San Diego Scenic Bike Paths

If you’re looking for two great bike paths on a summer’s day, here are two that are different, yet both easy and fun for the entire family.

SAN DIEGO RIVER PATH:

There’s a beautiful short bike path (walking or running path) adjacent to the San Diego River in Mission Valley; I think it’s one of the best kept secrets because it’s not crowded.  This bike path starts at Qualcolmm Way and goes about a mile or so along the river and ends just before the 163 Freeway.  At this point, you can either turn around or make your way to the other side of the River and ride back.  Either way, it’s a beautiful scenic ride along this river.  It’s totally flat so it’ll work great for someone with little kids riding along.

There are current plans to extend the bike path under the 163 in the future, but for now it houses a large homeless population and riders may want to avoid this area when you get to the end.

OCEAN BEACH PATH: Another casual and comfortable ride is the bike path that starts at the west end of Fashion Valley.  You can reach this path by taking Fashion Valley Road to Hotel Circle North Road (West) and then enter the bike path behind Hunter’s Restaurant and near the baseball fields. There’s a clearly marked sign that states, “Ocean Beach Bike Path.”  

As you start your ride from Fashion Valley, heading west towards the beach, you’ll ride adjacent to Interstate 8 Freeway where you’ll see the San Diego River on your right. This beautiful river with its natural surroundings gives you such a free, open feeling, when actually you are right in the middle of city.  In the distance you can see Sea World and a few bridges.  There are also many “flying” fish in the river that jump out of the water catching insects. This is quite a sight to see.  Also you will pass by a favorite skateboard park on your left.

This is a three-mile ride to Ocean Beach which dead ends at Lifeguard Station 5.  To the right of this lifeguard station is the ever-popular “Dog Beach” where dogs can frolic and play in the water with other dogs.  To the left of the lifeguard station is the ever-popular “Human” side where YOU can frolic and play with YOUR friends as well.

So pump up those tires and get your bike ready to start riding today!