Biking in the Presidio of San Francisco

biking in the Presidio of San Francisco
Photo Credits: James Kirby, Charity Vargas, Jay Graham

On a typical Presidio day you’ll see hundreds of happy cyclists enjoying a spin around the park. Bicycling is a great way to explore the Presidio’s 1,500 acres of outdoor beauty and fun. The park is also a wonderful launching pad for biking adventures that extend well beyond the Presidio – our trails connect to San Francisco’s extensive waterfront (think the Marina Green, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Ferry Building) and north across the Golden Gate Bridge to more great biking in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Getting to the Presidio on a Bike

The 511 Regional BikeMapper provides turn-by-turn directions so you can find the fastest – or flattest – route to the Presidio, as well as tips for safe cycling. If you’re looking to save energy for some of San Francisco’s best bike trails in the Presidio, bring your bike on the free PresidiGo Downtown Shuttle, which offers daily direct service from the Transbay Terminal and Embarcadero BART to the park.

Bike Share

If you don’t own a bike, you can always rent a Bay Wheels bike though the Lyft app or stop by Sports Basement and rent a bike. Another option is renting an electric bicycle, which can make it much easier to navigate the Presidio's sometimes steep 25 miles of terrain. Bay Wheels bike share dockless electric bikes, also activated through the Lyft app, can be accessed by those over the age of 18. Just use the app to find a bike in a safe location and use an e-bike as an option for getting to and around the park. You can also rent an electric bike at Sports Basement.

Bike Racks

Bike racks are located throughout the Presidio. Check out the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s page for bike rack locations, and find the perfect parking spot via their handy map. There are also three Bay Wheels bike share stations in the Presidio to pick-up or return classic bikes: at the Presidio Transit Center near Letterman Digital Arts Center, and at MacArthur Meadow. While riders must return classic bikes to a station, electric bikes may also be parked at Presidio bike racks. Explore the real-time Bay Wheels map for station and bike locations on their website. If you have a recommendation for a new bike rack location, call the Transportation Hotline at (415) 561-2739, or email transportation@presidiotrust.gov.

Electric Bikes

Electric bicycles are a great way to navigate the Presidio's hills. Bay Wheels bike share dockless electric bikes are now available in the Presidio, making it easier to explore some of the park’s sometimes steep 25 miles of terrain. Activated through the Lyft app, those over the age of 18 can use the app to find a bike in a safe location and use an e-bike as an option for getting to and around the park. You can also rent an electric bike at Sports Basement.

Bike Repair

Head to Crissy Field’s Roaring Mouse Cycles or Presidio Sports Basement for a quick fix, bike maintenance, to purchase a bike, or purchase bike parts so you can patch things up yourself.

Best Bike Rides in the Presidio

Check out the Presidio Bike Map for designated in-road and off-road biking opportunities, or selected the perfect ride for your interest and skill level from the list below.

Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge - 1.7 (one way)

Why We Love It: Whether you’re a local or just visiting, biking the Golden Gate Bridge is a MUST!

Insider Tips: Bundle up – it can be extremely windy and foggy on the bridge

Getting There: Get to the Golden Gate Bridge by Biking Crissy Field or the Presidio Promenade (both described below) or take the free PresidiGo Shuttle – CRISSY FIELD ROUTE to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. See the detailed bike map >>

Challenge Level: Moderate. Bike Path – path exclusively for bicycles.

Biking the Golden Gate Bridge is a wonderful way to get up-close and personal with one of the world's most iconic landmarks. To begin, ride northwest along the Golden Gate Promenade at Crissy Field toward the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center (note that you can rent a bicycle at the Presidio’s Sports Basement at Crissy Field if you don’t have your own), OR take the free PresidiGo Shuttle (and use the bike rack) right to the bridge. Once you’ve reached the north end of the bridge, you can turn around to return to the Presidio, or continue toward the Marin Headlands or Sausalito. From Sausalito, you can take your bike on the Golden Gate ferry to return to the San Francisco Ferry Building. Learn more about the Golden Gate Bridge >>

Biking at Crissy Field – 1.9 to 4 Miles

Why We Love It: Golden Gate Bridge views, birdwatching, and the perfect flat spot for bike lessons

Insider Tips: Finish with a snack at the Warming Hut, or take in the views at Torpedo Warf

Getting There: PresidiGo Shuttle – CRISSY FIELD. See the detailed bike map >>

Challenge Level: Easy. Mixed-use path – path exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians.

Crissy Field is a flat and easy adventure that offers amazing views and plenty of spots to take a break. You can actually begin your adventure outside the Presidio using the San Francisco Bay Trail, which connects Fisherman’s Wharf to Crissy Field. We suggest starting at Fort Mason on Marina Boulevard and Laguna Street. Enjoy the views of the northern waterfront and the Marina Green and turn right at Baker Street to connect to the Golden Gate Promenade Trail. Continue on the Promenade to Fort Point National Historic Site. With wide flat surfaces and beaches perfect for playing in the sand, this is a great ride for families. Learn more about the Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail >>

Presidio Promenade to Golden Gate Bridge

Presidio Promenade to the Golden Gate Bridge – 2.2 Miles (one way)

Why We Love It: Travel through the heart of the park with bonus views of San Francisco Bay

Insider Tips: Stop for a snack and a restroom break at TRANSIT Café and get maps and gifts at the nearby Presidio Visitor Center.

Getting There: PresidiGo Shuttle – DOWNTOWN ROUTE, Lombard Gate stop. See the detailed bike map >>

Challenge Level: Moderate. Most of the Promenade is mixed-use path (bike and pedestrian), separated from traffic. However, for some small segments near the Main Post, cyclists need to use the bike lane (a striped lane alongside car traffic).

Begin your adventure at the Presidio’s Lombard Gate and ride through the heart of the park. This route features the Letterman Digital Arts Center (home of the famous Yoda statue), the historic Main Post (where Presidio Visitor Center is located), and beautiful San Francisco National Cemetery. You can also stop at Crissy Field Overlook for a glimpse of Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay before heading uphill to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. Take a break with a hot chocolate at the Round House Café before biking north towards Marin. Learn more about the Presidio Promenade Trail >>

“Around the Park” Loop – 4.6 Miles

Why We Love It: Offers a taste of the historic Main Post, the coastal bluffs, and breathtaking views

Insider Tips: Start by heading toward the Presidio Visitor Center; return via the route that encompasses parts of the California Coastal Trail to Washington Boulevard to avoid a steep hill

Getting There: PresidiGo Shuttle – CRISSY FIELD. See the detailed bike map >>

Challenge Level: Moderate. This route includes both mixed-use paths (bike and pedestrian) and bike lanes (striped lanes alongside car traffic).

Want views that will knock your socks off? This route includes five of the Presidio’s beautiful scenic overlooks. Start at Arguello Gate and head past Andy Goldsworthy’s Spire before riding down Arguello Boulevard to see the Presidio Officers’ Club and the Presidio Visitor Center. After getting learning a bit about the park, pick up the Presidio Promenade Trail towards the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. Then you can choose to ride across the bridge or head back to Arguello Gate. On your return journey, ride along Washington Boulevard, where you’ll experience expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and see one of the oldest golf courses on the West Coast. Learn more about Presidio overlooks >>