Since its grand opening on May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge has provided a vital link across the Golden Gate, where San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific Ocean.
Before the bridge was built, the quickest way to travel between San Francisco and the headlands of Marin County was by ferry: today, approximately 300,000 vehicles a day move smoothly across the bridge.
Some people doubted that a bridge could be built across the Golden Gate, where the strong ocean currents and frequent fog can be treacherous. But after a little more than four years of construction, the bridge opened with the longest main span of any suspension bridge in the world at that time. The beauty of that graceful span, along with distinctive bright orange paint, made the bridge an enduring symbol of San Francisco.
Now through mid-October, dozens of events are being held in and around San Francisco to celebrate the 75th birthday of the bridge. Photo exhibits, art contests, musical performances, tours of historic homes and food festivals are just some of the festivities planned. Everything is designed to commemorate the bridge, but also to spread appreciation of its beautiful setting and special place in the hearts of area residents and visitors.
The official celebration on Sunday, May 27 – the Golden Gate Festival – will take place along San Francisco’s waterfront, including the famous locations of Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, with additional exhibits and activities at various landmarks around the city. The festival program is still developing, but will include a display of autos from 1937 to the present, a parade of historic watercraft, live music and dance, art installations and films. The evening will be lit up by a spectacular fireworks display.
If you want a great view of the bridge, visit Baker Beach in San Francisco’s Presidio Park; or, rent a convertible, put the top down, and drive to South Vista Point, on the San Francisco end of the bridge, or North Vista Point, on the Marin County end.
In addition to the famous bridge, San Francisco is full of cultural attractions, gorgeous parks, major league sports and colorful neighborhoods to explore. Just north of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Napa Valley offers an array of wonderful accommodations, along with world-class wineries.
Talk with your travel professional about everything you can do in the Bay Area during the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge.
This travel column was written by BlueRibbonNews.com special contributor Robbert van Bloemendaal, an experienced world traveler, native of Australia, an Ambassador with the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce, and president of Travel Leaders of Rowlett.
Read Robbert’s Remembering the Titanic with a memorial cruise
Read Robbert’s Top Ten US Vacation Destinations for 2012
Read Robbert’s Top International Vacation Destinations for 2012
Also, Contemplating a cruise? Safety matters
To submit your news and events or a guest column on your area of expertise, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
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