Living in the area, I think a lot of us take for granted the crown of jewels that is the city of San Francisco. Golden Gate park is one of those jewels and maybe it’s time you checked it out again, independent of your favorite music fest visit! Today’s suggestion is a leisurely e-bike ride through the park, followed by a visit to another landmark: Ghirardelli Square.
Where to Ride: We like the location of SF Wheels, just a few blocks from Golden Gate Park. Nice people, excellent bikes, good rental rates. Take off from their location at 842 A Cole Street, go a few blocks to Haight, turn left, and in another two blocks you enter Golden Gate Park.
This place is perfect for an e-bike, because you can explore all the various roads and paths and not get too worked up. Of course, it’s a great place for any bike, or skates, or a good walk, too. But walking will tend to limit how much of the park you can see. In case you’ve forgotten, it’s quite large!
Make sure you check the map of Golden Gate Park and figure out a good route. Ride from the East end where you entered, all the way out to the Dutch Windmill and the Beach Chalet (lunch anyone?) on the West end at Ocean Beach. At the East end of the park, check out the Arboretum, the Botanical gardens, the California Academy of Sciences, DeYoung Museum, the Sky Wheel ride, the Aids Memorial Grove, the Robin Williams Meadow, and the Japanese Tea Garden. You can ride on by and make plans for a rainy day to come back to the indoor spaces.
As you ride West, check out Stow Lake (paddle boats), Spreckels Lake (where the radio-controlled model boats play), the Bison Paddock, the Anglers club and casting ponds, and on to the beautiful Dutch Windmill and gardens before you run out of land out at Ocean Beach. If you find yourself at the Polo Grounds, you’ll find a bike-only oval track where you might be tempted to test the high speed of your E-Bike. We managed 25.3 MPH. Just don’t pass the “real” bikers using only pedal power, they might not like it.
After a few hours of riding and enjoying this oasis in the City, maybe it’s time for a snack. If you didn’t fill up at the Beach Chalet, my go-to treat after burning calories is to go completely replace them all (and then some), with a classic Hot Fudge Sundae in Ghirardelli Square at North Point and Larkin. For the rookies out there: note that lots of people line up at the original Ghirardelli corner spot at the East entrance to the square, but there are two other larger locations within the Square. One deeper in, the Ghirardelli Marketplace, on the Plaza level and one down at street level on Beach Street. Check ’em all out if you see a line! I like the location inside the plaza back by the SF Brewing Company. You can get a table outside after getting your sundae. Of course, you can take home those delicious chocolate squares, too. For an overnight option, check out the Fairmont Heritage hotel which is built into the old chocolate factory buildings. Fantastic views, and a great fireplace patio overlooking all the action of the square below. One of our favorite spots to take out of town visitors.
Kristin
Thanks so much for this excellent blog. I love the photos and the suggestions. I just bought a Tern electric (assist) folding bike and use it to commute all over town. It helps when I have heavy groceries, hit hills that are a little much, and/or when I want to arrive a little less sweaty. Maybe I can talk Karen into doing this when I’m in the BA for our HS reunion!! I’d love it. (My bike will be in VA so I’d have to rent.) Thanks, Dave!
Dave A
Thanks Kristin! I’ve seen the Tern folding bike, that’s a great rig for getting around the City. Of course, you’re in such good shape, I’m sure you don’t even need the e-assist!