Why the International Orange Color? What is the Color Formula? Click here to listen to Kevin Starr talk about Golden Gate Bridge Consulting Architect Irving Morrow’s selection of the International Orange color. When the steel for the Golden Gate Bridge was fabricated by Bethlehem Steel at its foundries in PA and NJ, the steel was coated with a red lead primer. As the bridge towers began to rise for the Golden Gate Bridge, consulting architect Irving F. Morrow was commuting to the construction site from his home in the East Bay via ferry. He became inspired by the red lead color. Morrow undertook color studies, which resulted in the specification of the unique Golden Gate Bridge International Orange because it blended well with the nearby hills and contrasted with the ocean and sky. Morrow recognized very clearly that the Bridge color was a very important influence on its appearance in relationship to its surroundings. As the Bridge stands today, the color blends perfectly with the changing season tints of the spans’ natural setting against the San Francisco skyline and the Marin hills.

Morrow concluded, “The effect of International Orange is as highly pleasing as it is unusual in the realm of engineering.” The color dubbed “International Orange” existed before the Bridge (and still exists) and is a color used in the aerospace industry to set things apart from their surroundings, similar to safety orange, but deeper and with a more reddish tone. You can see this, the “other” International Orange color here: The Golden Gate Bridge is painted Golden Gate Bridge International Orange which was selected by Consulting Architect Irving F. Morrow. In his April 1935 Report on Color and Lighting , Morrow defined the approach to the color section, “Preliminary to discussion of particular colors, a decision must be made on a matter of policy – is it desired to emphasize the bridge as an important feature of the landscape, or to make it as inconspicuous as possible.” The final color was inspired by studies undertaken by Morrow in cooperation with other architects, engineers, painters, sculptors, and others. Morrow also included black, grey, and aluminum in the studies, ruling each out for a range of reasons. Black would be unattractive and would reduce the scale of the bridge more than any other color.

Proponents for the aluminum color reported that this color would give beauty as the beauty of a dirigible aircraft. Morrow rejected it as the towers would be deprived of substance and made tiny. Battleship grey and warm grey were studied. Warm grey was named as the distant second to orange vermillion. Italian American sculptor Beniamino Benvenuto Bufano submitted his comments to Morrow, “ I have been watching very closely the progress of the towers on the Golden Gate Bridge in its structural beauty its engineering and architectural simplicity – and of course its color that moves and molds itself into the great beauty and contours of the hill – let me hope that the color will remain the red terracotta because it adds to the structural grace and because it adds to the great beauty and the colorful symphony of the hills—and it is because of this structural simplicity that carries to you my message of admiration.” Color Formula The Golden Gate Bridge International Orange color is mixed to our requirements. The Bridge has maintained our formula for GGB International Orange through the years. Our requirements are in no way proprietary, anyone can formulate and use the color – in fact we provide the color percentages on the website. What passes for International Orange is going to vary by manufacturer or standard of which there are many.

When purchasing paint for the Golden Gate Bridge, it is done through a competitive bidding process. Currently, the paint is supplied by Sherwin Williams and is made to match the GGB International Orange color formula. For compliance purposes we use ASTM D 2244 – Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates. When purchasing paint for the Golden Gate Bridge, it is done through a competitive bidding process. Currently, the paint is supplied by Sherwin Williams and is made to match the Bridge International Orange color formula. The closest off-the-shelf paint color that Sherwin Williams has available is "Fireweed" (color code SW 6328). Many people ask about the formula for the Bridge’s unique International Orange paint color. Paint stores can mix it with the following information: CMYK colors are: C= Cyan: 0%, M =Magenta: 69%, Y =Yellow: 100%, K = Black: 6%.

The closest existing color codes to GGB International Orange color are: PMS 173 (CYMK = 0%, 80%, 94%, 1%), PMS 174 (CYMK 8%, 85%, 100%, 34%) Pantone 180 (CYMK 19.4%, 77.9%, 79.6%, 3.6%) What is the Color Formula for Golden Gate Bridge International Orange? There are a couple of misconceptions about how often the Bridge is painted. Some say once every seven years, others say from end to end each year. The truth is that the Bridge is painted continuously. Painting the Bridge is an ongoing task and a primary maintenance job. The paint applied to the Bridge’s steel protects it from the high salt content in the air which can cause the steel to corrode or rust. There are currently As the Bridge was built, it was painted International Orange, with a lead primer and a lead-based topcoat. Painting of the various Bridge structures then continued into the next several years. Spot painting of the steel continued in various areas of the span on an as needed basis until 1968.

By 1968, advancing corrosion sparked a program to remove the original lead based paint (primer and topcoat) and replace it with an inorganic zinc silicate primer and vinyl topcoats. This process was completed in 1995. Note that in 1990, the topcoat was changed from a vinyl to an acrylic emulsion to meet air quality (Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC) requirements. Painting continues today and is based on priorities which are determined by inspections that assist in determining where the corrosion of the steel is advancing. In 2012, there are two major paint projects underway along with touch-up projects. They include the repainting of the two massive main cables (link to Main Cable page) and the painting of the Marin (north approach viaduct structures). Painting During and After Original Construction From the Fiscal Year 1938/1939 Annual Report: “The largest item in the maintenance budget is for painting of the structural steel. The past fiscal year, the sum of $112,431.84 was expended for painting of the Bridge structures.

