Best San Francisco Bike Tours
Ready to book the best San Francisco bike tours?
You’re in the right place because the 10 highest-rated San Francisco bike tours are all featured here. How do I know they’re the best?
Essentially, I’ve researched for you to find the 10 best options, which all have amazing reviews. Plus, I lived in San Francisco for five-plus years and know exactly what you’d want in a San Francisco bike tour.
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour — with a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ is the best San Francisco Bike Tour
Our Top 3 Picks: Best San Francisco Bike Tours
✓ Likely to sell out
10 Best San Francisco Bike Tours
If you’re looking for a great guided bike tour in San Francisco, the tours below come highly rated with excellent customer reviews.
1. Exclusive Bike, Beer and Boat Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
If this is your first time to the City by the Bay, this Exclusive Bike, Boat, and Beer Tour is for you.
This ambitious tour starts in Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most iconic San Francisco stops due to its historic waterfront, fresh seafood, and lively atmosphere; featuring famous attractions like Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and stunning views of Alcatraz.
The Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour is a certified tour by GetYourGuide🏆
Then, follow your guide down the National Park bike path through Fort Mason, the Marina, and the Presidio. The Presidio is covered with a canopy of pine, cypress, and eucalyptus trees. You’ll feel like you are biking through a forest in the middle of San Francisco.
‼️The Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour is likely to sell out, buy tickets in advance‼️
After an exhilarating bike ride, satisfy your cravings with a $20 restaurant voucher, redeemable for delicious food and drinks at a beloved local hotspot famous for its spit-roasted chicken and award-winning burgers.
Quench your thirst with a refreshing house-made soda or unwind with a selection of local craft beers and wines.
Once you’re done criss-crossing through Sausalito, hop back on a scenic ferry ride to San Francisco, taking in the views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline.
Do it! Definitely get the electric bike but the day was absolutely perfect. The guide, tour, and stops were all perfect.
— jacklyn (read more reviews)
2. The Ultimate SF Bike Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3.5 hour | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
If you’re ready for breathtaking vistas and an adrenaline-packed ride over the famous Golden Gate Bridge, this Ultimate San Francisco Bike Tour is for you, your friends, and family.
The scenery is spectacular as you bike over the Golden Gate Bridge with views of Alcatraz, the Marina District, and the Bay Bridge.
The Ultimate SF Bike Tour wins the Badge of Excellence for best tours. 🏆
No need to worry about pedaling up the famous hills of San Francisco because you’ll glide up them on this e-bike tour.
‼️The Ultimate SF Bike Tour is likely to sell out, buy tickets in advance‼️
This was a truly memorable tour and a brilliant way to start a holiday visit to San Francisco. Nick is a fantastic guide, engaging and knowledgeable. A small number with audio earpieces. Fantastic.
— aisling (read more reviews)
Nick, the owner of the Dandyhorse SF, is a San Francisco historian. You’ll learn plenty about San Francisco as you stop at iconic landmarks like Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, and the pastel Painted Ladies.
Nick even includes snacks and water on this Ultimate SF Bike Tour.
3. Ultimate Electric San Francisco Bike Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 5 hours | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
This Ultimate Electric San Francisco Bike Tour is a three-hour tour around the city; this tour gets 162 plus five-star reviews and a “Badge of Excellence” distinction.
The description of this tour boasts that the ride over the Golden Gate Bridge is the ONLY bike tour to take the true local cyclist route to the Bridge.
The Ultimate Electric San Francisco Bike Tour wins the Badge of Excellence for best tours. 🏆
Explore the legendary neighborhood that defined the 1960s—the heart of the Summer of Love, the birthplace of the hippie movement, and home to music icons like the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin.
Along the way, marvel at San Francisco’s most vibrant and grand Victorian architecture.
‼️The Ultimate Electric San Francisco Bike Tour is likely to sell out, buy tickets in advance‼️
Great bike tour around San Francisco! We loved seeing all of the sights and local spots. John was a great guide and we would definitely recommend it!
— Elizabeth (read more reviews)
4. Heart of the City Bike Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
This Heart of the City Bike Tour is one of the few tours on this list where you ride a traditional-break-a-sweat bicycle. The kind you pedal yourself!
The Heart of the City Bike Tour wins the Badge of Excellence for best tours. 🏆
Hear San Francisco’s most intriguing stories from a local guide as you pedal through the Mission, Castro, Haight-Ashbury, and Alamo Square, some of San Francisco’s most unique and historic neighborhoods.
