Santa Cruz, California, renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes and ideal climate, stands out as a premier destination for bike enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for leisurely family outings or challenging mountain biking adventures, Santa Cruz offers a diverse range of cycling experiences. This guide explores the best of Santa Cruz Bikes, highlighting must-try rides, rental options, and tours to make the most of your two-wheeled exploration in this Californian haven.
Two riding beach cruisers on West Cliff Dr
Five Essential Santa Cruz Bike Rides
Santa Cruz boasts an array of bike trails catering to all skill levels. From scenic waterfront paths to thrilling off-road terrains, here are five essential bike rides to experience the best of Santa Cruz bikes.
1. West Cliff Drive: The Iconic Seaside Family Ride
For an quintessential Santa Cruz bike experience, West Cliff Drive is unparalleled. This approximately three-mile paved path gracefully hugs Monterey Bay, presenting breathtaking ocean vistas and access to charming beach coves. Ideal for families and casual riders, the path stretches from near the Santa Cruz Wharf to Natural Bridges State Beach.
As you pedal along, be sure to stop at scenic overlooks to soak in the panoramic views and keep an eye out for marine wildlife. The path is popular with pedestrians, so remember to announce your presence when passing. Your ride culminates at Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its natural bridge rock formation, tide pools teeming with life, and seasonal Monarch butterfly groves.
Extend your adventure by cycling through Natural Bridges State Park and onto bike-friendly Delaware Avenue. This route quickly connects to Antonelli Pond, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Natural Bridges Farm, offering further exploration opportunities. For more ambitious riders, Shaffer Road links to a dedicated bike trail leading through agricultural landscapes to Wilder Ranch State Park, known for its historical significance and renowned mountain bike trails. West Cliff Drive is a perfect introduction to Santa Cruz bikes and the city’s stunning coastal beauty.
2. Wilder Ranch State Park: Easy Coastal Off-Road Biking
For those seeking a gentle off-road experience with spectacular ocean views, the Old Cove Landing Trail in Wilder Ranch State Park is an excellent choice. This 2.3-mile loop trail features a level, hard-packed dirt surface, making it accessible for various skill levels.
Riding along the coastal blufftops, you’ll be treated to dramatic vistas of secluded beaches and the vast Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and migrating whales often spotted from this vantage point. The breezy and relatively flat trail makes it a relaxing yet rewarding ride, perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of Santa Cruz on two wheels. Wilder Ranch State Park offers a fantastic introduction to off-road Santa Cruz bikes adventures.
3. Pleasure Point to Capitola: Beachfront Cruise Adventure
Embark on a classic Santa Cruz beach cruise from the renowned surf spot of Pleasure Point to the charming village of Capitola-by-the-Sea. Begin your journey on East Cliff Drive, a scenic seaside promenade offering expansive views of the bay. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast burrito from Point Market before heading northeast along East Cliff, passing famous surf breaks and the former residence of surf legend Jack O’Neill.
As the path merges into 41st Avenue, turn right onto Opal Cliff Drive, a tranquil residential street lined with picturesque coastal homes. This route eventually reconnects with Cliff Drive, leading you towards Capitola. The descent over Soquel Creek brings you into Capitola Village, known for its colorful buildings, vibrant restaurants, unique shops, and the inviting Capitola Beach. This route combines iconic surf culture with the laid-back charm of beach towns, showcasing the diverse appeal of Santa Cruz bikes.
4. Davenport Backroads Loop: Exploring Coastal Farmlands
Escape the bustling coastal areas and discover the serene beauty of Santa Cruz’s northern backroads with a peaceful loop ride. Start in the historic whaling village of Davenport, and grab refreshments at Whale City Bakery before venturing north on Swanton Road. This winding country lane parallels the iconic Highway 1, offering a quieter, more intimate experience of the landscape.
Your return journey includes a scenic stretch along the coastal Highway 1, where a must-stop is Swanton Berry Farm. Indulge in their famous strawberry shortcake, a local treat that perfectly complements the rural charm of the area. This backroads loop provides a glimpse into the agricultural heartland of Santa Cruz County, a delightful contrast to the coastal scenery, and a different facet of Santa Cruz bikes experiences.
5. Pogonip’s Emma McCrary Trail: Forested Single-Track Introduction
For those eager to experience mountain biking amidst Santa Cruz’s famed redwood forests, the Emma McCrary Trail in the Pogonip nature reserve is an ideal starting point. This thoughtfully designed “flow trail” is beginner-friendly while still offering enough berms and gentle downhill sections to entertain more experienced riders.