This amount was divided as follows: Labor, $86,589.13; brushes, tools, etc., $5,430.67; paint, $20,412.64. “The exposure to salt-laden fog is more severe at the Golden Gate than any other bridge in the Bay Area. Not only is the fog extremely active in attacking the paint film but it also limits the hours when painting can be done. Over thirty percent of the working hours during the last fiscal year could not be utilized for outside painting because of weather conditions. “The condition of the paint on the steelwork was so critical at the time of the Bridge opening that an acceleration of the original painting program was necessary. This situation arose because two conditions were not thoroughly understood at the time the original estimate of operating costs was made, namely (1) the severity of exposure and (2) the importance of special treatment of the steel surfaces prior to erection. On steel structures erected subsequently to the Golden Gate Bridge, steel surfaces have been treated by sandblasting or flame cleaning prior to erection. Failure to use either of these special treatments has added greatly to the cost of maintenance painting.

The six months’ delay in the construction of the Bridge also contributes to this additional cost since, at the time the Bridge opened, the main towers, or over forty percent of the tonnage had already an exposure of one year. Prior to completion of the Bridge, contractors and the District found it necessary to expend over $130,000 for paint maintenance on the towers and main span. “Immediately after the steel contractor completed his work in December 1937, the District organized a small crew of painters who had previous experience on the Bridge while working for the contractors. The crew starts at the bases of the towers where the rust had attacked the rivet heads and surfaces. The steel was thoroughly cleaned and a hot application of coal tar paint made at these points. “The majority of paint failures has been caused by the loosening of mill scale. Rusting progresses under the loosened mill scale so that soon much of the surface is involved and it is necessary to remove most of the paint and thoroughly clean the metal surfaces. After trying the available methods of cleaning, the use of pneumatic chipping hammers with specially-made studite-tipped tools was adopted as being the most economical.

After the rust and scale has been removed by chipping hammers, a flame dehydration torch is passed over the metal. The flame effectively dries out the moisture between the plates and around rivet heads and also removes all remaining traces of scale leaving a warm, dry surface to receive the priming coat. This surface is thoroughly wire-brushed and immediately primed while still warm and dry.” The Golden Gate Bridge's Accidental Color : NPR The Golden Gate Bridge's Accidental Color Embed Embed The Golden Gate Bridge's Accidental Color The Golden Gate Bridge's Accidental Color Embed Embed Susan Stamberg Credit: Produced by Coburn Dukehart, Cindy Carpien and Heidi Glenn You'd think the color of the most photographed bridge in the world would have a more exciting name than "international orange." Something like "vermilion" or "terra cotta" or "burnt sienna" might seem more appropriate. Whatever you call it, it's the vivid, unmistakable color of the Golden Gate Bridge, which turns 75 next year. But back in the 1930s, the now-iconic hue was a radical choice. Enlarge this image A painter at work in 1937, the year the Golden Gate Bridge opened.

It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time; painters had to cover more than 10 million square feet of steel. Courtesy of goldengatebridge.org hide caption toggle caption Courtesy of goldengatebridge.org A painter at work in 1937, the year the Golden Gate Bridge opened. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time; painters had to cover more than 10 million square feet of steel. Courtesy of goldengatebridge.org 'Unique And Unconventional Treatment' First, to set the record straight, the bridge is named not for its hue, but for its location. It's built above the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The color came about thanks to Irving Morrow, the Golden Gate's consulting architect, who noticed the striking reddish-orange primer painted on some of the steel. Morrow designed the bridge's lighting and its art-deco styling. He also championed the unusual color. Most bridges were gray, silver or black. It was expected that the Golden Gate Bridge would follow suit.

"He had to convince the Department of War, the permitting agency at the time, that the largest suspension span ever built at the time [should] have this wild crazy color," says Golden Gate Bridge spokeswoman Mary Currie. The bridge's construction began in 1933. Two years later, Morrow made the case for the wild color in the 29-page document, Report on Color and Lighting , which he presented to the bridge's board of directors. "The Golden Gate Bridge," Morrow wrote, "is one of the greatest monuments of all time. Its unprecedented size and scale, along with its grace of form and independence of conception, all call for unique and unconventional treatment from every point of view. What has been thus played up in form should not be let down in color." Article continues after sponsorship The primer would need some added tones, but Morrow felt it was an ideal complement to the gray fog, the golden and green hills, the blue water and sky. Who Paints The Bridge? There are more than 10 million square feet of steel to paint on the bridge. It's constantly touched up, not just to keep up the color but to protect it from the salty weather.

Currie says one of the big myths is that the bridge is painted from one end to the other rather than continually touched up. Paint superintendent Rocky Dellarocca jokes: "Yeah, you start at one end, and when you get to the other end, you retire." That's how long it would take. Dellarocca spent two decades painting the bridge. Now he oversees some 30 bridge painters. "Rocky dreams in international orange," Currie says with a laugh. Painting the bridge is tough work. Only rain stops Rocky and his crew. But the bridge is wrapped in fog almost 70 percent of the time. And the winds can blow 60 mph — which can cause problems because workers usually use spray guns. "There's some places it's so windy you have to hold the spray gun next to the steel — otherwise the paint will blow off at a 90-degree angle. That's why, to be a structural steel painter — bridge painter — you've got to be a little off-center," Dellarocca says. A Special Brew Buckets of paint are stored in an underground bunker near the bridge.

Dellarocca estimates that 5,000 to 10,000 gallons are used yearly. You can't just walk into a paint store and buy the Golden Gate Bridge color. You may find something called "international orange," but it's not this international orange. This is a special mixture formulated just for the Golden Gate. "Over the years, I've had so many people call me," Dellarocca says. "They want to get this color because they want to paint their bikes, the trim on their house, their fence, their dog house. They love the bridge." A bit of "international orange" paint on Susan Stamberg's fingertip. Cindy Carpien/NPR Dellarocca spent a good deal of time mailing chip samples to anyone who asked. Now you can find the exact paint mixture on the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District's website. Color? I Can't See The Bridge! San Francisco is regularly wrapped in the kind of fog poet Carl Sandburg described as coming "on little cat feet." When that happens, it's hard to see the color of the paint on the bridge. The cables curve upward but go nowhere, disappearing into the fog.

