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A bridge to love

It was ‘the bridge that could not be built’ – and yet it was. After 4 years of construction, which was often hampered by icy winds, treacherous currents and thick fog, the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937. With its 2 towering supports and eye-catching reddish-orange colour, this magnificent bridge quickly came to symbolise San Francisco.

Arts & Culture

Eye-catching colour

Building the Golden Gate Bridge was definitely not a risk-free undertaking. To prevent as many accidents as possible, a safety net was placed under the bridge, which saved the lives of no fewer than 19 workers – the ‘Halfway-to-Hell Club’. Unfortunately, still 12 men died during construction of the bridge, albeit a relatively low number considering the size of the project. The colour of the bridge – international orange – was chosen by engineer Irving Morrow, who felt that the initial grey was far too boring. Besides, the reddish-orange colour stood out better in the fog and matched the colours of the sun setting over the bay.

Biking over the bridge

Although it is a great experience to drive across this famous bridge, it is even more memorable to walk or cross it by bike. The views down into the bay from the bicycle and pedestrian path are breathtaking and make you realise just how tall the bridge really is. Another advantage of biking is that you can visit the lovely harbour town Sausalito, from where you can take the ferry back to San Francisco. Even in case of nice weather, be sure to take a jacket, because the wind on the bridge is often extremely strong and cold.

View from the Marin Headlands

The best viewpoints

There are vista points on both ends of the bridge, where visitors can park their car and enjoy views of the bridge. For a totally different view, head to Baker Beach to see the bridge from a much lower angle. However, the most spectacular view continues to be from the north end of the bay, where you look through the gigantic bridge support towards the skyline of the City by the Bay – that is, if San Francisco isn’t blanketed in its famous fog.

All

Culinary

Nature

Arts & Culture

Culinary

San Francisco is famous for its burritos. Surprised? The Mexican burrito is a popular lunch or dinner item around the world, but this classic dish has been given a unique twist in San Francisco, called the Mission-style burrito. Make it your mission to try at least one during your visit to the City by the Bay.

Nature

With 2 museums, a variety of gardens and endless miles of greenery, Golden Gate Park is perhaps best described as the playground of San Francisco. Originally home to massive sand dunes, construction began in 1871 to create a park that would be bigger than Central Park in New York. The green oasis now attracts 13 million visitors each year.

Nature

A drive out of the city and across the Golden Gate Bridge takes you to a completely different landscape. Rugged cliffs, beautiful grassy meadows and a diversity of wildlife: welcome to Point Reyes National Seashore, a park filled with countless biking and hiking trails and a 130-kilometre-long coastline for enjoying fresh sea breezes. And all of this at only a stone’s throw from the city.

Arts & Culture

Jazz is not a music style that many people associate with San Francisco, but this bustling city on the west coast of the United States has a very lively jazz scene – one with an unusual history. Although the heyday of jazz may have come to an end, the city still has dozens of excellent jazz clubs.

Nature

Fishing boats, souvenir shops and seals – they make Fisherman’s Wharf one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions. Locals are quite adamant about avoiding this touristy area, but visitors just can’t get enough of it. It may not be the most authentic place in town, but it’s definitely fun and entertaining.

Culinary

In addition to fish, crab and Ghirardelli chocolate, San Francisco is also known for yet another culinary tradition: sourdough bread. A slightly sour taste, soft inside and crispy crust characterise this classic treat from the Bay Area. Although this bread can be bought throughout the city, there are a number of places that are worth going a little out of your way for.

Arts & Culture

A sinister place used for many years to incarcerate the most dangerous criminals of the United States – that’s the first association that comes to mind when someone mentions Alcatraz Island. Even though famous gangsters like Al Capone were indeed once imprisoned here, the island also has another surprising history. Alcatraz is more than just a prison.

Arts & Culture

Once a desolate parking lot, the area has been transformed into San Francisco’s cultural oasis, the Yerba Buena Gardens. Picnicking families sit in the grass, children play by the waterfall and art lovers visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) or the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA). Hectic city life seems very far away here.