Fantastic ride with the family. Some streets but mostly a beautiful ride around the bay. Jim, Caryn, Dylan

All the prior reviews are accurate. I left from Carmel Ranch Community Park and followed the path toward Del Mar. The path is signed well and there are a couple forced stops to cross freeway off/on ramps. Currently there are some bumpy asphalt areas due to elevated tree roots, which are more challenging to see because they are in shaded areas. Overall, this protected bikeway was very fun to ride!!!

Overall - this trail was a fun ride. Nice to speed down the couple of hills but remember what goes down must come back up..... Next time we will park @ the Buena creek station and start ride from there. Cant wait till they open more of the trail in Vista.

Parking: While there isn't designated parking @ the "Philips Street" trail entrance, there is side street parking. We discovered after the fact that there is more discreet parking if you drive further down to Philips street/Philips Circle. There is even a dip in the curb for easy bike entry.

Trail: I would call this stretch of the trail intermediate. There were a couple steady inclines that might be difficult for some on the way back or if your hauling a kid trailer like we do. There were 2 major lights that needed to be crossed to continue on the trail. This section of the trail from Philips to the Buena Creek station where the trail continues is a little more than 2.5 miles.

Rode from 9th street access, Imperial Beach to Coronado for late lunch. Stopped at Silver Strand Beach for break. Clean flat asphalt bike trail. Wonderful ride. Abt 20 mi RT. Do It!

My husband and I rode our electric scooters from the Civic Center, Vista train station to the end in Escondido - about 10 miles. It’s nicely paved and some of the fencing had beautiful blooming vines. The trail is positioned, at times, right to the side of a busy street but mostly it’s away from the street and runs parallel to the railroad tracks. There are a few cute wooden bridges to cross. There are many stops at street crossings (signals) and the continuation of the route is not well marked at many of those points so look at the markings on the sidewalks when you have a choice to go two directions. There was great etiquette by all users, whether walking, jogging, biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading. We had breakfast in Escondido at Delight of France and then went back to Vista. We really enjoyed it.

Started at imperial Beach stopped in Coronado Cays at the Calypso Café for lunch great bike ride

The 56 freeway is loud but the views of the hills and valleys on the south side of the bike path are great.

Parked on hotel circle place, plenty of room. The trail is a little gravely until past the ball fields, afterwards it’s good quality until you get closer to the dog beach. The asphalt is a little broken up and bumpy, plus there are many folks walking their dogs and some of them don’t know how to share the bike path. All in all, a good ride.

We went midday during the week and there was very little congestion or foot traffic to avoid. Recommend starting at northeast side, and going as far as the southwest side then return. The full round trip takes you over two bridges which provide beautiful views but traffic is heavy along the western side of the bay. Also recommend doing the fiesta island loop as part of the ride. The views of the bay, the sun, the gentle breeze on the water, what San Diego is all about.