The best road cycling routes around Long Beach

Long Beach offers a wide variety of road cycling routes. There are over 35 routes available, catering to different skill levels and preferences, from leisurely coastal rides to more challenging loops.

Long Beach boasts a mild climate with abundant sunshine, making it ideal for year-round road cycling. The weather is generally pleasant, allowing cyclists to enjoy the routes in any season.

Yes, Long Beach has many routes perfect for beginners. The terrain is predominantly flat, especially along the iconic Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path and sections of the Los Angeles and San Gabriel River Trails. Over 20 easy routes are available, offering accessible and enjoyable rides.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, areas like Signal Hill and the nearby Palos Verdes Peninsula offer routes with significant climbs and rolling hills. A notable route is the Los Angeles River Bikeway & Rancho Palos Verdes loop from Long Beach City College, which includes substantial elevation gain over its 56.8 miles.

Long Beach's road cycling routes offer diverse natural beauty. You can enjoy continuous ocean views along the coastline, serene river scenery along the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers, and lush green spaces within parks like El Dorado East Regional Park. Highlights such as Bolsa Bay and Rainbow Lagoon provide picturesque stops.

Absolutely. Many routes offer stunning views. The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path provides continuous ocean vistas and passes by Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor. Signal Hill offers panoramic city and harbor views, while Bluff Park provides excellent spots for sunset watching. You might also pass by the Lone Sailor Memorial Long Beach.

Yes, several routes are ideal for families. The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path is flat and paved, perfect for all ages. El Dorado Park Bike Path offers a greener, more secluded experience away from car traffic, winding through lakes and picnic areas. Heartwell Park Loop is another shorter, pleasant option with plenty of green space.

Many of Long Beach's bike paths are dog-friendly, especially if your dog is on a leash. Rosie's Dog Beach, located at the eastern end of the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path, is a popular spot where dogs can roam freely. Always check specific park regulations for any restrictions.

Yes, Long Beach features several excellent loop trails. The Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Loop is a popular 30.3-mile option, connecting two major river trails. Another favorite is the San Gabriel River, Shoreline, and LA River Trail Loop, which combines river and coastal scenery.

Parking is generally available near popular bike paths. For coastal routes like the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path, parking lots are located near Shoreline Village and along Ocean Boulevard. For river trails and park routes, designated parking areas can be found at access points for the Los Angeles River Bike Path, San Gabriel River Bike Trail, and within El Dorado East Regional Park.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Long Beach are accessible via public transport. The Long Beach Transit system operates buses that can take you to various points near the bike paths, including access points for the Los Angeles River Bike Path and routes along the coastline. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient options.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 40 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of paved paths, the diverse scenery ranging from ocean views to tranquil river corridors, and the accessibility for all skill levels. The ability to combine coastal and river rides is also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. For those seeking longer rides, you can extend your journey along the coastline to neighboring cities like Huntington Beach (about 30 miles) or even Newport Beach (around 43 miles), enjoying continuous ocean views. The San Gabriel River Bike Trail also offers a 28-mile bikeway that can be combined with the L.A. River Trail for extended distances.