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Golden Gate Bridge

Last updated: 18 March, 2024

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.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
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.

Who to go with: organised tours

7

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour

  • San Francisco

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour

Viator

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 [592 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

Viator

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

  • San Francisco

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

Viator

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]

Tour supplied by:

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Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals with Optional Ferry Return

  • San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals with Optional Ferry Return

Viator

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! The optional ferry boat ticket is a one-way ticket from Sausalito to San Francisco on the Blue and Gold Ferry. Passengers are allowed to board the ferry with their bike. Unlimited Biking team members will let them know the updated schedule on their arrival, or guests can check for updated schedules on the Blue and Gold ferry website. This ferry ticket is valid for any ferry times.

Price $22

Min age 1

Rating 4.38 / 5 [55 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Golden Gate Bridge Sailing Tour

  • San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Sailing Tour

Viator

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 4.89 / 5 [49 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

  • California, United States of America (USA)

Early morning low fog at Golden Gate Bridge

Destination guide

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.