Starting Point: This is where you will begin your ride in Fisherman's Wharf. Marina Green: After you exit Fort Mason, you'll take a right and head toward the waterfront to bike along the Marina Green. There are a few hills along the way but other than that it is a relatively easy ride. San Francisco is a very bike-friendly city, so there are plenty of places where you can get a good bike rental for a great price. } If you plan to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge on your own, you will want to familiarize yourself with the rules and which side you need to be on before you arrive. As a thank you, you'll receive a City Guide and FREE audio tour! It will most likely take you along Alexander Avenue all the way into downtown Sausalito. The ride to Sausalito from the Golden Gate Bridge is about three miles. The nice, flat bike path ends at Fort Point. The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Pedestrians, including persons with disabilities using mobility devices such as wheelchairs, are only allowed on the east sidewalk (side facing San Francisco). Get an electric assist bike for the day. It is completely flat and the entire way you have a great view of the bridge. Here is a little bit of information Bike rides to Tiburon can take between 3-4 hours on average. Boston We visited San Francisco in the beginning of July. In addition to their guided bike tours across the Golden Gate Bridge, they also provide a self-guided tour and an electric bike option as well. We chose Blazing Saddles because their shop was conveniently located on the route to the Golden Gate Bridge. Bay Wheels - Owned by Lyft, you can find Bay Wheels stations all over the city, including a few in the Golden-Gate adjacent neighborhood of the Presidio. They only offer rentals and do not offer guided tours. Though they run several bike tours around San Francisco, Bay City Bike Rentals and Tours also offer bike rentals for those interested in exploring the city on their own. At the same time, biking across the Golden Gate Bridge isn't the same as a weekend bike ride on a suburban bike path. Its a hefty uphill climb but worth it for the view. This allows me to warm up on the ride across as I usually ride slow and stop quite a bit as I go. This will keep your hands warm as you cycle across. All bike rental and tour companies will provide a helmet for you to wear. But we definitely recommend spending some time in Sausalito first! You will also pass Alcatraz on your cruise but you won't stop there. If your kids have a lot of experience riding a bike, know how to ride single file and stay to the right, and can handle a few challenging climbs, then they should be able to do this ride. You can either rent one that's electric or manual to bike from San Francisco to Sausalito. Palace of Fine Arts (Optional Stop): If you want to visit one of our best free attractions, then make a quick stop at the Palace of Fine Arts. 3. No powered vehicles are allowed on the walkways, so you will need to manually peddle the bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Also, San Francisco can be surprisingly chilly in July. You will ride on the bridge sidewalks, not on the roadway itself. Your email address will not be published. This is also great for those that aren't used to riding a bike that much or want a little more help getting up the hills to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. More Information for Your Trip to California: Are you planning a trip to the United States? Once youve completed the tour, youll take a ferry back to your starting location to complete the cycle with a nice and relaxing boat ride. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Any time is a great time to ride across the bridge. TIP: This rental is available for free with the San Francisco Go Card. Check out this 15 min GoPro video from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito. It continues with information on We recommend taking your time when making this trip across the Bay. 4. B: When entering the Golden Gate Bridge, you will probably have to get off the bike, as there the area will be crowded with pedestrians. But dont get discouraged, just take a couple of breaks and take some great pictures or enjoy the spectacular view of the Bay. There are several bike rental shops in San Francisco. The third map is the route from the bridge into Sausalito. Sidewalk Hours During Pacific Daylight Time, Tips for Out-of-State & Out-of-Country Visitors, Pay a Toll for a Vehicle with No License Plate, Annual Vehicle Crossings and Toll Revenues. I also didn't wear a top layer, and was pretty cold the whole way across. The shop at 757 Beach Street was the one we used and we loved its convenient location. Depending on how you use these passes, you can save between 20% - 50% or more on various fun activities in the Bay Area. You can also stay on the street, but it's a longer way around and you'll have to cut through the busy Welcome Center parking lot. A majority of the reviews for Blazing Saddles are overwhelmingly positive, earning the company a 4 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor. We rented bikes at Blazing Saddles and started on our