Rail-Trail
State: CA Length: 12.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
Coastal rail-trail experiences don't get much better than this—a long, smooth, palm-tree-lined trail with stunning views of the Pacific, San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline, plus easy access to parks, tot play areas and chic cafes. Before you start, note that the coastal leg of this bikeway can be windy, especially in the afternoon. If you want the wind mostly at your back, ride the trail from north to south. Paved portions of trail are wheelchair accessible, but a section near 10th Street and Glorietta Boulevard is an on-street bike lane and not a separate trail. Also, the route of the Bayshore Bikeway on the east side of the bay is predominantly on-street bike lanes. The Bayshore (or Silver Strand) Bikeway sets out from Coronado Ferry Landing and the Ferry Landing Marketplace. Bring your bike over on the San Diego–Coronado Ferry or rent one at the Bikes & Beyond shop. Head south along the palm tree-lined path past some upscale restaurants and trailside cafes. You can take in wonderful views of the downtown San Diego skyline as you skirt Tidelands Park, with its grassy fields and playground. Bike underneath the beautiful arching Coronado Bridge, and keep your head up as you roll past the Coronado Golf Course, a public course with million-dollar views. As you wind around the perimeter of the golf course, the separated bike path ends; cross over to the right side of Glorietta Boulevard into the on-road bike lane for a short distance. At 10th Street and Glorietta Boulevard, cross Glorietta and pick up the off-street path again. A sign marking the trail here indicates BAYSHORE BIKEWAY & IMPERIAL BEACH. To your right you might recognize the signature red roof of the historic Hotel del Coronado. Marilyn Monroe fans may recognize the 1888 hotel as the location for the Miami Beach scenes in "Some Like it Hot." Cutting south from the hotel, the pathway follows the Silve
State: CA Length: 0.70 miles Surface: Asphalt
A short link in the planned Coastal Rail Trail from San Diego to Oceanside. The trail travels along the active Coaster commuter rail line. Extensions of the trail are currently in design and planning stages as of fall 2009.
State: CA Length: 43 miles Surface:
The San Diego Coastal Rail-Trail project consists of a trail built alongside the active North County Transit District right-of-way from San Diego to Oceanside. Most of the northern section of the trail is within a block or two of the coastline, and only goes inland at Torrey Pines State Beach through Mission Bay. Each city along the right of way has assumed responsibility for construction and maintenance of their respective section of the trail. The 17-mile segment from Oceanside to Solana Beach will be the first to open. There are completed segments in Solana Beach, Carlsbad, and Oceanside. The project is strongly supported by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), all the cities along the corridor, the North County Transit District Board, and is included in the Regional Transportation Plan, and all the Bicycle Transportation Plans of the cities along the route. The plan has won accolades from the American Planning Association and received an orchid at the annual Onions and Orchids city planning awards in San Diego. When the trail is completed, it will provide enhanced public access to Carlsbad, South Carlsbad, Leucadia, Moonlight, San Elijo, Cardiff, and Torrey Pines State Beaches, as well as Mission Bay Park, San Dieguito River Parkway, Marian Beare Park, and the Mission Bay Aquatic Area. It would also preserve natural areas adjacent to the San Dieguito River Parkway. The trail will benefit the low income community residing in South Oceanside, and provide easy public access from these areas to many open space areas and state beaches. The Oceanside to Solana Beach segment of trail is still partially unfunded and requires an additional $2 million in capital construction funds. The City of San Diego is still in search of additional funding for their segment as well. In addition, funding for amenities such as landscaping and interpretive exhibits is uncertain at this point. The City of Carlsbad is moving forward with their extension of the S
State: CA Length: 22 miles Surface: Dirt, Gravel, Sand
Jaun Batista DeAnza discovered as an inland route from Mexico to California's coast across the desert. The first non-native child born in California on the trail December 25th, 1775. Used by stagecoach, cattle ranchers, gold seekers, pioneers and others.
State: CA Length: 4.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
The paved trail along Escondido Creek can help residents commute to the transit center or to local services and provides opportunities for recreation. The trail connects to the Inland Rail Trail at the Transit Center, which will eventually run along the Sprinter line toward the coast in Oceanside. The current Inland Rail Trail runs near Palomar College in San Marcos. The creek is channelized and the trail hugs the edge. There is a gap in the trail between North Broadway and North Quince Street.
State: CA Length: 6.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Inland Rail Trail runs along the side of the Sprinter commuter rail service connecting Escondido to Oceanside. The 6.5 mile section in Escondido and San Marcos is the first segment complete, with Vista currently designing their portion. The setting is urban with the rail line on one side and parallel roads nearby. The trail gives access to Palomar College, the Transit Center, and also connects with the Escondido Creek Bike Path.
