I Bike Santa Barbara
I Bike Santa Barbara features a single-day biking tour along some of the best routes in our beautiful wine country. Shuttle transport to and from Santa Barbara and the wine country is included, as is a Specialized Sirrus hybrid bike and helmet. A good starting fitness level is recommended for the 15-mile guided tour; however this route is traveled at a sight-seeing pace and enjoyable for a variety of skill levels. After touring the gorgeous vineyards and quaint farms and towns of Santa Ynez Valley, relax and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch and wine tasting. Find out why our guests say this was the highlight of their trip to Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition
Founded in 1991, the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition (SB Bike) is a countywide advocacy and resource organization that promotes bicycling for safe transportation and recreation. It consists of dedicated volunteers who maintain contact with City, County and regional transportation professionals, elected officials, educators, bike clubs, employee transportation coordinators, bike shops, bike manufacturers, and other advocacy groups.
Santa Barbara Car Free
Some of the finest year-round bicycling in the U.S. is available on and off road in the Santa Barbara area. Well-marked bike paths not only cover the waterfront, but extend west to Goleta and the University of California, Santa Barbara campus. See How to be Car Free for some suggestions and itineraries. Some bicycle services even offer delivery and pickup at your hotel. Click for information on taking your bike on the train. See excursions for information on bike tours.Waterfront Tour
The paved, level Cabrillo Bike Path runs 3.25 miles from the Santa Barbara Harbor to Butterfly Beach. This is the ultimate Santa Barbara waterfront ride and is also one of the easiest. Major sights along the way include the Harbor ( Map), West Beach, Stearns Wharf, East Beach, Chase Palm Park, and the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge. After you pass the bird refuge, and before you get to the freeway overpass, turn right on Channel Drive and follow the bike path to Butterfly Beach ( Map).
Sky Tour
Enjoy a mountaintop ride between two iconic Santa Barbara landmarks on Camino Cielo Road. The ride starts at the best backcountry view point known as Knapp's Castle ( Map) and the turnaround point is at La Cumbre Peak ( Map), the best overlook of Santa Barbara. You will enjoy spectacular views of both sides of the mountain along the way. Total ascent is about 900 feet and round trip distance is about 10 miles.
Pier to Pope
This is a ride for the ages: from Stearns Wharf (built in 1872) to Mission Santa Barbara (built in 1786). The route is only 3 miles (6 round trip) but it includes Santa Barbara's top 2 tourist destinations and sends you through the heart of downtown. Start at Stearns Wharf ( Map) and bike 2.1 miles up State Street. Turn right on Los Olivos Street and after a few blocks you will see Mission Santa Barbara ( Map) on your left.San Marcos Road
If you are training for the Amgen Tour of California, you'll want to go for Santa Barbara's most difficult ride: Gibraltar Road. If you are just interested in brief yet serious uphill exercise without the bragging rights, try San Marcos Road instead. Think Gibraltar Road - light. The ride starts at 1078 North San Marcos Road ( Map), where the road widens for parked cars on the ocean side of the Maria Ygnacio Creek bridge. That's the spot on San Marcos Road where the hill begins. It is a 1250-foot elevation gain over 3 miles. The turn around point is where the road ends at busy Highway 154 ( Map) and you will have spectacular ocean views the entire return trip. Unlike Gibraltar Road, there is a lot of vehicle traffic from locals who live in the area so stay near the shoulder and be sure you brakes on in good working order for the return trip.
Obern Trail
Ride from Santa Barbara to Goleta on this easy, flat, out and back ride. This is a 20-mile round-trip route from Stearns Wharf ( Map) to Goleta Beach Park ( Map). The Beachside Bar Cafe at the end makes it all worthwhile. You'll be off-road for about 40% of this route. Download the "Ride with GPS" app and search for "Obern Trail" for turn by turn directions.
Mesa Loop
This easy ride loops over and around Santa Barbara's Mesa and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views and great food & drinks. Your starting point is Stearns Wharf ( Map) in downtown Santa Barbara and your refueling point is the Boathouse Restaurant at Hendry’s Beach ( Map). Follow the 10-mile loop clockwise - the climb up Shoreline Drive is the most gradual way to ascend onto the Mesa. Download the "Ride with GPS" app and search for "Mesa Loop" for turn by turn directions.
