One of America’s most iconic landmarks, the awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco can be seen on a number of organised tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Spanning the strait connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, the mile-long suspension bridge is often consumed by fog, adding to its almost mythical appeal. To see the bridge for yourself, there are a wide choice of guided tours available, each offering a unique vantage point from which to witness this instantly recognizable emblem of the American dream. We’ve hand-picked three such tours below.
Frisco Golden Gate Bay Cruise
One of the most popular ways to see the Golden Gate Bridge up close is on a boat tour, such as this one-hour trip that has been running since 1939. The boats may have been upgraded since then but there’s no need to fix a tour itinerary that is already working. You’ll cruise around Alcatraz Island, passing Marin Headlands, North Beach and many other Frisco highlights, as well as sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. An audio guide is included. There are between eight and 14 daily departures. From $38 per person.
Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Given that the Golden Gate Bridge was created to span a large body of water, sailing tours have long proven the most popular way to get closer to the dark orange conduit. This 90-minute catamaran tour of San Francisco Bay is a great way to feel closer to the marine life, such as sea lions, or feel the waves rush beneath you from the safety of the canvas nets. Refreshments can also be purchased on board. This tour departs twice a day. From $65 per person.
Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito Cycling Tour
This 3-hour bike tour invites you to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge on two wheels. In the company of an expert guide, you and your small group of fellow adventure-seekers will depart by bike from Fisherman’s Wharf, following the waterfront beyond Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, the Marina, and the Presidio, before reaching the famous bridge. Here, you’ll cycle along the mile-long structure via a wide bike path before continuing on to Vista Point and on Old Fort Baker. The tour concludes in the neighbouring city of Sausalito, where you’re free to explore at your leisure and return to San Fran either by bike or ferry. From $75 per person.
GoCar Tour of Golden Gate Bridge and the Lombard Loop
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
If you’d like to turn a few heads while you motor across the Golden Gate Bridge, some petrolheads might opt for a Harley or some kind of muscle car. But there’s nothing undisputedly cooler than a GoCar. These characterful, bright yellow vehicles are easy to drive and have GPS navigation to keep you on the right track. During the tour you’ll visit sights that are off the beaten track before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and back again. If you’d like, you can even park up and walk part of the bridge before heading off again in style. From $171 per group up to two people.
Golden Gate Bridge Seaplane Tour
The Golden Gate Bridge is a sight to behold from any vantage point, but perhaps none more so than up high in the sky. This captivating 30-minute seaplane tour will see you soar above San Francisco and directly over the bridge, giving you a bird’s-eye view of its awe-inspiring craftmanship through the aircraft’s large windows. After taking plenty of photos and picking up your jaws from the floor, you’ll continue your flight around San Francisco Bay and over other places of interest such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Angel Island and Alcatraz before landing back on the water. From $299 per person.