State: CA Length: 1.10 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt
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.
State: CA Length: 10.30 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Highway 56 Bike Path provides a traffic-separated connection between inland and coastal San Diego County. The route gradually inclines traveling inland and parallels State Route 56 closely for much of the way. There's a short on-road segment on Azuaga Street near Interstate 15 at the northeast end of the trail.
State: CA Length: 1.10 miles Surface: Asphalt
Running through downtown San Diego, Linear Park is a vibrant, palm-lined ribbon that parallels an active trolley line along Harbor Drive. The trail provides direct access to many of the city's highlights, and its rich supply of public art, grassy areas, water fountains and people-watching opportunities makes the promenade a San Diego highlight in itself. You'll want to start on the northern end of the trail, where there is ample parking in a lot on West Broadway across the street from the Santa Fe Depot. Built in 1915 in the classic Spanish mission and Colonial Revival style, the depot is a terminus of the nation's second-busiest Amtrak rail corridor, San Diego Northern's Coaster commuter route. Once at risk of being torn down and now widely celebrated, the historic depot is worth a visit before heading out on the trail. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the depot also houses the library of the San Diego Railroad Museum. The trail begins just west of the active railroad tracks. Head south for an eighth of a mile, and follow the trail as it becomes a wide path weaving between two apartment buildings. After passing the buildings, turn left onto G Street, cross Kettner Boulevard and reconnect with the off-street path on the south side of the street. The wide variety of sights to take in along the trail makes it ideal for a leisurely bike ride or stroll. Just past Kettner Boulevard, a stand of San Diego's tall towers flanks the north side of the trail, opposite the San Diego Convention Center. At the 5th Avenue intersection, make a left to the entrance to the Gaslamp Quarter, with its seemingly endless offering of restaurants, shops, bars and historical charm. The Gaslamp, which contains more than 90 Victorian-era historic buildings, was revitalized in the 1980s and 1990s. Today it is a major San Diego destination for tourists and locals alike. Also nearby is Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. The trail ends at the intersection of Pa
State: CA Length: 16.75 miles Surface: Asphalt
A paved trail that loops almost completely around Mission Bay and Fiesta Island. It links Mission beach and the popular boardwalk with Ocean Beach to the south.The Trail runs through Mission Bay Park where bathrooms, parking, playgrounds and picnic tables can be found. Drinking fountains, and bathrooms are abundant throughout these trails and they are well- maintained. The San Diego River Trail is easily accessed by the Mission Bay Trail.
State: CA Length: 1 miles Surface: Asphalt
A short trail that will eventaully form a part of the Coastal Rail Trail from Oceanside to San Diego, this trail runs along the active Coaster commuter rail. The trail crosses the tracks at Cassidy St. in the middle of the segment.
This short and sweet trail is a popular route because of its scenery and the important off-street connection it provides between the Mission Bay and UC San Diego areas. Tucked between an active rail line and Interstate 5, it offers pleasant views of Rose Canyon's coastal sage- and chaparral-covered hills, and a car-free space to exercise and unwind. A variety of plants and trees line the corridor, ranging from cattails and native grasses to eucalyptus, madrone and coastal live oak trees. The trail passes through a creek watershed near the 1-mile mark, where you are likely to see ducks and other waterfowl. Trains are common along this rail-with-trail corridor, so you might see Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner passenger train on its 350-mile route serving communities on the Southern California coast between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. As you near the trail's end, you climb steeply off the grade and up to the trail's intersection with Gilman and La Jolla Colony drives. You can turn around here, continue right (east) onto the bike lane on La Jolla Colony Drive, or bear left (west) and continue on Gilman Drive. Both on-street routes are popular with cyclists and provide connections to longer rides. The trail's smooth surface is ideal for a variety of activities, including in-line skating and pushing a baby stroller. There are no amenities or restrooms on or near the trail. If you're interested in getting more familiar with Rose Canyon, Friends of Rose Canyon hosts regular nature walks. Call (858) 597-0220 or visit www.rosecanyon.org for more information.
State: CA Length: 22 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Inland Rail Trail is a rail-with-trail project connecting Escondido with Oceanside and the planned San Diego Coastal Trail that will connect to the City of San Diego. The plan is supported by both the North County Transit District and the Technical Advisory Committee (City of San Marcos, Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, County of San Diego and the North County Transit District). The project is included in many local and regional plans, including the Regional Transportation Plan and the San Diego Bikeways Master Plan. The commuter line is intended for 74 trains per day, with speeds up to 50 mph. The trail will be safely separated from the trains, and all grade crossings will be signalized. The trail will serve the transportation and recreation needs of a diverse population, including low income and minority residents of the cities along the corridor. The project is complete from Escondido to San Marcos, and additional segments to extend the trail into Oceanside are currently in the design phase.
