Fay Avenue Bike Path

Make sure you bring your camera for this trail. The Fay Avenue Bike Path runs through the upscale seaside resort community of La Jolla, and opens up to the sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, abundant palm trees and terra cotta rooftops that give Southern California its intoxicating charm.

Starting out by La Jolla High School, the trail winds through a pleasantly landscaped neighborhood. From the trail you can take in the ocean air and enjoy striking views of the coast below. A quiet neighborhood park offers a playground, water fountain and several grassy, shaded areas for relaxing. Beyond the park, prickly pear cacti and agave plants dot the landscape, and mature eucalyptus trees nicely frame the path. The trail weaves its way past a number of houses whose owners have made their own contributions to the trail's aesthetic appeal, with a variety of plantings, shrubs and ornate fences.

The trail, which runs along the former San Diego, Pacific Beach and La Jolla Railroad line, is mainly paved with asphalt, but toward the end it turns into a dirt path. If you're careful, you can still negotiate the entire route on a road bike if the surface is dry. The trail officially ends at La Jolla Hermosa Avenue but continues as an on-street bike path that connects to other bike facilities. While the Fay Avenue Bike Path is short, it provides a rich experience of breathtaking views, ocean air and eye-pleasing landscaping, making it well worth a visit.

Parking and Trail Access

From downtown San Diego, follow Interstate 5 North, take Exit 26A and merge onto Ardath Road/La Jolla Parkway. Follow Ardath Road for 1.2 miles then make a slight left onto Torrey Pines Road. After 1.5 miles, turn left onto Girard Avenue. Make a right onto Genter Street and a quick left onto Fay Avenue. Park on Fay Avenue outside the La Jolla High School Aquatic Center, near Nautilus Street. The trailhead is located on the opposite side of Nautilus Street, just west of the intersection of Fay Avenue and Nautilus Street.

Just a road with cracks in it.

November 2014 lisa.trusler.31

bad area of La Jolla. Nothing scenic about it!

total waste of time

July 2014 lisa.trusler.31

The picture and "write-up" make this "trail" seem nice but in person, it's not worth driving there. Trust me I did it today. Waste of time. Just basically a road behind some cheaper homes.

Faye Ave trail

July 2014 lisa.trusler.31

I can't believe someone gave this 5 stars. It was a total waste of driving 15 mins to get there. It's basically just a road behind some small cheaper homes and there's nothing scenic about it. The picture makes it look nice but in person, it's not. Trust me.

Take A Break From The Crowds

July 2005 railtrailbiker

"If you’re visiting La Jolla and enjoy walking scenic routes, but don’t want to fight crowds near the coastline, this motor vehicle traffic-free route offers a wonderful alternative. The trail is minutes from downtown, and there’s free parking available at La Jolla High School.

Views consist of the Pacific Ocean, nearby hills, and a few quiet residential neighborhoods. If you enjoy walking but need a break every so often, you’re in luck because there are a few park benches along the route.

The trail surface is paved and suitable for walking, jogging, and/or bicycling. However, I wouldn’t recommend it as a route for in-line skating; there is one pretty steep hill near the northern trailhead.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you want more information.
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