Biking the Central California Coast: 5 Rides Not to Miss
There’s a lot to see along California’s Central Coast — wine country, national and state parks, breathtaking views of the Pacific, and quaint towns that feel too good to be true — and experiencing it by bicycle is even better.
Six counties between the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles make up the region – Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, Monterey County, Santa Cruz County, and San Mateo County. Each has its own special features, but largely the Central Coast is known for its agriculture and tourism (thanks to Big Sur and picturesque beaches along Highway 1).
For cyclists, there’s a lot of variety throughout the region. From family-friendly trails with a view, to long rides that take you through the heart of California, make sure to add these routes to your list.
Short ride: Ballard Canyon Loop | 13 miles
If you want to get away from it all without going too far, Santa Barbara wine country is the place to be. The Ballard Canyon Loop is a 13 mile ride near Los Olivos and takes you through some of the most serene country California has to offer. Think peaceful open fields and the occasional vineyard. Traffic is mostly low along this route.
You can start in downtown Solvang, a small town that more closely resembles a Danish village, at the corner of Highway 246 and Atterdag Road. Head west, where you’ll discover several climbs and then head right into the Ballard Canyon Loop. You can find more directions here.
If you love the sound of this ride but want something more robust, cyclists can easily tack this loop onto other popular routes in the area to make it a longer day.
Long ride: Cambria route | 100 miles
The Central Coast was practically made for long rides. This route comes in at just about 100 miles, stretching from Avila Beach up to the Cambria State Marine Conservation Area.
Cyclists will experience ocean views and several small towns along the way that are full of charm. But be ready to test your endurance. The ride gains a total of 4,709 feet and takes an entire day. Even with the hills, this ride is a treat and worth the time.
Scenic ride: Highway 1 through Big Sur | 17 miles
It’s hard to get away from Highway 1 when cycling the Central Coast. The views are just that good, and if you find yourself near Big Sur, even better. This expert ride can be steep, but hundreds of cyclists make the trek from Carmel to Big Sur each year, and for good reason – the terrain is beautiful.
This ride comes in at about 17 miles and is relatively easy to maneuver with the ocean as a reference. Be mindful of route construction and closures, as rock slides are known to happen in the area. Despite some of the intense conditions, cycling through Big Sur might be your best trip yet.
Family ride: Cabrillo Bike Path to Butterfly Beach | 5 miles
Welcome to Santa Barbara, where the bike rides are a family affair. This is by far the most popular bike trail in the area with fun stops near Stearns Wharf and the Andree Clark Bird Refuge about three miles into the ride.
While a pretty manageable distance for cyclists of all skill levels, it’s the variety that makes this one great for families. Stop for a picnic with the kids, admire the views on a solo ride, or embrace your inner tourist and stop in as many shops as you please. It’s all a great way to spend a solid chunk of the day.
For more directions on this ride, visit the Santa Barbara bike trail page.
Next level ride: San Simeon Creek Climb | 30 miles
For cyclists looking to add a little adrenaline to their ride, the San Simeon Creek Climb is the way to go. This 30 mile ride starts in the center of Cambria and takes cyclists along a route that includes gravel and steep climbs. The views, however, are truly incredible. Cyclists will travel along Cabrillo Highway and then make their way through Hearst San Simeon State Park, where there are picnic areas and restrooms.
Before reaching the turn around point, don’t pass up Stepladder Creamery, a family-owned farm that dates back to 1871. When you arrive back in Cambria, there are a bevy of cafes and watering holes to celebrate the day’s success.
Hidden gem ride: Peachy Canyon Loop | 28 miles
It’s easy to get carried away with all the ocean views along the Central Coast, but the shady canyons and many acres of California grapes can be just as good. Peachy Canyon Loop features all of the region’s personality in just 28.5 miles — and lots of wine.
With no stops, this ride may take you a little under three hours, but the many vineyards are what make this ride so great. Start in Paso Robles in the morning and then wind your way through the loop clockwise. Remember to make any reservations beforehand if you’re planning to stop. A list of wineries along the route can be found here. If you do plan to stop at a winery, keep in mind that riding under the influence is not only unsafe but also illegal.
This ride features about 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a few areas where the road is unpaved, but overall this is a leisurely ride filled to the brim with fun times and good views.