Bucket list experience:
This red-hued, 1.75-mile suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate Strait, where the Pacific meets the San Francisco Bay, is the city’s most iconic landmark – and one of the world’s most famous bridges.
Surrounding the bridge is another of San Francisco’s jewels: the Presidio, a former military outpost, which now comprises 1,400 acres of forest, marshland, museums, historic buildings, and even two beaches.
One great way to see and experience the Bridge is to hire a bike and cycle through the Presidio and over the Golden Gate Bridge for coffee or lunch in the quaint village of Sausalito.
The Presidio, the 1,500-acre park encircling the southern entrance to the bridge, is a major outdoor recreation hub. It has forested areas, miles of trails, and a golf course. There are more than 25 miles of wonderful and distinctive hiking trails.
Additionally, rangers occasionally lead walks through the park. See the Presidio Trust website for more information.
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Destination Guide >The Golden Gate Bridge shoots off San Francisco’s northern tip. In the lead up to the bridge is where you’ll find the Presidio.
The Presidio’s visitor centre, which is located at 105 Montgomery Street, is the best place to start your visit. From there, explore the park and its attractions (free shuttle service facilitates getting around), then make your way across the bridge, either by foot, bike, or car.
A number of operators offer walking and cycling tours of the bridge, some delving into its history and presence.
Best on a (rare) clear day, though the sight of fog rolling in over the bridge is incredibly atmospheric – if you don’t mind the accompanying moist chill.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
San Francisco
$17 | Rating 4.44 / 5 [47 ratings]
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San Francisco
$33 | Rating 4 / 5 [19 ratings]
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San Francisco
$40 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [51 ratings]
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San Francisco
$60 | Rating 4.52 / 5 [17 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[2 miles]
Well-rounded resort spectacularly set at the Golden Gate Bridge’s base, across the Bay from San Francisco – ideal for a quieter visit away from the crowds.
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San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.1 miles]
An exquisite right three-story boutique property in the heart of the beautiful Presidio Park, next to the Golden Gate Bridge.
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San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[5.8 miles]
East meets West at this Japantown Hotel that offers a different view of San Francisco: one more neighbourhood-oriented than touristy. Expect clean lines and cosy aesthetics, as well as free internet.
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San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[6.7 miles]
The city’s iconic grand dame hotel, perched enviably atop Nob Hill, with easy access to cable cars, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
California, United States of America (USA)
Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[2.2 miles]
Bike it over the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and stop for lunch in this picturesque hamlet and artistic community. One of the world’s great scenic cycle rides.
Best for ages: 6+ | £20 | 3-4 hours
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[2.4 miles]
With spectacular scenery, a breathtaking Bridge, barking sea lions, and rich maritime history, the largest estuary in the U.S. already stands-out as a fine place for a sail.
Best for ages: 8+ | £50 | 1.5-3 hours
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[5 miles]
A mile-and-a-half offshore in the San Francisco Bay, the most notorious escape-proof prison still sends a shiver down the spine. Book in for a tour for fascinating insights into the inmates’ lives and legends.
Best for ages: 8+ | £35
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[5.4 miles]
A highly regarded art collection showcasing American art from the 17th-21st centuries, as well as international contemporary art, costumes and textiles.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[2.7 miles]
This fascinating museum is dedicated to the life and achievements of the Great Imagineer ‘Walt Disney‘. Interactive galleries feature early drawings and animation, movies, music, and a 12-foot diameter model of Disneyland. The lobby holds 248 awards Walt won during his career, including an honorary Oscar for Snow White and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Best for ages: 6+ | £20
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[4.3 miles]
A Beaux Arts replica of Paris’ Legion of Honor Palace of all things, this art museum houses a collection of European and ancient art that spans over 6,000 years of artistic creation. The sister museum to the De Young.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[5.3 miles]
Hailed as the U.S. home of Irish coffee. Legend has it that in 1952, the cafe’s then-owner Jack Koeppler challenged a well-known travel writer to recreate a drink he’d had at Ireland’s Shannon Airport, and this local landmark has been serving them up (in an endless line along the bar) ever since.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[5.5 miles]
The elaborate Victorian greenhouse at the Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest building in the park, constructed in 1878 and rising 60ft (18m). Plants and flowers from around the world are housed in a variety of climate-controlled galleries, including Highland Tropics and Lowland Tropics. Closed on Mondays.
Best for ages: 8+ | £11
