The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in America, and with good reason. The weather is relatively mild most of the year, and it really doesn't matter when you visit, there are attractions both indoors as well as outdoors, with many open-air music festivals during the summer and fall. While this is all really great, there is one major attraction that has some visitors coming again and again.

While San Francisco has a wonderful skyline, with such buildings that stand out like the Transamerica pyramid building, Coit tower, and Embarcadero Center, what really makes this city stand out is the Golden Gate Bridge. It has spanned to San Francisco Bay since 1937, and has been the longest bridge in the world, until the Verrazano opened in New York City in 1964. However it is still one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, and it's International Orange paint makes it one of the most photographed bridges ever. No matter who you are or where you live, if you see a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge, or see it in a movie, you instantly relate it to California and San Francisco.

You can walk the span of this iconic San Francisco bridge on your own, following in the footsteps of countless other tourists who have walked the almost two mile span between the San Francisco peninsula and the Sausalito hills . There are also guided tours of the bridge as well as Golden Gate Park, named after the bridge. In addition, many different water tours, from the Bay Tour to the Alcatraz Island Tour also include a run under the Golden Gate as part of their itinerary. This bridge is also the gateway to see Marin County, Muir Woods, and Mount Tamalpais, one of the highest peaks in the area. From here, you can go north and experience some of the other area attractions, the wine country, as well as the Giant Redwoods.

One of the biggest things about the Golden Gate Bridge is that even with all the pictures that have been taken of this iconic bridge over the years, none do it the same justice as actually standing on or near the bridge. On the North side, there is a visitor's center, where you can learn more about the history of the bridge itself, from its rich history, the design planning of the bridge, as well as of course being able to take your own pictures up close and personal.

You can also contact tour companies to get information on tours of the bridge, as well as Golden Gate Park. There are numerous ones available from a variety of websites. While this is on spectacular bridge to see during the day, it is just as dramatic when all lit up at night. Other tours that are available are the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, and tours of the M.H. De Young Museum, aquarium and planetarium.

While you are visiting this wonderful city, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the many other attractions offered, it may be a good idea to book a San Francisco apartment, instead of a hotel. Even lower rate hotels can be expensive, but the furnished apartments in San Francisco offer more advantages, from separate bedrooms and living areas, full kitchens, and many of these are within eyeshot from the Golden Gate Bridge.