The tour was simply outstanding, and worth the cost and time! Josh was a really knowledgeable guide and he led us at a good pace while stopping along by the way to explain the sights and history. Everybody kept up well, and Josh took us on routes which avoided steep hills. Recommend highly!
— NYT1957 (read more reviews)
These neighborhoods are some of the flattest in the city, and your guide allows for plenty of stops where he enthralls you with tales of this unique City by the Bay.
This is a chill, relaxed ride that is suitable for all skill levels and fun for the whole family.
5. Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bicycle Tour with lunch at Local Hot Spot
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 Hours | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
Not only do you ride from San Francisco to Sausalito on the Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bicycle Tour, but this five-star tour includes a meal with your experience.
This tour is on a traditional bicycle, however, you do have the option to upgrade to an e-bike!
The Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bicycle Tour with lunch at Local Hot Spot wins the Badge of Excellence for best tours. 🏆
Once over the Golden Gate, you’ll ride down into the charming town of Sausalito and have a mouth-watering lunch and a chance to check out the shops of this little fishing village.
After lunch, hop back on your bike and return to San Francisco.
Fantastic tour! Definitely recommend upgrading to the e-bikes – we kept them all day for a total of 40km!
— sarah (read more reviews)
A local tip about biking to Sausalito: after you get off the GG Bridge, you’ll bike down a steep, curvy road into Sausalito. As someone who has done this hundreds of times, the first time you go down this rather steep hill, it’s advisable to take it slowly. Also, the ride back up the hill — after lunch — can be challenging on a traditional bike.
If you don’t have the energy to bike back up the hill to San Francisco, another option is to purchase a $14 ferry ticket from one of the stores in Sausalito and take your bike back via ferry, which is also a lot of fun! 🛥️
I’ve done this ride up the hill from Sausalito to the entrance of the Golden Gate; it’s a rewarding journey.
6. Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bicycle or E-bike Tour from San Francisco to Sausalito
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 Hours | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
Embark on an adventure from Fisherman’s Wharf, equipped with a bike featuring safety gear and a city map.
This Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bicycle or E-bike Tour from San Francisco to Sausalito takes you on a ride along the waterfront, passing the historic Presidio, Crissy Field, Fort Mason, Fort Point National Historic Site, and a place I used to frequent once a week when I lived in San Francisco, the Warming Hut at the Presidio.
The Warming Hut is a charming — yet tiny — cafe with extraordinary gifts and souvenirs.
The Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bicycle or E-bike Tour from San Francisco to Sausalito wins the Badge of Excellence for best tours. 🏆
I used to bike this exact ride on the weekends when I lived in San Francisco; it’s nice because it’s not hilly, like biking around the downtown area.
Follow your guide through iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, as he or she shares captivating insights.
This Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bicycle or E-bike Tour from San Francisco to Sausalito gets 358+ FIVE STAR REVIEWS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a great way to see San Fran! We absolutely loved our tour and our guide, Joelle, was wonderful & so knowledgable. We will be recommending this tour for sure 😃.
— wendy (read more reviews)
Conclude your journey in charming Sausalito, where you can explore, dine, and choose your return path — by bike or ferry.
Your bike rental gives you 24-hour of exploration. This tour is a great bang for your San Francisco buck! Which doesn’t go as far as a buck in the rest of the country.
7. Private Guided Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 to 3 hours | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
This Private Guided Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour is the only private tour on this list and, thus, comes with a custom start time and a private guide just for you and your group.
The Private Guided Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour wins the Badge of Excellence for best tours. 🏆
Hit all the must-see landmarks in San Francisco, like Vista Point, the Golden Gate Promenade, Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, and the Wave Organ at Crissy Field.
Ride over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito for lunch.
Per the tour description, “take time to explore Sausalito and return with ease with an included ticket on the Sausalito Ferry.”
Or take a more customized approach and talk to your private tour guide about what you’re most interested in seeing.
Adam was a great tour guide! He provided a lot of great history and information. With two young kids (12,10), he was great at keeping us safe and made the trip enjoyable. I think for kids to be on this tour, they need to be proficient bike riders, and able to follow directions well. Highly recommend!
— kara (read more reviews)
8. San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 to 3 hours | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
On this San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour, take a leisurely ride along the San Francisco waterfront, including Aquatic Park Cove and the path in Crissy Field on primarily flat surfaces until you ride up to the Golden Gate Bridge, where you encounter a very short hill and manageable hill to see the Golden Gate Bridge.
