Bayshore Bikeway and Silver Strand Ride

Overview

The Bayshore Bikeway circles San Diego Bay through Coronado, the Silver Strand, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, National City and downtown San Diego. The San Diego Tourism Authority calls it a 24-mile loop, and the Silver Strand section is the highlight: a long, flat, car-free path between the Pacific Ocean and the bay, with views of the Coronado Bridge and the downtown skyline. It is one of the best easy-to-moderate rides in Southern California, and a favorite for steady tempo efforts on an aero bike.

The route in plain words

Most riders start in Coronado, often near the Ferry Landing, and ride south along the bay side of the Silver Strand on the dedicated bike path toward Imperial Beach. For a fully car-free ride, turn around at Imperial Beach and return the same way. To complete the loop, continue through Imperial Beach and around the south end of the bay into Chula Vista and National City, then north along the bay to downtown San Diego, using a mix of paths, bike lanes and city streets. From downtown, the ferry back to Coronado closes the circle.

For many riders, the out-and-back on the Silver Strand is the best ride here: simple, car-free and scenic, with a natural turnaround at Imperial Beach.

Distance and elevation

The San Diego Tourism Authority describes a 24-mile loop. The City of Chula Vista notes that the full bikeway is not finished, with remaining gaps including its E to H Street section, and the Port of San Diego has funded a National City segment. Expect a flat ride; total distance depends on whether you ride out and back on the Strand or the full loop with the ferry.

Best time to ride

Year-round. Mornings are calmest; afternoon onshore winds on the Strand can be strong, which turns the return into a workout. Summer weekends bring more people on the Coronado end. Check the ferry schedule if you plan to finish with it.

Water and coffee stops

Coronado has plenty of cafés and restaurants near the Ferry Landing and on Orange Avenue. Imperial Beach, at the south end of the Strand, has food and coffee near the pier. Bring water for the Strand itself, which has few services.

Safety notes

The Silver Strand path is shared with walkers, runners and families, so ride at a sensible speed and announce passes. Watch for sand blowing onto the path. The full loop includes on-street sections through industrial and urban areas; stay alert at intersections, rail crossings and driveways, and use lights.

If you finish with the ferry, arrive early: bike capacity can be limited at busy times, and schedules change seasonally.

Which bike and setup

Any road bike is ideal; an aero or TT bike shines on the Strand. 28 to 32 mm tires handle patched pavement and occasional sand. For riders who want to explore the bay's dirt edges, a gravel bike works well too.

Before you go

San Diego and visiting riders can ship their bike to Veloaded in Santa Ana for service or a build. Call (714) 760-4908.

Quick facts

County: San Diego County
Start: Coronado Ferry Landing, or Imperial Beach
Distance: Planned 24-mile loop around San Diego Bay (about 18 miles built, per the City of Chula Vista)
Climbing: Flat
Surface: Paved path plus on-street sections
Difficulty: Easy

Pair it with

Combine with the Fiesta Island loop in Mission Bay for flat training, or head to Mt. Soledad for climbing.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bayshore Bikeway?

The San Diego Tourism Authority describes a 24-mile loop around San Diego Bay; some gaps remain.

Is the Silver Strand bike path car-free?

Yes, the path between Coronado and Imperial Beach is separated from traffic.

Sources

Distances and climbing are from the published sources listed above and are approximate; roads, closures and conditions change. Check current conditions before you ride.

More San Diego County ride guides

All guides: Southern California ride guides. Veloaded Cyclery has one location, at 3420 W MacArthur Blvd Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92704: service menu, bike fitting.