Dandyhorse SF Bike Tours & Rental — Attraction in San Francisco

What you need to know: BEST way to hit multiple SF spots at once, bikes are easy to ride regardless of skill level (as long as you know the basics), Nick is Mr. SF in that he is an SF encyclopedia on history and things to do, this is a fun and healthy way to really get to know the city.

Booked via Airbnb Experiences because we were only in town for 48 hours and wanted to do as much as we could. Enter: Dandyhorse SF Bike Tours.

I'll admit I was incredibly nervous about this tour. I hadn't rode a bike in almost two decades, and even then I was never really any good. However, I decided to take a chance and rely upon the old "it's like riding a bike" phrase to be true. This tour initially appealed to my girlfriend and I because we were only going to be in SF for two days (we're from Atlanta) and we wanted to do as much as possible to get a real feel for SF since we've both always wanted to visit. Nick's tour looked like it would allow us to hit some pretty major spots in a unique way, so we decided to go for it.

Nick started out with a short history lesson about SF which was incredibly fascinating and insightful - definitely put us at ease that we were going to be guided by someone who not only cared about his city but was deeply knowledgeable about it. After this brief history lesson and some routine safety instructions, we got a few minutes to get used to the bikes. Everyone else had an easy time, but I was definitely struggling a lot. However, I felt confident enough that I would get the hang of it once we were out of the small alley where you start your tour (at the Bike shop).

Once we got started on the actual tour, I was surprised to feel just how easy these bikes were to ride. With the electrical component it made not only the pedaling was more effortless, the actual push off was easier as well (that's always been a struggle for me). Now while I did run into a few things, had some trouble keeping up with the group during a few points, and got a few tiny bumps and bruises along the way, Nick was very friendly about it all, and I made it through. Considering I hadn't been on a bike in almost 20 years, this was definitely a testament to how the electric bikes are such a pleasure to ride as long as you know the basics. I would definitely recommend you take Nick's advice and practice if you can on a regular bike before taking this tour - it would make it much easier.

The actual tour was absolutely incredible for us - Nick took us to some historical landmarks, some incredible neighborhoods, and of course gave us by far some of the best views of SF that we would've never had otherwise. This tour was 100% worth it in every sense of the word and I love that I was able to partake. Glad we got lucky with phenomenal weather as well so we could see the Golden Gate Bridge easily and never had any trouble during the actual tour either.

All in all, if you're a first-timer to SF or a seasoned native, the tours provided by Nick are invaluable if you want to truly get to know the city in a unique, healthy,...

One of the best adventures that I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. It was three hours that felt like three minutes because of how much fun and immersive it was the entire ride. It also did help that we were blessed with a super-rare beautiful sunny day, and as warm as it can apparently get here in the Bay Area.

Nick, the owner and tour guide, is incredibly amazing to be with. He took us around San Francisco's essential places starting at his shop in Haight and Ashbury, then went through spots such as the Panhandle, Golden Gate Park, The Presidio then all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. We biked halfway on the bridge, took amazing photos, then also went through beautiful natural forest areas with Redwood trees, and also stopped by to have amazing donuts at one of the city's oldest and beloved donut shops, Bob's on Baker Street, where Nick treated everyone to a donut! We also went through Pacific Heights and Alamo Square by the Painted Ladies. We had a few restroom stops as well.

Most essentially, Nick also took us to the best photo-op spots that no tourists (and even some locals) know of! Had beautiful ops of the bay, beaches, the Bridge, and other awesome spots. He will help you take photos if you're a solo adventurer. The entire time, we were engaged with amazing tidbits of history and fun facts of the neighborhoods that we pass through.

The e-bikes are incredibly powerful that most hills don't feel like a chore to bike up to, so if you're worried that you're going to have a hard time with biking up the steep hills of San Francisco, fret not. I am the farthest from being fit with little cardio in me, and I had an amazing time with little effort. The only one time was when road construction blocked the path, so we had to climb a steep street, but it was a one-off.

Nick also took us to a "special edition" tour that he normally doesn't do: we went to the Palace of Fine Arts with incredible early 20th-century architecture (and one of the last remaining structures from the 1915 World Fair), as well as where LucasArts is located! If you're a Star Wars fan, that is an amazing stop! But we were lucky, so maybe if you catch him in a generous mood, you might just get a special tour.

All-in-all, hands down, one of the best things I have ever done. Worth every penny. Shoutout to Nick for a once-in-a-lifetime...

Run, don't walk to DandyHorse. Plan to spend a terrific time in the saddle without the usual soreness that comes with a live equine. We took the SF city tour with John who was splendid beyond belief. We were very uncertain about riding on busy streets and he took all angst away. Somehow, he could face forward and backward at the same time, and predict oncoming pedestrians, speed bumps, or changes in terrain.

We grew up in the Bay Area and lived in different San Francisco districts years ago, so had a decent understanding of the city. That said, it’s a completely different perspective on a bike. Like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance, we were IN the picture, not just looking at it.

Hills that would be deemed inaccessible were a breeze with John’s coaching on which gear to use and the very sturdy, well-maintained bikes. He filled in background points about things we’ve seen previously in our travels, but didn’t know the details. This made the trip, enriching, relaxing, and enjoyable.

Of course you COULD try to do this by yourself, but without John in the background to switch the bikes around to different directions on the narrow Golden Gate Bridge walkway, navigate clueless tourists who stepped into the bike path, know exactly where all the restrooms were located allowed us to just be in the moment and look around without concern of logistics or details. The bikes are heavy, but he was always there to give us a jumpstart if needed, take care of parking them so we could enjoy tasty treats in a local bakery and point out intricacies we would otherwise have walked or driven past without notice.

Attention to detail, a bevy of useful information made a memorable experience that we definitely want to repeat. The Lone Ranger would be proud: “Hi Ho Silver” to the...