Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco may be famous for its hills, but it’s also one of the most scenic and satisfying cities to explore on a bike. Whether you're visiting with your bike or renting one for the day, there’s no shortage of epic routes that combine jaw-dropping views, historic landmarks, and chill green spaces. This guide is packed with local-favorite routes that are vacation-friendly and cater to every level of rider — from casual cruisers to seasoned cyclists ready to take on the hills. Let’s roll!
Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge
A bucket-list ride with next-level views
Let’s be honest — if you came to San Francisco with a bike and don’t ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, did you even go? This world-famous route is a must-do for any cycling tourist, offering that perfect blend of history, scenery, and Instagram-worthy moments.
Start at Crissy Field or Marina Green, then follow the well-marked bike path to the Golden Gate Bridge. The climb up to the bridge is short but steady, and once you’re up there — wow. Coastal air, blue water, and views all the way to Alcatraz and the Marin Headlands.
Once across, you can continue down to Sausalito for coffee, lunch, or a ferry ride back to the city. The descent into Sausalito is breezy and beautiful, with plenty of photo ops along the way. The ride back is optional — most cyclists ferry home to avoid repeating the climb.
Length: 8–12 miles round trip
Surface: Paved, moderate incline
Scenery: Bridge, bay, Sausalito
Best for: All skill levels (with breaks)
Stops: Golden Gate Vista Point, Sausalito, Crissy Field
It’s not just a ride — it’s an experience. This route hits all the highlights and is totally doable for tourists, even if you're riding with a rental and a backpack.
Explore Golden Gate Park
A car-free cycling haven packed with surprises
Golden Gate Park is the city’s backyard — and it just so happens to be incredibly bike-friendly. On weekends, main roads like JFK Drive are closed to cars, turning the park into a cyclist’s paradise. Even on weekdays, the wide paths and low traffic make this one of the easiest places to explore on two wheels.
Start at the eastern end near the Panhandle and cruise west toward Ocean Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass the de Young Museum, the Conservatory of Flowers, a herd of bison (seriously), and plenty of shady picnic spots.
The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle hills — nothing too intense. There are multiple side trails and loops, so you can easily stretch this into a longer ride or keep it quick and easy. It’s a great choice for families, casual riders, or anyone recovering from a hill-heavy day before.
Length: 7–10 miles round trip
Surface: Mostly paved, light hills
Scenery: Forest, flowers, art, beach
Best for: Relaxed rides, nature lovers
Stops: de Young Museum, Bison Paddock, Ocean Beach
Whether you want to stop for coffee, explore museums, or just enjoy car-free pedaling, Golden Gate Park delivers a full day’s worth of relaxed adventure.
Discover the Embarcadero to Mission Bay
Flat, scenic, and packed with city vibes
Looking for a flatter ride with big city energy? The Embarcadero to Mission Bay route is your go-to. Starting near Oracle Park (home of the Giants), this stretch hugs the waterfront and takes you past piers, ferry terminals, and bustling city life — all with San Francisco Bay as your backdrop.
The path is wide, paved, and separated from car traffic in most sections, making it one of the most beginner-friendly rides in the city. You’ll glide past the Exploratorium, the Ferry Building (awesome food market alert), and into the new high-rise-filled Mission Bay district. It’s a great route for sightseeing without battling steep climbs.
Want to keep going? Connect to the Bay Trail and ride south toward Dogpatch and Hunters Point — lesser-known neighborhoods with murals, breweries, and lots of cool industrial vibes.
Length: 5–15 miles depending on extensions
Surface: Fully paved, flat
Scenery: Bay, skyline, piers
Best for: Easy city cruising
Stops: Ferry Building, Oracle Park, Dogpatch
This ride shows off the modern side of SF — tech campuses, shiny towers, and revitalized docklands — all without the sweat of a hill climb. Great for sightseeing or an afternoon ride before dinner.
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