When we talk about trails and nature adventures, we often think of hiking in forests and mountains, but there are some amazing trails here in Southern California that offer a completely unique experience, such as exploring desert rock formations, nature preserves, or rugged coastlines. One such trail runs along the Gold Coast shoreline and offers a fun and different way to enjoy this part of the state. This Pacific Coast bike route runs from Ventura to Carpinteria and combines roadside bike lanes and two named bike trails. You can start this 16-mile route on either end or from any point along the way and go in either direction.
The stunning views alone, with the shoreline on one side and the mountains on the other, make this bike trail in Southern California a perfect adventure but you will also find tons of things to see, do, and eat along the way.
At the Ventura end, the trail begins at Marina Park with a bike lane along Pierpont Boulevard which becomes an official bike path known as Omar Rains Trail or Ventura Beach Trail after the first mile.
The bike path runs through Buenaventura State Beach Park, where there are restrooms and a parking lot. On Weekends, seafood lovers will want to stop at The Jolly Oyster, a gourmet food truck with a permanent spot in the park.
At the end of the State Beach is the historic Ventura Pier, originally built in 1872. There are restaurants on the pier, including Beach House Tacos and Madewest Brewing Co. (part of this SoCal beer trail!)
The trail continues past the pier along the Ventura Promenade. If you are riding with kids, there is a great playground on the beach with slides, swings, climbing equipment, and more.
Popular with joggers, skaters, and cyclists, the bike trail runs right along the sand, lined with palm trees and pretty planters, and passes by hotels, condos, a park, and Ventura Fairgrounds.
The path turns away from the shore toward Main Street and runs along a nature preserve and estuary. Along Main Street, the protected bike path runs past agricultural fields, a wilderness park, and beach campgrounds.
When Main Street ends at the Highway 101 entrance, a park entrance road connects to the rest of the bike trail. The path runs between the highway and the shore for just under two miles then becomes a bike lane along Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) for about seven miles.
Along the way are several RV campsites and lots of beach access in case you are in the mood to feel the sand in your toes. If you have never spent time on this part of the coast, I have to say it is a wonderful place to park an RV or trailer for the night so you can enjoy spectacular stargazing and fall asleep to the sounds of the waves. Don’t have your own rig? Consider renting an RV for the weekend!
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At Mobile Pier Road, there is a parking lot and the bike lane connects to the Rincon Beach Bike Trail, a 3.6-mile protected bike path along the highway. There are a couple of trail breaks that provide access down to the most pristine, least crowded beaches in the area.
One of the breaks is at the Cliff House Inn and Shoals Restaurant. The restaurant at the hotel is right on the beach with epic views and delicious food.
The trail ends at Rincon Beach County Park in Carpinteria, where there are restrooms, ample parking, and a lovely shaded picnic area on the bluff overlooking the ocean. This is a popular area for paragliding as well.
This area of Carpinteria is wonderful to explore. Just north of the county beach park is the gorgeous Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, which has walking trails, a seal sanctuary, tar pits, and more.
Whether you choose to experience all or part of this Southern California bike route, it is an unforgettable adventure. Have you explored this bike trail? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Craving more inspiration? Be sure to check out more of our favorite outdoor and nature adventures!
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