Tours De Force

by Spud Hilton

The best experiences for these times are on personal tours in small-groups and, preferably, outdoors.

Golden Gate Tour // Seaplane Adventures

A 30-minute flight takes couples and small groups up for airborne views of the Marin headlands, the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Golden Gate Bridge. Flights begin and end in Sausalito. The seaplane traces a path over Crissy Field, downtown San Francisco, Giants home Oracle Park, Alcatraz and historic Angel Island. seaplane.com

Private Craft Beer Crawl // Lucky Tuk Tuk

Three-wheeled, electric experience with Lucky Tuk Tuk

Photo courtesy Lucky Tuk Tuk

Visit three award-winning local breweries in an electric, three wheeled, open-sided transport that carries four to six passengers. The drivers are professional guides who provide a narrative about the neighborhoods, local history and, of course, the craft beers. lucky-tuk-tuk.com

Golden Gate Park & More // GoCar

Guided tour of famed sights with GoCar

Photo courtesy GoCar

Roll past the city’s famed sights in the two-person GoCar, which guides riders with GPS-activated directions and offers recorded commentary on the area’s history and culture. Highlights of the three-hour trip include Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point, the Presidio, the Legion of Honor, Fisherman’s Wharf and the storied Haight-Ashbury. gocartours.com

Outdoor Food Tour // Avital Tours

Specialty cocktail pour

Photo courtesy Avital Tours

Guests travel in their own vehicle— or in a GoCar for an additional fee—for four-course progressive meals through the North Beach, Chinatown and Financial District Embarcadero neighborhoods, picking up food from restaurants as they go. Highlights, enjoyed in outdoor settings, include Michael Mina’s sushi bento box and Tyler Florence’s buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. An audio guide provides background on the restaurants and chefs. avitaltours.com

Golden Gate Bridge Electric Bike Tour // Blazing Saddles

Exploring the great outdoors on Blazing Saddles

Photo courtesy Blazing Saddles

Families and small groups can tour the most recognizable bridge on the planet with a little boost from an electric-assisted bike. The three-hour guided itinerary, ideal for beginner and intermediate riders, includes the city of Sausalito and historical commentary about the San Francisco Bay. blazingsaddles.com