"But when this fog goes away," Currie says, "you'll see the beautiful Marin Headlands and golden hills as they reflect against this beautiful international orange." It's an understatement to say that Currie and Dellarocca take great pride in watching over this bridge. "People took care of this place before I got here, since 1937," Dellarocca says. "I'm going to take care of it, and when I retire, someone's going to come right behind me and keep taking care of this bridge." Can he imagine the bridge any other color? "No, it's the most beautiful bridge in the world," he says. "The Navy wanted to paint it black and yellow so it was more visible, but the [Golden Gate] Bridge District said no way." 6 Things You May Not Know About the Golden Gate Bridge - History in the Headlines 6 Things You May Not Know About the Golden Gate Bridge May 25, 2012 By Christopher Klein Share Get the facts about one of the world's most beautiful bridges.

Share this: 6 Things You May Not Know About the Golden Gate Bridge Author 6 Things You May Not Know About the Golden Gate Bridge URL Google A foghorn blared into the California dawn at 6 a.m. on May 27, 1937, to signal the official opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. That day, nearly 200,000 people walked, ran, tap-danced and roller-skated across what was then the longest suspension bridge in the world. The next day, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to automobile traffic. As San Francisco’s signature landmark celebrates its anniversary, explore six surprising facts about this modern marvel of engineering. 1. The military wanted the Golden Gate Bridge to be painted in stripes. The U.S. War Department initially objected to the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge because it feared that Navy ships could be trapped in San Francisco Bay if the span was bombed or collapsed. The military eventually gave its approval, but it wanted the bridge to be covered in garish stripes. The Navy, concerned about visibility for passing ships in foggy conditions, pressed for black and yellow stripes to be painted on the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Army Air Corps pushed for a more festive, if not less gaudy, candy-cane combination of red and white stripes to make the bridge more noticeable from the air. 2. The Golden Gate Bridge’s signature color was not intended to be permanent. The steel that arrived in San Francisco to build the Golden Gate Bridge was coated in a burnt red and orange shade of primer to protect it from corrosive elements. Consulting architect Irving Morrow found that he preferred the vivid hue of the primer to more conventional paint choices such as carbon black and steel gray. The “international orange” color was not only visible in the fog, but it complemented the natural topography of the surrounding hills and contrasted well with the cool blues of the bay and the sky. Morrow ultimately selected the bold primer color, intended to be temporary, to coat the bridge. (The custom formula, manufactured by Sherwin-Williams, is no secret. It can be found on the bridge’s web site.) Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in January 1936. (Credit: Underwood Archives/Getty Images) 3. The Golden Gate Bridge’s original design was universally rejected.

The bridge’s original design, produced by chief engineer Joseph Strauss in 1921, was a clunky hybrid of a cantilever and suspension bridge that according to one critic resembled “an upside-down rat trap.” It was functional, but far from elegant. Strauss agreed to scrap the design, and he later brought rival engineers onto the project to produce a more graceful suspension bridge design. 4. The Golden Gate Bridge is the top suicide location in the world. In August 1937, three months after the Golden Gate Bridge opened, H.B. Wobber strolled the span alongside a tourist he had just met on a bus. Wobber suddenly turned to his companion and said, “This is where I get off. I’m going to jump.” Despite the tourist’s attempt to stop him, Wobber threw himself over the side. Four seconds later he hit the surface of San Francisco Bay at 75 miles per hour and became the first of more than 1,500 people to commit suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. That’s an average of one person less than every three weeks. More than 30 bridge jumpers actually survived their attempts at self-annihilation.

There are 11 crisis counseling telephones on the bridge that connect to trained suicide prevention counselors, and plans to build a net under the span as a suicide deterrent are being considered. 5. The Golden Gate Bridge had an impressive construction safety record. In the 1930s, a rule of thumb on high-steel bridge construction projects was to expect one fatality for every $1 million in cost. By those standards, the construction safety record for the $35 million Golden Gate Bridge was impressive: only 11 construction workers died. (By contrast, 28 laborers died building the neighboring San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which opened six months prior.) Joseph Strauss made safety a high priority on the treacherous project. The chief engineer made the construction site the first in America to require workers to wear hard hats, and he spent $130,000 on an innovative safety net that was suspended under the bridge deck.

The net saved the lives of 19 workers, who called themselves the “Halfway to Hell Club.” Ten of the 11 fatalities occurred in a single accident on February 17, 1937, when a 5-ton work platform broke apart from the bridge and fell through the safety net. 6. Local citizens put their own properties up as collateral to finance construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Little federal or state money was used to build the bridge. Most of the financing came from bonds sold by the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District. Despite being in the midst of the Great Depression, voters in the district’s six counties in 1930 approved a $35 million bond issue that required them to put their homes, farms and businesses up as collateral. The resounding approval by a three-to-one margin reflected the faith of local citizens in the long-term economic benefit of the project. The construction bonds were retired in 1971. Tags How to paint anything the color of the Golden Gate Bridge | Flickr How to paint anything the color of the Golden Gate Bridge Want to paint your home the same color as the Golden Gate Bridge?

I did, so I made a few calls, including one to the purchasing manager of the Golden Gate Bridge itself. Here's what I learned: The official paint is called "Golden Gate Bridge International Orange" ( of course ), and it's manufactured by Sherwin Williams . Who knew? But there's a catch. It's a custom mix, and only sold in very large (ie: commercial) quantities. Need 500 gallons? You're in luck. Want less? Don't panic. After visiting a Sherwin-Williams dealer in San Francisco, I was told that the consumer color called "Fireweed" (color code SW 6328) is a color equivalent to the paint used on the bridge. I was skeptical. Fireweed looked waaaay too dark when I saw it on a paint sample, so I drove out to the bridge to see for myself. Turns out, it's true: If you allow for a little natural fading on the bridge railing shown here, Fireweed (the bottom sample shown above) is indeed the same color as the bridge. I love the way it works in my house .

