Cyclists in Sausalito have the advantage of having access to both the San Francisco Bay shoreline and the nearby Pacific Ocean just over the hill to add plenty of variety to their rides and outings in the area. Unlike so many other locales, Sausalito provides ample opportunity for those looking for different scenery and a bit of exercise and adventure to get out and find new territory almost every time!

If you are up for a bit of exercise and some climbing, this ride out to Stinson Beach is one of the prettiest and most exciting rides you’ll have access to from downtown Sausalito. With climbs come views, and you will not be disappointed in the soaring views out over the Pacific Ocean that this ride offers up. The total ride is approximately 14 miles one-way and you can easily make it out to Stinson Beach in time for lunch and a relaxing time at the beach if you would like and have plenty of time to get back to Sausalito.

One note: the shoulder is almost non-existent during portions of this ride, so keep your senses about you (try not to be distracted by the gorgeous views) and make sure that you are aware of traffic which can be a bit heavy during the summer months.

The Ride from Sausalito to Stinson Beach

Starting out in downtown Sausalito, you are going to head out of town north on Bridgeway, passing through the northern portion of town and onto the Mill Valley-Sausalito Path where it parallels Bridgeway. One of the bonuses of this ride is that you will get to experience both the bayside serenity of the ride headed toward Mill Valley and Tiburon coupled with the later views over the Pacific Ocean.

Once you reach the intersection with Shoreline Highway, near where Highway 101 crosses over the water, you will want to take a left. You will be riding on the Shoreline Highway for the rest of your ride, although it will take several different forms from here and you will get several different tastes of the topography of the Bay Area.

Following the Shoreline Highway as it wends and winds up and over the ridgeline (see map) is an entertaining ride in and of itself, but the payoff comes once you crest the ridge and start down. Enjoy the sweeping panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean as you descend to the town of Stinson Beach, but be aware of the traffic that shares the road along this portion of the ride.

Once you’ve descended the hill, it is a short ride across to the town of Stinson Beach where you will find an array of restaurants and snack shops and one of the most beautiful and well-maintained beaches anywhere in the Bay Area. Enjoy a snack or lunch and take a break before you get set to climb back over the top and you’ll be on your way!