Bike the Bridge

San Francisco. The city by the bay, the city of love. Possibly the most famous bridge in the world. But a great way to experience the bridge is not to drive across it – but cycle. Plus you get to visit Sausalito, and return back on a ferry. What’s not to love! And I’m not a cyclist by any means – but loved the experience.

San Francisco is known for its fogs – in fact, locals call it ‘Karl the Fog’ – and the Golden Gate Bridge is something of a fog hotspot, as you can see here:

But don’t let that put you off – it’s part of what makes up San Francisco’s character. (For the meteorologically inclined, the fogs are due to the cold California current meeting the hot Californian land, which is then sucked through the gap where the Golden Gate bridge sits).

Get on your bike

Bike rental shops cluster in two spots: Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina District (near Lombard Street). If you start from the Marina that saves you a hill in Fort Mason that Wharf-based riders have to climb, so it’s worth choosing a shop like Blazing Saddles, Bike the Bridge, or Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals if you’re staying nearby. A standard bike costs $30-$40 (a bit cheaper if you pre-book online). E-bikes, tandems, and kids’ bikes/trailers are widely available too. Rentals typically include a helmet, lock, map, and handlebar bag, and you’ll need a photo ID and credit card at check-in.

It’s roughly 8 miles one–way to Sausalito. From the Marina, you ride along the bike path near Crissy Field, through the Presidio, and up to the bridge. The path is well-marked and mostly flat until you approach the bridge itself, where there’s a modest climb to the toll plaza. Cyclists use a separate path from pedestrians — check which side is open, as it changes depending on the day/season.

Crossing the Bridge

The bridge is only just over 3km long and takes about 20 minutes to cross, but it doesn’t feel like a quick pedal-through. Wind is the big variable. It’s often several degrees colder and much windier on the bridge than in the city, so bring a windbreaker or extra layer even on a sunny day. It gets crowded with pedestrians and other cyclists, especially around midday — go slow, ring your bell, and pass with care. One of the weird things you’ll notice to start with is how the bridge visibly bounces or jiggles slightly from traffic vibration – unsettling at first but you do get used to it.

On a clear day, we’re told you can see for miles – but as you see from the photos, we had a classic San Francisco fog roll in. But keep a look out on the waters below – if you’re lucky, you might spot seals or dolphins.

You don’t have to do this, however: my wife was training for an Ironman triathlon at the tine, so having cycled across, she then got off the bike and ran back across the Bridge. I did not feel any inclination to join her, I just sat and enjoyed the view.

Once across, the dedicated path ends and you ride on the road shoulder for a couple of miles heading down toward Sausalito, which is the one stretch that asks a bit more of you as a rider. You descend through the Marin Headlands / Vista Point area (great photo spot looking back at the city) and roll down into Sausalito via a paved path along the water.

Sausalito

Sausalito is a small, pretty waterfront town with a Victorian vibe; think houseboats, art galleries, and a laid-back harbour-town feel. As we rolled into town, we saw a spectacular cloud formation behind us:

The name “Sausalito” comes from Spanish and means “little willow grove” or “place of little willows.” The area was named by Spanish explorers and later became part of Rancho Sausalito, a Mexican land grant. During the late 1800s Sausalito grew as a port and transportation hub after the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s.

By 1926, a major auto ferry route was established from the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, running through to the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco. Both are still there – but not as busy! This ferry was an integral part of old U.S. Highway 101, and a large influx of cars and trucks became a regular sight in the town, parked or idling in long queues.

This era came to an end in May 1937 with the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sausalito evolved into a residential community and tourist destination while retaining its maritime character.

Sausalito is known for spectacular views of San Francisco, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge; its picturesque waterfront lined with cafés, art galleries, shops, and marinas; a long association with artists, writers, and creative communities and a unique floating houseboat communities in nearby Richardson Bay. We found the vibe to be very different to San Francisco – much more relaxed, with the friendly feeling of a small town.

Most people take the ferry back rather than riding again; you can bring your bike aboard. The Sausalito–San Francisco ferry lands at the Ferry Building or Fisherman’s Wharf depending on the line – check which one goes where your bike shop is, since it affects your ride back to drop off the bike! Some of the bike hire companies can include the cost of the ferry ride back when you hire the bike. And an added bonus – it gives you some of the best views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline along the way.

Book your bike

We went with Blazing Saddles – it’s one of the city’s best known bike hire companies and the chances are you’ll see hundreds of their bikes on the ride to Sausalito. It was all very painless. But there are plenty of other companies, and many offer a discount if you book online first:

• Blazing Saddles: Large fleet of comfort, hybrid, and electric assist bikes tailored for riding across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Helmets and locks are bundled with rentals https://www.blazingsaddles.com/
• Dandyhorse SF Bike Rentals & Tours: Specializes in family-friendly regular and electric bikes with guided bike tours from the famous Haight‑Ashbury district — one block from Golden Gate Park. https://sfbiketours.com/
• Dylan’s Tours & Unlimited Biking: Offers minibus tours, open air bus rides as well as guided and self-guided bike tours. https://www.dylanstours.com/