is a more private and amazing place to take photos from.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
-
-
Coit Tower
131 reviews
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings -
-
-
Related Lists
-
Let Me Be Your San…
just put on this little blindfold & swallow this… -
I Like Me.
Much like puffins, French Bulldogs, bacon, and… -
San Francisco Walking…
My partner and I are trying to get out every week…
