Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a giant orange suspension bridge that connects San Francisco to the hills of Marin County. Cars, bikes, and walkers cross it every day high above the sparkling bay water.
It is famous for its bright orange color and its two tall towers that often peek through soft ocean fog. People love it as one of the most photographed bridges in the world and a proud symbol of California.
The Famous Fog
San Francisco fog rolls in so often that locals gave it a friendly nickname, Karl the Fog. On misty mornings the top of the bridge can disappear into the clouds like a magic trick.
How It Was Built
The bridge opened in 1937 after workers spent years hanging huge steel cables across the windy strait. Its special orange color was chosen so ships and planes could see it easily through the fog.
Walking and Biking
You can walk or ride a bike all the way across the bridge on a special path and feel the fresh sea breeze. Look down to spot sailboats, and sometimes even dolphins or sea lions in the bay below.