Photo by: Richard Masoner (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Self-Guided Bike Tour

San Francisco

Self-Guided Bike Tour

The Embarcadero serves as one of several entry points into and out of the city, and as the destination for many popular visitor attractions, historical sites and entertainment. Commuters and visitors board ferries to Oakland, Larkspur, Sausalito and Vallejo at docks located behind the Ferry Building. Enjoy fresh food from the Ferry Building farmer’s markets, or pick up gifts, novelties and books from any of the dozens of specialty retailers.

Stroll, bike or skate on the wide sidewalk that stretches along the city’s shoreline. After exiting the Ferry Building, look to your left to see the Cupid’s bow and arrow, standing 60 feet high, planted in the ground near the base of the Bay Bridge. Or cross the street and browse local arts and crafts vendors set up on weekends.

Experiencing the Embarcadero from one end to the other is an all-day adventure. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride to enjoy the unique attractions and sample seafood, clam chowder or baked goods at the sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Every pier has something different to offer. Hornblower Cruises at Pier 3 takes passengers to explore the Bay. Princess Cruises and other cruise lines, board at Pier 27 taking passengers on weekend and weeklong getaways. Visitors can board a cruise to tour Alcatraz at Pier 33 any day of the week. Make reservations early. Tickets sell out quickly to tour of one of the world’s most legendary prisons.

Street musicians and jugglers linger on the sidewalks to entertain. Walk down one of the open piers to admire views of the Bay, Alcatraz or Angel Island. Watch the antics and listen to the calls of sea lions. Sea lions regularly convene and sound off at city piers. The Exploratorium on the Embarcadero is a science museum with interactive exhibits to fascinate all ages.

Boudin’s Bakery on the Wharf is famous for its clam chowder and its sourdough bread. Their closely guarded sourdough starter is the same they have used for generations. Look through the front window to watch bakers shape their bread into crocodiles, bears and turtles and other unusual shapes. 

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 are crowded day and night providing food stands, street performers and arcades. The Aquarium at the Bay stands at the front of Pier 39. At the far end of the Embarcadero (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf) is Ghirardelli’s Square, the original San Francisco factory of Ghirardelli Chocolates. Now this historic brick building is lined with boutiques and restaurants. Visit the Ghirardelli store to fill a basket with an assortment of fine chocolates.  

Travel farther down the sidewalk from the Wharf to Pier 45 and board the SS Jeremiah O’Brien Cruise (National Liberty Ship Memorial), a living museum and National Historic Landmark. The ship takes passengers on special cruises each month. The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is also near Fisherman’s Wharf, displaying a fleet of historic vessels and a maritime museum.

Things to see and do in San Francisco

Blazing Saddles

757 Beach Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com

A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and...

Read More

Blazing Saddles

757 Beach Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com
A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and apps to create an exciting San Francisco Bay experience.

Blazing Saddles

550 North Point Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com

A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and...

Read More

Blazing Saddles

550 North Point Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com
A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and apps to create an exciting San Francisco Bay experience.

Blazing Saddles

2555 Powell Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com

A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and...

Read More

Blazing Saddles

2555 Powell Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com
A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and apps to create an exciting San Francisco Bay experience.

Blazing Saddles

Pier 41, Fisherman's Wharf, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com

A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and...

Read More

Blazing Saddles

Pier 41, Fisherman's Wharf, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com
A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and apps to create an exciting San Francisco Bay experience.

Blazing Saddles

465 Jefferson Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com

A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and...

Read More

Blazing Saddles

465 Jefferson Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com
A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and apps to create an exciting San Francisco Bay experience.

Blazing Saddles

2715 Hyde Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com

A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and...

Read More

Blazing Saddles

2715 Hyde Street, CA, san Francisco,
www.blazingsaddles.com
A San Francisco tradition for 30 years, Blazing Saddles features kids, tandem, electric, mountain and road bikes for rent and sale. The company provides bike tours, self-guided information, maps and apps to create an exciting San Francisco Bay experience.

