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).

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.

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.

After the bridge, 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 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. Following the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937, it 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.

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 walk back to drop off the bike!