way. Text "GGB" to 741741 or visit theSan Francisco Suicide Prevention websitefor help. Short Sleeves: I usually wear a short-sleeved shirt. That made biking across the Golden Gate Bridge that much more crowded. The main shopping and entertainment area of Sausalito. Then, take a left (away from the highway onramp) and follow that road all the way down to Sausalito. This is still a slower ride, as you will encounter some pedestrian traffic on the bridge, which will slow you down. It was a holiday weekend so there were tons of tourists everywhere, including us. People are so taken with this view and there's so much chaos, that you will need to make sure to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you as you are crossing. If you hop on your bike and ride straight across, you could probably complete it in about an hour. Cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge was one of our favorite experiences in San Francisco. You can't see the top when you first start. Great way to get the kids involved. The east sidewalk is open to bikes from 5 am - 3:30 pm Monday through Friday and after 6:30 pm every day of the week. Make sure to wear layers and bring along a light windbreaker for your ride. Winter Standard Time Hours: First Sunday in November to the second Monday in March, Summer, Spring & Fall Hours: Second Monday in March to the first Sunday in November, Contact Me | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Site Map | Advertising Disclaimer. Note: This post contains affiliate links. The majority of the bike rental shops are in Fisherman's Wharf or the Marina. All you need to do is show up and the guide will do the rest. Berlin how long it takes, what you should wear, and a few rules on the bridge. Once on the bridge, accidents are still possible. In combination with the wind, the ride can be a bit tiring. The ride is mostly flat, and you never have to cycle quickly, so it's easy to keep up if you are on a manual bike. If you're coming from Fisherman's Wharf, you can expect to travel approximately 8 miles to reach Sausalito, where you can then take the ferry back to Fisherman's Wharf. Oddly, my husband and I just returned from San Francisco (July 4-6, 2019) and we did exactly what the writer suggested. From here, you make a left turn for a challenging uphill climb to get onto the bridge. 3. We rented our bikes at their shop located on 757 Beach Street, just one block from Ghirardelli Square. 3. They offer both individual rentals as well as tours across the bridge. Enter the Bridge: This is roughly where you will enter the sidewalks to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Cruise Along Alexander Avenue: You will then leave the parking lot and head out to Alexander Avenue. They stop quite a bit and ride pretty slow. Bay City Bike Rentals and Tours are generally very well rated on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide (read the reviews here). This part of the ride is pretty easy and there isn't often a lot of traffic once you are past the traffic around the bridge. } Here are a few of my favorite options: >> Visit my Sausalito page for more details on the options above as well as a few others! As with bike rentals, you'll find that some. The Golden Gate Bridge is biked by tourists, distance cyclists, and commuters alike (if you're into distance cycling, getting across the bridge into the North Bay is the first step to hopping on some pretty amazing bike ridesone of my favorites is biking up to Point Reyes National Seashore). There are east and west sidewalks. 3. It's also dangerous to stop at the entrance to the bridge since it's a blind spot for cyclists coming off it. Starting at Fishermans Wharf, this bike tour will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito. Bikes and pedestrians share the east sidewalk on the bridge most of the time. Exiting the Bridge: This is roughly where you will leave the sidewalk on the bridge. Here are a few more pieces of advice on what to wear when you bike across the Golden Gate Bridge: Pants: I typically wear light pants that don't interfere with the peddles or chain on the bike. On the Bridge: You made it! New York City A majority of the reviews for Blazing Saddles are overwhelmingly positive, earning the company a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor. And when you're ready to go, enjoy the ferry ride and the great views of the San Francisco skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge. I broke this down into three parts, so you can get a feel for what each section is like. If you have any questions or advice for our readers, comment below! Click here to find information on when you should ride on the east vs the west sidewalk. Routes Merge: This is roughly where the routes from the east and west sidewalks merge. Distance across the Golden Gate Bridge: 1.7 miles (one way) Ghirardelli Square to Sausalito: 8.5 miles (one way) Ghirardelli Square to the Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoint: 6 miles one way, 12 miles round trip. Make sure you ride single file if you are in a group and stay to the right. However, this can change depending on the time of day and on weekends and holidays. The