Best Bike Trails Along the California Coast

It’s difficult to surpass the beauty of scenic California coastal bike trails. Every part of the state has paths near the surf, so it’s easy to select routes based on length or seaside scenery. Whether you have a beach cruiser or are considering one of the new electric bikes for sale, here are eight of the best coastal bike paths in California.

1. Bayshore Bikeway in San Diego

The 24-mile bikeway circling the San Diego Bay starts with a ferry ride from the Coronado Ferry Landing. Pedal through Coronado toward Imperial Beach. Riding a cruiser bike with basket is a good choice if you plan to take beach breaks or have a picnic along the way. The bikeway runs from Coronado through Imperial Beach and Chula Vista to downtown San Diego.

2. Golden Gate Bridge to Tiburon

One of the most scenic rides crosses Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and Mill Valley. It is also possible to take the Mill Valley-Sausalito Multi-Use Path. Ride the Tiburon Ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf.

3. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

This beautiful 18-mile ride from Castroville to Pacific Grove follows decommissioned train tracks and is perfect for a women’s cruiser bike. Road bikers may want to continue to Carmel on 17 Mile Drive.

4. Pacific and Mission Beaches

For a 10-mile beach biking adventure, trek to the Crystal Pier at Pacific Beach. Ride north over Ocean Front Walk on to Mission Beach until the path veers inland at the Mission Bay Jetty.

5. Rincon Bike Trail in Ventura County

The Rincon trail runs 3.6 miles along the coastline between the towns of Carpinteria and Ventura. Parking is available at Rincon State Park. This trail connects with the bike lane on old Highway 1.

6. South Bay or Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Los Angeles

This 22-mile beachside trail runs south from Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach. Ride 3.5 miles from Will Rogers State Beach to the Santa Monica Pier and turn back or pedal on through Venice, Playa del Rey, Dockweiler State Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance Beach. This is a ride to be experienced with the newest electric bikes for sale.

7. The Strand From Manhattan to Redondo

The Strand refers to a 4-mile stretch of part of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail between Manhattan and Redondo beaches. This ride passes the Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo municipal piers, and can continue northward to Pacific Palisades or southward to Torrance.

8. West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz

A 3-mile ride on West Cliff drive starts near the San Lorenzo River. Ride past the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Wharf before heading up the cliffs to the Steamer Lane lighthouse that houses the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.

These trails are ideal for beach cruisers, road bikes and newer electric bikes for sale. Mountain bikers can branch off to inland trails. Be sure to wear a helmet and sun protection. Riders should also be prepared to flow with bike and pedestrian traffic at these locations.