The Ultimate Cycling Guide to Huntington Beach & Newport Beach
Your complete resource for cycling trails, routes, and events in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and surrounding Orange County.
HUNTINGTON BEACH: "Surf City" Cycling
Huntington Beach is a cyclist's paradise, offering one of the most scenic coastal trails in Southern California. The Huntington Beach Bicycle Trail is an 8.4-mile paved coastal path that runs along the Pacific Ocean, stretching from Bolsa Chica State Beach to the Santa Ana River Trail. This multi-use path is ideal for cycling, jogging, walking, and skating.
Must-Ride Routes
| Route | Distance | Highlights |
|---|
| HB Pier to Newport Beach Pier | 6 miles (one-way) / 12 miles (round-trip) | Connects two iconic piers, continuous ocean views |
| Warner Avenue Point-to-Point | ~16 miles (out-and-back) | Full trail experience from Bolsa Chica to the river trail |
| Huntington State Beach Loop | 12.8 miles | Traffic-free coastal touring route |
| HB State Beach – Coastal View Loop | 40.5 miles | Moderate route with 1,803 ft elevation gain |
The Huntington Beach bike path starts where Warner Ave. meets Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Bolsa Chica State Beach. Along the way, you'll glide underneath the famous Huntington Beach Pier—one of the longest public piers on the West Coast at 1,850 feet.
Pro Tip: The trail provides access to multiple beaches including Huntington City Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, and the dog beach. Free parking lots, restrooms, and water fountains are available along the route.
NEWPORT BEACH: Coastal & Estuary Cycling
Newport Beach boasts over 30 miles of bike trails, making it one of California's most bike-friendly cities. The cycling scene here offers everything from leisurely oceanfront cruises to challenging inland routes.
Top Newport Beach Trails
- 1. Newport Balboa Bike Trail (~10 miles): This iconic route runs along the Balboa Peninsula, offering breathtaking ocean views and access to multiple beaches. The trail is mostly flat and suitable for all skill levels.
- 2. Back Bay Loop Trail (~10.5 miles): This multi-use path winds through the scenic wetlands and estuaries of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. The reserve supports nearly 200 bird species, with up to 35,000 birds present during winter migration.
- 3. Balboa Peninsula Bike Trail: A must-ride path that runs along the peninsula with access to Balboa Pier, the Balboa Fun Zone, and charming island exploration.
Popular Newport Beach Routes
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|
| HB State Beach – HB Trail loop (from Newport) | 12.8 miles | ~1 hr 10 min |
| BeachBall Newport Beach – Pier loop | 3.9 miles | ~20 min |
| BeachBall Newport Beach loop | 6.9 miles | ~38 min |
SURROUNDING ORANGE COUNTY: Beyond the Coast
Orange County offers diverse cycling experiences beyond the immediate coastline.
Santa Ana River Trail (SART)
One of the region's premier cycling routes, the Santa Ana River Trail stretches over 30 miles along the river, offering a mix of urban and natural scenery. It's a paved, well-maintained trail suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. The trail connects to the Huntington Beach path system, allowing for extended rides.
Other Notable OC Trails
- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): Iconic coastal route from Santa Ana River Jetty to Crystal Cove State Park
- San Clemente Coastal Trail: Scenic oceanfront path
- Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park: For those seeking more challenging terrain
- Cady Way, Baldwin Park, and Lake Underhill Trails Loop: Easy 11.4-mile ride
GROUP RIDES & EVENTS
The area has an active cycling community with regular group rides:
- Beachbikers Cruiser Bicycle Riding Group: Meets at Huntington Beach Pier, rides to Newport or Seal Beach
- OC Wheelmen Saturday Rides: 29-mile rides through Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, SART, HB, Newport, Back Bay
- Best of Newport HB Bikeabout: 27-mile leisure ride from Balboa Island Ferry to HB
- HB to Newport E-Bike / Beach Cruiser Tour: Guided tour from HB Pier to Newport Wedge
- Worship on Wheels: Casual beach rides with worship music
MAPS & RESOURCES
Official & Interactive Maps
- City of Newport Beach Bike & Walking Trails: Official city trail information and safety guidelines (newportbeachca.gov)
- Komoot: Interactive route planning with user reviews for Huntington Beach and Newport Beach
- TrailLink: Huntington Beach Bicycle Trail details and maps (traillink.com)
- WalkRideUSA: Huntington Beach & Newport Beach cycling information
Where to Find Physical Maps
Physical maps are available at local visitor centers in both Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.
Safety & Regulations
- Review bicycle safety precautions before riding
- Cycling is not permitted on certain segments—watch for signage
- Contact Newport Beach Public Works at (949) 644-3311 for bike safety information
Quick Reference: Best Rides by Type
| Type | Best Route |
|---|
| Leisure/Family | HB Pier to Newport Pier (6 miles, flat) |
| Scenic Coastal | Newport Balboa Bike Trail (10 miles) |
| Nature/Wildlife | Back Bay Loop (10.5 miles, wetlands) |
| Long Distance | Santa Ana River Trail (30+ miles) |
| Challenging | Coastal View Loop (40.5 miles, 1,803 ft elevation) |
| Short & Sweet | BeachBall Newport loop (3.9 miles) |