downside of this option is that you will be on your own. You can either continue on to Sausalito (which is what more people do), you can turn around and bike back to SF, or you can head up into the Marin Headlands for views of the SF Skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and beyond. Most of the companies that offer Golden Gate Bridge bike tours will provide discounts of 10% - 20% off when you book your tour online. Thankfully, there are quite a few companies that offer this service, so you shouldnt have too much difficulty finding a tour that fits your schedule. This is usually pretty easy with the maps they provide or just using Google Maps to get from place to place. Tour should last about 3 hours, but may last longer, Arrive 15 minutes early to avoid any problems, Arrive 15 minutes early to avoid scheduling issues. Here you will find 11 tips to help you prepare for this fun, unique journey. Most bike rental companies require you to return your bike to the original departure point but you can use a service to drop your bike off at the ferry and have someone else return it for you (during peak season only). 2. This one is a little further and a little steeper. He has traveled to over 30 countries, and has never found a place he loves as much as this one! What should you do after you cross the bridge? 1. However, most cyclists will start from elsewhere in the city. Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals: My final recommendation is in the Marina District. 4. NOTE: When you get to Crissy Field on Old Mason Street, you can either turn onto Crissy Field Ave. and continue toward the bridge or continue North to the Warming Hut. I like leggings or pants that have a tight fit around the ankles. You'll have access to the bike path so will not have to ride in the street. During our visit, a layer of fog and clouds hovered around the Golden Gate Bridge. 2. Just stay on the shoulder (with the fence on your left-hand side) until you reach a parking lot. Most people rent bikes in Fisherman's Wharf. Bikes in front of Blazing Saddles in Fisherman's Wharf. Miami E: Make sure you know the ferry times in advance. Dont pull out in front of another cyclist and cause an accident. To be respectful to other bikers, especially those who need to pass you, it helps to stay to the right and ride single file. The ferry was very relaxing especially after a full day of biking. { If you leave from here, the entire ride is just over 8 miles. You also get some great views of the Golden Gate Bridge in this direction. Two Trails Meet: This is where the two routes meet and where you'll make your final ride into Sausalito. There are a few negative reviews, but many of them appear to mention issues that could not have been avoided. Nashville Amsterdam Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Some tourist passes include a free bike rental which you could use to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. It's mostly flat with a few steep sections. You dont have to remember the times, just follow the signs. The downside is that you have to show up at a specific time, ride as fast (or slow) as the group, and only stop at their designated locations. You won't have someone taking you around, so you'll need to find your own way. It's mostly flat with one hill (#2). If you want to avoid the crowds on the Golden Gate Bridge,go early in the morning, around 8/9am, or on a weekday. You will find another hill on the Sausalito side. Read Next: How to Bike from San Francisco to Point Reyes for a Weekend Getaway. Again, you can walk your bike at any time (even on tours). Bike, food, and travel inspo in your inbox. Here are just a few of my favorite times: With average highs in San Francisco only in the 60s, you will find it's actually quite cool and windy on the bridge. The west sidewalk is open to bikes from 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and from 5 am - 6:30 pm on weekends. Read all of our articles about the USA in our. The west side of the bridge (left side if youre coming from San Francisco) is open to cyclists after 3pm on Fridays and all weekend. Thanks so much for writing in and sharing your experience with us! Chicago When you are finished in Sausalito, you can simply hop on the ferry and come right back to San Francisco and relax back at your hotel! It makes for a pleasant ride, but you can also return back by bike if you want to make your ride a little longer and more challenging. If you're biking from within the city, go through Golden Gate Park for a scenic, redwood-filled ride before you reach the bridge. If you take photos while biking, I'll photobomb you. Your trail will take you up to the parking lot at Vista Point. 1. Traveling the world through food and outdoor adventures, How to Bike from San Francisco to Point Reyes for a Weekend Getaway, 5 Great Non-Touristy Things to Do in New Orleans (2022). Julie Last updated: July 3, 2022 United States 8 Comments. