2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour

Explore San Francisco’s Waterfront with a Self-Driven GoCar Tour

The 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour offers a lively way to see San Francisco’s most iconic waterfront sights. For $169 per group, up to 2 people can enjoy a self-guided adventure that lasts approximately 2 hours. The tour departs from 431 Beach St, providing a flexible, fun experience with GPS navigation, helmet gear, and a full tank of gas included.

What sets this tour apart is the ability to set your own pace and stop at any point—whether for photos, a quick look, or just a breather. While the route doesn’t cross the Golden Gate Bridge itself, it takes visitors to Fort Point beneath the bridge, offering spectacular views and photo opportunities. This tour suits those who want an interactive, independent exploration of San Francisco’s waterfront, complemented by entertaining narration.

Key Points

• Self-driven adventure with GPS-guided navigation ensures you don’t get lost
• Includes helmets, a full tank of gas, and a map for a hassle-free experience
• Stops at Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Presidio, and Fort Point
• Two-seater GoCars are easy to handle with motorcycle-like controls
• Tour duration is around 2 hours, with the option to extend if desired
• Highly rated with a 4.7/5 from 72 reviews, praised for fun, flexibility, and informative narration

Starting Point and What’s Included

The tour kicks off at 431 Beach St, in San Francisco’s lively waterfront area. The package includes helmet gear, a map, rider orientation, a full tank of gas, and GPS navigation to guide you smoothly through the route.

An environmental fee of 8.75% is included, covering carbon offsetting, gasoline, and tire recycling. Optional collision damage waiver is available for around $19, providing extra peace of mind. The rental also covers a lockable trunk for your belongings, adding convenience during stops.

Detailed Stops and Highlights of the Route

Palace of Fine Arts Theatre: Art and Architecture in the Marina District

The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre marks the first stop, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century architecture. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, this spot is a beautiful, free attraction perfect for a quick photo. Expect around 10 minutes here, with plenty of space to stretch your legs and admire the elegant columns and lagoon.

Golden Gate Bridge: Iconic Views from the Viewing Area and Fort Point

The main highlight of the tour is the Golden Gate Bridge, known worldwide as a symbol of San Francisco. The GoCar takes you up to the viewing area or Fort Point, at the bridge’s base, where you can snap photos and appreciate the bridge’s immense scale. While the tour doesn’t cross the bridge, the proximity allows for stunning shots from below and nearby vantage points. Expect about 20 minutes at this stop, with free admission.

Lombard Street: Experience the “Crookedest Street” in Style

Driving down Lombard Street in your GoCar offers a unique thrill. Known as San Francisco’s “Crookedest Street”, this winding, steep road is a must-see. The GoCar’s compact size makes it easy to navigate the tight turns and switchbacks. A 20-minute stop here provides a fun photo-op and a chance to experience one of the city’s most recognizable streets up close.

Fisherman’s Wharf: Vibrant Waterfront Atmosphere

Passing through Fisherman’s Wharf, the tour showcases the bustling vibe of this historic district. Expect to see crab shacks, bakeries, and curio shops lining the waterfront. The lively scene is perfect for quick waving at other visitors or grabbing a photos. The drive-through lasts around 15 minutes, with the lively sights and smells of seafood and street performers adding to the experience.

Presidio of San Francisco: Scenic Views and Cultural Sites

The Presidio offers some of the most scenic views of the San Francisco Bay. This former military base features notable architecture, the War Memorial, and the Disney Museum. The 15-minute stop allows you to appreciate the beautiful landscape, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The Presidio’s mix of history and nature makes it a favorite for many visitors.

Fort Point National Historic Site: Civil War-era Fortress and Golden Gate Photo Spot

Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is a historic marvel from the Gold Rush era. Its towering structure provides excellent photo opportunities of the bridge, and it’s an interesting visit for history buffs. The 10-minute stop lets you explore the fort’s exterior and snap memorable photos beneath the bridge.

Crissy Field: Relaxed Bayfront Park with Views

The tour concludes at Crissy Field, a popular spot where locals exercise and play. The area offers scenic views of the Bay and the Golden Gate. Expect to see runners, soccer players, and dog walkers enjoying the open space. The short drive-by captures the lively, outdoor spirit of San Francisco’s waterfront.

Practical Details and How the Tour Works

This private tour is designed for groups of up to 2 people per GoCar. The vehicles are controlled with motorcycle-style handlebars, throttle, and hand brakes, making them easy to handle even for first-time drivers. The maximum height is 6’4”, and the combined weight limit for two passengers is 500 lbs.

The GPS navigation system guides the route, ensuring you stay on track without getting lost. The lockable trunk offers space for your belongings, and service animals are allowed. Drivers must be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license, but a motorcycle license is not required.

The tour incorporates an audio narration that shares fun facts and stories about each stop, enriching the experience without requiring a guide to be present. The average speed remains around 30 mph, with the focus on sightseeing and enjoying the city at a relaxed pace.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Booking is flexible with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the full payment is non-refundable. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather conditions may cause cancellations or rescheduling.

Customer Experience and Feedback

With a 4.7/5 rating from 72 reviews, the tour is praised for its fun, informative narration, and ease of handling. Many reviewers note the great views, flexibility to extend the experience, and the entertainment value. Some mention vehicle wear and tear or minor navigation issues, but overall, the feedback reflects high satisfaction.

A few reviews highlight that two hours might feel brief, encouraging guests to extend their ride if possible to see more of the city. The ability to pause and explore at stops makes this tour stand out as a personalized sightseeing experience.

Why This Tour Appeals to San Francisco Visitors

The self-driven nature of the GoCar tour makes it particularly attractive for those who prefer independent exploration over traditional guided tours. The GPS navigation and narration ensure you learn about the city’s landmarks without the stress of navigation or driving in unfamiliar traffic.

The two-hour duration offers a compact yet rundown of the waterfront, with enough flexibility to pause or extend. The easy-to-handle vehicles suit a wide range of drivers, especially those who want a fun, quick, and memorable way to see San Francisco.

While the tour doesn’t cross the actual Golden Gate Bridge, the proximity to iconic spots like Fort Point and Crissy Field delivers stunning views and photo opportunities. This tour offers great value for the price, blending adventure with education in a relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cross the Golden Gate Bridge on this tour?
No, the tour navigates you to Fort Point, beneath the bridge, but it does not cross the bridge itself. However, from the vantage point at Fort Point, you get a fantastic view and photo opportunity.

What’s included in the price?
The $169 fee covers helmet gear, a full tank of gas, GPS navigation, a map, and rider orientation. An optional Collision Damage Waiver is available for about $19.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Passengers must be at least 4 years old, and small children need to fit into DOT-approved helmets. The maximum combined weight for two passengers is 500 lbs.

How flexible is the tour timing?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, but many guests extend their ride. You can pause and explore at stops, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Do I need a motorcycle license?
No, a motorcycle license is not required to operate the GoCar. Drivers just need a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old.

This self-guided GoCar tour offers a convenient, fun way to discover San Francisco’s waterfront highlights, combining scenic views, engaging narration, and flexible pacing. It’s a great choice for those seeking independent exploration with a touch of adventure.