From challenging mountain biking treks and road-cycling rides to care-free cruising on multi-purpose trails, San Diego is emerging as a pedaling destination. Though lesser known than other major bicycling cities, San Diego is coming on board with an impressive resume: a bountiful landscape, a long-term county commitment ($200-million allocation for bikeway projects to be completed in the next decade called “Riding to 2050”) and the continued development of incomparable bike paths.
One of these top trails is the Bayshore Bikeway, a 17-mile route that nearly encircles the city’s iconic San Diego Bay. You’ll begin by taking the ferry from downtown’s Broadway Pier. As the pier is situated near the USS Midway Museum, before- or after-the-route enticements include such one-of-a-kind experiences as touring Navy’s Number 41 and whale watching—certainly not typical cyclist diversions.
Crossing the bay on the Coronado Ferry (the trail’s only unnavigable-by-bike-portion, as walking and biking the Coronado Bridge are prohibited), it’s possible to take a bike onboard or rent one upon arrival 15 minutes later at the Coronado Ferry Landing (home to an assortment of restaurants and shops, too).
From here, you’ll follow the along-the-bay path beginning at the top of the ferry ramp and head south—passing Tidelands Park and its Coronado Bridge backdrop, beneath the bridge and along the edge of the Coronado Golf Course to the “intersection” of Glorietta Bay on the left and the red-turret-topped Hotel del Coronado to the right. Food options are plentiful at this juncture and may be preferred before the approximate 10-mile trek south from here along the length of the Silver Strand and beyond. Among these eateries is Miguel’s Cocina, whose jalapeno cream sauce alone is worth a stop.
Back to the trail, the Silver Strand is punctuated by water, sand dunes and prime views. Along this narrow strip of land, you’ll bike by the Naval Amphibious Base (home of the Navy SEALs) and may want to consider breaking up the miles with a quick dip in the water (note that the Pacific is always cold) or an impromptu snack break.
Upon arrival at the route’s southernmost point, Imperial Beach, you’ll be in restaurant heaven. Possible off-trail stops include IB Street Tacos (said to be home of the region’s “best”) and Cow-A-Bunga Ice Cream Shop. Should your interest, however, be birding, not banana splits, proceed on the designated path to the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge and travel along its periphery for the possibility of spotting endangered or migratory birds (note to self: bring binoculars).
The protected bike-only portion of the San Diego Bikeway ends at Chula Vista’s Pier 32 Marina at the mouth of Sweetwater Channel. A small park, Pepper Park, is located 2 blocks away and offers a picnic area and restrooms to recharge before your return trip back the way you came. For those comfortable riding adjacent to traffic, you can alternatively complete the 24-mile loop around the bay by connecting to on-street bike lanes and bike routes through Chula Vista and National City to head back towards downtown San Diego.
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