San Francisco: Golden Gate & Lombard GoCar GPS Tour

Summary

Golden gate bridge views, lombard street curves and a talking car adventure through san francisco’s icons

You’ll slip behind the handlebars of a GPS-talking GoCar and cruise San Francisco’s icons—Golden Gate Bridge up close at Fort Point, twisty Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf bustle and quiet Presidio moments. Expect laughter, easy navigation and time to pause wherever curiosity hits. You’ll come away with stories—and probably some helmet hair.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Francisco Golden Gate and Lombard Tour

• Drive through Fisherman's Wharf
• Pass Crissy Field with bay views
• Visit Palace of Fine Arts
• Explore Presidio area
• Stop at Fort Point for photos
• View Golden Gate Bridge from multiple spots
• Drive down Lombard Street

Top questions

Can you drive across the Golden Gate Bridge on this tour?

No, but you’ll get right up to Fort Point beneath the bridge for close-up views and photos.

How long does the GoCar tour last?

The standard loop takes around 2 hours but you can stop anywhere along the route if you want more time.

Is there a guide or do you drive yourself?

You drive yourself; the GoCar uses GPS-guided audio narration as your “guide.”

Are helmets provided for riders?

Yes, DOT-approved helmets are included with every rental for safety.

What are some highlights on this route?

You’ll see Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge from below at Fort Point, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Presidio and Crissy Field.

Is parking difficult with a GoCar?

No—it’s small enough for motorcycle or regular car parking spots along your route.

Do I need a motorcycle license to drive?

No motorcycle license is needed; just a valid driver’s license and credit card.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—the vehicles and facilities are wheelchair accessible; service animals are allowed too.

What’s included

Your day includes full rental of a GPS-talking GoCar with gas in the tank, helmets for both riders (even small kids get one), an orientation before you set off, plus an eco fee covering carbon offset and tire recycling. There’s also a map if you want one—but honestly, that chatty car keeps you on track wherever you wander through San Francisco’s streets.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to laugh so much at a car’s voice. But there we were, squeezed into this bright yellow GoCar on a chilly San Francisco morning, helmets slightly askew, trying not to look too much like tourists (we failed). The GPS started chatting right away—sort of bossy but weirdly charming—and off we went toward the Palace of Fine Arts. The dome looked almost fake against that gray sky, with geese honking somewhere behind us. I think I took ten photos before we even left the parking lot.

The real surprise was how easy it was to just… go. No map-staring or wrong turns—the little car knew exactly where we were, even when I got distracted by the smell of sourdough drifting from Fisherman’s Wharf (I swear it follows you everywhere in this city). We zipped past runners at Crissy Field, their dogs splashing in puddles, and then stopped under the Golden Gate Bridge at Fort Point. The bridge loomed overhead—so close you could hear cars rumbling above if you listened for it. Our guide (well, the car) told us about Gold Rush days and old military secrets. It was oddly moving—maybe just being that close to something so big.

Lombard Street was pure chaos—in the best way. We giggled the whole way down those wild curves while people waved or snapped pictures (one guy yelled “Nice ride!” which made my day). Parking was actually easy for once—tiny car perks—and we lingered longer than planned just watching cable cars clatter past at the corner. By then my hair had gone full helmet-flattened and I didn’t care at all.

I still think about that view from the Presidio—fog rolling in slow over the bay, everything kind of hushed except for distant seagulls and someone playing guitar near a bench. The GoCar tour felt like having a local friend who never got tired of telling stories or waiting for you to take “just one more” photo. So yeah, if you want to see San Francisco differently (and don’t mind looking a little silly), this is it.