Beautiful weather year-round, plus miles of bikeways ideal for riding your eBike - what's not to like about Southern California? Whether you're a local or a visitor, don't miss these must-ride spots in SoCal:
Salt Creek Trail (Orange County)
Is visiting Disneyland on your vacation list? If so, you're just a few miles away from the beautiful Salt Creek Trail in Orange County. This out-and-back paved bike path is about 8 miles, perfect for a casual visit.
Riding the Salt Creek Trail is a great way to avoid scarce or expensive parking at the beach - just ride there! Start your ride at Laguna Niguel Regional Park and head Southwest (mostly downhill) toward the ocean.
At the ocean, the trail stops at Salt Creek Beach Park and the fantastic Ritz-Carlton hotel. You can enjoy a cocktail with an amazing ocean view before returning to the start the way you came. You'll gain a bit of elevation on the way back, so you can use your eBike for a boost if needed.
More info: https://www.danapoint.org/department/general-services/parks/parks-trails/salt-creek-bike-path
Santa Ana River Trail (Riverside and Orange Counties)
Like Salt Creek and the San Gabriel River Trail, the Santa Ana River Trail ("SART") ends up at the ocean. The L.A. Times describes it as a "freeway for bicycles". You'll find a paved bikeway that's completely separated from cars, perfecting for eBike riding.
Along the way, you'll pass landmarks like Angel Stadium and the wild architecture of ARTIC, a bus, train, and taxi transit hub.
Serious athletes ride the entire length of the SART and back in a single day! Looking for something more casual? Pick any convenient spot along the trail to jump on, head to the beach, then return the way you came.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Ana_River_Trail
Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail
This Class I bikeway passes through Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Rialto, loosely paralleling the interstate 10 freeway along the base of the foothills.
You're pedaling through suburbia, so there are plenty of dining, coffee, and shopping opportunities along the way.
In addition to recreational cycling, the "PET" is also an important transportation corridor for students riding to school.
More info: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?appid=5f185cbecc4d4f84bf8b9f5e7391dfbc
Marvin Braude Bike Trail (Los Angeles)
Looking for the ultimate oceanside Los Angeles experience, look no further than the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. The locals call it "the Strand" and it's a great way to do some people watching and work on your tan.
Along the 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach (Pacific Palisades) to Torrance, you'll pass the Santa Monica Pier and other landmarks, while cruising right next to Hwy 1, the Pacific Coast Highway.
More info: https://beaches.lacounty.gov/la-county-beach-bike-path/
San Gabriel River Trail
The San Gabriel River Trail stretches 28 miles from the city of Azusa to the ocean at Seal Beach. Along your journey you'll pass urban environments, suburbs, and linear parks.
You'll have plenty of company - this is one of the most popular and heavily trafficked bike routes in Southern California.
One of the best features of the San Gabriel River Trail is the lack of hills - Azusa is only at about 600 feet above sea level. That makes it ideal for new riders, those who are out of shape, or are rehabilitating injuries.
More info: https://trails.lacounty.gov/Trail/265/san-gabriel-river-trail