You realize it was worth the effort once you see the stunning views from the Golden Gate. The bridge doesn’t disappoint.
The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour wins the Badge of Excellence for best tours. 🏆
This tour includes a full-day bike and equipment rental, as well as an option to rent an electric bike for an easier ride, which is not included in the tour price.
The BEST thing to do in San Francisco!! Meet at least 30mins before the tour starts to get your bike and helmet. The staff checking you in are very friendly and helpful.
— Julie (read more reviews)
This San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour gets 578+ 4.5-star reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After enjoying the heights from the bridge, ride into Sausalito and enjoy lunch; visit the art galleries, crystal shops, restaurants, and wine shops.
When ready, you can board the ferry with your bike and return to San Francisco ($14 Ferry ticket sold separately.)
9. Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 to 6 hours | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
Check off two must-dos in San Francisco with this value-packed Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour.
This tour is unique in that it’s a bike tour that includes a trip to explore the infamous prison of Alcatraz with a self-guided audio tour.
I have done the Alcatraz tour—several times.
My family of four (including two teens) had a great time. Reza was patient, nice, and very informative. I was nervous if I could keep up, but the upgrade to the e-bike made It easy to do. Great photo ops and a fun way to explore to see the sights!
— april (read more reviews)
When I lived in San Francisco, my family would visit frequently — I have a large family — and each new guest wanted to see Alcatraz. Without fail.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Alcatraz. It’s a fascinating audio tour and a little creepy.
It makes the most sense to take these two tours on two separate days. This tour includes an all-day bike rental with an experienced local guide and admission to Alcatraz with the audio tour.
10. Full Day Bike Rental from Fisherman’s Wharf
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 10 hours | 🚲 Check Rates and Availability
Experience San Francisco at your own pace with this One-Day Bike Rental from Fisherman’s Wharf.
From Lombard Street to the Golden Gate Bridge, you can explore iconic neighborhoods and create your unique itinerary in the vibrant City by the Bay.
Begin your self-guided tour at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll collect your bike.
Rental bikes come fully equipped with essentials like a helmet, bike bag, bike lock, and a map to help you plan out landmarks you want to experience.
Perfect bikes for a perfect ride across Golden Gate. Bike came with water bottle cafe, storage bag, lock, and map. Convenient service for a stunning ride!
— eric (read more reviews)
Explore San Francisco at your leisure, visiting attractions like Fort Mason, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, and Union Square.
Don’t miss the chance to pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge for breathtaking views.
Experience San Francisco at your own pace and return your bike to the original pickup point at the end of the day.
E-Bike Safety Measures
Electric bikes (e-bikes) can be safe when used responsibly and with proper consideration for safety guidelines.
Here are some factors to consider regarding e-bike safety:
- Rider Training: It’s essential to be familiar with how to operate an e-bike before riding one. Many e-bike manufacturers provide user manuals and safety guidelines. Taking a training course can also be beneficial for beginners.
- Wear a Helmet: Wearing a well-fitting helmet is a crucial safety measure when riding an e-bike. It can protect you in case of accidents and reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Follow Traffic Rules: E-bike riders are generally subject to the same traffic laws as traditional cyclists. Obey traffic signals, stop signs, and lane rules. Riding in the correct direction and using hand signals for turns is important.
- Maintain a Safe Speed: E-bikes can go faster than traditional bicycles. Keeping your speed in check is important, especially when riding in areas with pedestrians or heavy traffic.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Look out for pedestrians, other cyclists, and vehicles. Avoid distractions, such as using a phone or wearing headphones while riding.
- Check Your Equipment: Regularly inspect your e-bike to ensure that brakes, lights, and other safety features function properly. Keep tires inflated properly and maintain the bike per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Ride Defensively: Assume that other road users might not see you and act accordingly. Defensive riding can help you avoid potential accidents.
- Know the Local Regulations: Regulations regarding e-bikes can vary by location. Be aware of the laws and restrictions for e-bikes in your area.
- Consider Your Riding Environment: E-bikes are suitable for a range of terrains, but choosing an e-bike that matches the type of riding you plan to do is important. Different e-bikes are designed for city commuting, off-road adventures, or long-distance touring.
- Check the Battery: Ensure that the e-bike’s battery is adequately charged before setting out. Running out of power mid-ride can be inconvenient and potentially unsafe.
Overall, e-bikes can be a safe and enjoyable mode of transportation when used responsibly.