The Emma McCrary Trail provides a smooth and enjoyable introduction to single-track riding, allowing you to immerse yourself in the majestic redwood environment. For more advanced mountain biking options in the area, and further details about Emma McCrary Trail, resources such as local mountain biking guides offer comprehensive information on trails suited for various skill levels. Exploring the Pogonip on a Santa Cruz bike is a fantastic way to discover the redwood forests that characterize the region.
Santa Cruz Bike Rentals: Where to Find Your Ride
Whether you need a beach cruiser for a leisurely boardwalk stroll or a high-performance mountain bike for tackling trails, Santa Cruz offers a variety of bike rental shops to meet your needs.
Gazelle e-Bikes
Current eBikes: Electric Bike Specialists
Located in downtown Santa Cruz, Current eBikes is your gateway to exploring the world of electric bikes. This welcoming shop features a selection of premium e-bike brands like Gazelle and Riese & Muller, available for both purchase and rental. Their inventory ranges from comfortable city e-bikes to full-suspension mountain e-bikes and versatile cargo e-bikes.
These Class 1 pedal-assist bikes are perfect for exploring Santa Cruz’s bike paths and trails, providing an extra boost when you pedal. The knowledgeable staff at Current eBikes can assist you in selecting the right e-bike and provide expert route recommendations for your Santa Cruz bike adventure.
Epicenter Cycles: Mountain Bike Rentals and Shuttle Service
Epicenter Cycles, with its Aptos location, offers a wide range of Trek mountain bikes for rent. Ideal for families and casual riders, renting from Epicenter Cycles provides easy access to the redwood groves of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.
For mountain biking enthusiasts heading to the Flow Trail at Soquel Demonstration Forest, Epicenter Cycles provides a seasonal shuttle service. This shuttle transports you and your bike to the trailhead, saving you a significant climb. Epicenter Cycles caters specifically to those looking to explore Santa Cruz’s mountain bike trails and provides convenient services to enhance your riding experience.
Jump Bikes
JUMP Bikes: Bike Share Convenience
For short trips around town, JUMP Bikes offer a convenient bike-sharing program. These distinctive red electric bikes are readily available at hubs throughout Santa Cruz. Easily rent a JUMP bike using the Jump Bikes app for quick jaunts and exploring the city at your own pace. JUMP Bikes provide an accessible and flexible option for navigating Santa Cruz bikes style.
Dream Inn beach cruisers
Hotel Complimentary Bikes: Cruiser Bikes for Guests
Several Santa Cruz hotels offer complimentary bikes for guests, adding extra convenience to your stay. The Dream Inn, perfectly situated along West Cliff Drive, provides retro cruiser bikes for guests to explore nearby attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Similarly, the West Cliff Inn and Hotel Paradox offer bikes for guest use, making it easy to enjoy a ride along the coast. Check with your hotel about bike availability to enhance your Santa Cruz bikes experience.
Guided Santa Cruz Bike Tours
For a more structured and insightful cycling experience, consider joining a guided bike tour. Santa Cruz offers tours catering to various interests and skill levels, from mountain biking adventures to Segway explorations.
Riding on mountain bike trails with The Ride Guides
The Ride Guides: Mountain Biking Excursions
For mountain bike enthusiasts, The Ride Guides, led by Dave Robinson, offers customized mountain biking excursions. Dave, a knowledgeable conservationist deeply involved in the local mountain biking community, tailors tours for groups of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, The Ride Guides provide bikes, local insights, and guided rides through Santa Cruz’s renowned mountain bike trails.
Santa Cruz Segway Tours: Unique Two-Wheeled Exploration
Segwqy Santa Cruz
For a novel way to explore Santa Cruz on two wheels, Santa Cruz Segway Tours offers guided Segway tours. Located near the Santa Cruz Wharf, they provide training before leading you on tours along West Cliff Drive and other scenic areas. Led by the mother-daughter team of Chappell McPherson and Tami Buttenhoff, these tours offer a fun and unique perspective of Santa Cruz. While not traditional Santa Cruz bikes, Segways provide an alternative two-wheeled experience.
Exploring Santa Cruz by bike is an immersive way to appreciate the city’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you choose a leisurely coastal cruise, an adventurous mountain bike trail, or a guided tour, Santa Cruz bikes offer something for every cyclist.