Bay City Bike

1669 Haight St., CA, san Francisco, 94117
baycitybike.com

Provides bike rentals, safety equipment and guided bike tours for children, teens and adults to help you explore San Francisco up close and personal.

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Bay City Bike

1669 Haight St., CA, san Francisco, 94117
baycitybike.com
Provides bike rentals, safety equipment and guided bike tours for children, teens and adults to help you explore San Francisco up close and personal.

Golden Gate Park Bike and Skate

3038 Fulton St., CA, san Francisco, 94118
goldengateparkbikeandskate.com

Rent skates and safety equipment, kids¿ bikes, mountain bikes or tandem bikes either by the hour or day. Rentals include helmet, lock and map. Repair services are also available.

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Golden Gate Park Bike and Skate

3038 Fulton St., CA, san Francisco, 94118
goldengateparkbikeandskate.com
Rent skates and safety equipment, kids¿ bikes, mountain bikes or tandem bikes either by the hour or day. Rentals include helmet, lock and map. Repair services are also available.

Bay City Bike

2800 Leavenworth St., CA, san Francisco, 94133
baycitybike.com

Provides bike rentals, safety equipment and guided bike tours for children, teens and adults to help you explore San Francisco up close and personal.

Read More

Bay City Bike

2800 Leavenworth St., CA, san Francisco, 94133
baycitybike.com
Provides bike rentals, safety equipment and guided bike tours for children, teens and adults to help you explore San Francisco up close and personal.

The Tuscan Fishermans Wharf

425 North Point St., CA, san Francisco, 94133
www.tuscanhotel.com

Enjoy services of the dedicated concierge team to arrange for tours and dining. Contemporary hotel with classic styling and full service amenities, located at Fisherman's Wharf.

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The Tuscan Fishermans Wharf

425 North Point St., CA, san Francisco, 94133
www.tuscanhotel.com
Enjoy services of the dedicated concierge team to arrange for tours and dining. Contemporary hotel with classic styling and full service amenities, located at Fisherman's Wharf.

Sir Francis Drake Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel

450 Powell St., CA, San Francisco, 94102
www.sirfrancisdrake.com

Visitors are greeted by costumed Beefeaters at the door, taking you back in time to the glamourous debut of this historic hotel in 1928. Impressive decorations with gold details, rich fabrics, plush...

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Sir Francis Drake Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel

450 Powell St., CA, San Francisco, 94102
www.sirfrancisdrake.com

Visitors are greeted by costumed Beefeaters at the door, taking you back in time to the glamourous debut of this historic hotel in 1928. Impressive decorations with gold details, rich fabrics, plush furnishings and ornately crafted staircases.

Hyatt Centric Fishermans Wharf

555 North Point St., CA, San Francisco, 94133
fishermanswharf.centric.hyatt.com

Strategically located at Fisherman's Wharf the Hyatt provides visitors an exceptional opportunity to be within walking distance to many of the city's most popular attractions. Luxurious, contemporary...

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Hyatt Centric Fishermans Wharf

555 North Point St., CA, San Francisco, 94133
fishermanswharf.centric.hyatt.com
Strategically located at Fisherman's Wharf the Hyatt provides visitors an exceptional opportunity to be within walking distance to many of the city's most popular attractions. Luxurious, contemporary guest rooms, fitness center, outdoor pool and dining options.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins

888 Howard St., CA, San Francisco, 94102
www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com

Mark Hopkins namesake is one of four railroad barons who helped finance construction of the watern end of the Transconinental Railroad. The hotel is a local historical landmark sitting at the top of...

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InterContinental Mark Hopkins

888 Howard St., CA, San Francisco, 94102
www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com
Mark Hopkins namesake is one of four railroad barons who helped finance construction of the watern end of the Transconinental Railroad. The hotel is a local historical landmark sitting at the top of Nob Hill featuring luxurious accommodations, classic character and breathtaking scenic views.

