Biking Along the OC Coast

One of the best views along the coast is the one from a bicycle. And it may be winter, but beneath the sunny skies in the OC, it sure doesn’t feel like it. As the sunshine warms your skin and the salt air tickles your nose, you and your family can cruise the boardwalk to the sound of waves breaking offshore. How great is that?! What’s more, you’re all out in the fresh air having family fun and getting some exercise!

The OC has a wide variety of beach, bay, and mountain bike paths, totaling 800 miles. Whether you’re a cruiser or adventurer, there’s definitely a path for everyone. Some of the most scenic spots are located along the ocean in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. Approximately 15 miles of beach front riding can be had from Sunset Beach south through Huntington and down to Newport and Balboa. The Back Bay of Newport Beach offers a ride through a serene nature preserve with its own picturesque views. For the more adventurous bikers, trails up into the hills can be at Crystal Cove State Beach, located between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach.

The ride from Huntington to Newport is great for a cruise any time of the day. It’s an easy ride for all ages because it’s flat and paved. You’ll bike in front of beautiful beach front homes and then out to the end of the Balboa Peninsula. When you get to the Jetty, take a walk out onto the rocks for a great view of the harbor and the beach. By this time, you’ll feel invigorated by the fresh air and the easy ride and may even feel like turning your bikes around and going back to Huntington again. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and bottled water. A hat is good as well.

For a completely different vista and feel, ride through the Back Bay of Newport Beach, a nature preserve filled with wild birds and marine life. It’s quiet, peaceful and allows you to step into the life of its natural inhabitants. This short ride is less than a mile in length.

For a similar environmental ride, but with more challenging hills and terrain, head to Crystal Cove, located off Pacific Coast Highway, just two miles north of Laguna Beach. Also known as El Moro Canyon, this park contains lush, sycamore-shaded canyons and high ridges offering views of the Pacific Ocean which create a spectacular environment for mountain biking. The 3,200 acre park is designed to preserve the delicate balance of the natural habitat.

Another back to nature bike trail begins at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach. Six miles of wide sandy beach are backed by an asphalt bike path that connects with the Santa Ana River Trail to the southeast. This bike path is far from the surf zone, but it crosses other paths that run a few hundred yards toward the shore. Some of those paths are partially covered in sand, but they are easy to roll over.

If you come at low tide, you’re likely to see many shorebirds feeding in the intertidal zone, especially in spring and autumn. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is the largest coastal saltmarsh preserve in the Los Angeles/Orange County metropolitan region. Its 300 acres are a vital oasis for resident shorebirds and millions of migrating birds traveling between the Arctic and South America along the Pacific Flyway. Take some time to observe and you will see a variety of wetland creatures.

As you bike along the coast, you’ll find lots of spots to stop and get a bite to eat. Choose from burger or ice cream concessions along the sand, Ruby’s, a 50s diner located on the piers at both Balboa and Huntington Beach, and a wide variety of Mexican, pizza, sandwich eateries and more.

A multitude of bike rental shops are located along the coast in both Huntington and Newport. They allow quick and easy access to the coastal bike paths. Hotels also have bikes available for rent. A selection of local bike rental shops includes:

Huntington Surf and Sport

300 Pacific Coast Highway

Huntington Beach

714.841.4000

Wheel Fun Rentals

21351 Pacific Coast Highway

Huntington Beach

714.374.5533

Let It Roll Bike Shop

3130 W. Balboa Blvd.

Newport Beach

949.675.3136

Easy Ride Tricycle Rentals

107 Palm

Newport Beach

949.566.9850

Newport Beach Bike Skate Rentals

2200 W. Ocean Front

Newport Beach

949.675.1065

Subhead: Directions to Bike Trails

To get to Huntington Beach, take Beach Blvd. (south) off the 405 Freeway. Make a right on Pacific Coast Highway, about 5.5 miles down Beach Blvd. Parking is available on the left before you pass the pier. North of the pier, street parking is available on the right.

To get to Newport or Balboa Piers take the 55 Freeway South. This becomes Newport Blvd. and crosses over Pacific Coast Highway. About one mile past PCH is the Newport Pier on your right. Continue down Balboa Blvd. approximately two miles to get to Balboa Pier.

To get to the Back Bay bike trail, take the 405 south to the 73 Tollroad. Exit Jamboree and turn right. Turn right again at San Joaquin Hills Road and drive down the hill to a small parking area on your right.

To get to Crystal Cove/El Moro State Beach, take the 405 Freeway South to the 73 Tollroad. Exit Newport Coast Drive, which dead ends after about a mile at Pacific Coast Highway. Cross PCH and enter Crystal Cove’s parking lot, take your bikes off the back of your car, and get ready to ride!

For parking at Bolsa Chica Beach (near Warner) take Warner Blvd. off the 405 (if coming from the south). About six miles later you will hit PCH. From the northbound 405, exit Bolsa Chica and head south about four miles. Turn right on Warner for one mile before hitting PCH. Turn left on PCH about 1.5 miles on the right is a stop light with the entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach and parking.

For additional information about bike trails and their locations, visit www.biketrails.com or simply Google Orange County bike trails. And don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and water when you climb on your bikes