Bike Around San Diego Bay to the Ocean: Mission Bay to Pacific Beach Bike Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to pedal at a relaxed pace for two hours and mount/dismount a bike comfortably.
Overview
Spend 2–2.5 hours pedaling mostly car-free paths from Mission Bay to the Pacific Beach boardwalk. Expect flat routes, wildlife-rich coves, Belmont Park’s roller coaster skyline and a stretch of ocean boardwalk that puts surf culture front and center.
Bike Around San Diego Bay to the Ocean: Mission Bay to Pacific Beach Bike Tour
Select participants and date
You hear the bay before you see it—the click of gears against chain, the distant laugh of gulls, and an expanse of blue that opens as the path rounds a pocket of marsh. The tour begins on the broad, flat concrete paths that rim Mission Bay, where water laps at grassy edges and tidal channels dare you to slow down and look. For the next two to two-and-a-half hours you’ll trade traffic for boardwalks, pedal past surf culture relics and family amusement, and cross a coastline where urban life meets migratory birds.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
Pacific exposure is constant—apply reef-safe sunscreen before you start and reapply during stops.
Use closed-toe shoes
Pedal comfortably and protect toes when mounting/dismounting rental bikes and walking on sandy stretches.
Hydrate and use included water
Bottled water is provided, but bring a refillable bottle if you prefer to top up during longer summer rides.
Call when you arrive
Meet at the Mission Bay Beach Club and text the guide at 858-336-5671 so they can greet you and fit you to a bike.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- great blue heron
- western snowy plover
History
Mission Bay was substantially reshaped in the early 20th century as part of a city plan to create recreational shoreline; Belmont Park opened in 1925 and remains a cultural touchstone.
Conservation
Several protected marsh pockets along the route are managed to support migrating shorebirds—stay on designated paths to avoid disturbing nesting areas.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Helmet
Protects your head on shared paths and is required for safe riding.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Sun protection is critical on exposed coastal paths and boardwalks.
summer specific
Closed-toe shoes
Improves pedaling efficiency and prevents sand-related slips when off the bike.
Light wind shell
A thin layer blocks the ocean breeze during cooler mornings and late afternoons.
fall specific