Few bike rides are as iconic as cycling the Golden Gate Bridge. One moment you’re weaving through city streets, the next you’re floating above the Pacific with fog drifting in and out. The iconic red towers rise around you like something from a film set. But the bridge itself is only part of the experience. The real magic happens when you keep riding. Into the rugged landscapes of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the seaside charm of Sausalito, and upon returning over the bridge to the historic trails of the Presidio of San Francisco.
Our ride blends urban cycling with coastal wilderness, optional ferry rides, and some of the best viewpoints in California. All in a manageable loop.
Logistics
The Golden Gate Bridge is open to cyclists daily, with dedicated bike lanes on one side of the bridge (which side depends on the time of day and weather conditions). The ride across is about 2.7 km (1.7 miles) one way. You are likely to share the path with pedestrians, who are enjoying the view and may not be expecting cyclists – be alert. There will also cbe yclists going the other direction.
Expect wind and cooler temperatures. Fog can roll in quickly, sometimes obscuring the tops of the towers while leaving the water below crystal clear. San Francisco is known for its fog!
Bike Rentals
We have rented bikes together twice, and Mark three times, all from the Blazing Saddles company – a family-owned business. They have four locations in the city, making it very easy to pick up and drop off. We rented higher-end road bikes,s and they were very nice. They also have a variety of options, including e-bikes. We brought our own pedals, which were installed quickly by super-friendly staff.
The Route
We started the ride along the water, near Fort Mason, past the marina and Chrissy Field. It has shared pedestrian and bike paths or a bike path on the road, depending on your preference. Its a nice way to start as you get glimpses of the bridge slowly getting closer. The bike onramp to the bridge is well marked, but does have a quick elevation gain, so be prepped in your easiest gear.
The grade across the bridge is pretty minimal, which means you can coast along, actually enjoying the experience and views! Below is a general idea of our ride – it is linked to Ride with GPS.
Riding into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Once you reach the north end of the bridge, you can stop at the North Vista viewpoint to admire the bridge again. After this, the landscape shifts almost immediately. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area feels wild and expansive, with rolling (and steep) hills, coastal bluffs, and panoramic views back toward the San Francisco skyline.
Cycling routes here range from smooth paved roads to quiet paths that wind through coastal scrub and open grassland. The climbs are steady but manageable, and the payoff is constant: ocean views, hidden beaches, and that unmistakable sense of space that makes you forget you’re just minutes from a major city. There are few trees, so even in mid-January it was hot! Bring sunscreen, lots of water and snacks.
Sausalito: A Perfect Mid-Ride Pause
After looping through the recreation area, drop down into Sausalito. Colourful houseboats, sailboats bobbing in the harbour, and waterfront cafés make it an ideal place to stop for lunch or a coffee, or just to soak in the sunshine with lovely views.
This is also a popular turnaround point. Some riders opt to take the ferry back to San Francisco (either to Pier 41 or the main Ferry Terminal) from here, bikes included, for a relaxed return with skyline views from the water (not us, though). We headed back over the bridge again.
Cycling the Presidio of San Francisco
Back on the San Francisco side, the Presidio offers some of the most scenic and peaceful cycling in the city. Formerly a military base, it’s now a vast parkland crisscrossed with bike paths, quiet roads, and forested trails.
Highlights include coastal viewpoints overlooking Baker Beach, shaded rides beneath eucalyptus trees, and glimpses of the bridge from angles most visitors never see. The Presidio feels surprisingly removed from the bustle of downtown, making it a perfect way to wind down after the excitement of the bridge crossing.
Final Thoughts
In one day, you can pedal through dense urban neighbourhoods, cross one of the world’s most famous bridges, explore protected coastal landscapes, and stop in a charming seaside city.
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