Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
Getting a good view of the Golden Gate bridge is one thing but the best way to see the golden gate bridge is to ride a bike over it.
We set out for Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco to hire Bikes and cycle across the Golden Gate bridge to Sausalito on the other side of the bay, where you can catch a ferry back to drop the bike off.
We quickly found we weren’t in great shape (even the couple of small hills had us puffing) and managed to lose each other a few times (not having active cell phones is hard when you are used to relying on them to find each other!) but other than that it was a great day. I love the fact that we were out in t-shirts and shorts in winter here. Sure beats the cold, dreary London winter weather we left a week ago!
Check out our video (and more information below if you’re interested in the details or want to do it yourself).
More Information on biking the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
Where to hire a bike
There are loads of options at Fisherman’s wharf – you don’t need to worry about booking ahead. We went with Bay City Bike rentals because they were right there as we got off the tram but Blazing Saddles is another popular one. All the places are similar and offer bike locks, maps, helmets etc all included.
How much does bike rental cost?
Most were $8-$10 an hour with day rates of between $25 and $35 for the mid range “comfort” hybrid bikes. Bay City Bikes had a walk in special for $25 for the day rate so we went with that even so we wouldn’t feel rushed and could take our time having lunch over in Sausalito.
How hard is the bike ride?
Very easy (it is definitely fine for beginners) – I could ride up the couple of hills without hopping off the bike so given I’m incredibly unfit that probably means they were very easy hills (even if I was puffing at the end of them). Once you’re on the bridge the ride is very easy over and then mostly downhill to Sausalito. You can extend to Tiburon if you want a bit more of a challenge.
How long does it take?
You could do it in 2 hours even with photo stops but we took our time on the ride and then had lunch over in Sausalito and took closer to 4 hours including lunch and waiting a bit for the next ferry.
How do you get ferry tickets back?
We bought our tickets at Bay City Bikes when we rented our bikes (the tickets are good for any sailing, you don’t need to pre-book a specific time although you need to be in the queue in time to get on the ferry as bike spaces are limited). You can also buy your tickets on the ferry. Our tickets cost $11 each one way for the Blue and Gold ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf. Check sailing times before you go as they aren’t that regular and you can also catch ferry’s to other piers if you want.
Hey Matt
Great Article!!!
I enjoy it for knowing that is very helpful post. And You video with GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE and over riding bike . It’s really cool
Great article and helpful post. Thanks for sharing such an article.
I have never been to golden gate bridge before but it seems like a wonderful place particularly for bike lovers. I would love to visit there one day and explore there on my bike. Thanks for sharing.