Just like the bridge itself, it adapts well to changing light, and it harmonizes nicely with the green of the back yard that's visible through our kitchen windows. (Alternate view here .) So don't let the shade of the little paint chip scare you off; in the real world, spread across a real surface, the color of the Golden Gate Bridge also looks great elsewhere. Done Painting the Golden Gate - National Geographic Society Photo : Media Spotlight Painting the Golden Gate The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the San Francisco Bay, connecting San Francisco with Marin County. The bridge is a special color of orange and not actually gold. The name Golden Gate refers to the area where the Bay opens up to the Pacific Ocean. Photograph by David Boyer Vocabulary Read the Fast Facts first! The Golden Gate Bridge connects two landmasses: the San Francisco Peninsula and the Marin Headlands. What landmass is this worker looking at? Show Answer He's looking at the Marin Headlands. The Marin Headlands are a natural landscape. The San Francisco Peninsula is a big city, with skyscrapers, buildings, and roads.

The Golden Gate Bridge is painted "International Orange." This bright color is a good choice, because it helps ships see the bridge, even in bad weather. What colors would be bad choices for the bridge? Show Answer Grey, white, or black would blend in to the fog or bad weather. Dark blues and greens would blend into the landscape of the San Francisco Bay. How long did it take for painters to remove the lead-based paint on the Golden Gate Bridge and replace it with zinc-based paint? Show Answer 30 years. The project began in 1965 and was completed in 1995. The salty air of the San Francisco Bay often damages paint on the Golden Gate Bridge. Why do you think there is so much salt in the air? Show Answer The Golden Gate Bridge spans a strait on the Pacific Ocean. Like all oceans, the Pacific is a salty body of water. The fog and clouds that form around the Golden Gate are full of salt from the ocean. This painter is working on top of the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. What is his elevation? What color is the Golden Gate Bridge? | Reference.com What color is the Golden Gate Bridge?

A: Quick Answer The color of the Golden Gate Bridge is officially International Orange. The original bridge design called for another color, but the steel manufacturers painted the materials using an orange primer to protect it from the elements. Irving Morrow, the consulting architect, found he preferred the contrast the orange provided to the bridge's surroundings instead of black or steel gray. Painters only touched up the original paint until 1965 when they began removing and replacing the lead based paint, a process that took over 30 years. Full Answer The Golden Gate Bridge received its name from the passage it spans, the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to the San Francisco Bay. John C. Fremont gave this name to the three-mile strait because it reminded him of the Golden Horn, a harbor in Istanbul. The name has nothing to do with the orange color of the bridge. Manufacturers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey manufactured the steel for the bridge. They shipped it by rail to Philadelphia, where it was loaded onto ships. The ships transported the steel through the Panama Canal to San Francisco for construction of the bridge.

While the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its construction, New York City's Verrazano Narrows Bridge, which opened in 1964, is 60 feet longer than the Golden Gate. Since the opening of the New York bridge, several others have exceeded it in length. The Golden Gate Bridge Almost Ended Up With a Bumble Bee Paint Job The Golden Gate Bridge Almost Ended Up With a Bumble Bee Paint Job Go to permalink The Golden Gate Bridge’s iconic “International Orange” paint job was a bit of a happy accident. If the United States Navy got its way, the landmark stretch of infrastructure would look like a bumble bee . That would’ve been just sad. Advertisement The black-and-yellow stripe color scheme, of course, was a design that emphasized practicality and visibility. Since it’s built out of a steel alloy, the Golden Gate Bridge needed a sturdy paint job in order to protect it from rust and corrosion. The salty air and characteristic San Francisco fog made these problems worse. The fog, in particular, raised the visibility concern. The last thing anyone wanted was for a tall ship to crash into the $35 million bridge, taking out cars and pedestrians in the process.

So, during construction in the 1930s, the War Department got invovled. The military initially objected to the bridge altogether for fear that Navy ships would get stuck in the Bay if the bridge collapsed, due to tall ship or bombers or otherwise. Once it had been dissuaded, the Navy proposed the bumble bee design. This was just a few years after the dawn of “dazzle” camouflage , an avant-garde design practice intended to hide things—even massive ships—in plain sight. A “dazzle” ship in 1918 Advertisement The Army Air Corp also favored the dazzle-inspired approach and proposed a red-and-white stripe color scheme. In conclusion, the military either wanted the Golden Gate Bridge to look like a bumble bee or a candy cane. Thankfully this didn’t happen. When the steel beams arrived to the bridge construction site, they’d already been painted with an international orange-colored primer. The original plan was to paint over the primer with a black or grey or (God forbid) military-order dazzle design. Consulting architect Irving Morrow actually wrote a lengthy “ Report on Color and Lighting ” that analyzed every aspect of the bridge’s appearance.

Ultimately, Morrow decided that the international orange looked pretty damn good. The reddish hue provided a pleasing contrast between the bright blue California sky as well as the golden hills on either shore. Most importantly, the color was bright enough to stand out in the fog. And so, the international orange primer stayed. It’s actually refreshed on a perpetual basis to ensure that the bridge’s steel stays protected. Every piece of the bridge gets a fresh coat of paint every 20 years or so, though painters are constantly painting due to the sheer size of the landmark. By 1990, the original lead-based paint had been completely replaced by zinc-based paint. As the bridge’s website explains : Advertisement Sponsored The zinc protects the steel, because zinc corrodes more easily than steel. Zinc serves as a sacrificial metal, so the steel does not rust when zinc is present. On top of that zinc primer is a top coat of paint in the Golden Gate Bridge’s signature color called International Orange. The formula for international orange is no secret. The specific CMYK formula and color codes are published on the bridge’s website . You can also buy a close approximation off-the-shelf from Sherwin Williams.

