San Francisco Self-Guided Bike Tour in San Francisco, CA

What are the hours of operation?

Bay City Bike Rentals open daily at 8 am. Store closing hours vary by location and by season. Please confirm closing times during check-in at the facility.

What bike should I choose?

Bay City Bike Rentals have multiple bikes to choose from and are open to all ages, riding level and rider types. They offer Hybrid Bikes, Electric Bikes, Road Bikes, and a selection of Kids Bikes & equipment to choose from.

The most popular bike for casual, round- the- bay- trail touring is the comfort hybrid bike. The second most popular bike is the comfort mountain. For advanced rides up to Mt. Tamalpais a performance bike is recommended, while riding through the Marin Headlands might require a MTB. Please consult the staff during check in if you have any questions regarding your preferred route and which bike to choose. Bay City Bike Rentals would be happy to accommodate any bike changes from your original reservation.

What’s included in my ticket/rental?

Included FREE with all bike rentals are helmets, front camera bags, bells, maps & map holders, water bottle holders, locks, and detailed map assistance. The higher-end bikes and those going long distances- come with tubes, pumps, and tools to fix flats in case of emergencies.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Bay City Bike will provide detailed route directions for your self-guided journey.

What is a self-guided tour?

Self Guided bike tours are exactly that: self-guided. The Bay City Bike staff will give you a bike map and assist in determining the best route based on what you’d like to see for self-guided tours. 

How long is a rental? Can I keep the bike overnight?

The self-guided tour includes a full day rental. Additional fees may be incurred if you keep the bike overnight.

If you do keep the bike overnight, do not lock bikes up outside, as they are very likely to get stolen. Bikes should be stored indoors and most hotels do offer complimentary bike storage. Check with your concierge if this service is available at your hotel. Please note with you keep the bike overnight an additional fee will apply. 

Can I customize my bike rental? Are SPDs (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) available for rent?

Absolutely- please note Bay City Bike Rentals can change pedals on the performance bikes only. Make sure to include the request during the reservation to notify the staff. This service is free.

Yes, they have SPDs (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) available- and other pedal types- on all the performance bikes. Bay City Bike Rentals mount them for performance bikes ONLY, which are the Escape/ Rapid; Road; and Dual Suspension Mountain bikes. Make sure to include the request during the reservation to notify the staff. at no extra charge. 

Can you rent at one location and return the bike to another?

Yes, but they charge a $10 restocking fee; many people ride from the Golden Gate Park location to the Wharf and vice versa. 

Do I need to purchase tickets for trips that need ferries?

Ferry tickets are available for purchase at their facilities' shop counters, and are recommended to save time at boarding. That said, tickets can always be purchased on the boat in either Sausalito or Tiburon. A ferry ride is $16.

Is it possible to bike on the Golden Gate Bridge?

The Bridge features a wide bike path on both sides.

How do most people get back from Sausalito?

Most people ferry as the 2-mile downhill into Sausalito from the Golden Gate Bridge is uphill on the way out!

What should I wear?

Weather in San Francisco can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood! The atmosphere can be sunny one minute and then foggy the next- and that being said, it's almost always sunny and ten degrees warmer in Sausalito! Bay City Bike Rentals always recommend layers: dress comfortably enough for your bike ride but also consider the variations in the San Francisco weather. Water and sunscreen are recommended.

The bikes have rear racks & bungees to strap down any extra layers. Ponchos for rainy weather are available for purchase at their shops.

Where is it located?

The Pick Up Location for this self-guided tour is at Fisherman’s Wharf: 2661 Taylor Street (between North Point and Beach Street).

Bay City Bike Rentals has three locations on Fisherman’s Wharf: 2661 Taylor Street (between North Point and Beach Street), 501 Bay Street (at Taylor next to the Cable Car Turnaround), and 1325 Columbus (between North Point and Leavenworth).

To get there, the “F Market & Wharves” trolley runs along with Market St. Downtown San Francisco, along The Embarcadero, and stops at Taylor Street which is one block away from the 2661 Taylor Street location. The Powell/Mason Cable car line stops right outside the 501 Bay Street location. For more information regarding San Francisco Municipal System or San Francisco Public Transit, please visit their corresponding websites.

Is this activity appropriate for children?

All kids have different riding skill levels. The good news is Bay City Bike Rentals has something for everyone! The baby seat can fit a six-month-old up to a sturdy toddler while the trailer is good for carrying 1-2 toddlers and their gear. Adults can pair up with a child, via tag-a-long or tandem bicycle: both are great for the budding cyclist who pedals only when inclined, but still feels the pride of the ride!

Can I bring my pet on the tour?

Service animals only are allowed on the tour.

Is transportation included? If so, where is the pick-up spot or how do I arrange it?

No, transportation is not included in this tour. Bay City Bike Rentals does offer hotel pick-up and drop-off options for a fee. Contact Bay City Bike Rentals directly for rates and arrangement inquiries.

Is parking provided? If so, what is the fee?

There are many garages and parking lots throughout Fisherman’s Wharf, two of which are the Northpoint Shopping Center Garage and the Longshoremen's Union Hall Parking Lot. Parking costs vary by the garage and you can visit the Fisherman's Wharf website for more information on their rates.

There is also metered parking throughout the Wharf area. Bay City Bike Rentals does not validate parking tickets.

Are there restrooms available?

Restrooms are available at the Bay City Bike Rentals facilities.

What do I do if something goes wrong with the bike during my rental?

You can call their emergency hotline for bike-related emergencies.