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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Laura Kiniry

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.

While you’re there

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.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals

San Francisco

Fall in love with all that San Francisco has to offer as you bike around and explore the area at your own pace. Pick up your bike at a conve...

$17 | Rating 4.44 / 5 [47 ratings]

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Golden Gate Bridge Electric Bike Rentals

Golden Gate Bridge Electric Bike Rentals

San Francisco

We provide all the necessary equipment for a safe and fun outing – helmets, baskets, locks and an illustrated map all included! We only off...

$33 | Rating 4 / 5 [19 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rental - Near the Golden Gate Bridge!

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rental - Near the Golden Gate Bridge!

San Francisco

Rent a bike at the bicycle rental shop nearest to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Bike along waterfront paths and across the Golden...

$40 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [51 ratings]

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Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour

San Francisco

Explore San Francisco - the City by the Bay with its rolling hills and never ending water views- with Unlimited Biking on a beautiful bike r...

$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

Cavallo Point Lodge

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.

Official star rating:

Inn at Presidio

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.

Official star rating:

Hotel Kabuki

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.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

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

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Sailing on San Francisco’s harbour

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

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Alcatraz

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

De Young Museum

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..

The Walt Disney Family Museum, operated and funded by the Walt Disney Family Foundation in Presidio Park
Experience

Walt Disney Family Museum

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

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Interior of Legion of Honor Museum
Experience

Legion of Honor

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

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Irish Coffee drinks being made on the bar counter at the famous Buena Vista cafe where it was invented, near the Powell Hyde cable car line
Experience

Buena Vista Cafe

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

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Conservatory of Flowers interior, a giant glasshouse
Experience

Conservatory of Flowers

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

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