Bikeabout Special: SF Golden Gate Bridge to the Marina Wave Organ

Bike the Golden Gate to the Marina Wave Organ
via Fort Point and Chrissy Field

Pleasure Rating:  1 2 3 4 5

Difficulty Rating:  1 2 3 4 5
Mileage:  6 miles

Why Bike the Golden Gate?
Is that really a serious question?  I mean, "why not" should be the question.  The infamous San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is the city's most iconic landmark and beckons visitors from all over the world to come see and experience its architectural and artistic design.  The mouth of the world's most glorious bay is enhanced with beauty and grace due to the towering ruby red bridge that adorns it.  Not only should you see it, you should step atop it, walk it, bike it, or drive it- everyone should experience in some special way the best bridge in the world and in my opinion the best way is on two wheels.

Lets Get Biking!
First, pack a picnic, water, helmets, and a jacket.  You might want snacks to keep the kids perky.  Do not forget your camera- these will be some of best photo opps of your life!  Drive into San Francisco and park on the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge, at the intersection of Lincoln and Storey Ave which is located about one block off of HWY 1.   Here you will find a very inexpensive parking lot that is away from the dizzying crowds and traffic that surround the tourist pavilion.  Adjacent to this lot is the Battery of the famous Presidio where I recommend enjoying the lovely view of the bridge.  This is a fantastic spot to sit and enjoy your picnic, or if you prefer to do some activity first, you can save your lunch for a later part of the ride.

Start your ride by descending down Storey Rd,which turns into Merchant Rd toward the bridge.  From Merchant, make your first left onto Cranston Rd, which will lead you under HWY 1 and spits you out at the bustling Golden Gate visitors pavilion.  If you have time, take the opportunity to walk around and check out the exhibits.  Recently renovated, it features a very nice gift store, restrooms, a new restaurant, and awesome photography and history of the bridge.   This area is almost always busting from the seams with tourists and tour buses, which can be overwhelming and yet very cool.  To hear the variety of foreign languages and see the kaleidoscope of visitors who are so excited to be there is always a good reminder of how lucky I am to live here.

Proceed to the pedestrian path which for bikers will loop back under the bridge to the west side.  You will see signs for bikers leading you to the west side of the bridge because the east side is for pedestrians only.  This is a safety measure that frees up congestion and prevents collisions. Once atop the bridge carefully begin your trip across the bridge by bike!  Although at times there will be serious cyclists who zoom past you- ignore them and enjoy the ride.  You will want to savor this 1.7 mile stretch without the nuisance of busy bodies.

The view from the bridge is an unparalleled beauty; the lovely Marin headlands awaiting in the distance, the thundering waves splashing against their shear cliffs, the pelicans and seagulls swooping gracefully below the bridge, the juxtaposition of the loud rushing of a thousand cars flying by on your right and the tranquility of the sparkling sun hovering above the mighty Pacific to your left.  Above you the immense towers of red with their elegant swooping cables stand confidently with perfection and symmetry- a marvel of engineering and ingenuity.  Stop for a quick water break, take some pictures, touch the mighty bridge and savor the moment.

Proceed on your ride to the north side of the bridge where you can stop at the Marin Headlands parking lot and take more pictures.  Once you have had your fill of beauty from this perspective, you will double back on the same route toward the city.  From this angle, you will have stellar panoramic views of San Francisco and all its major landmarks.  Just try to count how many famous spots you can see- the Palace of Fine Arts, the Cathedral, Fort Mason, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, the list goes on and on.  I love to see the city from this one of a kind vista.

Fort Point:
Once you have safely crossed the bridge, follow the pedestrian signs for Fort Point, which is only 1/4 mile down the hill.  This path will wind you down toward the waters edge and you can park your bike right in front of the fort entrance.  This national historical site is an awesome voyage into San Francisco's past, dating over 150 years ago.  From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, the fort protected the city from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the Civil War. The architecture and design with lovely arched arcades, spiraling staircases and elegant balconies are impressive.  Fort Point happens to be the only fortification west of the Mississippi with this caliber of construction design.

 

Crissy Field 
After you have explored Fort Point, meander over toward the "warming hut" for a cup of coffee and a snack where you can enjoy more gorgeous views.  This is where you will continue your journey on what is called the San Francisco Bay Trail- a dirt path that stretches all along the waterfront.  To your right is the grand expanse of green- Crissy Field.  This open park space is a fantastic spot for kite flying, or flying model airplanes, frisbee, fetch and the like.  People gather here to picnic and just enjoy the scenery.  To your left is the bay and Crissy Field Beach where you find more people sunning on the shores.  This 1.5 mile stretch to the wave organ should feel like an easy going joy ride, so don't be in a hurry.  Just enjoy!
Continue to follow the path- you will pass the marsh, the east beach, and the beach hut.  You will then enter the marina area where you will pass the Saint Francis Yacht Club, and then the Golden Gate Yacht Club and finally reach the Wave Organ.

Wave Organ
The Wave Organ is located on a jetty that forms the small Boat Harbor in the Marina district of San Francisco. The jetty itself was constructed with material taken from a demolished cemetery, providing a wonderful assortment of carved granite and marble, which was used in the construction of this piece. The installation includes 25 organ pipes made of PVC and concrete located at various elevations within the site, allowing for the rise and fall of the tides. Sound is created by the impact of waves against the pipe ends and the subsequent movement of the water in and out of the pipes. The sound heard at the site is subtle, requiring visitors to become sensitized to its music, and at the same time to the music of the environment. The Wave Organ sounds best at high tide.  Unfortunately we didn't hear any music, but the site is still a lovely place to enjoy the views and appreciate a unique piece of architecture.

Your major destinations are now complete- the main attractions have been achieved.  But the ride isn't over and beauty continues.  Turn around and double back along the San Francisco Bay Trail.  If you time it just right, you can return to your car in time to drive out to the edge of the Battery and watch the sunset- always the perfect ending to a day by the bay.