San Francisco Tourist Attractions : Golden Gate Bridge And Park by Kenneth Ng

Golden Gate Bridge

Though it is often windy and cold, walking even a short distance onto the span is one of the best ways to experience the immense scale of the structure. To cross on foot, as millions do every year, you can either park in the lot at the base of the bridge on the city side or venture out from Marin's Vista Point, at the bridge's northern end, which affords one of the most famous urban vistas in the world. ($5 toll cash when driving south. Bridge-bound Golden Gate Transit buses (415/923-2000) depart hourly during the day for Marin County.)

Construction on San Francisco's most famous landmark began in 1933 and cost 35 million dollars by the time it opened. The bridge neither collapsed in an earthquake nor proved to be a white elephant. What it did was change the Bay area's economic life, encouraging the development of regions north of San Francisco, and providing a symbol of hope when widespread unemployment afflicted the nation.

Golden Gate Park

The Park is made up of hundreds of gardens and attractions linked by wooded paths and roads. And has infinite hidden treasures, beyond its immediate appeal, so make your first stop the McLaren Lodge and Park Headquarters (415/831-2700) for a detailed overview of information. The best gardens among a few, are the Rose Garden, Rhododendron Dell, the Strybing Arboretum, the Conservatory of Flowers, and at the western edge in spring, the thousands of tulips and daffodils around the Dutch Windmill.

The park contains recreational facilities such as tennis courts; playing fields for soccer, polo and baseball; a golf course; fly-casting pools; and riding stables. Spend a sunny day lounging on the grass along JFK Drive, have a good read in the Shakespeare Garden, stroll around Stow Lake, or check out the M.H. De Young Museum's spectacular new home and you will understand the allure.

Author's Name : Kenneth Ng