Things We Are Not Taller Than: San Francisco is part of a series. You can read about the origins of our travel tradition here.
The thing about being a local in San Francisco, is that you don’t often do the touristy things. While I have walked across the Golden Gate Bridge several times, I’d never been to the famous Hawk Hill, with its iconic view of my favorite city.
Things We Are Not Taller Than: San Francisco, CA
Hailed as one of the most beautiful (and photographed) bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is synonymous with San Francisco. Construction began in 1933—prior to that, the only way to cross from San Francisco to the Marin headlands was via boat. What makes the bridge so special, apart from it’s distinct rust-red color? Through the mid-1960’s, the Golden Gate was the longest suspension bridge in the world, measuring 4,200 feet (1,300 m).
Now, about that color. Officially called “international orange”, the shade was chosen for its ability to shine through San Francisco’s famous fog.
There are few great spots to admire the engineering feat that is the Golden Gate Bridge. Hawk Hill, so named for the raptors that migrate through every fall, offers the full package: bridge with city behind. Other good spots?
- Fort Point, on the city-side of the bridge
- The Presidio
- Baker Beach
- Land’s End
- Fort Baker, on the headlands side of the bridge
Up and Gone 