San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour

Thinking about exploring San Francisco but want something a little different from the usual bus or walking tour? This Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour offers a playful, flexible way to see the city’s highlights, all while enjoying the freedom of driving your own little GPS-guided vehicle. It’s an experience that combines sightseeing with a dash of adventure—perfect for those who enjoy a more interactive way to travel.

What we love about this tour is how it allows you to set your own pace, stopping whenever you want to take photos or soak in the views. Plus, the GPS guide provides fascinating facts and stories in multiple languages, making it informative without feeling like a lecture. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the cars can be a bit noisy and that this isn’t really suited for very young children or drivers under 21. If you’re up for a bit of driving and want to get off the beaten path, this tour could be a real highlight of your trip.

This experience tends to suit travelers who love to explore independently but still want some guidance and local insights. It’s great for couples, friends, or solo adventurers who want a memorable way to see San Francisco without the crowds or rigid schedules.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration: Drive at your own pace and make spontaneous stops.
• Informative GPS guide: Available in 9 languages, providing stories and facts along the route.
• Iconic sights included: Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Presidio, and more.
• Good value for a personalized experience: For $169, up to 2 people get two hours of fun.
• Considerations: Not suitable for drivers under 21 and involves a security deposit; loud cars may require ear protection.
• Ideal for: Travelers comfortable with driving, seeking a memorable and engaging city tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Unfolds: A Deep Dive

Meeting Point and Orientation

The adventure begins at 431 Beach Street, just near Fisherman’s Wharf and along the historic F streetcar line—an easy starting point after breakfast or a stroll along the waterfront. The staff provides a driver orientation and safety briefing, ensuring you’re comfortable with the controls before hitting the streets. Safety helmets are included, and a full tank of gas is ready for your journey.

The GPS-Guided Experience

The core of this tour is the GPS-enabled GoCar, which is not your average rental. It speaks in nine different languages—English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean—making it accessible for many travelers. The GPS doesn’t just tell you where to go; it shares stories, local insights, and historical tidbits that bring each sight to life as you pass by.

The GPS guide is praised by many reviewers for being accurate and engaging. As one reviewer noted, “the GPS guide was on point and we were able to ride the cars safely.” This makes the experience both educational and entertaining, especially if you’re curious about the city’s landmarks but don’t want a static audio guide in a bus.

Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf and Fort Mason

Once on the road, your first sights will likely include the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, a lively hub full of shops, eateries, and street performers. The cars are agile enough to zip past the crowds, giving you a quick glimpse of the area’s energy. Then, heading towards Fort Mason and the Presidio, the route offers some of the best views of the bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from different angles.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Golden Gate Bridge

No trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing the Golden Gate. This tour offers multiple opportunities to admire this marvel from a distance and up close. The GPS guide provides interesting facts about the bridge’s history and architecture. You’ll have the flexibility to stop and walk across the bridge if you wish—something many reviews mention as a highlight.

Wind Your Way Down Lombard Street

Next up, Lombard Street—the so-called “crookedest street in the world.” Driving down its switchbacks is a quirky thrill and a fun photo op. According to one reviewer, “it was amazing to drive down Lombard Street,” and many agree that this is a fun, unique experience you can’t get on a traditional tour.

The Marina District and Crissy Field

The route continues around the Marina District and Crissy Field, offering scenic views of the bay and the city skyline. These areas are perfect for a quick stop to take photos or just enjoy the fresh air. The GPS guide keeps the narration lively with facts and stories, making even these quick stops engaging.

Boutique Shopping and Local Spots

After the sightseeing, the tour loops back through charming neighborhoods like Chestnut and Union Streets. These districts are ideal for browsing boutique shops or grabbing a quick bite. You might find some of the latest fashions or enjoy a local coffee, making the tour feel like a leisurely day out.

What to Expect: Practical Details

The GoCar rental lasts for two hours, which some reviews suggest might be tight if you want to do everything thoroughly. However, the flexibility means you can skip the parts that interest you most or spend longer at key spots. The vehicle seats two, so this is a great option for couples or friends traveling together.

