A trip to San Francisco is bound to involve seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and getting some photos. While thousands of cars cross the bridge every day, walking or Biking the Golden Gate Bridge is the best way to experience its beauty.
Exploring on two wheels will allow you to cover more ground while still taking the time to take in all the bridge and surrounding areas have to offer.
Many people bike over this iconic bridge while visiting San Francisco. If you want to make the most of your trip, follow these tips when cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge.
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Biking the Golden Gate Bridge
Start at Fisherman’s Wharf
Start your day by hopping the streetcar down to Fisherman’s Warf. There are several options for bicycle rentals at the wharf. Stop by one of the shops and rent a bike for a few hours or for the whole day.
Some shops even have electric bike options for those who want to take a more leisurely ride. Make sure to grab a helmet and a water bottle before you head out.
Head towards the Bridge
From Fisherman’s Wharf you will ride through Aquatic Park, Fort Mason and the Presidio National Park. You may want to stop and explore the newly opened Presidio Tunnel Tops within the National Park.
You will find play areas, food trucks, events and a beautiful space to relax before traveling over the bridge. Along this route you will also find some of the best views of the bridge so stop for lots of amazing photos! This route is mostly a flat smooth ride with a few hills taking you up to the bridge.
On the Bridge
There are bike and walking paths on either side of the bridge with designated times of day for their use. Follow the signs or inquire with your bike rental shop about which side of the bridge you should be riding on.
Take your time when crossing the bridge and enjoy the views and the ocean breeze. The path is shared with pedestrians and many other bikers so take it slow and be respectful.
Explore the Other Side
Once you’ve conquered the bridge, you can either turn back or cruise downhill into Sausalito. This quaint little town offers lots of places to grab a delicious lunch or do a little shopping. If your legs are getting tired, you can catch a ferry in Sausalito back to Fisherman’s Wharf.
For those who want to keep exploring head on to Mill Valley and see the Redwoods at the Old Mill Park. You can catch the Muir Woods Loop bike trail and get some beautiful coastal views.
You can also continue to the town of Tiburon and catch a ferry past Alcatraz and back to the wharf. That’s a total of 22 miles of pedaling so you will probably be ready for an amazing seafood dinner upon your return.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind about Biking the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a world famous attraction and is visited by thousands of people each year. The bike and walking lanes can be become congested, so please take it slow.
You are here to enjoy breath taking scenery not to break any speed records! Plan your trip according to your comfort level. The ride over the bridge to Sausalito is about 8 miles and will take about an hour and half depending on stops.
If you plan to go on to Tiburon and explore along the way you can fill your whole day. The weather in San Francisco is beautiful but can change quickly especially when the fog rolls in and the ocean breezes pick up.
Make sure to bring an extra layer to keep warm. The California sun is strong so don’t forget the sunscreen and water.
If you continue your ride over the bridge, you will be on a mix of bike paths and roadways. Wear your helmet, follow the rules of the road and stay safe.
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