San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour

Imagine cruising through the streets of San Francisco in a compact, GPS-guided, talking car. For two hours, for just $169 per group (up to two people), you can explore some of the city’s most iconic sights, from the majestic Golden Gate Bridge to the winding curves of Lombard Street. This tour promises not just sights, but a chance to learn little-known stories and local facts, all at your own pace.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the independent freedom you get—no bus schedules or crowded groups. Second, the interactive GPS guide that enriches your journey with fascinating commentary in multiple languages. But a heads-up: this is a short tour, and the pace can be quick, especially if you want to stop at several sights. It’s ideal for travelers who love a bit of adventure and want to see the city from a fresh angle. Perfect for couples, friends, or even solo explorers eager for a memorable, fun experience.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration: You can drive at your own pace, stopping where you like.
• Informative GPS guide: Enjoy local stories and historical facts in your language.
• Iconic sights: Cover major landmarks like the Golden Gate, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Presidio.
• Great value: A unique, engaging way to see San Francisco for an affordable price.
• Limited group size: Small, intimate experience with only 2 participants per vehicle.
• Consideration: The tour is about 2 hours; for full experience and more stops, extra time may be needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring San Francisco in a GoCar: What You Can Expect

This tour is designed to give you a personalized, self-guided experience. The GoCar—tiny, yellow, and quite a conversation starter—is GPS-equipped with a friendly, voice-guided commentary available in nine languages. You’ll start at the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, where the car’s location and the city’s buzz set the tone.

From there, you’ll weave through Fisherman’s Wharf, catching sights like Fort Mason and the Presidio, both rich with history and scenic views. You’ll also get a glimpse of the Marina District and Crissy Field, known for their lovely waterfronts and picnic spots with views of the bridge.

One of the highlights is the drive down Lombard Street, often called the “crookedest street in the world”. Many reviews praise this part—one traveler described it as “amazing to drive down Lombard,” noting how fun and memorable it is to navigate its tight curves. It’s a true San Francisco icon and a photo-worthy moment.

Next, you’ll see the Golden Gate Bridge from various angles—some from afar, others closer up, depending on your pace. The tour includes time to walk across the bridge, soaking in the scenery and taking photos. Many find this the most breathtaking part, with stunning views of the bay and city skyline.

On your return, you can explore Chestnut and Union Street, charming districts perfect for boutique shopping and sampling local treats. It’s a chance to experience San Francisco’s vibrant neighborhoods beyond the tourist highlights.

The Experience in Detail: Itinerary and Highlights

Fisherman’s Wharf and Surroundings

Starting your ride near the historic F streetcar line, you’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere of Fisherman’s Wharf. This area is bustling with seafood vendors, souvenir shops, and street performers. The GPS guide adds a layer of local flavor, sharing stories about the area’s history and culture. Reviewers like Christina, who’s lived in SF, say, “We did our team outing with GoCar tours and had such a blast,” emphasizing how fun it is even for locals.

Fort Mason and the Presidio

As you wind through the Presidio, you’ll see former military sites turned parks, with sweeping views of the bay. The GPS provides interesting tidbits—ideal for history buffs and those curious about the city’s past. We loved the way the tour combines scenic driving with storytelling, making the experience both relaxing and educational.

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Marina District and Crissy Field

Driving through the Marina District, you’ll pass upscale homes and scenic parks. Crissy Field offers a fantastic spot for photos, especially with the bridge in the background. Several travelers mention how the tour allows for “stopping at beaches and near the Golden Gate,” making it easy to take in the sights at your own pace.

Lombard Street

The pièce de résistance for many is the zigzagging ride down Lombard Street. The car’s GPS guides you expertly, and as George from the UK noted, “Once you’re used to the controls, it’s really a dawdle.” This street’s twists and turns are a fun challenge, and many reviewers recommend allocating extra time here to really enjoy the moment.

Golden Gate Bridge

While the tour doesn’t go across the bridge, you will get multiple chances to see it from different angles. The option to walk across is a big plus, as it offers a more immersive experience. You’ll love the views of Alcatraz, the skyline, and the bay—perfect for photos or just soaking in the scenery.

