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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 29 May, 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

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals
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 convenient location, right on Ghirardelli Square and spend time discovering all that this city has to offer. Choose an all day bike rental option that comes with helmets, baskets, locks and maps. Bike rentals regularly selling out weeks in advance during the peak season, so book ahead of time to avoid disappointment!

Price: $17

Min age: 1

Rating 4.37 / 5 [54 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Golden Gate Bridge Electric Bike Rentals

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Electric Bike Rentals
We provide all the necessary equipment for a safe and fun outing – helmets, baskets, locks and an illustrated map all included! We only offer top of the line, well maintained Cannondale bikes for anyone over the age of 16+. Our prices are unmatched.

Price: $33

Min age: 0

Rating 4.03 / 5 [26 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rental - Near the Golden Gate Bridge!
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 Gate Bridge to Sausalito, where you can return by ferry (ticket is your own expense). A helmet, lock, and map are all included with your rental.

Price: $40

Min age: 1

Rating 4.71 / 5 [60 ratings]

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Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour
Explore San Francisco - the City by the Bay with its rolling hills and never ending water views- with Unlimited Biking on a beautiful bike ride along the city's stunning waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge, towards the quaint coastal community of Sausalito. Tours depart daily at 10am from 757 Beach Street and last for three hours. To ensure a personalized guest experience, each tour will be held in a small-group format of no more than 15 guests. After departing from Ghirardelli Square at the western end of Fisherman's wharf, guests will bike through the green hillside of Fort Mason, the Marina District, through Crissy Fields, up to and across the Golden Gate Bridge, and then down the Marin Headlands into Sausalito. There, guests can either stay to explore Sausalito on their own, or take the ferry back to San Francisco. Guests on this small-group bike tour will be fitted with high quality Cannondale bikes.

Price: $60

Min age: 1

Rating 4.10 / 5 [28 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour

San Francisco

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour
Sights You’ll “Sea”: Starting in one of the only true Fisherman’s Wharfs left in America you will be lead on a journey along the coast to see sea lions, dolphins, military forts, & more.  As you cycle your way over The Golden Gate Bridge, take in the unique topography and skylines that will lead you from one waterfront to the next.  Once over the “International Orange” Golden Gate Bridge, coast downhill into sunny Sausalito where this tour concludes. Riders can enjoy the town of Sausalito and return at their leisure (ferry tickets sold separately.)

Price: $65

Min age: 5

Rating 4.44 / 5 [578 ratings]

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Golden Gate Park Segway Tour - Easy to learn then 2.5 hours of gliding fun

San Francisco

Golden Gate Park Segway Tour - Easy to learn then 2.5 hours of gliding fun
Hop on an eco-friendly Segway for a convenient tour of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park! You'll see all 1,000-plus acres of the park as you learn the rich history of this majestic San Francisco green space on a narrated journey. This unique tour is the perfect way to see Golden Gate Park and its hidden gems. Riding a Segway is similar to riding a bike. It's intuitive, but nobody is born knowing how to operate it. You'll have 20 - 25 minutes of training prior to beginning the tour so you can get familiar with the most innovative transportation device of the millennium. You will practice on the Segway until everyone feels comfortable and ready to tour Golden Gate Park!

Price: $98

Min age: 12

Rating 4.89 / 5 [483 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Golden Gate Bridge Sailing Tour

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Sailing Tour
Have a once-in-a-lifetime experience by sailing under and around the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Sail off to the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Sausalito, Angel Island, Tiburon, and Marin Headlands. You'll also sail around Alcatraz and all the way to the Oakland Bay Bridge. Enjoy your choice of two drinks: Champagne, mimosa, beer, wine, soda, or water. Please note that this is not a narrated tour however the crew are accessible through out the sailing trip to answer any questions you may have.

Price: $129

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [48 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bike the Golden Gate Bridge and Shuttle Tour to Muir Woods

San Francisco

Bike the Golden Gate Bridge and Shuttle Tour to Muir Woods
Start your day off by meeting your guide in Fisherman’s Wharf. After a brief roll call, we will embark on our minibus shuttle up to Muir Woods. Once at Muir Woods, you will have over an hour to enjoy these incredible redwood trees After your hike in Muir Woods you will enjoy lunch while soaking in the views of the Bay. There are many different dining options from sandwiches, salads, fish and chips, and seafood. After your hike in Muir Woods and lunch in Sausalito, you will be taken back to San Francisco for an all day bike rental. Our e-bikes make it easy to cruise up those hills and let you enjoy the views of the city. You can choose to bike over the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise along the San Francisco Bay, grab a photo at the Painted Ladies (Full House Houses), explore Golden Gate Park, and so much more! You will need to have the bikes returned to our shop in San Francisco by 6:00 PM.

Price: $149

Min age: 12

Rating 4.80 / 5 [93 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Segway Tour through Golden Gate Park - 3 hours with your own guide

San Francisco

Private Segway Tour through Golden Gate Park - 3 hours with your own guide
Combine the fun of touring San Francisco by Segway with the personal touch of having a private guide attentive to your group’s interests and skills. This itinerary features the amazing Golden Gate Park. You’ll be able to cover more ground than walking and enjoy the fun of the Segway personal transporter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience while touring San Francisco! A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

Price: $238

Min age: 12

Rating 4.96 / 5 [26 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Early morning low fog at Golden Gate Bridge

A beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food. Home to the magnificent red-ochre Golden Gate Bridge and the world’s most infamous prison, Alcatraz.