It’s called “Fireweed”—a name that’s frankly a little more fun than international orange. It’s certainly better than “Bumble Bee” ever would’ve been. Advertisement Golden Gate Bridge | Visit California Golden Gate Bridge Thomas H. Story/ Sunset Publishing Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge See one of the world’s most famous landmarks, spanning an elegant bay With towers soaring 746 feet/227 meters into the sky, its span arcing across the mouth of San Francisco Bay, and all of it painted fire-engine red, the Golden Gate Bridge is, quite simply, amazing. If you’re scratching your head as to why a bridge called “Golden Gate” is in fact red, here’s why. It’s generally accepted that the mouth of San Francisco Bay—the narrow strait that the bridge spans, was named Chrysopylae (Greek for “Golden Gate”) by early explorer John C. Fremont. (Captain Fremont thought the strait looked like a strait in Istanbul named Chrysoceras, or “Golden Horn.”) So it makes sense that the bridge is named after the expanse of water that it crosses. But what about that crimson color? Call it an unexpected surprise.

When the steel for the bridge was first installed in place, it was only covered with red primer. A consulting engineer liked it, suggested the color be kept, and helped develop the bridge’s final paint color. "The Golden Gate Bridge is, quite simply, amazing." Technically, that color is “International Orange,” but whatever it is, it’s an eye-grabber, whether you’re driving, walking, or pedaling across the 1.7-mile/2.7-kilometer span. Note that it can be a bit nippy and windy on the span, especially when the fog slips in (especially common in summer), so dress in layers, and bring a hat or flip up a hood to keep your head warm. Bike rental companies abound (two favorites are Blazing Saddles and San Francisco Bicycle Rentals); most bikes come equipped with detailed route maps showing you where to ride from San Francisco across the bridge to idyllic towns, such as Sausalito and Tiburon, in neighboring Marin County.

(For extra fun, catch a local ferry to get back to the city.) Back on the bridge, there’s a nice gift shop and a café at the south (city) end, and paths let you wind down to historic Fort Point, completed in 1861 as a military outpost to protect the gate before there was a bridge. Look up for a remarkable view of the bridge’s underbelly, a spectacular network of massive girders, enormous columns, and impressive cables. Expand Coit Tower by Ryan Killackey Northern California See More It may measure less than 50 square miles, but San Francisco justly ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world. Famous for grand-dame Victorians, classic cable cars, dynamic diversity, a beautiful waterfront and a soaring crimson bridge, the ‘City by the Bay’ truly has it all. Trend-setting cuisine ranging from Michelin-starred dining to outrageous food vans; world-renowned symphony, ballet, theatre and opera; plus almost boundless outdoor adventures, San Francisco justifiably stands out as one of the ultimate must-sees on any traveller’s wish list. More Resources Thomas H.

Story/ Sunset Publishing Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge See one of the world’s most famous landmarks, spanning an elegant bay With towers soaring 746 feet into the sky, its span arcing across the mouth of San Francisco Bay, and all of it painted fire-engine red, the Golden Gate Bridge is, quite simply, amazing. If you’re scratching your head as to why a bridge called ‘Golden Gate’ is in fact red, here’s why. It’s generally accepted that the mouth of San Francisco Bay—the narrow strait that the bridge spans, was named Chrysopylae (Greek for ‘Golden Gate’) by early explorer John C. Fremont. (Captain Fremont thought the strait looked like a strait in Istanbul named Chrysoceras, or ‘Golden Horn’). So it makes sense that the bridge is named after the expanse of water that it crosses. But what about that crimson colour? Call it an unexpected surprise. When the steel for the bridge was first installed, it was only covered with red primer. A consulting engineer liked it, suggested the colour be kept, and helped develop the bridge’s final paint colour.

"The Golden Gate Bridge is, quite simply, amazing." Technically, that colour is ‘International Orange’, but whatever it is, it’s an eye-grabber, whether you’re driving, walking or pedalling across the 1.7-mile span. Note that it can be a bit nippy and windy on the bridge, especially when the fog slips in (especially common in summer), so dress in layers and bring a hat or flip up a hood to keep your head warm. Bike hire companies abound (two favourites are Blazing Saddles and San Francisco Bicycle Rentals); most bikes come equipped with detailed route maps showing you where to ride from San Francisco across the bridge to idyllic towns, such as Sausalito and Tiburon, in neighbouring Marin County. (For extra fun, catch a local ferry to get back to the city.) Back on the bridge, there’s a nice gift shop and a café at the south (city) end, and paths let you wind down to historic Fort Point, completed in 1861 as a military outpost to protect the gate before there was a bridge. Look up for a remarkable view of the bridge’s underbelly, a spectacular network of massive girders, enormous columns and impressive cables.

Expand Cable Cars Clang up and down the city’s signature hills Hanging onto the outside (yes, the outside) of one of these clanging trolleys (trams), chugging through Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf and other city neighbourhoods—well, it doesn’t get much more San Francisco than this. The truth is, the city’s cable cars (trams) aren’t just an entertaining way to get around this up-and-down city; they really function as public transport too—just count how many package- and computer-toting locals climb on and hop off as you ride. In summer, queues can get long at the turnaround at Powell and Market Streets especially for the Powell-Mason Cable Car line. Get just as good a ride on the quieter Powell-Hyde Cable Car line. For a fascinating look at how the historic cars have criss-crossed the city since 1873, visit the free Cable Car Museum, with inside peeks of how the cables that power the cars actually work.

