Coastal bike paths combine two of life’s simple pleasures—cycling and ocean views—into experiences that transform routine exercise into scenic adventures. These paved trails follow shorelines where salt air, crashing waves, and expansive water views create cycling environments that indoor gyms and urban bike lanes simply cannot match. Unlike mountain biking or road cycling, coastal paths typically offer gentle grades and predictable surfaces, making ocean views accessible to cyclists of all skill levels who want to combine fitness with natural beauty.
The United States boasts thousands of miles of coastal bike paths, from rugged Pacific cliff routes to gentle Atlantic beach trails. Here is a list of 20 coastal bike paths where ocean views make every pedal stroke more rewarding than typical cycling experiences.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
California’s 18-mile paved path connects Pacific Grove to Castroville while following the bay’s curved shoreline through diverse coastal environments. The trail passes through Monterey’s Cannery Row, where cyclists can stop to explore aquarium attractions or watch sea otters playing in the offshore kelp forests.
Multiple beach access points allow riders to transition from cycling to beachcombing without abandoning their bikes. The path’s gentle grades make it accessible to families while providing experienced cyclists with opportunities to maintain higher speeds along straight, sandy stretches.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia’s three-mile concrete boardwalk accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists while providing unobstructed Atlantic Ocean views throughout its entire length. The path’s width allows cyclists to pass leisurely riders safely while everyone enjoys the same beachfront scenery.
Multiple bike rental shops along the route cater to tourists who want to experience the boardwalk without transporting their equipment. The trail connects to additional inland bike paths, allowing riders to extend ocean-view cycling into longer adventures that explore Virginia Beach’s broader recreational trail system.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Strand
California’s Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach share this paved path that follows the Pacific coastline and connects multiple beach communities through continuous ocean views. The trail’s flat surface and predictable width make it popular with both recreational cyclists and serious riders who use it for training and enjoying coastal scenery.
Multiple pier access points provide opportunities for fishing or simply observing waves from elevated perspectives. The path’s urban setting means plenty of food and beverage options are available without leaving the coastal environment, allowing cyclists to refuel while maintaining their beachside experience.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Maryland’s famous resort destination features a concrete boardwalk that accommodates early morning cycling before pedestrian traffic increases throughout the day. The three-mile path provides continuous Atlantic views while connecting multiple beach access points and entertainment venues.
The boardwalk’s morning hours offer peaceful cycling experiences with ocean views interrupted only by joggers and early beach walkers. Multiple bike rental locations cater to visitors who want to experience the full boardwalk length without walking, though cyclists must observe time restrictions that preserve pedestrian access during peak hours.
Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Los Angeles County’s 22-mile coastal path connects Pacific Palisades to Torrance Beach while providing nearly continuous Pacific Ocean views through diverse coastal communities. The trail passes through Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach, and other distinctive neighborhoods where cycling becomes cultural exploration enhanced by ocean scenery.
Multiple beach access points allow riders to transition between cycling and beach activities without losing their place along the coastal route. The path’s connection to inland bike trails creates opportunities for longer rides that begin or end with coastal sections, allowing cyclists to experience both urban and natural environments.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Massachusetts’s 25-mile paved path follows a former railroad route that connects multiple Cape Cod towns while providing intermittent ocean and bay views. The trail passes through cranberry bogs, pine forests, and coastal marshes, where cyclists experience diverse New England landscapes enhanced by salt air and water views.
Multiple access points allow riders to experience shorter sections or tackle the entire trail depending on their endurance and available time. The path’s connection to ferries provides opportunities for island cycling adventures that extend the coastal experience beyond the mainland trail system.
Seawall Boulevard
Texas’s Galveston features a 10-mile concrete path that follows the Gulf of Mexico shoreline while protecting it from both traffic and storm surges. The elevated seawall design allows cyclists to ride above beach level while maintaining unobstructed water views throughout the entire route.
The path’s straight design and predictable surface make it popular with cyclists who want to maintain steady speeds while enjoying ocean scenery. Multiple beach access points allow a transition between cycling and beach activities, while the urban setting provides plenty of refreshment options without leaving the coastal environment.
Pacific Coast Bike Path
Washington’s Westport area features this coastal trail, where Pacific Ocean views combine with opportunities to observe commercial fishing operations and coastal wildlife. The path’s proximity to fishing docks allows cyclists to watch boats loading and unloading while maintaining views of waves breaking against nearby beaches.
Multiple viewing areas provide rest stops where riders can observe whale migrations during appropriate seasons. The trail’s connection to beach access points allows cyclists to explore tide pools and driftwood beaches that provide different perspectives on the same coastal environment.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Jekyll Island Bike Path
Georgia’s barrier island features 20 miles of paved paths that wind through maritime forests while providing regular Atlantic Ocean views and beach access opportunities. The island’s flat topography makes cycling accessible to all skill levels, while the car-free environment ensures safe riding conditions.
Multiple loops within the path system allow riders to customize their routes while maintaining ocean views throughout different sections of their rides. The trail’s connection to historic sites creates opportunities for cultural exploration enhanced by coastal scenery and salt air.
Hilton Head Island Bike Path
South Carolina’s resort island features an extensive network of paved paths that connect beaches, resorts, and residential areas while providing regular Atlantic Ocean views. The flat terrain and well-maintained surfaces make cycling accessible to families, while the comprehensive path system allows serious riders to cover significant distances.
Multiple beach access points allow a transition between cycling and beach activities without requiring transportation beyond bicycles. The island’s commitment to bike-friendly infrastructure means cyclists can access restaurants, shops, and accommodations without leaving the path system.
Key Biscayne Bike Path
Florida’s island community features paths that provide views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay while connecting multiple beaches and parks. The trail’s tropical setting includes palm trees and native vegetation that enhance the coastal cycling experience with distinctive South Florida scenery.
Multiple beach access points allow riders to transition between cycling and swimming in warm Atlantic waters. The path’s flat surface and predictable width accommodate both leisurely family rides and faster-paced cycling for fitness-focused riders.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Sanibel Island Bike Path
Florida’s shell-collecting destination features 25 miles of paved paths that wind through wildlife refuges while providing regular Gulf of Mexico views and beach access. The island’s commitment to environmental protection means cyclists often observe birds, manatees, and other wildlife that enhance the coastal riding experience.
Multiple loops within the path system allow riders to customize their routes, while the flat terrain ensures accessibility for all cycling skill levels. The trail’s connection to shell beaches creates opportunities for beachcombing adventures that complement the cycling experience.
Outer Banks Bike Path
North Carolina’s barrier islands feature paths that connect multiple beach communities while providing Atlantic Ocean views enhanced by the area’s wild horse populations and lighthouse landmarks. The flat terrain and ocean breezes create ideal cycling conditions, while the remote setting provides peaceful rides interrupted only by natural sounds.
Multiple beach access points allow a transition between cycling and surfing or swimming in Atlantic waters. The path’s connection to historic sites like lighthouses and shipwreck locations adds cultural elements to the coastal cycling experience.
Kiawah Island Bike Path
South Carolina’s resort island features 30 miles of paved paths that wind through maritime forests and golf courses while providing regular Atlantic Ocean and tidal creek views. The island’s design prioritizes cycling infrastructure, creating safe routes that connect beaches, accommodations, and recreational facilities.
Multiple loops allow riders to customize their experiences, while the flat terrain ensures accessibility for families and serious cyclists alike. The trail’s connection to pristine beaches creates opportunities for cycling and beach combinations that showcase the island’s natural beauty.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Anna Maria Island Bike Path
Florida’s Gulf Coast island features paths that connect multiple beach communities while providing continuous Gulf of Mexico views enhanced by sugar-sand beaches and clear water. The island’s small size makes it possible to cycle the entire perimeter while experiencing different coastal environments, from development to natural preserves.
Multiple beach access points allow frequent transitions between cycling and beach activities in warm Gulf waters. The path’s flat surface and tropical setting create ideal conditions for family cycling adventures with ocean views.
Block Island Bike Path
Rhode Island’s island destination features paths that wind through rolling hills while providing the dramatic Atlantic Ocean views from elevated perspectives. The island’s compact size allows cyclists to experience multiple coastal environments during single rides, while ferry access creates adventure elements that begin before arriving on the island.
Multiple beaches accessible from the path system offer swimming and exploration opportunities in New England’s distinctively clear coastal waters. The trail’s connection to historic sites and local businesses creates comprehensive island experiences that combine cycling with cultural exploration.
Martha’s Vineyard Bike Path
Massachusetts’s famous island features extensive path networks that connect multiple towns while providing varied coastal views from beaches to harbors to open ocean. The island’s diverse topography creates both challenging hills and flat coastal sections that accommodate different cycling preferences.
Multiple ferry connections allow cyclists to explore different parts of the island while maintaining coastal access throughout their visits. The path system’s connection to beaches, harbors, and historic sites creates opportunities for comprehensive island exploration enhanced by ocean views.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Fire Island Bike Path
New York’s barrier island features paths that connect multiple beach communities while providing Atlantic Ocean views in a car-free environment that prioritizes cycling and pedestrian access. The island’s narrow width means cyclists are never far from either ocean or bay views, while the flat terrain accommodates all skill levels.
Multiple ferry access points create adventure elements, while the island’s commitment to environmental protection ensures pristine coastal scenery. The path’s connection to beaches and natural areas allows a combination of cycling and nature experiences unique to barrier island environments.
Catalina Island Bike Path
California’s island destination features paths that provide Pacific Ocean views from elevated perspectives while connecting beaches, harbors, and inland attractions. The island’s mountainous terrain creates challenging climbs rewarded by dramatic coastal vistas that mainland paths cannot match.
Multiple difficulty levels within the path system accommodate both leisurely coastal rides and challenging mountain cycling enhanced by ocean views. Ferry access to the island creates adventure elements, while the Mediterranean-like climate provides year-round cycling opportunities.
Mackinac Island Bike Path
Michigan’s car-free island features an eight-mile perimeter path that provides continuous views of Lake Huron while connecting historic sites, natural areas, and recreational facilities. The island’s commitment to horse and bicycle transportation creates a unique cycling environment where coastal views combine with a 19th-century atmosphere.
Multiple historic sites accessible from the path create opportunities for cultural exploration enhanced by the Great Lakes’ coastal scenery. The island’s flat coastal sections and more challenging inland routes accommodate different cycling preferences while maintaining water views throughout most of the path system.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Pedaling Paradise
These coastal bike paths prove that exercise and natural beauty create combinations that exceed the sum of their parts, transforming routine cycling into memorable adventures. Each trail offers unique perspectives on America’s diverse coastlines while providing accessible ways to experience ocean environments that walking or driving cannot match.
Whether seeking gentle family rides or challenging coastal cycling, these paths demonstrate how bikes can become vehicles for exploring the intersection between land and sea, where America’s most memorable cycling experiences await.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Destinations That Are More Magical Without an Itinerary
- 20 Underrated Adventures That Belong on Your Travel List
- 20 Cities Where You Should Just Wing It, No Planning Required
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN. on MSN.