Our Favorite Biking Trails in San Francisco
Sunshine, fantastic scenery and a little cafe make the best bike rides for the family. Take a look at our favorite biking trails in San Francisco, grab the kids and your Hamax bike seat or trailer and get out there!
Here’s a list of our favorite biking trails in San Francisco, CA.
1. Golden Gate Park Loop
The full loop is 7.5 miles of paved trail, although you can easily “choose your own adventure” and take a shorter path. There are several family-friendly attractions including a playground, carousel, picnic area, and two dog parks. We recommend visiting on a Sunday; the main entrance to the park is closed to cars to give bikers, walkers, and runners free reign to explore the wide open spaces. View a map of the park trails and attractions here.
2. Great Highway to Fort Funston
This short, mostly flat trip ends at a popular dog park at Fort Funston. There is a hang gliding launch area with a viewing deck, as well as several hiking and horseback riding trails located in the park. The viewing deck overlooks the 200 ft. high bluffs showcasing a gorgeous view of the coast where you can cool down from the sea breeze. If you’re visiting between March and
If you’re visiting between March and June, you’ll be in for a treat to catch some glimpses of baby swallows. You can begin your trip anywhere along the Great Highway trail, which starts at Fulton St, on the edge of the Golden Gate Park. If starting at Fulton St., the ride is about 8.5 miles round trip.
3. Presidio Easy Loop
An easy 2-mile ride, this loop follows the Golden Gate Promenade and passes two picnic areas and an eatery. You can stop to admire the views at several points which include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Angel Island. View a map of the park and all trails here.
4. Muir Woods Loop
The Muir Woods Loop is named after the historic national park it passes through, and is one of the most beautiful biking trails in San Francisco. You’ll gain about 1,500 ft in elevation during this 14-mile ride, so it’s not for the faint of heart, especially when traveling with children. Your path will also take you past a coffee and tea shop and a pub if you need to stop for some snacks. The Four Corners scenic outlook provides a stunning view of the Homestead Valley and Richardson Bay.
5. Angel Island Perimeter Road
This 5-mile bike trip follows… you guessed it… the perimeter of the island. Only accessible by ferry, Angel Island feels like a getaway even though it’s just outside the city. The road is surfaced, although does have some gravelly spots, so a mountain bike is recommended. Hamax child bike seats and bike trailers are durable enough to keep the kids comfy on both road and gravel surface.
You’ll find a large map at the visitors center at Ayala Cove where the ferries land so you can plan your route. If the kiddos need a break several picnic areas are available on the island as well as a house museum and quite a few other historical sites. Don’t forget your camera though, the views are unbeatable!
6. Glen Canyon Park
This 60-acre park is hidden away in the heart of the city and is a little-known gem. With 3.7 miles of trails, you can choose your preferred distance as you travel through a variety of habitats. Bountiful creek-side vegetation gives way to scrub-lands, and then transitions again to wildflowers which bloom each spring. At the top of Twin Peaks, you can experience sweeping views of San Francisco and the bay. View a park map here to start your journey.
7. Lake Merced Park
Popular with boaters, hikers, and cyclists, this 614-acre park has a lot to offer. The 4.5-mile paved loop around the large freshwater lake is the perfect place for an afternoon getaway with the family. There are several picnic areas around the trail which offer both shaded and open areas. The park is bordered by three golf courses and includes a boat house, fishing pier, and boat launch. View a map of the park here to plan your trip.
If you’re ready to get out on one of the wonderful biking trails in San Francisco and you need a way to bring the kids with you, take a look at Hamax child bike seats and multi-sport trailers. Have a great ride!