Additional Stops

After the main sights, the tour can include a leisurely exploration of nearby neighborhoods, with time for shopping or a quick bite on Union or Chestnut Street. Many reviews highlight how this adds to the tour’s appeal, allowing you to turn a quick drive into a small city adventure.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

Multiple reviews celebrate the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. Xanic, from the US, called it “a fantastic experience,” praising the GPS guide for providing “information on the path, historical data and tips.” Christina, a local, said, “What a fun way to see some of the most beautiful parts of San Francisco,” highlighting the value for both visitors and residents.

Anamaria pointed out that “the activity was a lot of fun,” and though “the GoCar did break down,” the responsive staff quickly replaced it, making the experience smooth. Kevin appreciated the freedom, stating, “Best way to tour! Had a blast learning about the city at our own pace.”

Some mention minor drawbacks, such as the noise of the car—a common point among reviews—so bringing sunglasses or goggles might improve comfort. Elizabeth from the UK noted that the GPS doesn’t start automatically, and getting comfortable with navigation can take a moment. Still, many find the overall experience worth it, describing it as “brilliant,” “amazing,” and “so much fun.”

Safety and Practical Tips

• You must be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license.
• The security deposit is USD 500, reduced to USD 300 with optional insurance.
• The vehicle seats two, making it ideal for couples or friends.
• The GPS-guided system includes safety helmets and a safety briefing.
• Be prepared for a noisy ride and bring appropriate clothing, especially if visiting on cooler days.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the reviews and features, this GoCar tour offers excellent value for travelers wanting a unique, flexible way to see San Francisco. For the price of around $84.50 per person, you get a personalized experience with insightful commentary, combined with the thrill of driving a quirky little vehicle. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, who don’t mind tight streets, and want to combine sightseeing with storytelling.

The tour’s highlight—the drive along and around the Golden Gate and the experience of Lombard Street—is truly memorable. The ability to stop and explore at your own pace adds to its appeal, especially for travelers who appreciate having control over their itinerary.

However, it’s not a comprehensive city tour; two hours can feel short if you want to cover every corner. Planning to include extra time or multiple sessions might make for a richer experience. Also, because the tour doesn’t go over the Golden Gate Bridge itself, those wanting to walk or bike across might want to plan a separate excursion.

Who Will Love This?

This tour suits adventurous couples, friends, or solo travelers seeking a fun, offbeat way to see San Francisco. It’s particularly appealing if you love driving small vehicles, enjoy narrated guides, and want a personalized experience that you can tailor to your interests. It also works well for those familiar with the city who want to revisit landmarks from a new perspective.

It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues (no booster seats for children, and the vehicle is best suited for adults), or for those who prefer guided group tours with a set itinerary. Still, if your goal is to combine sightseeing with a dash of adventure and local storytelling, this innovative approach might be just what you need.

FAQs about the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour

Do I need a special driver’s license?
No, a standard driver’s license is sufficient. You must be 21 or older to rent and drive.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, the GPS guide is available in nine languages, including Spanish, Italian, German, French, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.

Can I see the Golden Gate Bridge from the tour?
While the tour doesn’t go across the bridge, you will see it from multiple angles and have an opportunity to walk across if you choose.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 2 hours, which is enough to see major sights but may require extra time if you want to explore more.

Where do I pick up the GoCar?
At the Fisherman’s Wharf area, specifically at 431 Beach Street, near the historic F streetcar line.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, safety helmets are included in the rental.

What should I bring?
A driver’s license, a credit card, and some form of ID are required. It’s also wise to bring sunglasses or goggles for wind protection.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and rescheduling is possible depending on availability.

Is insurance recommended?
Optional collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance can be purchased on the day of rental, which reduces the security deposit.

The Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour offers a lively, engaging way to experience San Francisco’s most famous landmarks. Its combination of self-guided exploration and informative GPS narration makes it a memorable experience, especially for those who enjoy driving and discovering at their own pace. The small group size and affordability add to its appeal, making it a great choice for couples or friends looking for an unusual adventure.

While the tour isn’t exhaustive and requires some comfort with navigating small streets, many travelers find the fun, scenic stops and insider stories well worth the effort. If you’re after a blend of sightseeing, storytelling, and a bit of thrill, this tour hits the spot.

For the best experience, plan to allocate extra time if you want to linger at key spots like the Golden Gate Bridge or Lombard Street, and don’t forget your sense of adventure! This is a playful, flexible way to soak up the essence of San Francisco—something you’ll remember long after you leave.

Enjoy your trip and happy exploring in one of America’s most beautiful cities!

You can check availability for your dates here: