The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco since it's opening in 1937, stands as one of the most famous bridges globally.

From it's distinctive name and color to its historical significance and the records it has set, these insights offer a unique glimpse into it's storied past.

Get ready for your visit to this renowned San Francisco landmark with these intriguing details about the Golden Gate Bridge. After learning these fun facts, enhance your experience with a Golden Gate GoCar Tour to explore the Bay Area in an unforgettable way!

Completed Ahead of Schedule Despite beginning during the Great Depression, the bridge was completed under budget and ahead of schedule in just four years, starting in 1933 and finishing in 1937.

1. Completed Ahead of It's Time

Despite its construction during the Great Depression, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Construction kicked off in January 1933 and wrapped up in 1937, taking only four years to complete this massive project.

2. Replaced a Century-Old Ferry Service

Before the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed, the only way to travel between San Francisco and Marin County was by ferry. This service, which started in the 1820s, operated for over a century, transporting passengers and vehicles until the bridge opened.

3. Origin of the Name

The Golden Gate Bridge is named after the Golden Gate Strait, the Pacific Ocean gateway to San Francisco Bay. The strait's name was inspired in 1846 by an American topographer who compared it to the Golden Horn, a famous harbor in Byzantium.

4. A History Marked by Danger

Building the Golden Gate Bridge in the 1930s came with significant risks. Despite the implementation of numerous safety measures, including a safety net that saved 19 lives, 11 workers tragically died during construction.

5. Record-Breaking Span

Upon completion, the Golden Gate Bridge's 4,200-foot span made it the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time—a record it held until 1964. It was eventually surpassed by New York City’s Verrazzano Bridge, and today, the longest suspension bridge is the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan.

6. The Iconic Color That Almost Wasn't

The striking orange color of the Golden Gate Bridge is known worldwide, yet it was nearly painted black and yellow. This initial proposal by the Navy aimed to enhance visibility for passing ships in the foggy San Francisco Bay.

7. A Feat Dubbed Impossible

In the 1930s, San Francisco was the largest American city still predominantly reliant on ferry services, which hindered it's growth. Before the Golden Gate Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge was only 3,501 feet—699 feet shorter than what was planned for Golden Gate.

8. Staggering Construction Costs

The final bill for the Golden Gate Bridge reached $35 million by the time of its completion. When adjusted for inflation, this cost exceeds $607 million today, marking it as a monumentally expensive undertaking.

9. Historic Closures

The Golden Gate Bridge has been closed occasionally for repairs and due to weather, but only two individuals have ever led to its full closure. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and French President Charles de Gaulle were those significant figures. Additionally, a less expected event occurred in 2014 when two black-tailed deer halted traffic by crossing during peak hours.

10. A Grand Opening

Although he was far from the scene, President Franklin D. Roosevelt played a crucial role in the grand opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937. From his office, he signaled the celebration by pressing a telegraph key. This action set off every fire siren, rang bells, and sounded ship whistles and fog horns throughout San Francisco and Marin, making it a truly memorable event.

11. A Billion Crossings and Counting

Since it's opening, the Golden Gate Bridge has seen immense traffic. In a memorable event in February 1985, the bridge celebrated its one-billionth vehicle crossing. The driver was honored with a hard hat. On that day, approximately 300,000 people walked across the bridge, filling it from end to end.

12. A Top Instagram Favorite

The Golden Gate Bridge is not only a marvel of engineering but also a social media star. According to a study by Globehunters, it is the 9th Most Instagrammed attraction in the United States, appearing in over 2 million posts. This places it high on the list of must-visit destinations, right behind Disneyland in California, which leads with over 8 million tagged posts.