Bike Sausalito

Sausalito is one of the best places in the world to start a bike ride. The classic route — cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and coasting downhill into Sausalito's waterfront — is a bucket-list experience for visitors from around the globe. But Sausalito is also a launching point for rides into the Marin Headlands, along the Bay Trail, and up into the hills of Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais.

Popular Bike Routes

Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

The iconic ride. Start on the San Francisco side, cross the bridge on the dedicated bike path, and descend through the Marin Headlands into Sausalito. Return by ferry for a perfect loop. Total distance: approximately 9 miles one way.

• Difficulty — Easy to moderate (one sustained climb on the SF side)
• Time — 1.5–2 hours one way
• Highlights — Bridge views, Marin Headlands, waterfront arrival

Sausalito to Tiburon (Bay Trail)

A flat, scenic path along the Richardson Bay shoreline connecting Sausalito to Mill Valley and continuing to Tiburon. Mostly separated bike path with water views throughout.

• Difficulty — Easy
• Distance — 7 miles one way
• Highlights — Bay views, bird habitat, waterfront dining in Tiburon

Marin Headlands Loop

For stronger riders, the Headlands offer a challenging loop with stunning coastal scenery. Climb Conzelman Road for dramatic bridge views, descend to Rodeo Beach, and return via the Marin Headlands trail network.

• Difficulty — Strenuous
• Distance — 12–15 miles (depending on route)
• Highlights — Hawk Hill overlook, Point Bonita Lighthouse, Rodeo Beach

Paradise Drive (Tiburon Peninsula)

A rolling road ride around the Tiburon Peninsula with views of Angel Island, San Francisco, and the East Bay. Best early in the morning before traffic picks up.

• Difficulty — Moderate
• Distance — 11-mile loop from Tiburon

Dining in Sausalito

After your ride, refuel at one of Sausalito's waterfront restaurants.

• Fish. — Fresh seafood right on the harbor, outdoor seating with bay views
• Poggio Trattoria — Italian cuisine on the main drag, excellent for a post-ride meal
• Copita — Mexican-inspired small plates and margaritas with harbor views
• Lighthouse Café — Classic breakfast and brunch spot popular with cyclists

Things to Do

• Walk the waterfront — Sausalito's Bridgeway promenade is one of the most scenic walks in the Bay Area
• Sausalito houseboats — Stroll through the unique floating community at Gate 5 and Gate 6
• Bay Model Visitor Center — A massive hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay, free to visit
• Art galleries — Sausalito's ICB (Industrial Center Building) houses dozens of artist studios open to visitors

Practical Information

• Bike rentals — Multiple rental shops line Bridgeway near the ferry terminal
• Ferry return — Golden Gate Ferry runs frequent service from Sausalito to the SF Ferry Building
• Helmet — Required by law for riders under 18; strongly recommended for all riders
• Weather — Fog is common in summer mornings; bring a light layer for the bridge crossing

Start pedaling and see the Bay Area from its best vantage point.