7 Best San Diego Biking Trails for Families
The second largest city in California hosts millions of residents and vacationers looking to enjoy the white sandy beaches, family friendly attractions, and Mexican food. With mild weather year-round, San Diego is the perfect place for a family bike trip whenever the mood strikes. Check out our top San Diego Biking Trails, grab your Hamax seat or trailer for the kids, and get ready to find your new favorite!
1. Fiesta Island
Following the loop around Fiesta Island will provide you with a quick 4.1-mile ride. The entire route is paved and runs along the main perimeter road on the island. While the island is a popular bonfire spot, during the daytime there tend to be fewer visitors making it a great spot to bring your family and let the kids run free. The length of the loop is perfect for older kids that want to ride their own bikes or younger ones that may not make it through a long ride. Don’t forget to bring Fido! Fiesta Island is the perfect place to bring along your pooch as there are no leash restrictions.
2. Lake Murray
Lake Murray is a popular destination for bicyclists, joggers, rollerbladers, and picnickers. With a scenic 6-mile out-and-back path, it’s easy to see why. Those patrons on the water will provide plenty for your kiddos to watch as they fish, boat, and splash around in the water. When you need a break from all that pedaling, stop at one of the picnic areas and take a quick break. Dogs are welcome in the park but must remain on a leash at all times. See a full map of Lake Murray here.
3. Mission Bay
This 12-mile loop of flat, paved trail meanders around Mission Bay and offers several scenic view points. The trail passes through or near more than 10 parks and 2 wildlife preserves making it a perfect day trip to test out all the parks in the area. Bring your camera for bird watching and a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many parks. To see a map and plan your trip click here.
4. Bayshore Bikeway
While the full loop of this trail is a lengthy 24 miles, many families choose to ride only the Imperial Beach path which offers a bike only path so you are not competing with traffic. If you do choose to ride the full path, you’ll be able to experience views of the San Diego skyline, Coronado Bay Bridge, and the South Bay and Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuges. Stop off at the Coronado Ferry Landing for a quick stroll or bite to eat. Make sure to grab a map here before you plan your adventure.
5. San Diego River Trail
At 6 miles long, this paved trail makes for a Goldilocks perfect route. Not too short, but not too long, the trail is a network of paths that run parallel to the San Diego River on both sides. Make sure to bring your camera so you can take home more than just memories of the plentiful wildlife. Look for eagles and hawks flying overhead – they may even be clutching a fish in their talons or beaks. Take a look at this map to plan your route.
6. Lake Balboa Park
With trails ranging from 0.5 miles to 8.4 miles, this 80-acre park has something for riders (and passengers!) of every ability. The trails alternate between paved, dirt, and gravel so you’ll want to choose the path most appropriate for your bike. Hamax products are built with suspension so your kiddos always stay comfortable, but road tires and mountain tires handle differently depending upon the riding surface. Inside the park, you can stop at several garden areas, an archery range, the San Diego Air & Space Museum, and several other local attractions. Pack a lunch in advance so you and the family can spend all day exploring. See a map of all the trails here.
7. Tijuana River Valley Regional Park
With over 22.5 miles of trails, 1,800 acres, and 340 species of birds the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park has much to offer its visitors. The large network of trails range from wooden tracks to dirt and gravel, with very few being paved. Thankfully, the Hamax Caress and Outback are equipped with adjustable suspension to keep your little one comfortable the whole way. We recommend visiting the Bird and Butterfly Garden during your visit as well as packing a lunch to eat at one of the many picnic tables. Grab a brochure with a full-size map here, and start planning a trip to your local paradise.
Whether you live in San Diego year-round, or are just visiting, we hope you find a path that perfectly fits your families needs. After all, San Diego biking trails are the best in town! If you’re looking for an easy way to tote around the littles or introduce them to cycling, head over to shop our Child Bike Seats or Multi-Sport Trailers or find out why parents love Hamax.
