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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 1.5 mile eastern section of JFK drive is closed to cars, and the rest of the route dives south of JFK Drive along a completely car-free route.
About the Route
The path winds through San Francisco's famous city park, providing both a retreat from urban life and an important link in the city's growing bike network. The paved trail passes by the museums, sports fields and botanic gardens that make Golden Gate Park one of the premier urban parks in the country. Bicycle route signage is clear and connects the path to neighborhoods throughout the city.
Connections
Other paths that meander through the park are limited to pedestrians only but provide good walking loops for those on foot. At the southern edge of the park, trail users of all types can continue on the Great Highway Bike Path for sweeping views of Ocean Beach, as well as access to the San Francisco Zoo in the south and the most recent incarnation of the Cliff House restaurant in the north.
The JFK Promenade (Golden Gate Park Multiuse Trail) runs between the Great Highway Bike Path at the intersection of Lincoln Way & Great Hwy (San Francisco) and the intersection of JFK Dr & Stanyan St (San Francisco).
Parking is available at several locations throughout Golden Gate Park, including:
These are not official addresses, visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and more detailed directions. Be sure to obey any posted parking restrictions.
The Golden Gate Park Shuttle is a free shuttle service that connects popular destinations within the park with parking and transit.
We rented bikes and followed the bike map provided by the rental outfit. The park is really nice and well worth a visit. Lots of trails and at times a bit confusing to follow a specific route. However, can't really get lost. Really enjoyed the portion of JFK drive that is blocked to traffic. Big wide boulevard with lots to see and enjoy. Could spend a lot of time just wandering all through the park. Recommend a visit.
As an avid cyclist and longtime resident of San Francisco, I have always loved riding in or through Golden Gate Park. Roads are safe for all types of biking; whether it's a recreational ride, a commute, or a trip across town. Ocean Beach on the other end of this bike path is also a great destination.
Southern part of beach trail has a lot of dunes, but isn't very crowded even on weekends. Northern part has great views during nice weather. The beach portion is very easy. Golden Gate Park can be challenging, but nothing too rigorous (my 7 year daughter walked her bike once or twice) and has several interesting spots to take a break. On Sundays the eastern part of JFK drive is closed to traffic and is a great spot for bicycling. I'm not found of the Panhandle portion though. It can be very crowded and there isn't much too see.
Its a nice ride along the beach even though you can't see the ocean because of the height of the sand dunes, but still very relaxing. Don't get me wrong the ocean breeze feels great and you can see the ocean along certain parts.
The path is asphalt but bumpy not smooth and has little ups and down inclines. I like that it roles right in to the east side of Golden Gate Park.
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