Golden Gate Bridge452

You may be among those who feel you haven't really been to San Francisco until you've crossed the bridge, one of the world's most celebrated. If so, we recommend driving. Walking the bridge's east sidewalk as close as it is to high-speed, high-density traffic can be a frightening experience if you're also trying to keep an eye on children. The noise is near-deafening and the bridge often windy and shrouded in fog as well. As an alternative, there are great views from several nearly level pathways that start at the southeast parking lot (San Francisco side) behind the statue of the Chief Engineer Joseph Strauss. Still, the bridge is spectacular. Connecting the city and Marin County, it took four years to build and is one of the world's longest suspension bridges. It opened in 1937 and stands 220 feet above the water. And there is at least one advantage to walking: It's the only way to satisfactorily take in the spectacular views of the city skyline, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands.