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The Best Bike Paths in California

Stunning views, wide lanes, and fail-safe weather make these wonderful bike paths must-dos on your next trip to the Golden State

by jen see
rincon bike trail
Visit Ventura, Kamilo Bustamante/Brooks Institute
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All Paths Lead to California

bike path santa monica
Eric Fredericks via Flickr

Thanks to generally good weather, varied terrain, and eye-catching scenery, California is a cyclist’s paradise. While amazing roads and dirt singletrack abound in the Golden State, sometimes it’s nice to roll along on a purpose-built bike path and soak up the sun. Here are seven not-to-be missed California bike paths to add to your trip itinerary, and—because we’re big fan of snacks—some coffee and food stops to complement each one.

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The Strand, Los Angeles

santa monica beach
fido via Flickr

Officially the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, the Strand is quintessential Los Angeles. The 22-mile path stretches from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass through Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan, and Redondo. You’ll see wide beaches with volleyball courts, and all the color and mayhem you’d expect from the City of Angels. Enjoy the view from the pier at Santa Monica or Redondo Beach, both of which have restaurants and shops on offer. On weekends, you can expect a crowd, so come prepared for a leisurely cruise rather than a record-breaking time trial.

RELATED: The 10 Best Car-Free Bike Paths in the US

The Snacks:
Dogtown Coffee in Santa Monica celebrates the area’s skate and surf history. Check out the skate decks hanging on the walls while you sip freshly roasted organic coffee, grub on a breakfast burrito, or snack on tapas.
True Food Kitchen, also in Santa Monica, offers health-conscious and vegan-friendly entrées.
Cool off with a chill beverage from the Venice Ale House
For a more upscale meal, try the fresh, creative entrées at Gjalina.
There’s also Intelligentsia Coffee in Venice and you can never go wrong with one of its fresh roasts.
Grab a quick bite along the way at the Surf Food Stand, a snack shack in Manhattan Beach.

Rincon Bike Trail, Ventura County

rincon trail
Visit Ventura, Kamilo Bustamante/Brooks Institute

For many years, cyclists rode US Route 101 north of Ventura, but this 3.6 mile protected bike path changed things by running along the coastline and connecting the town of Carpinteria with Ventura. A parking lot at Rincon State Park marks the beginning of the trail or you can start in the nearby town of Carpinteria. Roll past Rincon, a world-class surf break, and watch dolphins frolic as you cruise down the coast. The trail connects with old Highway 1, which boasts a wide bike lane, and approximately 10 miles of flat riding delivers you to downtown Ventura.

RELATED: Tackle Our Summer Cycling Bucket List

The Snacks: (There isn’t any food or drink available along the route, so you’ll want to stock up in Carpinteria or Ventura before heading out.)
Stop in for a coffee at The Lucky Llama in Carpinteria, at the north end of the trail.
Remember that Crushcakes Cafe has breakfast, lunch, and cupcakes.
Enjoy house-brewed beer on the wide patio at the Rincon Brewery.
Palermo serves up espresso and gelato on Ventura’s funky main drag, making for great eating and people-watching.
Try Capriccio for pizza and other Italian favorites.

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Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey County

monterey bay
Saul Rosa via Flickr

The Monterey Peninsula is one of California’s most scenic coastlines. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a multi-use trail that runs 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove, following an old railway route that serviced Cannery Row. Ride under windswept cypress trees and along dramatic rock-encrusted coastline. There are numerous spots to stop and enjoy the view and the route is best in the morning, before the onshore winds pick up. In Pacific Grove, continue toward Carmel on 17 Mile Drive, for one of the more beautiful road rides you’ll find anywhere.

RELATED: 10 of the Best Long Rail Trails in the US

The Snacks:
Find a pre-ride coffee in Monterey at Bright Coffee, which serves up its espresso drinks in colorful hand-crafted pottery.
The trail passes through Cannery Row, where there are numerous food and drink options. Try Cannery Row Brewing Company for beer and food.
If you’re craving sushi, head to Crystal Fish, just off Cannery Row.
Pacific Grove has great coffee on offer at Carmel Valley Brewing Company and Crema.

