One of the most iconic landmarks of San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. When it was completed in the 1930’s it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge of its kind in the world. It is remarkably large and looks beautiful with the water below it and the clouds above it. While it looks great from a distance, getting up close allows you to really experience the sheer size. Read on for our review of biking the golden gate bridge!
Where do I rent a bike in San Francisco?
Logistically the first part to biking the Golden Gate Bridge is of course renting a bike. Most people rent them from Fisherman’s Wharf and ride along the bridge over to Sausalito. Or you can rent them in Sausalito and ride them in the other direction coming back into San Francisco.
Option #1: Fisherman’s Wharf
You can rent bikes from Fisherman’s Wharf where you will find many different companies renting them. If you rent them in Fisherman’s Wharf it is about 3 1/2 miles to the bridge including one pretty big hill. Along the way you will get views of the bridge as you get closer and closer. You will pass the Aquatic Park Cove where you can dip your toes into the water and the Crissy Park where you will find a lovely bike path and many people out enjoying the area. Continue riding along the water and you will hit the Warming Hut. This is a good spot to stop and use the bathrooms or get something to eat or drink before going over the bridge.
- This is what we did and it worked out great! We were able to explore Sausalito and check out Muir Woods before going back to San Francisco.
Option #2: Sausalito
You can also rent bikes in Sausalito if you will already be on the other side or if you want the views from the bridge coming into San Francisco. You can do the entire ride from Sausalito, over the bridge and then past all the same things to end up in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Either way you do it just take into account the weather for that day as it can change quickly. Also think about your other plans for the day meaning is there anything else in the area you want to see. As well the ferry schedule changes depending on the time of year so check ahead of time if you are planning on taking the ferry back.
Distance to bike the Golden Gate Bridge
From Fisherman’s Wharf, across the Golden Gate Bridge and continuing to the Sausalito ferry pier is about 8 miles. I would say however long you think it is going to take add more time because it is probably going to take longer.
We found ourselves making a few stops even before getting to the bridge at the Aquatic Park Cove and then at the Warming Hut which obviously slowed us down. Then moving along on the bridge was slow because there were so many other people. On a crowded day it takes some weaving around people walking, running and other bikers to get across. You also will probably stop a few times on the bridge to take pictures. Unless you have mastered taking pictures while biking in which case you’ll be much faster than we were.
Across the bridge on the Sausalito side is an amazing view point looking back at the bridge where you just came from. Definitely stop and take some pictures to get some perspective on how far you just biked!
Travel Truth: Regardless of which direction you’re biking definitely start early! This gives you the ability to take your time and enjoy the journey instead of rushing to get across to your destination. It also, hopefully, will make it just a little bit less crowded!
What should I wear to bike the Golden Gate Bridge?
We both wore athletic bottoms (athletic shorts and leggings) to be able to sit on a bike for awhile. Then we both wore a shirt with a layer over (a sweater or quarter zip will do) and a rain jacket on top. In general dressing for San Francisco requires layers. One minute you will be warm in the sun then the next minute it will be windy and cold and you’ll find yourself putting on all your layers.
We would also recommend sneakers because it is much easier to bike 8 miles in sneakers instead of flip flips or open toe shoes. You also don’t want to have to be worrying about it falling off or getting stuck in the pedal or anything like that. As well while you are on the bridge it can get quite windy depending on the day. Just keep in mind when getting dressed you don’t want to lose your hat on top of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Is it hard to bike the Golden Gate Bridge?
We first want to preface by saying we are by no means expert bikers. Yes, we have gone on bike rides in the past but you will not find us going on lengthy rides every weekend.
The hill riding up from the Warming Hut to the start of the bridge is a pretty big hill. That was probably the hardest part of the ride and it’s also a winding path so it makes it a little harder to navigate on your rented bike. Along the bridge is not physically hard other than riding around the other people.
On the other side of the bridge riding down to the water is quite steep so just ride slowly. Then right before riding into Sausalito the street gets very thin and there are a few sharp turns.
You will definitely be tired at the end of the day! But we did not find it too difficult and never felt that we were not able to finish at any point. It’s also important to remember that you do not need to bike back! You can bring your bike with you on the ferry in Sausalito back to San Francisco.
Travel Truth: Our original plan was to take the ferry back with our bikes but we were waiting for the last ferry back to San Francisco with a lot of other people. When you rent your bikes you will get a time you have to return them by and we were getting very close to the time the shop closed. So we opted to take a taxi back. It’s important to note that almost all the taxis have bike racks so this very reason! So just know you have options to get back!
Tips to Bike the Golden Gate Bridge
- Wear sneakers
- Bring layers as it can get quite windy on the bridge. Definitely check the weather ahead of time as weather in San Francisco may not be what you expect!
- Start early in the day! That way you will can take your time biking and explore before coming back and returning your bikes.
- Make sure to ask when you rent your bikes what time you need to return them by and what time they close. That will dictate which ferry you need to take back. If you’re going to bike back this also will impact how long you can stay in Sausalito before turning back.
