Bridge, Park Share Name but Offer Disparate Thrills

Standing on the Golden Gate Bridge is probably the best place to appreciate the sentiments of its chief engineer, Joseph Strauss, who dedicated it to the“ traffic of man, at the gate of the setting sun.”

Although views of the bridge from two nearby observation points are great for photos, locals who cross the bridge on foot relish its vistas of Angel Island, Alcatraz, Treasure Island, and the layers of hills to the south where San Francisco lies. Visitors can relish that perspective, as well, if they take a car, trolley, or bus to the bridge and walk halfway across its 1.7-mile span.

Another option is to rent a bike downtown and ride to and then across the 71-year-old structure. A brief stop also allows bird's-eye views of ships 220 feet below as they enter or leave the Golden Gate—the strait connecting the Pacific Ocean with San Francisco Bay. In May pedestrians and bicyclists are allowed to cross on the east sidewalk from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

While nearly 40 million commuters hurry across the bridge every year, a leisurely up-close view allows visitors to appreciate the tremendous size of the structure, including its iconic towers that rise 500 feet above the roadway.

The bridge was painted orange vermillion, also called international orange, to both blend in with natural colors on the land around it and to make the structure stand out when fog descends on the area. The paint also serves to protect the structure from the corrosive effects of airborne sea salt. Its signature color and structural integrity are maintained by 38 full-time painters and 17 ironworkers, who replace corroding steel and rivets.

The more traditional locations from which people enjoy the bridge are South Vista Point on the San Francisco side and the North Vista Point on the Marin County side. The renovated garden area on the southeast side includes the Strauss Statue, which memorializes the bridge's builder. This is echoed by the Lone Sailor Memorial at Vista Point at the north end of the park.

Gardens Galore Await

While Golden Gate Park—located to the south of the bridge—may not have the cinematic splendor of the bridge, there is so much to do and see that absorbing its bounty in a single day is nearly impossible. One of the star attractions is the California Academy of Sciences, which opened to huge crowds last September (see Original article: Explore Sea, Sky, and Earth at New Science Academy). The cutting edge and environmentally friendly museum features a tropical forest, an aquarium, and a planetarium. One must-see sight at the academy is the swimming penguins of the Simpson African Hall.

Golden Gate Park also includes the rainforest-like Conservatory of Flowers, which overflows with orchids and other exotic flora from climates that range from steaming to chilly. The tranquil setting displays more than 1,500 species of plants native to dozens of countries housed within the oldest wood-and-glass Victorian-style conservatory in the United States.

The park is also home to San Francisco's premier art museum, the renowned de Young Museum, which recently debuted after a major rebuilding project (see Original article: Like Your Art on Canvas or Skin? There's a Museum for You!).

The outdoor Strybing Arboretum also includes numerous flowering plants in a tranquil setting that invites a leisurely stroll. Free guided walking tours offer insights one might not otherwise get.

One of the most visually arresting sites in the park is the Japanese Tea Garden, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful views while sipping on tea. Towering over much of the park, the Japanese Tea Garden features small streams and delicate footbridges.

Challenges for Sports Buffs

Other activities include paddleboat, rowboat, or electric boat rides on Stow Lake and hanging out at the Polo Field, where locals play soccer, Frisbee, or football.

The Spreckels Temple of Music in the park offers free concerts on Sundays.

If all this running around has gotten you hungry then swing by the Beach Chalet or the historic Cliff House Restaurant, both of which offer spectacular views and a highly sought dining experience. The Beach Chalet features massive restored murals from the 1930s, while the Cliff House has an ocean-facing location and modern cuisine.

Information on the Golden Gate Bridge is posted at<www.goldengatebridge.org>. Information on Golden Gate Park is posted at<www.nps.gov/goga>.▪