Expand Alcatraz Visit a notorious prison—now home to surprising inhabitants Known for such famous inmates as Al ‘Scarface’ Capone, George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly and Robert ‘Birdman’ Stroud, Alcatraz is certainly one of San Francisco’s most sobering sites. Standing on the wind-and-fog-whipped island, looking across to the dazzling City by the Bay, so close yet so far away (the waters here are notoriously cold and treacherous), it’s easy to imagine how agonising it must have been for inmates incarcerated at this federal prison between 1934 and 1963. Early bird, morning and afternoon visits to the island with cell house audio tours are offered daily. The audio tour that includes recorded comments from former Alcatraz inmates is both chilling and fascinating, and adds notable depth to your visit. For a bizarre twist, consider taking the eerie after-dark tour. But a visit to ‘the Rock’ isn’t all gloom and doom. Rich in history, the island is also home to the first lighthouse and first US military fort built on the West Coast. On clear days, Alcatraz boasts 360-degree views.

Walk around Alcatraz to take in views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge and dramatic Bay Bridge heading to the East Bay, lushly green Marin County to the north, and nearby Angel Island—a California State Park and another worthy island destination in San Francisco Bay. What’s more, Alcatraz has morphed into an important nesting site for seabirds, and roughly a third of the island is roped off during the nesting season to let the birds rear their chicks. Scan the island’s decaying buildings and overgrown gardens (former wardens’ and guards’ wives were known for their green fingers) to spy nesting cormorants, pigeon guillemots, snowy egrets, black-crowned night herons and California gulls, who seem particularly good at laying eggs directly in the middle of pedestrian paths. Note: Though ferry boats depart frequently from Fisherman’s Wharf, make reservations early; tickets often sell out weeks in advance. Expand Dining in San Francisco Taste world flavours with hyper-fresh ingredients In San Francisco, ingredient-driven menus reign supreme. With some of the nation’s best produce at their fingertips, chefs in the City by the Bay create edible magic, often changing menus nightly to reflect what’s freshest and tastiest that day.

Many chefs work closely with local farms and food purveyors to get exactly the ingredients they want. Early morning trips to one of the city’s year-round farmers’ markets are part of the routine for these wizards of the kitchen. Special occasion restaurants, many sprinkled with Michelin stars, abound, like the smooth sophistication of double-starred Coi, Atelier Crenn, and Quince. Lively, crowded and trendy options line the streets of The Mission District, particularly along Valencia Street. But inexpensive options are easy to find, too: consider Clement Street for outstanding pho and other Asian foods, or track down food van gatherings sponsored by Off the Grid. And for one-stop you’ll-definitely-find-something grazing, walk (slowly) through the Ferry Building Marketplace, where permanent booths sell local delicacies like crusty sourdough (Acme Bread) and artisan cheese (Cowgirl Creamery), and sit-down restaurants, like Charles Phan’s celebrated Slanted Door, offer amazing food and waterfront views. Expand Fisherman’s Wharf Get your fill of seafood, sourdough, sea lions and souvenirs Yes, there really are fishermen at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Bobbing at the docks are a handful of weathered fishing boats, and they still chug out to catch Dungeness crab and other seafood in and around the Bay, as they have for over a century. Early risers can watch them unload their catch at Pier 47, nicknamed Fish Alley. Or sleep in and just sample the catch: Try fresh crab cooked in steaming cauldrons set up on the pavements here—cracked crab dipped in melted butter, paired with a fresh loaf of local sourdough is a delicious San Francisco tradition. And if you like buying kitsch souvenirs (who doesn’t need a ‘can of fog’ or a foam crab-claw headdress?) then you have found your mecca in Fisherman’s Wharf. "Stroll to Pier 39 for more seafood eateries, shops, street performers and the area’s noisiest residents: a barking and bellowing throng of sea lions." Other attractions—the new San Francisco Dungeon attraction, with its spooky take on San Francisco history and antique arcade games at Musée Mécanique—are fun diversions too.

Stroll to Pier 39 for more seafood eateries, shops, street performers and the area’s noisiest residents: a barking and bellowing throng of sea lions who have turned some of Pier 39’s floating docks into a sea lion beach party. Knowledgeable aquarists from Pier 39’s Aquarium of the Bay are on hand between 11am and 4pm daily (weather permitting) to answer questions about the hefty pinnipeds (bulls can weigh nearly half a ton). Ferries to Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park (a wonderful day trip for families) are based at Fisherman’s Wharf’s Pier 33. Kids also love exploring the historic ships and the USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine, all part of the National Maritime Museum (at nearby Hyde Street Pier). If they’ve still got too much energy, have them work it off on a walk east along the beautiful, bay-hugging Embarcadero to The Exploratorium hands-on science centre at Pier 15. Finish this perfect day with double scoops at Humphrey Slocombe ice cream at the adjacent Ferry Building Marketplace.

Expand Union Square Discover downtown’s land of luxury This elegant square circled by tall palm trees, in the city centre, is the hub for luxury shopping. Walk streets surrounding the square to jot down your anything’s-possible wish list of finds at Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Dior and Bulgari (as wells as major retailers such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nike). Slip into the sultry Clock Bar, in the Beaux Arts–style Westin St. Francis, to clink martini glasses and compare notes. Anyone longing for a European vibe will feel right at home strolling the narrow, boutique-lined, almost-pedestrian-only Maiden Lane (car free from 11am to 6pm). It’s just off the square, and is home to Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Gumps (the place in town for wedding presents), as well as cafes that set up little tables right on the street. Just south of the square, on Market Street, you’ll find Westfield San Francisco Centre, the city’s upmarket, indoor shopping centre. Of course, all that shopping can be exhausting.

