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Golden Gate Bridge

  • San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

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: 0
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

6

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

  • San Francisco

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 $75

Min age 5

Rating 4.45 / 5 [637 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • 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 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 $45

Min age 1

Rating 4.62 / 5 [62 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • 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 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 4.33 / 5 [57 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • San Francisco

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 4.84 / 5 [50 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • 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 offer top of the line, well maintained bikes for anyone over the age of 13+. 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 $43

Min age 13

Rating 4.06 / 5 [33 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
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