Residents and tourists can both enjoy biking at the best beaches in the San Diego area. From Pacific Beach and La Jolla to Coronado, Carlsbad and Del Mar, here are five beaches on the 70 miles of Southern California coastline that border San Diego that are worth exploring on a commuter, hybrid or beach cruiser bike.
The Action Happens on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk
The Pacific Beach boardwalk is a six-mile loop that you can extend by riding down the Oceanfront Boardwalk to Mission Beach. Because many pedestrians and skaters take this route, the top riding speed is eight miles per hour. The day of the week and time of day will determine how busy you are likely to find this popular shoreside route.
The Long Stretch of La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is known for its gentle waves and inviting biking opportunities. The beach between the cliffs north of La Jolla Cove south to Black’s Beach is about one mile long, making La Jolla Shores the perfect place to take casual oceanside rides on cruiser bikes for women. Guided bike tours of the scenic community of La Jolla can be an informative way to ride.
The Beautiful Views From Coronado
Coronado Beach is notorious for its clean sand and facilities. Cruise down the 14-mile out and back Silver Strand Bikeway that connects Coronado to Imperial Beach, make a six-mile loop around Coronado Island, or take the 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway. If you plan to make the full Bayshore circuit, you will need to bring your bike on the ferry.
The Ocean Breeze on the Carlsbad Coastline
The coastline of Carlsbad offers cyclists a choice between Carlsbad City Beach, Carlsbad State Beach and South Carlsbad State Beach. Carlsbad Boulevard can be a good route for taking a beach cruiser or adult tricycle out for a spin. Short bike trails in Carlsbad include the 1.5-mile out and back rail trail or the half-mile Trail at Poinsettia and Avenida Encinas. The nearby San Luis Rey Bike Trail is 10.7 miles long.
The Hidden Treasure of Del Mar
Ride a cruiser along the beach in beautiful Del Mar. This two-mile beach south of Via De La Valle invites cyclists to breathe fresh breezes. You can also extend your ride southward to the beaches and trails of Torrey Pines. Cyclists can experience more of the region by making a circuit on Camino del Mar around the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The comfort and ease of any beach ride depends on your skill level, the type of bike you choose and the degree of planning you do beforehand. For instance, you should be comfortable riding in traffic before taking on busy routes. The pedal assist and throttle features of electric bikes or multi-speed manual bikes can make shoreside hills easier to handle. Hybrid bikes can handle trails, while cruisers are best for riding on beaches, boardwalks and paved routes. It is also a good idea to look up beachside facilities and food options before a ride.