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 2. There are no bike lanes on the road and it's illegal to ride your bike on the roadway across the bridge. Their address is 2715 Hyde Street. Once you get closer to the water, you will be going in the right direction towards Sausalito. Sometimes walking around San Francisco can be a bit impractical, and it can also be physically demanding for some visitors. Looks like a very scenic place to go cycling at. Click here to visit their website. And if you really want to cycle in style, they also rent road bikes, in which you could cruise up those hills much easier than on a hybrid. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The rental companies offer you everything you need to keep you safe and to lock up your bike. Mason Street: Continue along Mason Street, which is flat. 2. Ferry to SF: This is where you will find the terminal for the ferry back to San Francisco. Light Jacket or Windbreaker: I always bring a light jacket with me. Automatically-controlled gates close at 6:30 pmand reopen at 5:00am. D: From North Vista Point, take the curvy road down the hill. All classes of eBikes are allowed on the Bridge and expected to adhere to rules for cyclists. Finally, Ive included a few maps at the end of the page that outline the typical bike ride from San Francisco to Sausalito. This path is open to cyclists only. ga && ga('send', 'event', 'Forms', 'Sign-up', 'Name: ' + form.name + ' URL: ' + window.location.href); You will not find any at the Golden Gate Bridge. Sausalito is small, so you will easily find some parking for your bike, lock it up, and then explore. As you bike to the Golden Gate Bridge, you can stop along the waterfront, have some lunch along Chestnut Street in the Marina, or check out the Palace of Fine Arts. Rear racks or a front bike bag (depending on the type of bike you rent). We are always on the search for adventure, and by joining the holiday crowds on a July 4th weekend, this was a bit on the crazy side. Most people bike from Fisherman's Wharf, across the bridge, and over to Sausalito. Guided: The great thing about a guided trip is that everything is set up for you. You can walk them if needed. Groupon and LivingSocial frequently offer deals on local activities and services such as bike rentals, so you might be able to save some money by using their websites or smartphone apps. SIGN UPFOR OUR EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE2022 SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE. If youre biking on a weekday or before 3pm on Friday, take a left before the tunnel. We recommend using our self-guided tour of the Golden Gate Bridge. 9:00 pmto 5:00 am: Eastsidewalk, via remotely-controlled security gates located at both ends of the east sidewalk. Most of the bike rental shops offer about the same prices and packages, but here are just of a few of the best ones: Sports Basement in the Presidio: The Sports Basement is the closest place to the Golden Gate Bridge to rent a bike for the ride over. Then, take your first right and go uphill towards Hawk Hill. A lot of people like to bike across the bridge and down into Sausalito, then take the ferry home. callback: cb The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Franciscos most recognizable landmarks. The hill is pretty steep, but not very long. The first thing you will want to determine is if you want to This part of the path was the most crowded of the day. SF Independent Bike Tour and Rental with Ferry Ticket from Sausalito, Reviews of Bay City Bike Rentals and Tours. You have a few different options. This makes it easier to get on and off the bike. looks like on the other side. Bikes cost $8-12 per hour to rent. If you bike across on the West (left) side of the bridge, youll need to go up a small hill and turn right (a left turn will take you up Hawk Hill). } We saw people of all ages, including kids as young as 8, cycling across the bridge. 2. Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals. With Blazing Saddles, you can rent bikes for your own self-guided tour or join one of their tours through the city. Cost: $32 for 24 hours, but $25.60 if booked online! They offer Comfort Hybrids, Deluxe Comfort Hybrids, a couple of electric bike options, and several others to choose from. This is the final piece of the route from the bridge over to Sausalito. Wear the helmet. One of the more popular routes is to cycle from downtown San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and continue on to Sausalito. The entire elevation from those uphill sections totals about 500 feet. The Golden Gate Bridge is 2.1 miles long and it takes about 10-25 minutes to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, depending on how strong of a cyclist you are and how often you stop. Are you planning a trip to the United States? It was easier going back, with less climbing and a nice tailwind to push us back to the city. A graduate of the University of Maryland and University of Southern California, he has been leading tours for Free Tours by Foot since 2015. Just, pay attention, wear a helmet, and have fun! A basic bike rental starts at $36 per day. That was amazing! This allows me to cool down after the ride up the hill to get to the Golden Gate Bridge trail entrance. You're at one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the nation so naturally you want to take a photo. Click here to visit their website. At Fort Mason we came to our first of just a few hills on the entire route. 