Fairmont San Francisco

950 Mason St., CA, San Francisco, 94102
www.fairmont.com

Visiting this luxurious hotel at the top of Nob Hill is a truly memorable experience for business or pleasure. Enjoy afternoon tea, stunning views of the city and special events for all throughout the...

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Fairmont San Francisco

950 Mason St., CA, San Francisco, 94102
www.fairmont.com
Visiting this luxurious hotel at the top of Nob Hill is a truly memorable experience for business or pleasure. Enjoy afternoon tea, stunning views of the city and special events for all throughout the year. Visit during December and view the famous two-story gingerbread house, lovingly decorated with thousands of home baked gingerbread bricks, icing and peppermint candies.

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco

335 Powell St., CA, San Francisco, 94102
www.westinstfrancis.com

The Westin St. Francis in Union Square is one of the city¿s iconic historic hotels with an impressive lobby of rich dark woods, marble beams and the Great Magneta Clock. Enjoy a ride on a cable cars...

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The Westin St. Francis San Francisco

335 Powell St., CA, San Francisco, 94102
www.westinstfrancis.com
The Westin St. Francis in Union Square is one of the city¿s iconic historic hotels with an impressive lobby of rich dark woods, marble beams and the Great Magneta Clock. Enjoy a ride on a cable cars stopping just outside their doors or a long, scenic walk uphill. Shopping, theatre, nightlife and dining options are close by.

Boudin at Fisherman's Wharf

160 Jefferson St., Lower Lev, CA, san Francisco, 94133
www.boudinbakery.com

Enjoy Boudin's flagship restaurant and bakery at the Wharf for lunch or dinner. Take a self-guided tour of its museum overlooking the commercial bakery. Visitors can also watch bakers knead and shape...

Read More

Boudin at Fisherman's Wharf

160 Jefferson St., Lower Lev, CA, san Francisco, 94133
www.boudinbakery.com
Enjoy Boudin's flagship restaurant and bakery at the Wharf for lunch or dinner. Take a self-guided tour of its museum overlooking the commercial bakery. Visitors can also watch bakers knead and shape dough into alligators, teddy bears, turtles and other animals. Stroll the gift shop to find gourmet gifts, cookbooks, baskets and other dining accessories.

Ferry Building

OneFerry Building, The Embar, CA, san Francisco, 94111
www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

This historic and recently restored San Francisco landmark opened in 1898 and became the focal point for anyone arriving in the city by train. The building is strategically located at the foot of...

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Ferry Building

OneFerry Building, The Embar, CA, san Francisco, 94111
www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
This historic and recently restored San Francisco landmark opened in 1898 and became the focal point for anyone arriving in the city by train. The building is strategically located at the foot of Market Street, with an iconic clock tower in front as a city landmark for more than 100 years. In addition to serving as the city¿s ferry dock, the Ferry Building¿s contemporary role is ¿a community gathering-place for the celebration of local culture and cuisine,¿ featuring certified farmers markets and more than 50 shops, bakeries and bookstores to browse.

San Francisco Trails

Lake Merced Loop (San Francisco)

California - 4.5 miles

This 4.5-mile paved trail encircles Lake Merced in southwestern San Francisco. The western leg of the loop is also referred to as the Lake Merced...

Bay Area Ridge Trail (San Francisco Presidio)

California - 2.5 miles

This 2.5-mile trail segment through San Francisco's Presidio is part of 340-mile network of multi-use trails collectively known as the Bay Area Ridge...

JFK Promenade (Golden Gate Park Multiuse Trail)

California - 3.9 miles

A milestone of car-free transportation, JFK Drive, which runs through the heart of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park has recently become car-free. The...

Accordion

San Francisco Bay Trail

California - 300.7 miles

Overview The San Francisco Bay Trail is a colossal effort to create a 500-mile multiuse trail encircling its namesake bay. Along its course, the...

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