We're in San Francisco, and would like to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. We crossed the bridge by car a few days ago, going and coming back from Napa. The weather was gorgeous, and there was very little wind. We may not be as lucky on our own walk now, but would still like to do it.

1. We no longer have a rental car
2. Any chance that we can get the bus one way, walk across, then somehow get to Sausalito to get the ferry back (or would it be any easier doing it in reverse?)

Any tips are appreciated!

My husband and I took a city bus across then walked back towards the city. We then walked all the way back to Fishermans Wharf! It was a great walk - along the way, along side the park (can't remember the name - it's huge and right on the water)there were beautiful homes for sale. We popped right in and took advantage of the free tours of these lovely homes!

Have fun - it is one of my most memorable trips to SFO.

I would do the reverse - the views walking TOWARD to the city are much better

If you feel you really need to see Sausalito (and have the free time), then take a ferry to Sausalito, followed by a taxi to the bridge and walk, bus, or taxi depending on where your headed next.

Otherwise, just take a taxi or bus to the north end of the bridge and walk back toward the city.

I noticed that there is also a bike rental service at Fisherman's Wharf where you rent a bike to ride across the GG bridge and then their ferry brings you back. Might be another option.

We walked across the bridge, then continued on to Sausalito-it wasn't a bad walk-mostly downhill. We took a ferry back to the city. It was a beutiful day, so it was very enjoyable.

~Liz

as long as it is not windy you will be fine.
there is the bus or the ferry both ways.
the rented bikes come with a map and most bikers take the ferry back into s.f from either sausalito (easier and closer) or tiburon (a little hilly and farther)

Where do you start? buses 28 and 29 go to the bridge (confirm with the driver, some have shorter routes) but if you are in downtown, you need another bus.

If on Sunday, bus 76 goes to the bridge.

Walk over the bridge to Sausalito, it's not that far. From there, you can take the ferry back to Embarcadero, or Golden Gate transit bus.

In reverse, coming from Sausalito, is not easier. Maybe on Sunday if you cross the bridge on MUNI 76 and walk back, anybody knows where the stop is on the other side?

Once we tried to walk from Sausalito and got lost. Got on the other side of the bridge, and the bikers yelled at us Maybe now those trails are marked?

the day we chose to walk the bridge it was overcast and VERY windy. The kind of wind that causes an earache. We took the bus to the visitors center and walked to the 1/2 way point, turned around and walked back. It was great to say that we had walked the bridge and were able to take advantage of the view.

The last time I was in SF I rented a bike from Blazing Saddles on Fisherman's Wharf, and rode the beautiful bike trail all along the bay to the Golden Gate Bridge, then rode across the bridge (it was all wonderful, I stopped many places along the way to admire the scenery and take pictures), then down the hill to Sausalito. I enjoyed having some time to browse in some of the nice shops there, then I took the ferry back to SF (Blazing Saddles even provided my ferry ticket). It was a lot of fun, so you might consider doing this.

if you are interested in renting bikes, there are 3 companies that i see often in sausalito and tiburon.

blazing saddles and bay city bikes are from fisherman's wharf and bike and roll is on lombard st. in the marina area.

sounds like it can be a really nice time

Renting bikes at the Wharf and riding through Ft Mason, along the "Golden Gate Promenade" through Crissy Field & enjoying the views and lovely atmosphere (no commerce), Ft Point (explore the structure & enjoy the history & views from the ramparts), biking over the GG Bridge, then down to Sausalito, and a ferry ride back to the Wharf, would be a PERFECT day in the Bay Area. Can't think of a more enjoyable way to spend time.

However, do this so you hit the bridge in the afternoon on a week day. On weekends, bikers are not allowed on the east side of the bridge, which is the side with the views of SF. Also, in the morning the sun will be in your face for the views to SF from the GG Bridge and the views won't be that great. I think I would figure out then the sun is highest in the sky, and start the journey about 1 1/2 hrs before that time. This will give you time to enjoy the ride through Ft Mason, the Marina Green, Crissy Field, & Ft Point. There are lots of sandy beaches along Crissy Field, and nice tables in grassy spots where a picnic would be perfect. There are nice bathrooms at the entrance to the Ft Point area. I seem to recall that Ft Point itself is only open on Friday, Sat & Sun (Google to verity this - it may be only a winter thing), so the best day to do this would be a Friday.

My FIL is with us this Christmas, so we visited all the spots mentioned above (surf was up, so we watched the surfers at Ft Point). Had dinner at Scomas in Sausalito. I'll get on my soap box once again and SCREAM "spend the day on this bike trip - instead of at Fisherman's Wharf".

Stu Dudley

>> I would figure out then the sun is highest <<

"when" the sun is highest - not "then".

Stu

Fort Point is, in fact, only open Fridays, Sats, & Suns.

http://www.nps.gov/fopo

Stu Dudley