Rising 746 feet above the churning waters of the strait that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized structures on the planet. Completed in 1937 after four years of construction in treacherous conditions, its Art Deco towers and sweeping International Orange cables span 1.7 miles to link San Francisco to the Marin Headlands. The bridge was considered an engineering marvel of its era and remains a breathtaking sight whether glimpsed through a veil of the city’s famous fog or gleaming under a rare cloudless sky.

Walking or cycling across the bridge is an essential San Francisco experience. The eastern pedestrian sidewalk offers jaw-dropping views of the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the bay, while the western side looks out toward the vast Pacific. On the Marin side, Battery Spencer and the Marin Headlands provide the most dramatic vantage points for photographing the bridge with the San Francisco skyline stretching behind it. At sunset, the bridge’s towers glow against a sky painted in shades of orange and purple, creating one of the most iconic photo opportunities in the American West.

Pro tip: For the classic postcard shot, drive or bike across to the Marin Headlands and hike up to Battery Spencer — the view back toward the bridge and city is unbeatable. Dress in layers no matter the season, as wind and fog can make the bridge significantly colder than the rest of the city.