San Diego Bay Never Looked So Good

The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition's recommended route along the San Diego Bay is a 24-mile bicycle circuit, which includes about 13 miles of car-free bicycle paths. The rest of the route consists of on-street sections designated as either bicycle lanes or bicycle routes.

Starting Downtown take Flagship's Coronado Ferry across San Diego Bay and start your ride upon docking at the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Bikeway makes its way through Coronado, along the Silver Strand, through the communities of Imperial Beach and Chula Vista and back into Downtown San Diego. The ride will take you through the quaint town of Coronado and past the historic Hotel del Coronado Hotel, built in 1888, which has played host to presidents, celebrities and royalty for over 120 years. You'll also ride past the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base (where the Navy SEALs train). Continuing on the path, you'll trek past Silver Strand State Beach, a beautiful stretch of coast; and the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a 3,900-acre wetland that is home to many endangered and migratory birds.

The continuous, paved portion of the rail-trail ends at the south end of San Diego Bay at Main Street in Chula Vista. Bike lanes along streets with light traffic connect to another portion of trail near the S. Bay Freeway and over the Sweetwater River, connecting to the Sweetwater Bikeway. To complete the 24-mile loop around the bay, the trail links with on-street bike lanes and bike routes through Chula Vista, National City and downtown San Diego. Rather than complete the 24-mile circuit, families might want to loop back on the same path at Imperial Beach to avoid the on-street bike lanes.

Don't want to hassle bringing a bike on your trip? There are many bike rental shops in and around Downtown and Coronado. Search for "bike rentals" on this site or on the route map below to find your preference.

San Diego Bayshore Bikeway Route Map

Bayshore Bikeway Details

Bayshore Bikeway Starting Address

• Broadway Pier - Coronado Ferry, 1020 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego Regions Traversed

• Downtown
• Coronado
• South Bay

Where to Go

• The Coronado Ferry Landing is a great spot to grab a bite to eat, shop or be entertained. Take time to stroll through the area on your visit.
• The Silver Strand, a thin piece of land connecting Coronado to Imperial Beach, has parks and beach access on both the San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean. Bring your swimsuit and go for a mid-ride dip.
• Visit the legendary Hotel Del Coronado and the beautiful white-sand beaches nearby. Built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, The Del is an American treasure with over 120 years of stories to tell.

What to Love

• Views - The Bikeway stays close to San Diego Bay, giving riders multiple-angle views of the San Diego skyline, Navy bases, Coronado Bay Bridge, and South Bay and Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuges. Don't forget your camera!
• Brews - Coronado Brewing Company is a great pit-stop after the ride. Take the ferry back to Coronado to enjoy a craft brewed celebration. Or, better yet, start the ride in Coronado to only have to rely on the ferry for one trip.
• The Bridge - Want to enjoy the ride by traveling over the Coronado Bay Bridge? That opportunity only happens once a year at the Bike the Bay Ride in August. Plan your visit in August and take part in the unique chance to cross the bay high above the water.

What to Know

• Expect a vigorous ride that is mostly flat, but definitely lengthy. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the ride as most of the available opportunities to stop and eat are at the beginning and end of the route.
• Although the City of San Diego and the State of California don't require adult bicyclists to wear helmets, it is strongly suggested you do.
• California does require all bicyclists under the age of 18 to wear a helmet.
• San Diego is a bicycle friendly city with great weather for biking year round and community groups advocating for the rights of all people on bikes. For more information about what's happening in San Diego's biking community, visit the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition website.

Directions

To Downtown from the North:

• Take California I-5 south, exit on Front Street and continue south to Broadway.
• Head west on Broadway to Harbor Drive.

From the South:

• Take California I-5 north to Sixth Avenue, following Sixth Avenue South off the exit ramp to Broadway.
• Go west on Broadway until it ends at Harbor Drive.

To Coronado from the North:

• Take California I-5 south to the Coronado/State Route 75 exit across the Coronado Bay Bridge.
• Head into Coronado and head north on Orange Avenue into downtown Coronado.

From the South:

• Take California I-5 north to the Coronado/State Route 75 exit across the Coronado Bay Bridge.
• Head into Coronado and head north on Orange Avenue into downtown Coronado.

Public Transportation

Public buses and the San Diego Trolley offer a variety of options from locations throughout San Diego County. Visit the Metropolitan Transit System website for more details about routes, fares and traveling with a bike.

Vehicle Parking

• If you're transporting your bikes in or on a vehicle, parking can be a bit of challenge in Downtown. Consider Public Transportation to avoid the hassle. Buses and trolleys are bike-accessible and rental shops are around Downtown as well.
• Starting your ride at Coronado? Parking can also be a bit challenging here, however, easier than downtown.