Cycling the Golden Gate: An Unforgettable San Francisco Anniversary Adventure

For many years, when our children were young and our lives revolved around their vibrant energy, my husband, John, and I limited our grand travel aspirations. Residing in southern New Jersey, our family adventures typically consisted of road trips along the East Coast. These journeys were always cherished, especially our regular visits to my brother’s family in Maine and our enthusiastic trips to beloved theme parks like Busch Gardens and DisneyWorld. Whether we headed north or south, we found immense joy and contentment in these familiar destinations. Little did we know, a different kind of wanderlust was waiting just around the bend.

Then, quite suddenly, the travel bug didn’t just bite – it launched a full-scale invasion. My professional life had taken an exciting turn as I embarked on a new career within the travel industry. This new role came with an incredible perk: a seemingly endless stream of discounted travel opportunities. In my initial years as a travel agent, I seized every chance to explore, experiencing the romantic cobblestone streets of Paris, the historic charm of London, the vibrant multiculturalism of Montreal, and the captivating beauty of California, from the iconic cityscape of San Francisco to the serene coastal beauty of Monterey and the rolling vineyards of Wine Country. Each of these experiences, enjoyed at a mere fraction of the usual cost, ignited an insatiable passion within me.

Soon, my personal quest shifted: I became determined to infect my husband, John, with this same profound love for global exploration. This was no small task, as John wasn’t particularly fond of air travel, a sentiment stemming from an uncomfortable experience many years prior. He wouldn’t be easily swayed. However, I had fallen deeply in love with California’s diverse landscapes and rich culture and felt an overwhelming desire to share its magic with him. As our 25th wedding anniversary approached, a significant milestone, a brilliant idea began to form. What better way to celebrate a quarter-century of marriage than to embark on a quintessential California coastal experience? I envisioned us cruising along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway in a rented convertible, the top down, with the refreshing ocean breeze rustling through our hair and the warm California sun bathing us in its glow. It was a picture of pure bliss, and I knew I had to make it happen.

From East Coast Familiarity to West Coast Fascination

Against all odds, and to my immense delight, John finally agreed to that California adventure for our 25th anniversary. That trip marked the beginning of his own deep, intimate relationship with the travel bug, particularly the captivating “California variety.” We discovered a shared, almost magnetic pull to the Golden State. Each year that followed, we felt an undeniable need to return for our “fix,” to immerse ourselves in its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. The West Coast quickly transcended being merely a destination; it became our cherished home away from home, a place where new memories blossomed with every visit.

As our 35th wedding anniversary drew near, a decade after our first transformative trip to California, our enthusiasm was palpable. There was no question where we would celebrate; it had to be in the place that now felt so comforting and familiar. Our travel plans serendipitously aligned, granting us a full, glorious day in San Francisco on our actual anniversary. After considerable online research, an exciting and slightly audacious idea solidified in my mind: we would start the day by renting bicycles and riding across the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. John, ever the pragmatist, initially thought I had completely lost my mind. After all, we weren’t exactly in our twenties anymore – a 35th wedding anniversary implies a certain seasoned wisdom, and perhaps, a preference for less strenuous activities! Yet, somehow, my contagious enthusiasm prevailed. To my surprise, and perhaps his own, it transformed from a wild idea into a concrete plan.

Our Golden Gate Anniversary Itinerary (and How It Unfolded)

Our meticulously crafted itinerary for our anniversary day seemed perfect on paper. We planned to pick up our rented bicycles that morning at Pier 41, then enjoy a leisurely ride along the scenic Bay Trail, soaking in the views as we made our way toward the colossal Golden Gate Bridge. Once across the bridge, we would descend into the charming bayside town of Sausalito. There, we’d park our bikes, indulge in a relaxed, well-deserved lunch, and then take the ferry back to San Francisco. Upon returning to the city, we’d freshen up before heading to dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant, savoring the memories of an active and romantic day. It sounded like an idyllic way to celebrate 35 years together.

However, as the old adage goes, “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” When we arrived to pick up our bikes, the rental staff seemed genuinely impressed, almost to the point of concern, that we, a couple celebrating their 35th anniversary, were embarking on such an ambitious challenge. We, in our blissful ignorance, thought it was no big deal – just an eight-mile ride. Armed with maps and helmets, we set off, brimming with optimism. It was a beautiful day, though a quintessential San Francisco August chill, around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, made the air quite “frosty” as we approached the bridge.

The Ascent to the Golden Gate

The initial stretch along the Bay Trail was pure exhilaration. The sun was warm, the path was flat, and the panoramic views of the bay and Alcatraz were simply breathtaking. We felt an incredible sense of freedom, as though we were soaring along the waterfront. Our spirits were high, our legs pumping with newfound energy. Then, the majestic Golden Gate Bridge loomed closer, and with it, the reality of the climb. The approach was incredibly steep; it felt like we needed to crane our necks just to see the top. What we had imagined as a gentle ascent turned into a formidable challenge. Embarrassed but determined, we dismounted our bikes to walk them up the hill. To our slight relief, even the most serious cyclists, outfitted in their professional Tour de France-style gear, were doing the same. When we finally reached the bridge’s entrance, we were both quite winded, secretly wishing we had spent a lot more time on the treadmill in preparation for this adventure. But there we were, standing at the precipice of an iconic landmark. A triumphant, if slightly breathless, “Yikes!” escaped my lips – we were actually on our bikes, on the Golden Gate Bridge!

