San Diego's got everything you could want if you're heading out on a bike: bike lanes, bike paths, flat landscapes, mountainous trails, beach rides, bay scenes, and on and on. In fact, San Diego is becoming well-known around the country for its excellent bicycling opportunities and was recently named "one of the top 10 cities in the U.S. to bicycle" by Bicycling magazine.
The city has several bike lanes and is constantly expanding, but city riding can pose challenges, as in any big city, so be careful and wear your helmet.
San Diego has several excellent resources for bike-related maps and information. Ride Link Bicycle Information (800-266-6883) is your source for detailed maps of Diego County's bike lanes and routes. Another great group is the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (858-487-6063).
Best San Diego City and Beach Rides:
- 1. Oceanfront Boardwalk:
- Lots of fun lies between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, but you might want to avoid the crowds on weekends.
- 2. Mission Bay:
- Starting at Ferry Landing, this 16 mile round-trip bike trail winds its way to Imperial Beach. This is a beautiful ride, so make a day of it.
- 3. Pacific Coast Highway:
- Sometimes it's dicey and the traffic can be fast-moving, but biking on PCH from La Jolla to Oceanside is a great way to enjoy the coast.
- 4. Point Loma:
- Enjoy the scenery on your way to this picturesque spot.
- 5. Silver Strand:
- This path along the coast, which is parallel to Silver Srand Boulevard, is a great 11 mile ride from Coronado to Imperial Beach. The official name for this recreational trail is the Bayshore Bikeway. This rails-to-trails project is an excellent ride because it’s almost completely flat and completely straight.
Best San Diego Mountain and Park Rides:
- 6. Mission Trails Regional Park:
- This park is just eight miles from Downtown San Diego, and is one of the largest urban parks in the country. It's great for riders of all levels: beginners, intermediate, and advanced bikers will all find their place at Mission Trails Regional Park. (9 mile ride)
- 7. Corral Canyon:
- If you’re more of a hardcore mountain biker, Corral Canyon is located near Lake Morena just 60 miles east of San Diego, where you can test your mettle. (16 mile ride)
- 8. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Loop:
- Elfin Forest Loop is located on the 800 acre Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and has 17 miles of multi-use trails. If you’re looking for a steep ride, this canyon is just the ticket. (9 mile ride)
- 9. Lake Hodges:
- Lake Hodges has a great flat ride and is very easily accessible – but beware that it can get crowded with all the other folks out there who want an easy ride. (15 mile ride)
- 10. Lake Morena:
- Lake Morena also offers a very easy family ride around the lake, and is a great way to spend the day. (5 mile ride)
- 11. Los Penasquitos Canyon:
- This is an easy 12 mile trip over a very gentle unpaved road. The views are limited to San Diego suburbia, but the ride is a great way to break a sweat. (12 mile ride)
- 12. San Clemente Canyon:
- San Clemente Canyon is a great place for beginner riders or anyone looking for an easy but fun ride. San Clemente Canyon is located southeast of La Jolla and is quite accessible from downtown San Diego. (7 mile ride)
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