GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

It ranks right up there with the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower as an icon that's recognizable world-wide!.

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT THE GGB

You can walk, jog, or bicycle across the bridge, but you aren't allowed to roller blade, roller skate, or skateboard across. I have no idea why! But crossing the GG Bridge sans automobile is one of San Francisco's free things to do.

You can shop at the bridge. Check out the Roundhouse Gift Center. It's in the old Roundhouse (hence the name), it was built in 1938, and it was originally a restaurant. (I used to have breakfast there on my way across to Marin County.)

You'll find some interesting things in the Gift Center

• Books on the history of the bridge
• A toddler's tee that says, "Golden Gate Bridge; Big, Strong & Awesome; just like my Dad"
• And for the true afficianado - you can purchase an authenticated, four-inch piece of the original steel cable that supported the bridge during its first 40 years!

Be sure to take a stroll through the renovated gardens too. The gardens are beautiful, and you'll get a different view of the bridge!

INTERESTED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE?

• It's a suspension bridge, and from 1937 to 1964, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
• It was built under grueling conditions: strong, swirling, unpredictable currents; water that's 335 feet deep and 47° F; dense fogs; and 60 mile per hour winds.
• Designer Joseph Strauss was responsible for the innovative safety netting that was used beneath the construction.
• The 19 men saved by the netting called themselves the "Halfway to Hell Club."
• Engineer Charles Ellis offered much theoretical and technical support for the building of the bridge, but was not officially recognized for his contributions until 2007.
• Not everything that's "gold" glitters. The color of the bridge is not gold - it's an orange vermillion known as "International Orange." The color was chosen to compliment the natural surroundings yet provide high visibility to ships during debilitating fogs.
• The bridge has only been closed 3 times: all 3 due to extremely high and dangerous winds.

It's no wonder the Golden Gate Bridge is such an iconic San Francisco attraction!

Follow one of the links below to explore other famous San Francisco attractions:

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