The Best Coastal Bike Rides in Southern California
The hiking gets most of the attention around here, but some of the best ways to see Southern California happen on two wheels and flat ground. The coast is lined with paved paths that run right along the sand, most of them easy enough for a beginner and long enough to fill a morning. Here are six rides worth pumping up your tires for, from Santa Barbara down to the border.
The Strand, Los Angeles
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which everyone just calls The Strand, runs 22 miles along the edge of Santa Monica Bay. It starts at Will Rogers State Beach in the Pacific Palisades and ends at Torrance Beach in the South Bay, passing the Santa Monica Pier, Venice, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, and Redondo along the way. It's paved, mostly flat, and widely called the most popular bike path in LA. You do not have to ride the whole thing. Pick a beach town, park, and do a stretch. Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends.
Cabrillo Boulevard Path, Santa Barbara
This is the easy, scenic one. The Cabrillo Boulevard Path runs about 4.5 flat miles from Leadbetter Beach and Shoreline Park, past Stearns Wharf and East Beach, out to Butterfly Beach in Montecito. It's a relaxed ride with the ocean on one side the whole way, and you can rent a bike of any size near the start if you didn't bring your own. Good for families and for anyone who wants the views without the workout.
Huntington Beach to Newport Beach
The Orange County oceanfront path runs roughly 12 miles along the sand from Huntington Beach down to Newport Beach, with the waves right beside you for almost the entire ride. There are plenty of access points, so you can jump on wherever you like and turn around when you've had enough. One thing to know: in summer, riders have to walk their bikes through the busy stretch near the pier because of the crowds. Ride a weekday if you can.
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach
If you want something short and lively, the Balboa Peninsula path is only a few miles but packs in a lot. It runs along both the bay side and the ocean side of the peninsula, out to the Balboa Pier, with boats in the harbor on one side and surf on the other. It's flat, easy to follow, and built for a casual spin rather than a serious ride. Pair it with the Huntington-to-Newport route if you want a bigger day.
Shoreline Path, Long Beach
The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path runs about 4.5 miles along the Long Beach waterfront, separated from traffic the whole way. Start near Shoreline Village, with views of the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific, and ride out toward Alamitos Bay. It's smooth, paved, and easy, which makes it a solid pick for a low-key afternoon or a ride with kids.
Bayshore Bikeway, San Diego
The longest ride on this list, the Bayshore Bikeway covers about 24 miles around San Diego Bay. Most people start at the Coronado Ferry Landing and ride through Coronado, along Silver Strand Beach, and on through Imperial Beach and Chula Vista. The bay views carry you through the distance, and the route is well marked. Bring water and give yourself the morning.
Before You Ride
Coastal paths are shared with walkers, runners, and other cyclists, so keep your speed sane and pass on the left. Check for any path closures before a long ride, especially after storms. And go early. The light is better, the crowds are thinner, and you'll have the coast closer to yourself.