The Golden Gate Overpass is famous due to its modern-engineered iconic structure. Every year, many tourists visit the town for this particular bridge to capture memories. It is a connecting flyover to California from this city. This two-mile bridge displays a monumental presence for this city.
If you plan to tour this city, you can get accommodation help from San Francisco realtors. You can stay there for many days and travel the whole town. But never forget this overpass as it welcomes people from two cities and is worth visiting.
Before you confirm your trip, you need to know some interesting facts about this bridge. This old structure has a fascinating history that every traveler must know before admiring it. The facts will enhance your enthusiasm, and you will never miss going there.
Historical Facts
Knowing the historical facts of this flyover will let you know all the hard work, efforts, and passion linked to its development. Its incredible structure is internationally acknowledged. In 1937, this flyover was inaugurated and allowed passengers to move from one town to another.
It is the longest overpass globally. The overpass construction was completed in almost three years. The overall building cost was around $36 million in 1937. It was made as planned within the budget. McClintic-Marshall Construction Company was responsible for building the bridge.
Strauss, the engineer, did not know much about such overpasses, so it was his first project to be done successfully. After much discussion, the international orange color was picked and marked on this structure.
In all these years, it never changed. On its 50th and 75th anniversary, travelers were not permitted to cross this flyover. In 2012, it was renovated and maintained. After the unfortunate incident of 9/11, law enforcement regulations have been taken for additional safety.
Interesting Facts
Construction Purpose
When this flyover was not constructed, people had to take a ferry to travel a very long distance to Marin County from the beautiful San Francisco town. This overpass was built to shorten the distance between the two towns.
The name came up from its unique Golden Gate Strait location. This overpass will shorten the distance between the towns and make traveling easy and convenient for everyone.
Structure
This bridge is internationally known because its incredible structure is quite the longest globally, approximately 4200 feet. You can compare its height to a 60-65 floor building. Two hundred fifty pairs of ropes hold the entire flyover weight with two thick cables.
The cables are three feet wide, well-attached with concrete from both ends and strongly constructed. It can bear strong winds because of its durable structure.
Color
The US Navy suggested the overpass color should be blue with yellow lines to improve its visibility. But its first primer coat was burnt red, making it appear well. It was amazingly blended with the overall surroundings, and the initial color was a beautiful orange.
Later, it was recognized as the International Orange. It is a major tourist attraction spot, and this tallest overpass is quite visible from long distances.
Drive Your Vehicle
Driving your car on this overpass is fascinating, but if one does it for the initial time, you must pay attention the whole time. There are no manual tolls; hence, you need to take a picture of your license plate to pay the amount. This thing must be done in advance. One will get toll bills in your email.
Interesting Things One Can Do
Guided Biking
You can get an amazing bridge experience if you consider a biking tour. Anyone interested in the guided one can begin their tour from Fisherman’s Wharf and ride this flyover from its waterfront. One will explore the mesmerizing views throughout the journey. You must capture pictures and post them in your media profile for memories.
You can avoid the busy lane as you can get stuck there for a long time. With other bikers, you will reach Sausalito and go to restaurants, do shopping, and have fun. Overall, it is a 3-hour tour, and one can easily explore the tour with his group. A tourist can schedule a biking group tour with a guide daily.
Take a Walk Tour
If you do not like biking, you can go on a walking tour. One can schedule it with the groups and walk for free. On this journey, one can go through the interesting facts about this overpass and enjoy being there for many hours.
You can capture pictures, gossip with friends, and enjoy walking on this amazing golden orange bridge. It is better if you make reservations to avoid separate bookings. It is a free tour, but one must pay fees for hiring a guide.
Bus Tour
You can get a bus ticket to tour the town, covering all the breathtaking locations. One can board the open bus to admire the scenic views and do the sightseeing properly. The bus will take you to all the tourist spots, and you can go on a bus trip for a whole day for an amazing experience.
Bay Cruise
You can check out the authentic beauty of this suspension flyover by waterfront cruise. Within 60 minutes, you will take a tour around the flyover and explore the mesmerizing beauty of this place.
One can enjoy sightseeing and learn all the interesting historical stories from the guide on this cruise. It is scheduled multiple times daily, and a traveler can pick any time for this cruise trip.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Gate Overpass has a unique and interesting history that every traveler must know before his visit. This flyover is the tallest globally and worth visiting if you plan a tour of this town. Its iconic and beautiful structure will blow your mind. Plan your tour of this beautiful place and make memories with your loved ones.