State: CA Length: 6 miles Surface: Asphalt
The San Diego River Trail is a network of paths that lead along the San Diego River channel and mud flats and provide access to Mission/Fashion Valley shopping areas. You can walk or ride on either side of the river via the Sunset Cliffs bridge, or the bridge closer to the Qualcomm Stadium. The trail is excellent for wildlife viewing; bird watchers from all over the county come to snap pictures, and get good sightings and light for an array of wildlife. Fish are always jumping, eagles and hawks are often flying with live catches in their talons or beaks, and the tides make sure the visit is never the same twice. For fun or exercise, this path links to well more than 20 miles of paths around the beaches and bay, which keeps you almost completely on a path and off traffic-clogged streets.
State: CA Length: 140 miles Surface:
From San Diego Sea to Sea Trail Foundation: The San Diego Sea to Sea Trail Foundation, in conjunction with nine government agencies, is creating a national treasure: a 140-mile walking, cycling and horse riding trail, running from the Salton Sea to the Pacific Ocean near Del Mar, California. The San Diego Sea to Sea Trail Foundation's aims are to preserve the great American environment, encourage ecological tourism and build a recreational and educational resource to be enjoyed for generations to come. The Trail will be punctuated by numerous Bed & Breakfasts where hikers, bicyclists and horse riders can rest and dine in an elegant and rustic setting. The journey will combine the ideal mix of nature, adventure and well-deserved comfort. For more information on this extensive project and to learn how to volunteer to assist with this effort, please see the Trail Website. You can also e-mail the San Diego Sea to Sea Trail Foundation at kgreenaway@seatoseatrail.org. ** Twenty percent of the trail still needs to be finished. Right now one would encounter several impassable, steep ravines -- and State Highway 67, which is much too dangerous to cross. So think of the route we describe below as proposed". There is some crucial work to be done. **
State: CA Length: 7.20 miles Surface: Asphalt
The San Luis Rey River Trail is 7.2 miles between Neptune Way on the west end and the College Bridge on the west end. The trail follows the course of the San Luis Rey River and is mostly flat. It's a local favorite among cyclists, walkers and inline skaters.
State: CA Length: 1.70 miles Surface:
The City of Solana Beach portion of the Coastal Rail Trail meanders between Highway 101 and the Coaster Rail Line along the length of Solana Beach from Via De La Valle at the south to Ocean St. at the north. The trail passes through landscaped area and has examples of public art along the busy corridor. It provides access to the Solana Beach Amtrak station and restaurants and services in downtown Solana Beach. The beach can be accessed from Plaza Drive near the center of the trail. The trail will eventually connect with neighboring cities to form the Coastal Rail Trail from San Diego to Oceanside.
State: CA Length: 1 miles Surface: Concrete
The Sorrento Valley Road is just that, a paved, two-lane section of road that was closed to traffic in the 1990s when CDOT built an interchange between State Route 56 and Interstate 5. In 1998 the road was reopened to pedestrians and bicyclists only. The 1-mile route provides an important non-motorized link between San Diego's north coastal areas and industrial parks in the Sorrento Valley. The route runs from just north of Carmel Mountain Road to I-5 near where it meets Carmel Valley Road. A short segment on the southern end is open to traffic servicing the San Diego Metropolitan Waste Water Department, which you pass along the way. The wetlands on the other side of the facility are part of Torrey Pines State Reserve. On the north end, just east of I-5, is the Highway 56 Bike Path; unfortunately, there is no linking path.
State: CA Length: 2.20 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Sweetwater Bikeway runs along the Sweetwater River from a park like setting opposite the Plaza Bonita Shopping Center on the east to the yacht harbor at the mouth of the Sweetwater River and the Bayshore Bikeway. Intermediate access to the Bikeway is available at 2nd Avenue and W33rd and Hoover. Parking is available at all entrances. Bathrooms and parking are available at Pepper Park two blocks from the west end of the Bikeway. The Bikeway starts at the Plaza Bonita shopping center and follows the Sweetwater River under numerous roads to reach the bay. At the western end it connects to the Bayshore Bikeway. Further up the Sweetwater watershed there are numerous hiking and equestrian trails through Sweetwater Regional Park. Restaurants are located at both ends of the trail and a food court in the mall. Another short segment exists along Plaza Bonita Rd., but it is disconnected by 0.4 miles from the main section. This short section crosses under Plaza.Bonita Rd. and ends at Bonita Mesa Rd. The connection between trails can be made travelling southeast by using the bike route on Plaza Bonita Rd. Travelling northwest requires crossing Plaza Bonita Rd twice to connect the segments. Parking and water are available at the Bonita Rd endpoint.