Biking the Golden Gate Bridge

Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge feels a little like surfing. From panoramic views to soft ocean breezes, the sights and sounds of California are all around you. You’ll be pickin’ up Good Vibrations in no time.

San Francisco is a uniquely American city from its architecture to its eclectic culture. And one of the best ways to experience it is to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.   

Renting Bikes: Renting a bicycle in the City by the Bay is almost as easy as sittin’ on the dock of the bay. Bike rentals are everywhere.

My favorite is Parkwide City Bikes, located near Fort Mason. From there it’s only a short ride to the Golden Gate Bridge and some of the best views in the city.

Ask for the all-day rental for $25. This gets you a bike, a helmet and a lock. Grab a free map and you’re on your way!

Biking Across the Bridge:  Your journey begins in the Presidio, a park that sits along the bay. Here you’ll see San Franciscans picnicking, playing soccer and enjoying life in general, something Californians do so well.

Next, as you make your way up the hill toward the iconic bridge, take in the sweeping views of San Francisco Bay. Breath in the salty air and see all the white sailboats moving silently through the water.   

Frommer’s travel guide describes the Golden Gate Bridge as perhaps the most beautiful bridge in the world. With its official color listed as International Orange, the bridge is a masterpiece of engineering and design that sits in perfect harmony with its surroundings. 

Biking across it feels like floating on air. The journey takes about 30 minutes but the memories last much longer.  

When you reach the end, follow the signs to Sausalito and grab a bite in this quaint seaside town. I recommend having a pizza and a glass of wine at Taste of Rome. Che bella! 

Take the Ferry Back to SF: After lunch, buy a ferry ticket back to San Francisco for $11.75. Don’t worry, you can bring your bike, too. On your way, you’ll see Alcatraz and even more amazing views of San Francisco.

When you reach San Francisco, it’s about a ten minute ride back to where you started. Drop off your bikes and spend some time exploring the famous Fisherman’s Wharf.

When you need a break, make your way over to The Buena Vista for one of their famous Irish coffees. This iconic saloon has been around for 100 years and boasts of serving up to 2,000 Irish coffees a day!

Give yourself about five hours to complete the trip. Still, no matter how long it takes you, you will have left your heart in San Francisco when you’re done.

Written by Matthew Allabastro