1. >> Find out more about the weather by season with a few details by month as well. Cycling across the bridge over the sea with a scenic view that sounds beautiful. It can take as much as 45 minutes to an hour just to reach the bridge depending on where you start and how strong of a cyclist you are. In the end, biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a wonderful experience, and even on the crowded days, I think it's so cool that Bay Area cyclists get to cross it so often. For dates and details, go to GGB Temporary Weeknight Lane Closures. Before passing slower cyclists in front of you, look over your left shoulder to make sure someone isnt already trying to pass you. On particularly windy days, be prepared for strong gusts as you round the pillars. Charleston During your ride, you'll do a combination of peddling as well as using the motor on the bike. on: function(evt, cb) { Cyclists must observe 15 mph bicycle speed limit on Bridge sidewalks, and slow to 5 mph around the towers. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. However, most people spend a few hours on the ride stopping along the way. I might do this if I drop by San Francisco! When you get across the bridge to Sausalito, you will quickly realize that it is a gorgeous little town full of small shops, restaurants, and parks with great bay views to enjoy. The ride is really easy except for a couple of hills. Hours vary seasonally as follows: Pacific Standard Time (early November to early March - dates vary): East sidewalk hours are 5:00 amto 6:30 pm. This is the right direction. They have a wide variety of bikes to rent including Hybrids, Sport Hybrids, Electric, Mountain, Road, and Kids' bikes. Located at 2157 Lombard Street. Cross Parking Lot: You will then need to cross the parking lot to get to the sidewalk/trail that will take you to Alexander Avenue. Learn More. (See privacy policy). Although it's steep, it isn't very long and only takes a couple of minutes to bike or walk to the top. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bike rides across the bridge to Sausalito will typically take between 1 to 2 hours. Here is a list of places you can visit, along with the locations. Be VERY careful here as most drivers aren't paying attention as much as they should. any strenuous spots, where a few fun places are to stop, and what the ride This journey can take 2 to 3 hours, not including the time you spend in Sausalito. From here, you'll cruise past Aquatic Park. Once you are on the bridge, you will realize that you are actually riding up a slight hill. Cost: $32 for 24 hours, but $28.80 if booked online! It cannot be used under power while on the sidewalks. 4. Sidewalk Along 101: Jump on the sidewalk/trail that takes you next to Highway 101. I might do it next time I visit San Frisco. find details on what to do once you cross the bridge, how you get back to Fishermans It highlights It is two-way bicycle traffic here. 1. Do not enter the highway, as it's not legal to ride a bike on it. Throw in some fog, some wind, and just enough hills to keep things interesting, and youve got yourself a mini-adventure in San Francisco. Most offer free, self-guided tours to enhance your ride. The western sidewalk is usually reserved for bicycles and the eastern sidewalk is reserved for pedestrians. Yes, youll technically be biking towards some do not enter signs but thats OK. Philadelphia Prices will vary depending upon the tour you select, but a bike rental is included with each trip. If you're renting from somewhere not on this route, use Google Maps to plot your route -- its bike directions are almost always spot on, and will even give you an idea of elevation (re: hills) in advance. You can choose between a regular bicycle rental or an electric bike rental. If you prefer to do this with a guide, here are several highly-rated tours: Is this something you want to do? Find out more about the self-guided option and availability during your stay. My guide starts with a few things to think about before you I've also used the most common route, so if you rent from the Marina instead, you'll just start the route from there. This shop is located slightly closer to the bridge than Blazing Saddles, however, you will have to cycle on the city streets for several blocks to get to the Golden Gate Promenade. Required fields are marked *. Flat Soled Shoes: I always wear sneakers or other flat soled shoes. Cycling is definitely the way to go. Location: Multiple, but most convenient is 2 Marina Blvd. They also offer some electric bikes, if you plan to rent one of those instead. Their bikes are in great shape and it's a great place to rent a bike for your journey. Once you decide if you are going to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge on your own, or with a tour, you'll want to decide which type of bike to use. From here, we retraced our route back to Blazing Saddles. It's easy and you don't have to make any decisions along the way. If you plan to bike to Sausalito, plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour biking from the start of the bridge to Sausalito.