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Editor Pick
Crossing the Golden Gate
- April 3, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
lilangel from Ocala, Florida
Thoughts of San Francisco conjure up many images, but perhaps none come as quickly as that of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many ways to visit the bridge, and it can be viewed from multiple locations around SF. However, the only true way to experience San Francisco's most famous landmark is on foot.
Upon arriving in San Francisco, we participated in a tour that drove across the bridge and viewed it from Vista Point. I've always heard about the infamous fog of San Francisco, but I never imagined what it was actually like. On the day of our tour the city was so foggy that we could barely see the top of the bridge even when we were standing on it. The most exciting part of this experience was hearing the fog horns on the bridge sound. The tour guide told us a few interesting facts about the bridge and gave us 10 to 15 minutes to look around. Everyone in my group was left feeling like they had yet to truly experience the Golden Gate.
After this inadequate journey to the bridge we decided that we would return and walk the 1.7 miles across the bridge on a clearer day. After a few days, our opportunity finally presented itself. To avoid doubling our walking distance by traveling on foot both directions, we caught a taxi to Vista Point and walked toward the city.
There is a toll involved with crossing the bridge and this cost is added to cab fare, making the charge a little more than what would typically be the case. However, it was only two to three dollars and did not deter us from choosing this transportation option.
After arriving at Vista Point, we started across the bridge. The walkway is well paved and easy to navigate. It is separated from traffic, but we did have to watch out for bicyclists and joggers.
As we walked, we were able to experience the famous red pillars and architectural designs up close and personally. We were also able to take numerous photos from all angles and marveled at multiple suicide hot line phones on the bridge to address the needs of people in distress. In addition to examining the intricacies of the bridge, we were able to see gorgeous views of the city and bay.
As we reached the end of the bridge, the walkway wound toward a gift shop. In the shop we found several interesting items of Golden Gate memorabilia. Next to the shop was a small park that included a statue of the bridge's architect and a floral recreation of the bridge. I also obtained my favorite picture of the bridge from this vantage point. Had we not walked the bridge, we would have missed all of these details.
The park is a little isolated, so you should bring a number for a cab in case you find no other options for traveling back into the city. Wear comfortable shoes and keep your camera focused!
From journal Are you Going to San Francisco?
Walking the Golden Gate Bridge
- March 3, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Ricardo! from Santander, Spain
Walking the Golden Gate Bridge was great. After a while you can get a little tired but it is worthy. You can have great views of the city and the bay, which will give you the opportunity to take beautiful pictures.
From journal The Amazing San Francisco
Editor Pick
Golden Gate Park
- August 14, 2006
- Rated 3 of 5 by
gatorgirl1977 from Ocala, Florida
Golden Gate Park is full of beautiful sites and things to do. There is the Japanese Tea Gardens, the Rose Garden, the Windmill, and the Botanical Gardens. The Park is free to visit. The Japanese Tea Garden has an additional charge, but it is under $10 per person. Everywhere you look there is something new to look at. In the botanical gardens you will discover different areas dedicated to different regions and countries around the world. One of our tour guides mentioned that there is not a single plant in the entire park that is a native Northern Californian variety, not just in the botanical gardens. This makes every tree something to be viewed.
Another nice feature of the park is that the bus line runs right beside it. It makes it easy to ride the length of the park and take in all the sights in the park in one day. I was told to visit the Shakespeare Garden; however, my map of the park didn't show it. It is suppose to be filled with plants mentioned in his works.
The Windmill is a must! It was absolutely breathtaking. It is located in the middle of a tullip garden; when I visited it wasn't tullip season, but it was still unbelievable.
The park also meets up against the Pacific Ocean on the west side next to the Windmill. It was very convient after looking around the park to go and walk on the beach.
While the park appears much smaller than Central Park, it is definanly worth the stop. It's a nice place to get away from all the hassle and traffic of the city.
From journal Fun in the sun in San Francisco
Editor Pick
Golden Gate Park
- July 18, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
airynfaerie from St. Augustine, Florida
In this park that occupies over 45 city blocks of area, one can get lost in the various-themed gardens, museums, and overall beauty. The things to see and activities to participate in are so extensive, it would be hard to take it all in with one day-trip...but on an overcast Sunday in April we tried! Our first stop was the Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. This section of the park boosts over 6,000 types of plants, many of which have name and fact plaques for the visitors' knowledge. We observed many types of birds and turtles as we picnicked near a pond with a quaint bridge crossing to an open field where the sounds of the Golden Gate Park Band played beautiful tunes. This band has been giving free concerts every Sunday since 1882.
Our next stop was across the street at the Japanese Tea Garden, with acres of ponds, delicate flora, bridges, and statues; and on to the new M.H. de Young Museum with it's breathtaking design of outdoor art and environmentally conscious architecture. Visit the many exhibitions (outdoor courtyard and grounds are free) and climb the Hamon Tower for a glorious view over the city.
Don't leave without visiting the western-most border of the park, where two windmills tower above the Pacific Ocean. One is surrounded by the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, which in peak season (late winter/early spring) is a sight to behold, with black tulips among colorful poppies. Overall, this park is breathtaking and full of life with bicyclers, joggers, grazing bison, Frisbee tournaments and more! Much to see and do...a "must-see" in San Fran!
From journal Long (Full) Weekend in San Francisco
Golden Gate Park
- April 24, 2006
- Rated 3 of 5 by
JesusW from Mexico city, Mexico
There is a lot more to see in this park than the usual Museum and Japanese Garden, you have to travel to the other side, the seaside, to find some interesting gardens and windmills.
From journal The Golden Gate and Alcatraz