Union Square makes it easy to recharge: the square has plenty of sunny benches for relaxing. Or order an espresso and a flaky pastry at upmarket Emporio Rulli, with pleasant outdoor seating under market umbrellas right in the square. Come on Sundays to include champagne brunch in the lavishly luxurious Garden Court of the Palace Hotel (top spot for local doyennes spoiling their grandchildren). During the Christmas holidays, Union Square transforms into a wintry, family-filled charmer, with an ice skating rink and young children staring up at an enormous Christmas tree—and glittering shop windows all around. Expand The Presidio Find rich history, great food and Yoda Wrapping around the north end of the city, this 14,491-acre park, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is an outstanding destination for families, adventure seekers, history buffs and anyone else who likes to relax on the edge of one of the most beautiful bays in the world. First, there are the beaches (and how many major cities have several beaches?). South-west of the Golden Gate Bridge, there’s Baker Beach, with a wild feel and amazing views (just be warned: it’s clothing optional, particularly at the north end).

Crissy Field, the sandy stretch on the Presidio’s northeast corner, attracts families, water-loving dogs (they’re okay off-leash here), kite-boarders and wind-surfers. Just inland from Crissy Field is the grandiose Palace of Fine Arts, originally built for the 1915 Pan-Pacific Expo, now home to an intimate theatre. Hiking and mountain-biking trails loop through the heavily wooded park, a wonderful way to see buildings that once housed military personnel (the Presidio was a working US Army base from 1846, before California was a state, until 1994). Many buildings have been handsomely converted into open-to-the-public destinations, including justly popular restaurants (Dixie, Presidio Social Club and the Presidio Officer’s Club) and the Walt Disney Family Museum, which focuses on the personal history and brilliance of the man behind the mouse (definitely not Disneyland, in case the kids get overly excited, but more for grown-ups).

Another notable site: the Letterman Digital Arts Center, part of the Lucasfilm empire—though buildings are generally closed to the public, you can give your regards to the Yoda statue, in the campus’s main courtyard. Expand Chinatown A vibrant Asian hub in the middle of the city Like a trip to China without the 12-hour flight, San Francisco’s Chinatown makes you feel like a time traveller: in a blink you go from the suit-and-tie orderliness of the city’s financial district to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia (and the oldest in the U.S.), with crowded pavements filled with Cantonese and Mandarin chatter, overflowing food stalls, and mysterious-looking shops. It is a trip in every sense of the word, and probably as close as you can get to Asia without a passport. While it is fine to stick to Chinatown’s main artery of Grant Street, lined with markets and trinket and jade shops (the latter especially clustered around the Chinatown Gateway at the neighbourhood’s southern end), strike out onto quieter streets to find even more surprising discoveries. Here are nine worthwhile destinations and activities; for even more discoveries, consider joining a guided walking tour, such as Chinatown Walking Tours or food-centric Wok Wiz.

Time your trip to coincide with Lunar New Year (typically in late January or February, to match the lunar calendar) for a real treat: the Chinese New Year Festival & Parade. First started in 1860 to commemorate the homeland of the city’s booming population of Chinese immigrants (drawn to San Francisco during the Gold Rush), the event—now the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia—includes fireworks, floats, lion dancers, drummers, and the crowning of Miss Chinatown. Chinese Historical Society of America. Inside the landmark Chinatown YWCA building, designed by architect Julia Morgan in 1932, the museum does a wonderful job with exhibits and programmes related to Chinese culture. Admission is free; address is 965 Clay Street. Tin How Temple Go back in time in the century-old Buddhist temple, housed in a four-level apartment building, where locals pray, burn incense, and get their fortunes read. A donation is requested; address is 125 Waverly Place. Great China Herb Company Feeling lethargic? Let the in-house doctor prescribe you revitalizing teas and tonics prepared with dry herbs at this long-respected Chinese apothecary.

Address is 857 Washington Street. R & G Lounge A long-time restaurant beloved for its high-quality signature Cantonese dishes; notable favourites include tender glazed spare ribs, and delicate salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab. Address is 631 Kearny Street. Vital Tea Leaf Sample the many brews served at this tea bar and shop. It is filled with an extraordinary variety of teas, with intriguing blends such as baby chrysanthemum and ginger pine, as well as more traditional green, white, and oolong teas. Address is 1044 Grant Street (also at 509 and 905 Grant Street). Ming Lee Trading This old-fashioned grocery and de facto sweets and snack emporium seems to carry everything from litchi gummies and green-tea, to Kit Kats, to dried and salted fruits, noodles, and spices. Address is 759 Jackson Street. Golden Gate Bakery If you like fresh dan tat, the traditional Chinese egg-custard tart with a flaky, buttery crust, then make a beeline to this amazing bakery. Don’t be daunted by lines, the treats are worth the wait.

Address is 1029 Grant Street. The Wok Shop The best thing about a visit here is witnessing owner Tane Chan in action as she whirls from one customer to the next, chatting, laughing, and helping to select the best wok for each shopper. Address is 718 Grant Street. LGBT Travel in San Francisco Inviting a rainbow of alternative The City by the Bay, known for its liberal, alternative lifestyles, is one of the best-known areas in the world for LGBT. In the Castro, a rainbow flag flaps in the wind above colourfully painted zebra crossings, making one big statement: San Francisco welcomes the LGBT community with open arms. There are more than 60 gay bars and clubs, and although the Castro serves as the epicentre of LGBT culture and nightlife, gay-friendly businesses are sprinkled citywide—frankly, it’s the norm here. Learn more about the city’s remarkable gay movement on a guided ‘Cruisin’ the Castro’ historical walking tour. Every June is Pride month, when visitors flock to the city for the annual (and outrageous) SF Pride Parade, as well as Frameline LGBT film festival.

