This year marks the 75th anniversary of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. This elegant red, art deco bridge is still considered a modern civil engineering feat and has, since its completion in 1937, become one of America’s most iconic and beloved monuments.
Events to celebrate the bridge will be going on throughout the year, but the party kicks off with the Golden Gate Festival on Sunday May 27th. Among the day’s events are the Crissy Field Center Future Fair, which offers demonstrations showcasing sustainability technologies and innovations in the pioneering spirit of the bridge, the Vintage Maritime Display of classic boats spanning 75 years, and a road trip through history via vintage cars and motorcycles dating from 1937 through the present. Westfield San Francisco Centre on Market Street will set up a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge and a pop-up park of Crissy Field under its dome on the top floor of the shopping mall. The pop-up park includes a life-size chess set, lawn chairs and a picnic table, as well as video screens showcasing images from the bridge’s history.
Hotels around the city are joining in the celebration by offering unique promotions and historically-themed events. The Clift Hotel’s 1930’s inspired weekend from May 25-27, includes live music, DJ’s, 1930’s themed cocktails, and projection screens showing films from the 1930’s. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in era-inspired clothing. The Fairmont San Francisco’s Diplomat Suite has been dedicated to Bennett, who debuted “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” 50 years ago in the hotel’s Venetian Room, and will include a signed giclee print of a Golden Gate Bridge painting by Bennett.
For best views of the bridge check out Crissy Field, Baker Beach, or Lover’s Lane, the oldest foot trail in the Presidio paved trail. Enjoy a sunset cruise under the bridge with the Red and White Fleet historic ferry boats that cruise the bay and take in the Golden State’s glory. Celebrate the wonder of a bridge that only looks better with each passing year and continues to be a marvel to the modern eye.
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