Bayshore Bikeway

If you’re looking for a weekend adventure, and have a few hours, consider riding the Bayshore Bikeway around San Diego Bay.  It’s a 24-mile trek that circles the bay offering various sights and attractions, beautiful bay views, and landscape rich in San Diego history.

The route passes through the five bayfront cities — San Diego, Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, and National City — and consists mostly of dedicated bike paths and well-marked bike lanes over level grade.  Along the way you’ll pass local landmarks such as the Ferry Landing in Coronado, Hotel Del Coronado, the Naval Amphibious Base where U.S. Navy SEALS train, Silver Strand State Beach, Chula Vista Harbor, the National City Marina, Seaport Village, downtown’s Broadway Pier, and newly constructed East Village pedestrian bridge.

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge

For bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, the best part of the ride might be the quiet stretch through the carefully restored wetlands of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.  This leg of bike path provides a scenic shortcut from Coronado’s Silver Strand to Main Street in Chula Vista, and runs along an old rail route through a part of San Diego Bay that was virtually inaccessible before the Bikeway was completed.

The trip can take a few hours depending upon your pace.  You may want to stop for a meal since you will pass by many delicious restaurants along the way like Zanzibar on G Street in East Village (a slight detour, but worth it), and Candelas on the Bay in Coronado.  The route includes a bike-friendly ferry ride across the bay between San Diego and Coronado, a short 10-minute voyage.  Upon arrival at the ferry dock, allow five minutes to purchase a one-way fare of $4.25.  Also, check the ferry schedule in advance so that you can time your ride to minimize waiting time.

Whether your passion is riding bikes, watching boats, birds, or people, you’ll get a little bit of each on this challenging, yet rewarding ride.