Badlands, the Lookout and Twin Peaks Tavern are legendary haunts, and The Parker Guest House, W and Casa Luna SF are just a few of the city’s gay-friendly hotels. Expand Golden Gate Park Spend a day or more in the city’s urban gem Gardens, glades, quiet lakes—here’s the emerald heart of San Francisco, a classic city park where everyone, from first-time visitors to go-every-weekend locals, find something amazing to see or do. The park’s cultural hub is in its northeast corner, surrounding a broad concourse featuring fountains and a band stand. On the north side is the de Young Museum, showcasing a world-class collection of classic art from around the world. Take the lift to the top of the museum’s eye-catching, asymmetric tower (admission to the tower is free) for a spectacular view of the whole park, as well as the city, bay and Pacific Ocean. Opposite the de Young is the equally impressive California Academy of Sciences, home to a planetarium, aquarium, living 4-storey rainforest and natural history museum under an undulating living roof. It’s a quick stroll to the Japanese Tea Garden, always lovely but especially breathtaking in spring when cherry trees and azaleas bloom.

Other treasures abound, easily discovered by bike (hire available along Stanyan and Haight Streets on the east side of the park; be sure to get a lock too). Stroll among the colourful plantings fronting the giant glasshouse that’s home to the Conservatory of Flowers, explore the botanic gardens (great for birds as well as plants), and look for the surprising herd of American bison in the park’s northwest end. If you’re not into cycling or strolling, there’s a free shuttle on weekends and major public holidays, with stops throughout the park. However you travel, you’ll see locals everywhere—playing tennis, picnicking, jogging, rowing across little Stow Lake and horse riding on broad paths. San Franciscans seriously love their park. Expand Nightlife Where to find the fun after dark In San Francisco, there are few quiet nights, and though bars and clubs may call it quits at 2am, the city makes sure you stay busy until closing time. For classy entertainment, the city boasts outstanding symphony, classic and contemporary ballet, and opera companies. There’s also a thriving theatre community, most notably the American Conservatory Theater, which presents classic and new works at The Geary Theatre, near Union Square.

Broadway shows on tour always stop in San Francisco; check the schedule for SHN, which presents most works at the impressive Orpheum Theatre, on Market Street. City Arts & Lectures offers intriguing conversations with celebrities, stars and global movers-and-shakers. Attend an open-to-the-public gallery show, or a special museum night. For rowdier fun, there are rock concerts at the legendary Fillmore, indie bands at Bottom of the Hill and open mic nights at Hotel Utah Saloon. Here, nightlife wouldn’t be complete without a bit of hopping around the city’s bevy of bars, from upmarket establishments with craft cocktails (like Bourbon & Branch and The Alembic) to longstanding neighbourhood watering holes (The 500 Club) where you can go elbow to elbow with the locals. Expand Ghirardelli Square A former chocolate factory serves up fun The stately brick buildings in this impressive 1895 complex, the original site of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory (previously a woollen mill), are now the home of a stylish collection of shops and restaurants—one of the most pleasant places to stroll and shop in the city.

Wind your way through passageways and across plazas to visit an assortment of boutiques and gift shops, or relax with bay views from a selection of restaurants. If you have kids along, you probably have one destination in mind more than any other: the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. The queue can be out the door but don’t worry—it moves fast. Soon you’ll be facing the staggering menu of sundae choices: Will it be the family-size ‘Earthquake’? (Eight scoops, eight toppings, bananas, whipped cream, almonds, chocolate chips and cherries.) Or maybe have a ‘Gold Rush’ (vanilla ice cream with hot fudge and peanut butter throughout). Expand Getting Around the City Boats, bikes, trams and more There’s no lack of transport options in San Francisco, but it’s important to plan ahead and choose the best route for your destination. Downtown, North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf are easily walkable. The city’s local MUNI buses, trolleys and streetcars travel citywide, and are an economical and safe way to get around—just know you may need to wait a bit at your stop.

The ‘F Market and Wharves’ historic streetcar (tram), which runs along the Embarcadero, is a popular tourist route, with stops for Fisherman’s Wharf (at Embarcadero and Stockton), the Ferry Building (at Market and 4th Street) and for AT&T Park (home of the Giants baseball team) at Don Chee Way and Steuart Street. Tip: If you plan to use public transport, consider getting a Passport from CityPass; it allows 7 days of unlimited Muni and cable car rides (plus discounts on area museums and attractions). Clanging cable cars (trams) are always fun, but have a fairly limited system—best if you want to travel between the waterfront and Union Square. Taxis are concentrated downtown, and while they can often be the fastest way to get around, fares can quickly add up. The underground BART system is a great way to travel beyond San Francisco, with routes south to San Francisco International Airport and east to Oakland, Berkeley, Pleasanton and other communities. Caltrain connects San Francisco with San Jose and points in between, and heads as far south as Gilroy.

To travel north to Marin County, hop aboard a Golden Gate Transit ferry to ride to Sausalito, or a Blue and Gold Fleet ferry to Tiburon. For do-it-yourself exploring, try the innovative and inexpensive bike system called Bay Area Bike Share. Sign up for a low-cost 24-hour or 3-day membership, then collect a bike at a designated station (scattered from Mission Bay to Market Street and Columbus Avenue to the Embarcadero), and return it to the same station, or ride to another station, do your exploring and collect another bike to continue on your way. You can stop and go as much as you want. Healthy, inexpensive, car-free—not bad. Guided tours are another fun way to explore without having to drive. Some tours use traditional vans or buses, while others employ more unusual modes of transport. Ride the Ducks tours use wacky-looking amphibious vehicles to drive not just on city streets, but also straight into the bay. Climb aboard a vintage fire engine to explore the city with San Francisco Fire Engine Tours and even cross Golden Gate Bridge. You will definitely notice the stares and smiles. Expand

Question: ‘International ‘what’ is the official colour of the paint on the Golden Gate Bridge in California?
Answer: Orange