I just HAD to walk across the bridge. The locals told me that it swayed with the wind, but that you don't feel it. So true!! It was wonderful and not scary at all. A great photo opportunity but very windy, so hold onto your hat!!

San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is a famous symbol of San Francisco and the West Coast, and the U.S. road coming into San Francisco is another one of those must see experiences. Self-promoter Joseph Strauss wrangled his way for full credit for the building of the Golden Gate Bridge though he never had any experience in the construction of any bridge before nor any engineering background.

Crossing over the bridge currently costs $5 but will most likely continue to increase (it was supposed to be free once it recouped its costs) helps support not only the ongoing maintenance of the bridge, but also the highway, bus and ferry service. The bridge represents imagination, vision, and a sense of freedom from the mundane, and still captures people's heart in its design and look to this day.

On the north side, the Vista Point parking lot is free and open daily 7am to 7pm, with a 4-hour limit. The southeast parking lot is metered daily till 9pm. Drive to Fort Point, near the foot of Golden Gate Bridge, for a breathtaking view, or drive across the bridge to the other side and up the hill to see a view of the bridge and the city. You may walk across the bridge if you desire, but bring a warm jacket along, as it can get cold. And be aware that the bridge may sway up to 27 feet with the strong winds. There's an excellent DVD video from PBS on the Golden Gate Bridge which I was able to view a copy of it from my local library.

Golden Gate Transit, Muni 28, 29; PresidiGo Shuttle 17 weekend hourly service between 11am-6:39pm, depending on direction to the Golden Gate Toll Plaza parking lot. If you start off here there's a walk and a trail to find your way down to Ft. Point. If on foot, make sure to start your way back before sunset or have a bright, strong flashlight to light the trail.

One of the most famous bridges in the World and the product of a stunning feat of engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge stands at the mouth of San Francisco Bay between Marin County to the north and Golden Gate Park to the south, and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area which is the largest urban national park in the world.

Opened on May 28, 1937 at twelve o'clock noon, ahead of schedule and under budget, the Golden Gate Bridge is instantly recognisable by its eye catching 'International Orange' colour scheme, and its trademark Art Deco suspension bridge lines.

The phenomenal 4,200ft main suspension span was a world record length that lasted for 27 years until New York's Verrazano Bridge topped it in 1964. The bridge's 1.7 mile length can be crossed by car (toll southbound), on bicycles or on foot. Check out the Golden Gate Bridge Research Library Website for more amazing statistics about this unique bridge.

The Marin County side of the Golden Gate Bridge is the 'wilder' side and a great place to take pictures and watch freighters and sailing ships cruise under the bridge as you enjoy a view that stretches right round from Golden Gate Park and Twin Peaks to The Bay Bridge.

The south side of the bridge is more developed and easier to get to for tourists, which means that it is more crowded but also has better facilities. At the base of the bridge is Fort Point National Historic Monument which was also used as the nerve centre for building the bridge.

Higher up, by the entrance to the bridge's east sidewalk, is the statue of Joseph B Strauss who masterminded its construction, as well as a cross section of one of the Bridge's huge main cables. Also here is the Roundhouse Gift Centre where, as well as the usual tacky and not so tacky tourist souvenirs, you can buy a wealth of books and videos about the history of Golden Gate Bridge. Outside the Roundhouse is the MUNI city bus (routes 28&29) turning circle and the southside car park.

I had a chance to drive across it to and from Sausalito before dropping off the hire car, and then a second time when I walked to underneath one of the pylons to stare up at its sheer colossal size. To me this bridge is almost the 'twin' of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, as they were both built within a few years of each other and though of differing styles they were the largest of their kinds for many years afterwards.

IMPRESSIVE!! An easy walk (about 2 1/2 miles roundtrip). However, be prepared for sudden shrouds of fog!! Truly an engineering marvel! Bus route stops right at the bridge.

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