California has great weather and diverse terrain from coast to mountains to deserts, making it an ideal state for bicycle travel.

There are bike paths through the cities, but the real charm lies in the scenic natural routes that you can encounter just a little off the beaten path.

Below are the TOP 10 routes in California recommended for bicycle travel.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) – Highway 1

  • Route: San Francisco ~ Santa Barbara or LA

  • Features: Dramatic coastal cliffs, clear sea, feeling of the wind

  • Difficulty: Moderate (lots of ups and downs, compensated by the scenery)

2. Napa Valley Vine Trail – Napa Valley Wine Route

  • Route: Vallejo ~ Calistoga (just riding the completed section is enough)

  • Features: Relaxed riding through vineyards and winery scenery

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (caution on some road sections)

3. Lake Tahoe Bike Path – Around Lake Tahoe

  • Route: South Lake Tahoe ~ Tahoe City

  • Features: Clear lake, pine forests, fresh air

  • Difficulty: Moderate (high altitude area, recommended in summer)

4. Santa Monica to Venice Beach Path – The Strand

  • Route: Santa Monica Pier ~ Venice Beach

  • Features: A leisurely bike path along the beach

  • Difficulty: Very Easy (great for picnics)

5. Mount Tamalpais Loop – Northern California Mountain Route

  • Route: Marin County area

  • Features: A beautiful course with forests, valleys, and coast

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (highly recommended for uphill!)

6. Yosemite Valley Loop

  • Route: Bicycle-only loop within Yosemite National Park

  • Features: Close-up views of landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome

  • Difficulty: Easy (great for families, rentals available)

7. Big Bear Lake Trails – Mountain Lake in Southern California

  • Route: Trails around Big Bear Lake

  • Features: Popular summer getaway, mountain biking (MTB) available

  • Difficulty: Moderate (for those who enjoy nature and tranquility)

8. Golden Gate Bridge & Sausalito Ride

  • Route: San Francisco ~ Sausalito (return route via ferry)

  • Features: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to a seaside town! Sightseeing + exercise + romance

  • Difficulty: Moderate (watch out for the wind, many photo spots)

9. Joshua Tree National Park Trails

  • Route: Park Boulevard ~ various unpaved trails

  • Features: Unique rock formations and cactus forests, a strong desert feel

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (be cautious of high temperatures and rattlesnakes)

10. Monterey Bay Coastal Trail

  • Route: Castroville ~ Pacific Grove (~29-mile route)

  • Features: Calm views of the sea and coastal scenery of Monterey Bay

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Easy (many resting spots, family-friendly)

California has good road conditions and a well-developed bicycle culture, making it a great place to travel.