Biking the Golden Gate Bridge

Riding a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge is something all tourists should put on their bucket list. For one thing, it offers an up-close look at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and one of the longest suspension bridges anywhere.
You’ll also enjoy biking along the beautiful San Francisco Bay waterfront, through parts of the Presidio Park, and, once across the bridge, into the quaint seaside town of Sausalito. From start to finish, views of the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz are simply stunning, especially on a beautiful sunny day - although wisps of fog swirling around the bridge and San Francisco can be very magical too, albeit sometimes downright chilly!
The bridge may be just 1.7 miles across, but the ride can be eight to 12 (or more) miles, depending on how many side trips you take. Meaning the whimsical San Francisco Bay weather can change repeatedly. Remember to dress for cooler weather, even in the summer, with layers to put on or shed! The saying “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” is more frequently true than not (often inaccurately attributed to Mark Twain). Remember, you also need to be prepared for the sun, even in the fall. We were very surprised by our bright, cloudless day in late October, with the sun so intense we both got a bit sunburned.
You certainly have choices where you want to rent your bikes unless you bring your own. We rented eBikes from Blazing Saddles in San Francisco for our adventure, although the business also has road bikes and hybrid bikes for rent if you prefer. We were weighted down with camera gear for our trek, so having that little power boost on the hills was a blessing.
When you are pedaling along the Golden Gate Bridge walkways, keep a sharp eye out for oncoming bikes. Typically, bike and pedestrian traffic is separated with bikes using one side of the bridge and pedestrians using the other (just watch for signs that will tell you which side of the bridge you need to be on). However, sometimes - as was the case when we rode across the bridge - bikes and pedestrians share the same path … meaning you need to be extra vigilant, especially with such beautiful and distracting views. Also, choose any stops for photos or enjoyment carefully so you aren’t in the way.
If you don’t plan to ride back, be sure to prepay for a return ticket from Sausalito on the Blue & Gold ferry, which will drop you off at Pier 41 … right next to the popular Pier 39 shopping and restaurant destination. The ferry ride across the bay is just gorgeous and also well worth the trip, allowing different views of the San Francisco Bay and its landmarks. I’d also highly recommend you take the opportunity to lock up your bicycle once back in San Francisco and enjoy a drink, snack, or meal at one of the family-run restaurants on Pier 39 before returning to the bike shop (check closing hours, of course). That’s a perfect way to cap off a memorable day of adventure.
Watch our 5-minute video to get a taste for what to expect on your bike-the-bridge adventure. Then, read our story “A photo guide to biking the Golden Gate Bridge (hitraveltales.... to help you get ready. We bet you’ll be itching to book your bike adventure on your next California road trip.

[@SakuraandSesshomaru]

Wow! I never realized how beautiful San Francisco is.

[@vanBa1909]

Thank you for this 🥰 greetings from germany

[@bobbard6008]

A new addition to my Bucket List--thanks for the video. Now I know what to expect. 😎

[@kevinkasich4822]

What about riding back instead of taking the ferry? Would it be a super long trip ?

[@Hitraveltales]

If you leave early enough in the morning the round trip is quite doable. We know folks who have done it no problem. The ferry ride though is pretty cool!

[@PEDROSILVATRAVEL]

Beautiful. Did you know that Lisbon (Portugal) has a bridge simialr to The Golden Gate and it is called The 25th April Bridge.

[@Hitraveltales]

We did not ... thank you!

[@larihleao]

Thank you for this! It helped knowing what to expect!

[@Hitraveltales]

You are welcome … how was your ride?

[@psfca]

Beautiful. !!!!!

[@Hitraveltales]

Thank you! 🙂 It is such a wonderful bike tour!

[@slickrick2012]

How long does this trip take?

[@Hitraveltales]

The entire bike ride can be anywhere from 8 to 12 miles depending on how many side trips you take on the way to Sausalito. We took about 6 hours, but we took our time too. Here is a link to our story that went with video on our website -- hitraveltales.com/bike-the-bridge-biking-across-the-golden-gate-bridge-in-san-francisco/ -- for a bit more detail and information for you. And thank you for visiting us on our RUclips channel.

[@devindeocampo3231]

How much is the ferry back?

[@Hitraveltales]

www.blueandgoldfleet.com/sausalito/ is where you will find current pricing. Right now it is $14.25 for adults.

[@devindeocampo3231]

@@Hitraveltales thank you!!

[@George12347]

Doing this tomorrow

[@Hitraveltales]

You will love it! And the weather looks like it will be perfect.

[@bobbyquinn1447]

Great Video, do you have the address where you picked up bikes, we there in a few weeks, will def do the cycle track across the bridge.

[@Hitraveltales]

Reserve online and get 20% off - www.blazingsaddles.com/san-francisco/bikes-and-rates/all-bikes. Blazing Saddles is at 2715 Hyde Street near Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy your adventure!

[@bobbyquinn1447]

@@Hitraveltales Cheers..

[@RaulGerardoHuertasPaiva]

Woah, I took the same tour!

[@Hitraveltales]

Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

[@eddievenuto1862]

Hi enjoy ride every other Day my bike

[@aidenaviation]

When I done this the wind was mental

[@Hitraveltales]

Yes, if the wind is whipping across the bridge, it can be a bit, ummm, blustery 🙂