Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Ride
Experience one of the most iconic bike rides in the world—a breathtaking journey from San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and into the charming waterfront town of Sausalito. This 8-mile route offers stunning panoramic views, smooth bike paths, and an unforgettable mix of urban and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this ride is perfect for exploring the Bay Area in a fun, active, and scenic way. With the option to take an e-bike and a relaxing ferry ride back, it’s a must-do adventure for anyone visiting San Francisco!
Overview
- Distance: ~8 miles (one-way)
- Starting Point: Fisherman’s Wharf or Crissy Field, San Francisco, CA
- Ending Point: Downtown Sausalito, CA
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (some mild hills but mostly smooth riding)
- Surface: Paved road and bike path
- Best Time to Ride: Spring, summer, and fall (morning for fewer crowds)
- Time Required: 1–2 hours one-way (longer with stops for photos and sightseeing)
- Return Option: Ferry from Sausalito back to San Francisco
Why It’s One of the Best Bike Rides in the U.S.
- One of the most scenic and famous bike routes in the world.
- Crosses the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, offering jaw-dropping views of San Francisco Bay.
- Ends in the charming town of Sausalito, filled with waterfront restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
- Well-maintained bike paths make it safe and enjoyable for most riders.
- Plenty of rental shops in San Francisco offer easy access to bikes, including e-bikes.
- Mild weather year-round, with San Francisco’s cool ocean breeze balancing the sun.
- The return ferry ride is a fun and relaxing way to complete the experience.
Route Breakdown
1. Start at Fisherman’s Wharf or Crissy Field (San Francisco, CA)
- Many cyclists rent bikes from Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Ride along the San Francisco Bay Trail, passing the Marina District.
- Crissy Field – Stop for stunning waterfront views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Mild elevation gain begins as you approach the bridge.
2. Golden Gate Bridge (1.7 miles long)
- Ride across the east side of the bridge, which has a dedicated bike lane.
- Enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline.
- Wind can be strong, so be prepared for some gusts!
3. Descend into Vista Point & Marin Headlands
- Stop at Vista Point for postcard-perfect views of the bridge from the north side.
- Option to take a short detour up to the Marin Headlands for even better elevated views.
- A fun, fast downhill ride leads into Sausalito.
4. Arrive in Downtown Sausalito (End Point)
- A picturesque, Mediterranean-style waterfront town.
- Great spots to eat: The Spinnaker, Barrel House Tavern, Sausalito Bakery & Café. 🍽️
- Browse local art galleries, boutiques, and harbor views.
- Relax by the water before catching the ferry back.
Returning to San Francisco
- Take the Ferry Back 🚢
- Sausalito to San Francisco Ferry (operates daily).
- 35-minute ride with stunning views of the skyline, Alcatraz, and Angel Island.
- Cost: ~$14 per person (bikes allowed for an extra fee).
- Bike Back Over the Bridge
- If you’re feeling energetic, you can bike back the way you came.
- The ride back to San Francisco is slightly harder due to the uphill section before the bridge.
Who is This Ride Best For?
✔ Casual Riders & Tourists – Flat terrain with mild climbs, making it beginner-friendly.
✔ E-Bike Riders – An excellent option for electric bikes, making hills easier.
✔ Photography Lovers – Some of the best views in California.
✔ Food & Culture Enthusiasts – End your ride with a delicious meal in Sausalito.
Pro Tips for an Amazing Ride
✔ Best Time to Ride: Morning (less wind and fewer tourists) Spring, Summer or Fall
✔ Dress in Layers: San Francisco weather can be chilly, even in summer. 🌬️✔ Watch for Pedestrians: The bridge can get crowded, so ride carefully. 🚲✔ Book a Bike Rental in Advance: Many shops offer e-bikes and guided tours.
✔ Bring a Camera: You’ll want to capture every moment!
Bike Rental & Tour Options for the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Ride
Since this ride is one of the most popular biking experiences in the U.S., many companies offer bike rentals and guided tours in San Francisco.
Best Bike Rental Shops (Self-Guided Ride)
If you prefer to ride at your own pace, these rental shops offer high-quality bikes, including e-bikes:
- Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals
- 📍 Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
- 💰 Price: Standard bikes ~$32/day, e-bikes ~$55/day
- ✅ Pros: Large selection of e-bikes, multiple locations, ferry ticket bundles available
- Bay City Bike Rentals & Tours
- 📍 Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
- 💰 Price: E-bikes start at ~$59/day
- ✅ Pros: Offers one-way bike rentals (leave the bike in Sausalito and take the ferry back)
- Unlimited Biking
- 📍 Location: Near Fisherman’s Wharf
- 💰 Price: Standard bikes ~$30/day, e-bikes ~$60/day
- ✅ Pros: Offers free helmets, locks, maps, and ferry tickets for purchase
- Sports Basement (Presidio Store)
- 📍 Location: Crissy Field (closest to Golden Gate Bridge)
- 💰 Price: E-bikes start at ~$75/day
- ✅ Pros: High-end bike selection, best if you want to start closer to the bridge
Best Guided Bike Tours (For a More Structured Experience)
If you want a guided tour, these companies provide expert-led group rides:
- Blazing Saddles Guided Tour
- Length: ~3 hours
- Cost: ~$76, e-Bike $97 (includes bike rental, guide)
- Highlights: Ride with a local expert, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, get insider tips on Sausalito
- Unlimited Biking Golden Gate Tour
- Length: 3-4 hours
- Cost: ~$65 (eBike additional $95)
- Extras: E-bike upgrade, small group sizes
- Dylan’s Tours – E-Bike Golden Gate Tour
- Length: 3.5 hours
- Cost: ~$99
- Extras: Tour includes an electric bike, narration on history & architecture, and optional return ferry ticket
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting for the first time, a guided tour can make the experience smoother and more informative!
Why an E-Bike Enhances This Ride
While the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito ride is beginner-friendly, using an e-bike makes it even better by:
1️ Tackling the Hills with Ease
- The climb leading up to the Golden Gate Bridge can be a bit tough.
- E-bikes eliminate effort with pedal assist, making it a breeze.
2️ Allowing You to Enjoy the Scenery More
- Instead of focusing on pedaling, e-bikes let you enjoy the views stress-free.
- You can pause and admire the scenery without getting too tired.
3️ Letting More People Join the Fun
- Older riders, beginners, and families can join with ease.
- E-bikes level the playing field, allowing all fitness levels to enjoy the ride.
4️ Making the Return Trip Easier (If You Don’t Take the Ferry)
- Riding back uphill to San Francisco is much harder than the ride to Sausalito.
- An e-bike makes returning over the bridge much more manageable if you choose to ride both ways.
5️ Giving You More Time to Explore Sausalito
- With less physical exhaustion, you’ll have more energy to explore Sausalito’s waterfront, shops, and restaurants.
Final Verdict
Why This is the Most Popular Scenic Bike Ride in the U.S.:
World-famous landmark (Golden Gate Bridge) Incredible views Mild difficulty level Unique town experience (Sausalito) Fun ferry return option
If you want one of the most unforgettable cycling experiences in the world, this ride is a must-do!