A Postcard From San Francisco: The Golden Gate Bridge

It is hard to imagine a time when the Golden Gate Bridge didn’t stand tall in all its fiery orange glory, fiercely protecting San Francisco, while standing pretty for countless pictures. However, on May 27, the iconic structure is celebrating its 80th anniversary. What better way to commemorate this milestone than to learn more about one of the most visited landmarks in the world?

Stats to know

Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began in 1933, opening to the public on May 27, 1937. Called Pedestrian Day, the official opening allowed tens of thousands of citizens to walk across the bridge before it was open for vehicles the very next day. This landmark is a suspension bridge, designed by Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow, and Charles Ellis, and retrofitted in 2009 to withstand a 8.3 (the strongest earthquake the San Andreas Fault can produce). The entire length of the bridge (from abutment to abutment) is a walkable 1.7 miles (8,981 feet).

Bet you didn’t know that…

Probably the biggest mystery to many is why it is called the Golden Gate Bridge, when it’s not gold in color. This is because it was named after the Golden Gate Strait it stands over. The strait connects the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and is where the first European settlers traveled through before glimpsing what is now SF for the first time.

How to get the best views

Walking across the bridge is an awesome experience worth doing at least once. You will see the bridge as close up as you can get to it, and the photo ops are fantastic. You can also embrace your inner child by viewing the landmark from this rope swing in Kirby Cove—a fun way to catch a great view. Take a walk (or drive) up to Battery Spencer and/or Hawk Hill and you will be able to see the entire bridge at once and get the ultimate Golden-Gate-Bridge-and-me selfie. Or check out these picturesque options!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.