Golden Gate Bridge

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill takes a closer look at the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the top San Francisco attractions.

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is a rite of passage in San Francisco, whether you choose to walk from the Presidio to the Marin Headlands vista point or simply drive your car across the six-lane bridge.

Driving across the golden gate bridge is free going toward Marin County, but there is a small toll coming back into San Francisco. Today, the amount of cars that cross each day is about 120,000. Current toll is $5.

As we passed through the toll gate and began our crossing by car, I wondered how long is the Golden Gate Bridge?

We learned it's about about 1.7 miles from beginning to end with a 4,200 foot suspension span. It takes about an hour to walk across.

The Golden Gate Bridge's history dates back to its proposal in 1916. Construction began in 1933, and $35 million later the bridge officially opened to traffic on May 28, 1937.

It was the longest suspension bridge in the world until 1964, and the record has been beaten several times since then. In 1998, the Pearl Bridge in Japan claimed the world title.

Engineering students and commoners alike marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge blueprints designed by Joseph Strauss and Irving Morrow.

Until then it was called "the bridge that couldn't be built" due to rough ocean currents, heavy fog and 60mph winds. It was Morrow's idea to paint it an orange vermillion, which increases its visibility in the City's famous fog. The color is actually called "international orange"

The vista point on the Marin County side is perfect place to stop and take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the city's fabulous skyline through a viewfinder or marvel at this beautiful piece of American architecture.

Golden Gate Bridge suicides remain a problem, and there are several crisis phones located along the walking path. It's said only 26 people have survived the 750-foot jump. An annual average of 19 people commit suicide off the bridge.

Before you leave, don't miss the Golden Gate Bridge Souvenir shop, located in the historic roundhouse at Toll Plaza. You can also shop online at http://store.goldengate.org