California's morning sun applies another layer of gold to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The Art Deco color, orange vermilion, sets this suspension bridge apart from all others, easily recognized worldwide. This modern wonder of the world supports San Francisco's vehicular traffic and welcomes Golden Gate sightseers and walkers. Receiving more than 10 million visitors every year, this world famous bridge offers a unique experience. With its towers soaring over 800 feet in the air and the roadway hovering 100 feet over the Golden Gate Strait (the entrance to San Francisco Bay), the bridge is a sight to behold. Open during daylight hours to pedestrians and bicycles, the bridge walk spans a 1.7 mile stretch. Twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays) bridge tours are offered to walkers by San Francisco City Guides, a non-profit organization. Recently updated by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, a welcome center on the south end offers commemorative merchandise, exhibits, food services (Round House and Bridge Cafe) and historical information. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, the welcome center relates the history and associated stories of design and construction of the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Butting up to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on both ends, visitors may stay busy exploring the bay area for days.
   Joseph Strauss, chief engineer, is credited with the Golden Gate Strait Bridge design, assisted by Irving Morrow, Charles Alton Ellis and Leon Moisseiff. Even though Strauss was in charge while developing the bridge design, politics and firings were a common threat to team member. Ambition filled his five foot frame, and everyone was reminded that Strauss was in charge. The Golden Gate Bridge opened May 27, 1937.

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