Best Summer Beach Bike Rides
What do beaches, bikes and bikinis have in common? Besides words starting with the letter B, these qualities are all found at the best summer beach bike rides. Whether road cycling, or pedaling a cruiser on a bike path, catch a glimpse of the ocean while exercising those sea-legs. From New York to San Diego, beaches and bike paths work hand-to-foot to keep locals active and travelers occupied. So grab a bag, bathing suit and bike, and get pedaling to these top summer beach bike rides.
Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City
Coney Island beach is the ultimate NYC beach getaway, especially during the Fourth of July season. But there’s much more to Coney Island than beaches and bikinis. In fact, the boardwalk is popular with walking and biking—but to experience more scenery, try life on two wheels pedaling America’s first bike path, Ocean Parkway, established in 1894.
Lake Washington Loop, Seattle
Seattle, although known for rain, features freshwater beaches and stellar nature and urban bike paths. The 54-mile Lake Washington Loop is for those looking to enhance their road cycling skills. The loop starts at the popular Gas Works Park, a beautiful spot to admire the skyline, and Lake Union. The route integrates a combination of road cycling and the Interurban trail. Take a dip at one of the many Lake Washington beaches such as Madrona and Magnuson.
Mission Bay Beach Bike Path, San Diego, California
Beyond bikinis and bodacious bodies, visitors can hop on a roller coaster ride before pedaling the afternoon away. The Mission Bay Bike path is a three-mile, easy, and flat, path, which connects to the 19-mile loop path connected to Mission Bay’s shoreline. Pedal past Seaworld or stop for lunch at the Hilton, the choice is yours.
Sanibel Island Bike Path, Florida
Sanibel Island is a quaint island often known for its remarkable shelling opportunities. Grab a bucket and bike and get ready to pedal around the 22-miles of paved pathways. Visitors can pedal the 4.3 mile path, made of limestone, through the Darling National Wildlife Refuge. For those looking for shelling opportunities, head to Bowman’s Beach.
Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Trail, California
Monterey to Big Sur are primo Californian destinations to showcase the best of ocean, forest, desert and floral landscapes. The 29-mile coastal path ranges from Pebble beach up north to Castroville. Or another prominent trail is the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, which features plenty of scenic views and stop-off points.
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a popular Californian beach to slide, glide or ride away adjacent to the sandy shoreline. The Shoreline Pedestrian bike path is 3.1 miles long and 17-feet wide, to support the masses. The city paths feature various classes to support different bikes and intensities, including the road. This path connects Alamitos Bay to Shoreline Village, with opportunities to extend to more intense 28+ mile biking on the Los Angeles River Bikeway or San Gabriel River Bike Trail.
