Best Places to Skate and Ride Bikes in San Francisco
You may have noticed that there are few hills in San Francisco. So, how can skating or bicycling be anything but a death-defying undertaking?
Actually, San Francisco's topography is as diverse as its culture. Plenty of areas exist where skating and bicycling are not only safe but fun. And some of the views are spectacular! Nevertheless, crowded, narrow streets abound, so extreme caution is always advised. A little courtesy goes a long way, too. Skating anywhere outside the flatter parts of town is unwise for anybody who isn't an expert. Bikers and skaters should wear helmets at all times.
Recommended Skating Routes
Presidio - Palace of Fine Arts - Fort Mason (less challenging)
The Presidio is somewhat hilly, but still one of the more pleasant and less strenuous skating areas in San Francisco. Traffic in this area increases by the day, so pay attention as you skate. Tips:
- Exit Presidio
by Gorgas Street, which keeps most of your descent within the
safer confines of the Presidio
- Do be sure
to stay on the perimeter of the Palace of Fine Arts, no matter
how tempting it may be to venture onto the grounds. Skating is
not permitted on the grounds.
- The wide,
paved Marina is ideal for skating, as are the quiet neighborhood
streets behind it.
- Fort Mason,
though much busier than the Presidio, offers lots of activity
and distraction.
Golden Gate
Park to Outer Richmond to Laurel to Pacific Heights (more challenging)
The eastern part of Golden Gate Park is closed to traffic on Sundays,
so skaters and bicyclists can enjoy this time without the threat
of approaching vehicles. Some of the park can be particularly challenging
for skaters. Beginning at the east end of Golden Gate Park is suggested.
Though the roads in Golden Gate Park are somewhat rough, skating
is prohibited on walkways, so you must stick to the roads. Once
out of Golden Gate Park and heading toward the ocean, you'll be
tempted to skate along the wide shoulder of Ocean Highway (Route
1), but don't - intermittent sand spills prevent the road from being
continuously reliable. Instead, take Balboa and 46th Avenue to 48th
Avenue, which leads you to Clement, ultimately providing you with
great views of Seal Rock. Keep in mind that Clement tends to run
downhill, so you might want to take Geary (though Geary is heavily
trafficked).
Next, take 32nd Avenue toward the beautiful Camino del Mar (Legion
of Honor Drive is too rough for skating). Enjoy the gorgeous Sea
Cliff neighborhood! Travel south toward 25th Avenue until you get
the Lake Street, which is virtually hill-free. If you simply must
challenge yourself, take Arguello Street into the Presidio and have
fun with Pacific Avenue.
Caution: Avoid taking Presidio Avenue south - traffic is heavy
and moves quickly. There are also no shoulders to protect you.
Once you're in Pacific Heights, it's best to head south to Sacramento
then go east to Franklin or Polk for the less steep route. You'll
find yourself on Union Street.
Recommended Bike Routes and Activities
Most San Francisco bicylists will tell you that riding a bike in
the city is risky business. Traffic does not easily accommodate
bikes - driver attitudes can be hostile and bike lanes inadequate.
Choose your routes carefully, especially if you're unfamiliar with
San Francisco. Here are a few suggestions:
Wharf to Bridge. Start at the Maritime Museum and ride along
the Embarcadero until you get to the Bay Bridge. This stretch can
get congested during the day, so the earlier you take this ride,
the better.
Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Ride over the bridge to
Sausalito and at your option, take the ferry back.
Golden Gate Bridge to Tiburon. A longer trip than Sausalito,
but well worth it. You can still take a ferry back to San Francisco,
if you like.
San Francisco Parks. Explore the Presidio, Lincoln Park,
Legion of Honor, Sutro Park, and Golden Gate Park, which is closed
to autombile traffic on Sundays.
Angel Island. Take the ferry there and back. A great ride,
filled with some challenging cycles and historic sites.
Marin Headlands. Cross Golden Gate Bridge and head upward
to see spectacular views of the City and the bay. Lots of people
mountain bike up here.
Muir Woods. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to this astounding
preserve of redwood trees. You can't ride the bike inside but the
trip there is worth it.
For an alternative to bike riding, try Bike Polo. The league
meets every Wednesday night at 6:00 at Speedway Meadow in Golden
Gate Park, just off JFK Drive, at about 28th Avenue, just east of
the Polo Field. Mallet and balls are provided, so just have fun!
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