WORLD-CLASS 24-MILE COASTAL BIKE ROUTE

Bayshore Bikeway & Silver Strand Trail

Cycle one of America's premier protected coastal bike routes: completely flat, car-free Class-1 paths running past downtown skyline views, the Coronado Bridge, and the pristine dunes of the National Wildlife Refuge.

Bike & Surrey Rental Shops San Diego Bike Ferry Timetable Trail Coordinates on Map

24.0 Miles

Full Loop Distance

Zero Grade

100% Flat Elevation

Class-1 Paved

Separated from Motorists

Bikes on Ferry

Free Boarding with Rider

#1 1.2 Miles Easy / Flat

Segment 1: Coronado Ferry Landing to Tidelands Park

Unobstructed panoramic vistas of the downtown San Diego skyscraper skyline across the calm bay water. The path sweeps along Centennial Park and continues beneath the soaring concrete arches of the Coronado Bridge into 22-acre Tidelands Park.

Water, Restrooms & Scenic Waypoints

Coronado Ferry Landing cafes, Centennial Park view benches, Tidelands Park public restrooms and water fountains.

Scenery Rating 9.9/10

Segment Distance: 1.2 Miles

Path Surface: Paved Dedicated Class-1 Waterfront Path

Rider Level: Easy / Flat

Rent a Cruiser or E-Bike

#2 1.8 Miles Easy / Flat

Segment 2: Tidelands Park to Glorietta Bay & Golf Course

Winds around the pristine fairways of the Coronado Municipal Golf Course along Glorietta Bay. Enjoy sights of docked sailing yachts, the historic Hotel del Coronado red cupolas, and the Coronado Community Center.

Water, Restrooms & Scenic Waypoints

Glorietta Bay Boat Launch, Coronado Tennis Center, Coronado Community Center water stations.

Scenery Rating 9.8/10

Segment Distance: 1.8 Miles

Path Surface: Paved Shoreline Trail & Wide Designated Bike Lane

Rider Level: Easy / Flat

Rent a Cruiser or E-Bike

#3 3.5 Miles Easy / Flat

Segment 3: Glorietta Bay to Fiddler's Cove & Coronado Cays

Skirts the scenic shoreline of Glorietta Bay and passes Fiddler's Cove Marina, where Navy sailing sloops and catamarans moor. Sweeps past the entrance to the Coronado Cays luxury marina village with sweeping views across San Diego Bay toward Chula Vista.

Water, Restrooms & Scenic Waypoints

Fiddler's Cove Navy Marina rest area, Coronado Cays Park public restrooms, water bottle refill stations.

Scenery Rating 9.8/10

Segment Distance: 3.5 Miles

Path Surface: Dedicated Paved Class-1 Off-Street Bike Path

Rider Level: Easy / Flat

Rent a Cruiser or E-Bike

#4 5.5 Miles Easy / Flat (Gentle coastal ocean breeze)

Segment 4: Silver Strand Trail & Wildlife Refuge

The crown jewel of Southern California coastal cycling. A wide, dedicated paved path separated entirely from highway traffic, running along the narrow Silver Strand isthmus between the Pacific Ocean surf and San Diego Bay. Flanked by coastal dunes and the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, home to endangered California least terns and snowy plovers.

Water, Restrooms & Scenic Waypoints

Silver Strand State Beach pedestrian underpasses, public restrooms, beach lifeguard stations, Loews Coronado Bay Resort access.

Scenery Rating 9.9/10

Segment Distance: 5.5 Miles

Path Surface: Dedicated Paved Class-1 Off-Street Bike Path

Rider Level: Easy / Flat (Gentle coastal ocean breeze)

Rent a Cruiser or E-Bike

#5 24.0 Miles Total Loop Moderate (Due to length; completely flat terrain)

Segment 5: The Full 24-Mile San Diego Bay Loop & Ferry Return

Complete the ultimate circle around San Diego Bay: ride south from Coronado through Imperial Beach, curve east through Chula Vista's marina district and the salt ponds, head north through National City and downtown San Diego's Embarcadero, then roll your bicycle onto the Coronado Ferry at Broadway Pier for the 15-minute scenic cruise back to the island.

Water, Restrooms & Scenic Waypoints

Imperial Beach Pier, Chula Vista Marina, Broadway Pier ferry terminal.

Scenery Rating 9.9/10

Segment Distance: 24.0 Miles Total Loop

Path Surface: Paved Class-1 Multi-Use Path & Low-Traffic Bike Boulevards

Rider Level: Moderate (Due to length; completely flat terrain)

Rent a Cruiser or E-Bike

Essential Cyclist Tips for Coronado & Silver Strand

Afternoon Ocean Breeze

A gentle headwind frequently picks up from the northwest in the afternoon. For an effortless loop, ride south along Silver Strand toward Imperial Beach in the morning, or take the Coronado Ferry back.

Bicycles on the Ferry

Bicycles and electric bikes roll onto the San Diego Coronado Ferry free of charge with regular passenger fare ($8.00). Ferry docks at Broadway Pier and Coronado Ferry Landing.

Wildlife Refuge Etiquette

Keep strictly to the paved bike trail along the Silver Strand isthmus. Sand dunes are protected nesting habitats for sensitive coastal shorebirds.

Bayshore Bikeway Cycling FAQs

E-bike rules, 24-mile loop timing, ferry boardings, and water refill points.

Can you ride electric bikes (e-bikes) on the Bayshore Bikeway?

Yes. Class 1 and Class 2 pedal-assist e-bikes (motor assistance up to 20 mph) are permitted on the paved Class-1 multi-use paths. Riders must observe the 15 mph trail advisory speed limit when passing pedestrians and announce their presence with a bell or polite call.

How long does it take to cycle the complete 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway loop?

Most recreational cyclists complete the full 24-mile loop in 2 to 3.5 hours at a relaxed cruising pace of 10 to 12 mph. This allows time for scenic photo stops, a taco lunch in Imperial Beach, and the relaxing 15-minute ferry return from downtown San Diego.

Does it cost extra to take a bicycle on the San Diego Coronado Ferry?

No. Bicycles and e-bikes board the ferry completely free with your standard $8 one-way passenger fare (infants under 3 free). Dedicated bicycle racks are provided on the lower deck.

Where can I rent a bicycle or e-bike near the Coronado trailhead?

Wheel Fun Rentals is located right at Coronado Ferry Landing (1201 1st St) adjacent to Segment 1. In the central Village, Holland's Bicycles (977 Orange Ave) and Ray's Rentals (2000 Mullinex Dr near Tidelands Park) offer cruisers, road bikes, and e-bikes.

Are there restrooms and water fountains along the Silver Strand section?

Yes. Clean public restrooms and drinking water refill fountains are available at Tidelands Park, the Coronado Community Center, Silver Strand State Beach (via pedestrian underpass), and Imperial Beach Pier plaza.

Complete Your Coronado Cycling Adventure

Rent premium e-bikes, check Coronado Ferry departure times, or explore beachfront parks and picnic spots.

Bike & Surrey Rental Shops Coronado Ferry Schedule Parks & Playgrounds Guide Interactive Island Map