The Bayshore Bikeway, a 24-mile cycling route encircling San Diego Bay, offers a unique way to experience the charm of San Diego. Known for its panoramic bay views, diverse terrain, and convenience, it’s an iconic destination for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re a casual rider or a committed cyclist, this route provides a safe and scenic way to explore the waterfront, iconic landmarks, and local communities. Enhanced by designated bike paths, this route is a must-visit for anyone eager to experience San Diego on two wheels.
Adventure Guide To Biking Bayshore Bikeway
Coronado Ferry Landing: This popular starting point offers riders breathtaking views of downtown San Diego. From here, cyclists can connect to the paved portion of the Bikeway. It’s a great spot for a break before or after your ride with nearby cafes and restaurants.
Silver Strand State Beach: South of Coronado, this stretch of the Bikeway runs alongside a stunning beach. Cyclists will enjoy ocean views to one side and San Diego Bay to the other. There are restrooms, picnic areas, and water stations available, making it ideal for a mid-ride pause.
Chula Vista Marina: Located on the southern side of the Bikeway, this area is known for its peaceful waterside paths and public parks. There’s also a fishing pier and picnic spots where you can recharge before continuing your ride.
Local Insights
The Bayshore Bikeway weaves through historically significant areas, such as the naval town of Coronado and the salt ponds along the south end of the bay, which are a haven for migratory birds. The route's southern loop is relatively flat, making it accessible for families and beginners. Look out for interpretive signs explaining the ecology and history of San Diego Bay.
Visitor Tips
Best Times: Early mornings and weekdays to avoid crowds and midday heat.
What to Bring: Helmet, sunscreen, water bottle, and a bike lock for stops.
Getting There: From downtown San Diego, take the Coronado Ferry (a 15-min ride) to start your journey at Ferry Landing. Alternatively, the Bikeway is accessible by car with free parking near Silver Strand State Beach.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Lisa Benson5 years ago
My husband and I are staying at Chula Vista Marina and RV Park, and we can catch this trail right from our RV site. That is the best! The ride from Chula Vista to Coronado is a nice ride with most of the trail being off street. I can imagine that it is quite busy on the weekends, but we used the trail on a Tuesday afternoon and it was pretty quiet. We stopped just outside of downtown Coronado at a little park with clean rest rooms, a water fountain, picnic tables, and a small beach. I had packed a lunch so we enjoyed it there. The ferry over to the Convention Center in San Diego is $5 per person per one way and runs twice an hour. After a short ferry ride, we rode the rest of the loop through San Diego, National, and ending up back at our RV site in Chula Vista. The loop is a total of 24 miles. The part from the ferry in San Diego to Chula Vista is the shortest leg of the trip and is mostly street riding. The leg from Chula Vista to Coronado is doable for a family as long as children mind the road on the couple of places that are street riding. The next time we do this ride, we will ride to Coronado and back, which will be over 24 miles. The ride on the San Diego side is just not really worth it. The trail is clearly marked with great directions.
Pamela Ciaburri (Pamela Ciaburri)5 years ago
I did the whole bikeway starting in Coronado where I parked (in the parking lot with all the shops at the ferry landing), ending downtown (went a little further ending at Broadway Pier). But I LOVED the sections in Coronado from where I started at the ferry landing to the start of Silver Strand (which is what my 5 stars are for). I also loved stopping at the Chula Vista Marina and park, riding under the bridge and finally downtown. I stopped for a little bit off the bikeway at Seaport Village and then on Broadway Pier to catch the ferry back to my car and get food at the food trucks across the street. I’m more of a beachy view person, if you like industrial views, you’ll enjoy the section from Imperial Beach to downtown more than I did. The Silver Strand section was mainly the paved path next to the road....I didn’t, but it looked like there were some places you could pop off at to explore.
Constance Creech3 years ago
We started this ride by driving to the Coronado Ferry Landing ( free parking) on the island then we took the ferry across to San Deigo with our bikes ( only $5 and bikes are free). You then head south around the southern end of the bay. This part is all industrial scenery and not well suited for kids as there are few nice stopping points. After rounding the salt mine and making if it to Coronado, it is much nicer. I wish we would have took the ferry over to bike around SD a bit and then came back to bike to the end of Coronado and back instead of the portion around the bay which was in poor condition in places with no views.
Connie
John Solar3 years ago
Would definitely recommend doing an out and back starting at Coronado ferry landing. After passing Imperial Beach and heading north it is all industrial parks except for small sections near marinas. Agree with previous post about passing the naval yard area. The road is high traffic with poor or non existent, bike lanes and poor signage. Conditions may be slightly better going south from downtown San Diego.
Ron Auerbach5 months ago
I’m from AZ, but have done the Bayshore Bike loop many times while vacationing here. It’s a great 24-mile ride, with only a few places that are a bit challenging route-wise. Though I can always find my way, first-time bikers may have difficulty without a few simple signs to show the way.
My only most single disappointment while biking this route is the areas closer to San Diego that have simply aweful, unmanaged & maintained piles of not just littter, but garbage & trash, just sitting along the route. It takes away from the beauty of this loop ride. Is there no city program or agency that takes responsibility to occasionally clean up refuge piling up along its scenic corridors? The bike path is wide enough for vehicles, so I know crews could drive the route and clean up the accumulating garbage occasionally.
I would give the loop route 5-stars if it was not for these unsightly areas. Thanks for your consideration.
