San Francisco is filled with fun, intriguing and inspiring sights. Some are best explored on foot, like the Mission district’s murals or the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps in the Sunset. But during my seven years in the Bay Area, some of my favorite city-splorations have been the ones I made by bike.
There are some spots that take just a bit too long to get to on a hike (for me, at least) and too aggravating to try to visit by car. On two wheels, though, you can jump from road to trail, walking your bike when needed and snapping photos whenever the moment strikes.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer, biking to these five spots will spark your love for the city all over again.
Mount Davidson Cross
The 103-foot-tall Mount Davidson Cross sits atop San Francisco’s highest point, Mount Davidson. The cross itself has an interesting history. Its current concrete iteration was erected in 1934 after arsonists burned down earlier wooden versions. Purchased by the Council of Armenian American Organizations of North America in 1997, it’s now a memorial to the Armenian Genocide.
To get to the cross, you must first navigate to the trailhead at 39 Dalewood Way, south of Portola Drive. Fair warning: you will have some steep hills to climb. From there, you head up a dirt fire road (which is bike friendly) through a 40-acre eucalyptus forest to an opening in the trees where the cross resides. At its peak, you can enjoy stunning cityscapes from this vantage point. The space feels solemn and quiet.
Legion of Honor
Located in the far northwestern corner of San Francisco, the Legion of Honor is a “long” drive or Muni ride away. On a bike, it’s a regular part of what’s known as the “Butterlap,” a 19-mile loop around the city’s northern perimeter and through Golden Gate Park (the “Half Butterlap” is a shorter, 11-mile alternative).
The Legion of Honor is an art museum focusing on ancient and European art, but outside, it also has beautiful architecture, statues and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was originally built to commemorate California soldiers who perished during World War I. Bring a lock for the racks outside if you want to visit the museum during business hours.
Heron’s Head Park
Heron’s Head Park in Bayview is a 22-acre wildlife habitat at SF’s far southeastern edge — and you probably never knew it existed. Viewed from the air, the park’s shape resembles that of a great blue heron, which is how it got its name. From ground level, its main trail is one mile out-and-back to its tip (perfect if you’d rather keep the hills and sweat to a minimum on your bike ride), with a dedicated bike lane heading toward the park.
If you’re interested in birding, the Port of San Francisco offers a handy guide of 100 bird species you can spot at this park. The EcoCenter here offers more information about this saltwater marsh as well as restoration efforts, with bike racks and picnic tables to complete your trip.
Golden Gate Park’s Hidden Treasures
Golden Gate Park is laced with numerous trails and pathways that link together its many, many sights. You can hit them up by foot, but by bike, you can explore so much more — and so much faster.
For example, if you head to the park’s center, take a leisurely lap around Stow Lake, then cross over the bridge to Strawberry Hill. There you can ride its paths to see Huntington Falls (the Park’s oldest artificial waterfall) up close or wind your way to the top of the hill. Further west, just off John F. Kennedy Drive before you hit Great Highway, look right, and you’ll spot the Murphy Windmill and Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden. But don’t forget to stop and say hi to the bison in the Bison Paddock on your way there.
Mount Sutro
Tucked between Cole Valley and the Inner Sunset is Mt. Sutro, the forested San Francisco hill with the iconic red-and-white tower at its top. Also known as the Interior Greenbelt, it will make you feel like you’ve completely left San Francisco. Some of its trees are more than 200 feet tall, and many stretch to over 100 feet.
Although you can hike it, an excellent way to explore this 61-acre green space is by tackling its trails by mountain bike. The trails are well marked and not very long, making it an excellent spot for intermediate mountain bikers or beginner riders ready to tackle some singletrack.