The cost of $169 per vehicle offers good value considering the personalized nature of the experience. For that, you get a full safety briefing, helmets, a full tank of gas, and the GPS-guided narration. Keep in mind, there’s a $500 security deposit (reducible to $300 if you purchase optional insurance), held on your credit card until the GoCar is returned. This might sound a bit intimidating but is standard for rental vehicles.

Who Can Drive

You need to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. No need for an international license if you’re a US resident, but it’s a good idea to bring your license and ID. The cars are not suitable for small children or booster seats, so if you’re traveling with little ones, this might not be the best fit.

Weather Considerations

San Francisco can be foggy and chilly, even in summer, especially near the water. Many reviews recommend bringing layers or a jacket. The cars can be noisy, and wind can be strong at higher speeds, so sunglasses or goggles might enhance comfort.

Rescheduling and Cancellations

If weather or other circumstances force a change, you can reschedule or get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. The process is straightforward, and staff are praised for their helpfulness if issues arise.

The Review from Travelers: What People Are Saying

Many reviewers rave about the informative GPS guide and the fun of driving their own vehicle. Comments like “what a fantastic way to see the sites,” and “the GPS took us to great places,” reflect how much people enjoy the flexibility and the insider stories.

A common theme is the ease of driving the GoCar once you get used to it. One reviewer said, “Turn the sat nav up full volume and the car will guide you round,” which is reassuring if you’re worried about getting lost or driving on unfamiliar roads.

Some mention minor hiccups, like GPS issues or noisy vehicles, but these don’t seem to detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. Several say that allowing more than two hours would make for a more relaxed experience—something worth considering if you’re a slow explorer or want to linger longer at the Golden Gate or Lombard Street.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who enjoys a little control over your sightseeing and is comfortable driving around in a small vehicle, this tour could be a real highlight. It’s especially appealing if you want a mix of fun, education, and scenic views without the crowds of a bus tour. The GPS guide adds a layer of storytelling that makes your journey more engaging, and the ability to stop and explore whenever you want is a definite plus.

On the downside, it’s not ideal if you’re nervous behind the wheel or traveling with very young kids. The noise level and the security deposit are small considerations but worth noting. If you’re looking for a flexible way to get a good overview of San Francisco’s must-see spots with a bit of fun thrown in, this tour is likely to deliver.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Do I need a special license to drive the GoCar?
You only need a valid driver’s license. International licenses are not necessary if you hold a US license, but bring your license and ID card just in case.

Can I go over the Golden Gate Bridge?
No, the tour doesn’t include crossing the bridge itself, but you will get a close-up view from different angles and have the chance to walk across it separately.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really. The vehicles don’t accommodate booster seats, and drivers must be 21 or older. It’s mainly designed for adults or older teens who can handle the driving.

What languages are available for the GPS guide?
The GPS narration is available in nine languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.

How long does the tour last?
The standard rental is two hours, which is enough to see key sights but might feel rushed if you want to linger at each spot.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reschedule if the weather isn’t cooperating on the day.

What’s included in the price?
The rental includes the vehicle, driver orientation, safety helmets, a full tank of gas, and the GPS guide. Gratuities are also appreciated.

Are there optional insurances?
Yes, you can purchase collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance on the day of rental, which reduces your deposit.

Is there a group limit?
Yes, the experience is limited to two participants per vehicle, making it a more intimate and personalized tour.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and some layers for weather. Check your GPS before starting to ensure the audio instructions work properly.

Final Word

All in all, the San Francisco Golden Gate & Lombard GoCar Tour offers a fresh way to discover the city’s most famous sights. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of independence, enjoy storytelling, and want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. While it’s not suited for very young children or drivers under 21, many travelers find the experience fun, informative, and surprisingly scenic.

If you’re looking for a memorable, engaging way to see San Francisco beyond the usual, this could very well become one of your trip’s most enjoyable moments. Just remember to pace yourself, listen to the GPS, and embrace the adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: