| Every city has its famous sights that are iconic and | | | | make sure you stick to one side on the way. You can |
| which everyone recognises the world over. San | | | | then cross safely at one end and come back along |
| Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, and its colour | | | | the other side to get a different view. |
| and design are instantly viewed as an image | | | | Those who live in San Francisco view the bridge as a |
| associated with this particular US city. | | | | way of crossing the strait of water it traverses. But |
| You will no doubt be familiar with how the bridge looks | | | | for tourists it is one of the main areas of the city to |
| from seeing photos of it in newspapers and | | | | see. One thing to be aware of in this respect is just |
| magazines, and images on television and in film. But this | | | | how busy it can be. Always walk carefully and |
| may not prepare you for the knowledge that it is well | | | | remember that cyclists can use the bridge as well. The |
| over a mile and a half in length. It used to be the | | | | sidewalk on the eastern side of the bridge is open to |
| longest bridge of its type in the world, but that is no | | | | both walkers and cyclists, so bear this in mind. |
| longer the case. A handful of other bridges have | | | | Remember too that it can get quite breezy as you |
| surpassed it since it was opened back in 1937. | | | | walk further out onto the bridge. Even if the weather is |
| Many cars and other vehicles pass over the bridge on | | | | good it is advisable to ensure you have a sweater or |
| a daily basis, crossing to and from San Francisco itself | | | | fleece on to keep out the cold. Good shoes are also a |
| and Marin County on the other side, crossing the | | | | must, particularly if you plan on walking across the |
| stretch of water known as the Golden Gate in the | | | | whole span of the bridge and then back again. |
| process. Not everyone is aware that this stretch of | | | | There is no doubt this is one of the highlights of the |
| water gave the bridge its iconic name. | | | | many sights and sounds of San Francisco. There are |
| If you want to cross the bridge however, there are | | | | also lots of San Francisco hotels nearby that you can |
| other ways to do it rather than by car. Perhaps the | | | | stay in during your time in the city. You might even get |
| best way is to walk from one side to the other, as you | | | | a great view of the bridge from the window of your |
| get some superb views along the way. If you do this, | | | | chosen accommodation. |