As with any transportation, understanding the risks and taking appropriate safety measures is essential to ensure a safe riding experience.
Best San Francisco Bike Tours: FAQs 🚲
How long is the Golden Gate bike ride?
You can bike across the Golden Gate Bridge in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how fast you’re going and how much the wind is working against you.
The wind can be strong on the bridge, so be careful. I was once knocked over by wind when I cycled across the bridge. Not likely to happen, but still, it surprised me.
The Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles long. If your bike tour includes a ride to Sausalito, it can take 45 minutes to an hour to bike from the start of the bridge to Sausalito. Luckily, it’s mostly downhill. Unluckily, that means it’s uphill on the way back.
How long is the Golden Gate Bridge bike path?
The Golden Gate Bridge is a fixed, six-lane roadway; it is 1.7 miles long (the main span is 4,200 feet long) and carries about 112,000 vehicles daily.
On weekends and after 3 p.m. on weekdays, people on bikes can use the west side of the bridge. Before 3 p.m. on weekdays, cyclists must share the eastern span with pedestrians.
How long does it take to bike from Fisherman’s Wharf to Sausalito?
How long does it take to bike from Fisherman’s Wharf to Sausalito? Biking from Fisherman’s Wharf to Sausalito takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on how fast you’re biking and whether you’re riding a traditional bike or an e-bike.
Fisherman’s Wharf to Sausalito is about an 8-mile trip from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco and biking the Golden Gate Bridge to the Ferry Pier in Sausalito.
The trip usually takes 2to 3 hours, but it could take longer because you’ll be compelled to stop and take photos of the awe-inspiring beauty of San Francisco.
Can you bike around San Francisco?
Yes, you can easily bike around San Francisco, and many people do for their daily commute. San Francisco is a bike-friendly city, with many bike lanes.
How hard is the bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge?
I trained for the AIDS Ride on the weekends in San Francisco, over the GG Bridge, and into Marin and Tiburon nearly every weekend for eight months.
The tricky thing about riding a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge is that it’s crowded with cyclists who are hell-bent on going fast and tourists who only ride bikes occasionally.
The bridge itself is only 1.7 miles across but can get gusty winds. I was once pushed over on my bike as I rounded one of the pillars by the headwind and fell over. This is rare.
If possible, try to bike the Golden Gate Bridge on a weekday to avoid some of the weekend crowds.
Is it free to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Yes, the Golden Gate Bridge is free to cyclists. Cyclists have toll-free access to the Bridge’s sidewalks 24-hours a day.
Is the Golden Gate Bridge 1 mile long?
No, the Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles long.
How long is the Bay Bridge bike trail?
The Bay Bridge bike trail is a 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Oakland, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of a little under 2 hours to complete.
Are bicycle helmets required in San Francisco?
In California, all cyclists under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet.
Can you walk to Sausalito from the Golden Gate Bridge?
Yes, you can walk to Sausalito from the Golden Gate Bridge; it’s a lovely walk. I’ve done it several times, once with my child in a front carrier. From the Marin side of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can continue into the Marin Headlands or head down into Sausalito along the Bay Trail. This is a very popular route across the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to Sausalito. This area is one of the best parts about living in San Francisco.
How safe is it to bike in San Francisco?
One of the most important questions on your mind might be: Are San Francisco Bike Tours safe? In general, and for the majority of travelers — they are.
These are group tours, and it is much safer to bike in a small or large group than alone or with only one other cyclist. 🚴🏼♀️🚴🏼♀️🚴🏼♀️🚴🏼♀️🚴🏼♀️🚴🏼♀️🚴🏼♀️🚴🏼♀️
You’ll also be going with an experienced tour guide who knows the San Francisco roads well.
However, San Francisco has a high incidence of bicycle accidents.
It is much safer to bike in a group. The tours on this list are group tours, and they stay on as many bike paths (away from cars) as possible, like Crissy Field and the path that goes past the Marina District.
Final Thoughts: Best San Francisco Bike Tours
By now, you’ve learned of 10 fantastic ways to see San Francisco on a bike, which is a great way to get to know a city.
Opting for a bike tour with a local guide in San Francisco is a fantastic choice as it provides an enriched and insightful experience.
A knowledgeable guide can share captivating stories, historical context, and hidden gems you might miss alone or on a bus tour.
Pedaling across the Golden Gate Bridge offers unrivaled panoramic views, making it an unforgettable adventure in the City by the Bay.
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California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
