There’s no drive quite like crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Bold and instantly recognizable, this engineering masterpiece has been turning heads since 1937. But beyond the selfies and stunning skylines, this iconic bridge carries a legacy packed with surprising facts, record-breaking stats, and cultural firsts. Whether exploring San Francisco behind the wheel with SIXT or in your own ride, we’re diving into the top 10 facts that make the Golden Gate Bridge a landmark and legend of the American road.
The Bridge Stays Up Thanks to Just Two Cables
Hard to believe, but the entire Golden Gate Bridge is balanced and supported by just two main cables. No need to worry, though; each cable is packed with 27,572 strong individual wires forming a network within the cables that can safely secure the weight of the bridge and flowing traffic. These massive cables work in line with the suspension bridge system, draping over the towers and holding up the roadway using tension only, which means they are constantly being pulled tight to support the distribution of weight across the bridge. If you want to take a closer look, explore what the inside of one of these cables looks like at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.
500 Planes Opened the Bridge
The completion of the Golden Gate Bridge was such a significant feat of American engineering that on the 27th May 1937, 500 planes from the United States Navy flew over the bridge to mark its opening. These featured numerous types of planes from a 42-ship armada, all there to celebrate the liberation of San Francisco from limited travel and subsequent regional growth.
The Carnival That Captivated San Francisco
San Francisco became the stage for one of the most spirited celebrations in American history. The city hosted what was to become a weeklong spectacle in honor of the grand opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. Endless parades marched through the street, lined with dancers and pageant queens, and entertainers from across the country. As the carnival ended, locals professed that few spectacles had drawn more interest in San Francisco’s history than the Golden Gate Bridge opening.
Time Is Eating Away at the Golden Gate
Despite only closing 3 times for earthquakes in its long history, its biggest aggressor is much less mighty. Rust. Every day, the salty air and fog are slowly wearing down this mighty structure of steel through a process called corrosion. Testament to the bridge’s incredible craftsmanship, the bridge was built to withstand this to a certain extent with extra-thick steel to accommodate the inevitable rust. But this isn’t enough to stop it in its tracks. To maintain its strength, special crews endlessly repair the bridge, scrubbing away the rust, treating the metal, and painting it to perfection. It is a never-ending makeup to keep this icon looking sharp. So next time you cruise across it in your SIXT rental, just know, this bridge fights hard to stay golden for your perfect photo opportunity.
The President Directed the First Crossing
On the day of the Golden Gate Bridge’s opening, President Franklin D. Roosevelt himself signaled the first vehicles to drive across the bridge. Straight from the White House, the President sent a telegraphic signal, a form of coded message common at the time, permitting the flow of traffic across the bridge. This liberation of San Francisco, allowing convenient travel, would change the city forever.
The Golden Gate Bridge Shut Down Ferries
Not everyone was happy about the opening of the bridge. Some locals felt the impact of change almost instantly, causing a loss of income from the bridge. South Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries were heavily relied upon for travel across San Francisco, carrying passengers across the bridge for a small fee. Following the bridge opening, ferries lost a considerable amount of business, leading them to dropping their fees for a single trip from 60 cents per car and a further 15 cents per occupant to 30 cents one way with 30 cents one way with 5 occupants by the 11th August 1937. As passengers decreased, opting for travel via the Golden Gate Bridge, South Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries halted operations by the summer of 1938, within a year of the bridge opening, leading to unemployment amongst local ferry workers.
Its Name Originates From 19th Century Trade
The Golden Gate Bridge stretches across the narrow strait known as the Golden Gate, a name that dates back to 1846, when U.S. Army Captain John C. Frémont named the strait due to its shining gateway to trade and opportunity. This historic trade route presented a “golden door” to the Pacific and the promise of California’s Gold Rush. When the bridge was designed, its planners honored this legacy by naming it after the strait, recognizing its importance as a key passage and a powerful symbol of new beginnings.
Hollywood Royalty Marked Its Opening
Hollywood royalty flew in from Los Angeles to honor the Golden Gate Bridge opening, turning the celebration into a true star-studded event. Big names of the day, including legendary entertainer Al Jolson, charismatic George Jessel, western star Buck Jones, and acclaimed Victor McLaglen, all took the stage, delivering unforgettable performances that energized the excited crowds. Their presence highlighted just how much this bridge meant, not just connecting two sides of the bay, but linking innovation with entertainment in a uniquely American way.
Adding a powerful musical touch, Oscar-winning composer and conductor Victor Young led the crowd through an incredible performance, raising the energy and making the event feel like a grand celebration of progress and culture. At SIXT, we see moments like this as a reminder of what bold vision and star power can build. Bridges, connections, and unforgettable experiences.
Cost of Construction
Though the bridge was built in only 4 years, the cost of construction was not so small. By 1937, when the bridge opened, it had cost over 35 million dollars. Even by today’s standards, this figure is enormous, but factoring in inflation, in 2025, this equates to just over 77 million dollars.
It was the Longest and Tallest Bridge in the World
At the time of its completion, the Golden Gate Bridge didn’t just make headlines, it made history. Stretching across the bay with the main span of 4200 feet, it shattered the previous record held by the George Washington Bridge, which stood at 3500 feet. But it wasn’t just about the length; its towers soared to 746 feet above the waterline, making them the tallest bridge towers in the world at the time. The sheer scale of the project, from its 1.7-mile total length to its 90-foot-wide deck, represented a triumph of American engineering ambition. With a suspension system that spanned distances previously thought impossible, the Golden Gate Bridge instantly became a symbol of modern marvels and American resolve. Its towering presence and bold international orange hue still command awe today.
Cross the Golden Gate with SIXT Rental
Now that you know all about the Golden Gate Bridge, your next step is to explore it in style. At SIXT rental vehicles, we provide the perfect ride for the ultimate experience. Whether you’re crossing the Golden Gate, the Brooklyn Bridge, or just looking for more fun facts about iconic bridges like the original London Bridge, SIXT has got you covered.
