Bike over the Golden Gate Bridge and take the ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf

Can you bike across Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito?

Yes! And it was one of my favourite things to do when I lived in San Francisco as a young adult. We visited California over the summer and the entire family biked over the bridge and took the ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf. We had so much fun! It’s a good to way get a little exercise AND do some sight-seeing along the way. I highly recommend biking across the Golden Gate.

How long does it take to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge?

Give yourself 60 – 90 minutes to get from Fisherman’s Wharf to Sausalito. You can divide it into 3 stages. From Fisherman’s Wharf to the bridge (25 – 40 minutes). The bridge itself is only 2.1 miles and takes 10-20 minutes. Then the downhill into Sausalito 20 – 30 minutes). It will also depend on your fitness and how fast you cycle (I am average fitness and not very fast) and also how many times you stop and take photos (I stop a lot, to the annoyance of my family).

How long does it take to bike from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge

It takes about 25 – 40 minutes to cycle from Fisherman’s Wharf to the entrance of the Golden Gate Bridge. It depends on how fast you cycle and if you take any detours. 😄 We decided to get a coffee and bite to eat in the popular Marnia District. If you want to do this turn left on Fillmore Street and then right on Chestnut Street and you’ll find a bustling neighbourhood street full of shops and restaurants. I highly recommend Le Marais Bakery.

Golden Gate Bridge bike rentals

There are several places to rent bicycles. We’ve used Blazing Saddles a few times. It is a well-run operation with friendly staff. Can’t fault them. They even gave us suggestions for what to do after we biked the bridge and places to east in North Beach.

Blazing Saddles 2715 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109 https://www.blazingsaddles.com/san-francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals 2157 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123 https://goldengatebridgebikerentals.com/

Bike the Bridge Bike Rentals 1465 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123 https://bikethebridgebikerental.com/

Golden Gate Bridge bike path map

The bike rental companies will give you a map and also explain the route to you. There is only one tricky bit where we missed a key turning at Fort Point. As you leave Crissy Field you will see this sign on the left (see arrow below).

Which side of the Golden Gate Bridge do you cycle on?

The cycle path change throughout the week.

After 3 pm on Fridays and all weekend – cycle on the west side of the bridge (on the left side if you’re coming from San Francisco). This path is for cyclists only.

During the week or before 3pm on a Friday – cycle on the east side of the bridge (right side if you’re coming from San Francisco). Note you will share the path with pedestrians.

Where to park to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge

If you hire a bicycle, most of the rental companies are near Fisherman’s Wharf, on Hyde and Lombard Streets. Some offer parking validation -so make sure to ask. Here are some parking ideas for Fisherman’s Wharf.

Where do you find the ferry in Sausalito?

You’ll be able to see the larger ferry boats in the distance as you glide into Sausalito on your bike. Take Bridgeway and go through the town (it’s tiny) and turn right on El Portal. It’s easier to buy the tickets from the cycle rental company, but you can also buy from a machine here.

What can you do after you bike the Golden Gate Bridge?

Bicycle rentals are typically for the day. So once you bike the bridge and take the ferry back, where can you explore with your rental? After getting off the ferry in Fisherman’s Wharf, we headed to Pier 39 and along the Embarcadero to the Ferry Building.

Interested in walking across the Golden Gate Bridge?

Read my post: Insider’s Guide to walking across the Golden Gate Bridge

Want another San Francisco biking excursion? Bike Angel Island