Navigating the Golden Gate and the Descent to Sausalito

One aspect we hadn’t anticipated was the sheer volume of fellow adventurers – pedestrians and bikers alike – who had the exact same plan that day. The bridge was bustling with people, making for slow going. But make no mistake, I’m certainly not complaining. The panoramic views from that iconic bridge are utterly stunning! The crisp, fresh air invigorating, and the experience of being amidst so many diverse individuals, all marveling at the same architectural wonder, was truly special. It simply took a while to cross. Once we reached the other side, near Vista Point, the crowds began to thin, allowing us to pick up a little more speed. The professional cyclists, still seemingly in a competitive mindset, also took this opportunity to accelerate. Unfortunately, one of them clipped John’s bike just as we were exiting the bridge, sending him tumbling. After a quick brush-off and a minor bike adjustment, we were back on our way. Incredibly, it happened again! Despite the mishaps, John, ever the trooper, pressed onward, undeterred by the minor setbacks.

Reading the brochure for this part of the journey, they describe the next segment as: “just a 10-minute downhill ride will take you into the charming bayside town of Sausalito.” Another description promised: “take the curvy road down the hill. You will ride down Alexander Avenue and share the street with normal traffic. It is a relatively easy ride, as it is mainly downhill.”

We had imagined that the most daunting part of our ride would be the bridge itself. We were wrong. The ride into Sausalito was an entirely different beast. It’s true, the road is indeed curvy. And it is definitely downhill. And, yes, cars are absolutely there, right alongside you. What the brochures conveniently omitted were the fierce, unpredictable crosswinds that buffet you, and the alarming fact that you are often riding precariously close to the edge of the road, with a deep, cavernous ravine just beyond. I was off my bike in a flash, opting to walk my way into town, feeling far safer with my feet firmly on the ground. John, ever more adventurous, pushed ahead on his bike, perhaps eager to get off that treacherous road as quickly as possible. Once we rounded the final bend and the breathtaking, sweeping views of the bay and the charming town unfolded before us, all the challenges melted away. We felt like a couple of gleeful kids, high-fiving each other in triumph. We had done it!

An Unplanned Anniversary Dinner in Sausalito

The immediate aftermath of our adventure wasn’t just hunger; it was ravenous, all-consuming hunger. After securing our bikes, we practically sprinted to one of our favorite bay area restaurants, Scoma’s. Upon arrival, we were surprised to find their dinner crowd already beginning to gather. Dinner? A quick glance at my watch confirmed it: it was nearly 5 PM! Our carefully planned schedule had been completely derailed. No matter, we decided. This journey was all about embracing the unexpected and going with the flow. We promptly canceled our dinner reservation back in San Francisco. Our late “lunch” in Sausalito would now become our celebratory anniversary dinner. We might not have been dressed in our finest attire, but who cared? The restaurant kindly offered us a table out on the deck, and since it was a bit chilly, we had the entire area to ourselves, a wonderfully intimate setting. The wine flowed, and we savored fresh fish and their traditional lazy cioppino, a rich seafood stew. In that moment, surrounded by the stunning bay views and each other’s company, we realized we couldn’t have planned a more perfect, memorable celebration, even if we had tried to.

Reflections and Recommendations for Future Golden Gate Cyclists

After our incredibly satisfying, albeit unplanned, anniversary dinner, we collected our bikes and made our way to the ferry landing to catch the 7 PM departure. It turned out to be the very last ferry of the evening! The ferry ride itself was a calming balm after our day’s exertions, offering yet another opportunity to soak in the stunning views of the San Francisco skyline shimmering against the twilight sky. When we finally returned our bikes to the Hyde Street rental location, we noticed a collective sigh of relief from the staff. As we walked in, we distinctly heard them exclaim, “Here they are! They made it!” We had no idea that our “advanced age” might have caused such concern among the younger staff members, or perhaps it was merely the late hour of our return. Regardless, it added a humorous footnote to our grand adventure.

What an utterly wonderful and exhilarating experience it was! If we were to offer some advice to fellow travelers, especially those of a certain “advanced age” contemplating a similar adventure, we would suggest a few revisions to our original plan. Definitely rent bicycles in San Francisco and explore the city’s waterfront. The infamous hills of San Francisco are certainly challenging, but you’ll be perfectly fine if you stick close to the water’s edge. The terrain along the bay is wonderfully flat, the views are consistently beautiful, and you’re never too far from a bike return location or a charming café. As for experiencing the majestic Golden Gate Bridge itself, we recommend a different approach. Instead of cycling it, drive over that wondrous bridge and take it all in from the comfort of your car. Once you reach Vista Point on the Marin County side, pull into the parking area. From there, you can easily head out onto the bridge by foot. The total span of the bridge is 1.7 miles, allowing you to decide how far you’d like to venture, knowing you’ll need to double back to your car. Afterward, make sure to drive down into Sausalito. It’s an incredibly charming seaside village, absolutely brimming with unique shops, delightful restaurants, and, of course, unparalleled bay views. It’s a destination not to be missed.

Reflecting on that unforgettable anniversary and our many return visits, I’m now finding myself contemplating my next adventure. I’m thinking it might just be time to book another flight and head west. Again. After all, the call of California, our cherished home away from home, is always a potent one.