Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco's most defining symbol is the massive, awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge. Painted a reddish color that's actually called International Orange, the bridge stretches 1.7 miles beneath its soaring towers across the mouth of San Francisco Bay, otherwise known as Golden Gate. When completed in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest and tallest suspension structure in the world. Accessible from both San Francisco and Marin, the bridge is best seen on foot or by bike (it's free, too); vehicle traffic, which must pay a toll, is mostly commuters and doesn't slow down to take in the sights.

On the bridge, you'll enjoy stunning views in all four directions: the expansive blue Pacific to the west, the sailboat-dotted Bay to the east, the picturesque City to the south and the towering Marin headlands up north. Stand near the southern pedestrian entrance on the eastside of the road to peer at the courtyard of Fort Point below. Further out, look over the guardrail as cargo ships gliding by seem toy-sized in the distance.

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