West Cliff Drive Bike Path, Santa Cruz

west cliff drive california
Don DeBold via Flickr

It’s short at just over three miles, but the West Cliff Drive Bike Path offers plenty of scenery. The path begins at the San Lorenzo River and passes by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic California seaside amusement park. Stop by the Santa Cruz Wharf for a snack, then pedal up the cliffs toward the lighthouse at Steamer Lane. Built in 1967, the lighthouse stands as a memorial to surfer Mark Abott, who died at nearby Pleasure Point, and now houses the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Hang out at the Lane and watch surfers rip the break’s world-class waves.

RELATED: A Bike Ride with Surf Legend Laird Hamilton

As the path winds west, it passes coves and reefs along Santa Cruz’s picturesque coast. Watch for whales as they migrate in the spring and sea otters floating in the kelp beds year-round.

The Snacks:
When you’ve had your fill, head to nearby downtown Santa Cruz for coffee at Verve, a local roaster that pulls face-melting espresso shots.
Try the Cafe Campesino kiosk on Pacific Avenue for fresh, house-made Mexican food.
Nearby Saturn Cafe has epic vegetarian classics and refreshing milkshakes.

The Pacific Beach Boardwalk, San Diego

mission beach
Bill Morrow via Flickr

You’ll find classic sun-kissed California vibes along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk, which runs just over five miles from Pacific Beach to the jetty in nearby South Mission Beach. The boardwalk begins at Law Street Park just north of the famous Crystal Pier, a public pier with rentable cottages.

RELATED: The Best Boardwalks for Cycling

As you roll south, the boardwalk runs along wide white-sand beaches with intermittent restaurants and bars along the way. Take a break in Mission Beach and ride the restored wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park.

The Snacks:
•The Cass Street Bar and Grill is a local favorite in Pacific Beach.
•Cafe 976 on Feldspar has you covered for coffee and light lunch.
•Seafood-heavy restaurant World Famous sits on the boardwalk and offers the perfect spot to catch the sunset.
•People-watch from the patio at Draft in Mission Beach.

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Joe Rodota Bike Trail, Santa Rosa

joe rodosa trail
((brian)) via flickr

Running between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, the Joe Rodota Trail offers roughtly 8.5 miles of paved riding. Portions follow an abandoned railway line and three bridges built on old train trestles. The trail wanders through agricultural areas and passes the Laguna de Santa Rosa, a 14-mile wetland area that’s home to over 200 animal species. From Santa Rosa, you can catch the trail at the Prince Memorial Greenway between West 3rd Street and Railroad Street. In Sebastopol, the trail ends at the intersection of Mill Station Road and Highway 116.

The Snacks:
•Head to Flying Goat on 4th Street in Santa Rosa for espresso and fresh-baked pastries.
•For the beer-lovers, Russian River Brewing Company is a must-visit with more than 20 brews on tap, including the brewery’s famous Double IPA, Pliny the Elder.
•The Barlow Center in Sebastopol, meanwhile, features numerous locally owned food, drink, and art purveyors under one roof, providing an upscale farmer's market experience. Try Zazu for food and drink, The Nectary for juices, and Screaming Minis for ice cream. Stop by the Woodfour Brewing Company for house-brewed beers and food made from fresh local ingredients.

American River Trail, Sacramento

american river trail
Robert Couse-Baker via flickr

Sacramento sits at the northern end of California’s Central Valley, where the American and Sacramento Rivers, fed by Sierra Nevada snows, meet. The American River Trail follows the river over mostly flat terrain for 32 miles and is one of the longest multi-use trails in the country. Follow the paved, two-lane path from Sacramento’s old town at Discovery Park east to Folsom Lake. Parks and swimming spots dot the route and there are plenty of restrooms and water fountains along the way. At the Folsom end, add 12 miles to your ride with a loop around Lake Natoma.

RELATED: End Your Ride with a Splash at These Awesome Swimming Holes

The Snacks:
•Grab a pre-ride coffee at Old Soul Co., which roasts its own beans and bakes bread daily.
•The Sandwich Spot has you covered for humorously named sandwiches and salad.
•Coffee Republic in Folsom serves scrumptious breakfast and lunch.
•Cooper’s Coffee House offers all your favorite espresso drinks.

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