One of the best ways to explore San Francisco is on two wheels. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, there’s plenty of bike-friendly routes to explore along the bay and beyond. One of the best places to ride is Golden Gate Park. In just a few hours, you can discover waterfalls, museums, windmills, and more. Pick up your bike rental near Golden Gate Park at our convenient location at the edge of the park to explore more, and enjoy more, of one of San Francisco’s most beloved green spaces.
We love peddling around the system of trails inside the park, but for those who want to cover more ground, here are some of our favorite routes, chosen by the Unlimited Biking team.
The Golden Gate Park Loop
Distance: 4 miles
Terrain: Some hills and inclines
Best for: Families, couples, and first-time visitors
Golden Gate Park is the third most visited park in the United States. Admission to the park is free, and you can spend an entire day enjoying the outdoors here. There are about 4 miles worth of trails to ride on, and plenty of places to stop for a rest or picnic. On our Golden Gate Park bike tour, we love showing people around on our e-bikes, with visits to the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, Hippie Hill, and more. Most of the trails are paved, but expect some that are gravel.
The Great Highway and Outer Sunset
Distance: 2.5 miles
Terrain: Flat
Best for: Couples and friends
Golden Gate Park sits along the coastline, making it easy to leave the park for even more iconic and stunning views. Hop on the 2.5-mile bike and pedestrian path for an easy ride to Ocean Beach, or use it as a trail to avoid city streets on your way to explore the Outer Sunset neighborhood. Bookstores, cafes, bars, and more line Judah Street, a popular area with locals and visitors alike. Bonus: From noon on Fridays until Sunday evening, the Great Highway is closed to cars, allowing bikes free rein to enjoy 2 miles of seaside riding.
Fort Funston and Lake Merced
Distance: 4 miles
Terrain: Flat
Best for: Active travelers and families
For those who want to extend their visit in the Sunset, rent your bike in Golden Gate Park and take the trail along the Great Highway to arrive at fun family-friendly attractions including the San Francisco Zoo, Fort Funston, and Lake Merced. With Unlimited Biking, you have the option of e-bikes, tag-alongs, and child seats to make it an easy ride for your whole family.
Stern Grove
Distance: 2-4 miles depending on route
Terrain: Mostly flat with some inclines
Best for: Active travelers, couples, friends
For the more active traveler, clock more miles on a ride along the Great Highway or up 41st Avenue to Sloat Boulevard to arrive at Sigmund Stern Grove Park (or Stern Grove as locals call it). Admission is free to this other beloved public park in the Sunset. In the summer, the Stern Grove Festival is a free concert series that happens on weekends. Using a bike rental is a great way to avoid car traffic and parking, and Unlimited Biking offers flexible hours on the rental so you can get the most of your day.
Take your time and enjoy the ride
A Golden Gate Park bike ride is what you make of it. The ride through the park doesn’t take more than a couple hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore beyond the park to see the Sunset, Ocean Beach, the San Francisco Zoo, and Fort Funston. Unlimited Biking rentals can be made on an hourly basis, or you can rent the bike for a full day. Our rentals include helmets, maps, and add-ons like trailers and tag-alongs.
