The Golden Gate Bridge is famous the world over. Located in the state of California, it connects San Francisco to nearby Marin County. The picture you see here is a drawing that appeared on a old postcard. As you can see, the bridge was — and still is — big, beautiful, and amazing.

The Golden Gate Bridge, which is almost two miles long and 90 feet wide, has six lanes for cars and two sidewalks. Since it was opened in 1937, it has become a become a favorite California landmark.

San Francisco, where the bridge is located, is also known for foggy weather, cable cars, and tech companies. But the Golden Gate Bridge is the most famous, and by far the BIGGEST, tourist attraction of them all!

Fun Fact: Construction on the Golden Gate Bridge was started in 1933. It took about four years to finish the job.

Fun Fact: The Golden Gate Bridge stands 726 feet above the water and weighs about 887,000 tons!

Fun Fact: The Golden Gate Bridge is made up of two huge towers which support massive cables. This type structure is called a “suspension bridge” because the roadway is actually held up (“suspended”) by cables.

Fun Fact: Ships that sail under the Golden Gate Bridge can go directly to the Pacific Ocean, which is the biggest ocean in the world.

Fun Fact: The Golden Gate Bridge has been named one of the “Marvels of the Modern World” by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Fun Fact: The first Mystery Ryders story, The Mystery of the Disappearing Dogs, takes place in California (the same state where the Golden Gate Bridge is located).

Quotes from Famous Californians

“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”
Julia Child, Celebrity Chef

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
Walt Disney, Movie Pioneer

“I learned the hard way that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged.”
Lucille Ball, Actress

“A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example.”
Joe Dimaggio, Baseball Player