A Locals Guide to Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge

What To Expect Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring experiences. Even as a local, it’s one experience I’ve never gotten tired of, and I look forward to sharing this experience with others. First of all, you get to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, which was at one point the longest and tallest bridge in the world. Secondly, you get to do so overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Marin Mountains. On top of that, there is a wide, safe, and dedicated bike lane to ride across the bridge.

There are also and many spots to comfortably stop and rest and take photos. Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge will give you a great overall feel of San Francisco, from the small boutique shops, nature and scenery, and of course, those hills.

Choosing a Bike Route and Experience

There are a few route options for biking depending on how much time you have for the whole trip. It also depends on the number of sights you wish to see. Plan for enough buffer time to fit in the bike rental and dropoff process. Also, add in time for unexpected breaks when you see something awesome worth exploring on the trail. Here are two sample routes, both assuming the start point is at Crissy Fields.

How Long Does It Take To Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge?

It takes less than 10 minutes to bike the entire length of the Golden Gate Bridge (1.7mi / 1,280 m) nonstop. The fun part is taking in the views and exploring the different locations and landmarks. The first time I rode across the bridge, I spent about half an hour, taking photos with my friends, and just admiring the views, staring off into the Pacific Ocean.

Planning Your Stops

Here are some spots along the proposed routes and the general vicinity that you can add to your trip. In addition to these listed, there are tons of scenic turnouts everywhere to just take in the views.

Guide To Renting a Bike

Renting a bike is a key part of this experience. The type of bike, the rental experience, and ease of pick up and drop off are all factors that one should consider. Pricing is roughly the same among the different rental shops. There are quite a few shops that will rent bikes for the entire day. Some of which are dedicated to tourism rentals. Here’s a list of a few.

Blazing Saddles – Lowest Price with 24 Hour Drop-off

San Francisco Bike Rentals – Another Low Cost Option

Sports Basement – (Presidio) Closest Bike Rental To The Golden Gate Bridge

All rentals from each shop come with a helmet and lock. Our suggestion is to rent form Sports Basement. It is a calmer experience and you don’t have to fight the crowds. Sports Basement is the closest bike rental to the Golden Gate Bridge.

There is also parking if you are driving. Although if you plan to rent later in the day or if you are afraid of missing the bike dropoff window, Blazing Saddles offers a 24-hour dropoff.

Parking when bringing your own bike

If you have your own bike or bringing a bike from further away, there is free parking at the Crissy Field Parking Lot. Here you can comfortably unload your bike and start at one of the closest free parking lots to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Things to Know About Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge

Now that you’ve decided on what to see, where to go, and got a bike, it’s time to hit the trail. Depending on where you start out, you may have to ride a few blocks to get to the bike-friendly section of the route.

Trail Profile

San Francisco is known for its hills and coastal bluffs and views. What would a San Francisco experience be without biking on a few steep hills? Not to worry, there is only one main hill that you have to bike up. That would be the approach going up to the Golden Gate Bridge from either side. The total elevation gain is approximately 315 feet. The good news is that the rest of the bike ride is flat along the water.

Sharing The Trail With Cars

A concern people have, especially parents and nonfrequent bikers, are cars. Luckily ~80% of the loop has dedicated paths for bikers and runners. The shoulders are quite wide when there is an absence of a bike path.

Once you get into Sausalito there are sections where you have to share the roads with cars. On any given day there are enough riders on the road that you won’t feel alone.

Taking The Ferry Back to San Francisco – What You Need To Know

Taking the ferry back is the most popular option after biking across the Golden Gate Bridge. What better way to end your ride than with a 30 min cruise of the San Francisco Bay. On the way, you’ll be treated with amazing views of San Francisco’s skyline and Alcatraz.

The whole Ferry experience can be pretty confusing and daunting once you get there and see the lines. During the summer the lines for the ferry can get extremely long. If possible it’s best to target taking the ferry in the early afternoon.

The most important thing to know about taking a ferry back is that there are two ferry lines. Both of which leave from the same port. One of the ferries goes to Fishermans Wharf while the second one goes to the Ferry Building. The Golden Gate Bridge Ferry goes to the Ferry building while the Blue and Gold Fleet Line go to Fishermans Wharf. If you end up taking the wrong ferry, the two ports in San Francisco are 2 miles apart from each other.

Tickets for both can be bought online and would be recommended so you can skip the line at the port.

San Francisco Biking Rules and FAQ’s

Bike Laws vary from city to city and if you’re visiting from out of the Bay, here’s a quick overview of some rules to follow while biking in San Francisco. You can read more about the different rules here at the San Francisco Bicycling Coalition.

FAQ’s

Can you ride your bike on the sidewalk?

You’re prohibited to ride on the sidewalk unless you are under the age of 13. This path has well-marked bike paths that distance you from cars but in some areas, the roads may be narrow and a bike path may be absent. If you feel uncomfortable you can always dismount and walk your bike on the sidewalk.

Do I ride with traffic or against traffic?

The law is to ride in the same direction that traffic is flowing. Even on a bike path, you should not be riding in a direction where the cars coming in from the oncoming direction.

Am I required to wear a helmet?

Riders over the age of 17 are not required to wear a helmet in California. Though we advise to have a helmet on at all times for general safety.

Can I listen to music while riding?

If you wish to listen to some tunes instead of the crashing waves while riding, the law requires one ear to be free of headphones for environmental awareness.

Tips

San Francisco Weather

San Francisco is known for its “micro-climates” because of its peninsula geography. Even in the hot summer months, it can be breezy and crisp on the San Francisco side, but once you get on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s 20 degrees warmer in Sausalito. It can also be warm and sunny during the day and foggy and cold mid-afternoon.

What To Bring For a Bike Ride Over The Golden Gate Bridge

Bring food and enough water. There’s a lot of shops along the way if you need to buy anything extra. A tip is to carry a light jacket because of the changing weather. The bike shops will provide helmets and locks for you to use.

Crowds Along The Bike Route Across The Golden Gate

Aside from hills and views, the Bay Area is well known for crowds. Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a popular activity for both locals and visitors alike. With this being the case we recommend going early if you wish to avoid long lines and crowds, even on the bridge. The lines for the Ferry can get especially long during the afternoon. Also, as the crowds grow in the afternoon, there will be lines at most establishments including restaurants, ice cream stores, and coffee shops.