Let’s Roll! These 9 Bike Paths Are the Best in Newport Beach

Bike Newport Beach and discover miles of natural beauty—from the city’s rolling hills to its sweeping coastline. Whether you’re coasting on a beach cruiser, shifting gears for a killer workout or zipping around town on a speedy electric bike, the opportunities for a wheely great ride are endless. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with a complete list of scenic trails and paths that’ll help you hit the road with confidence!

Bike Newport Beach

Back Bay Bike Trail

• Miles: 10.5
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Newport Beach

This 10.5-mile loop on Newport Beach’s Back Bay Drive offers bikers scenic views of the sparkling Newport Bay. The path is relatively flat and features several fun and educational stops along the way including, the Back Bay Science Center and the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, whose parking lot sits on the corner of University and Irvine Avenue. The Bay Loop Trail also features access to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, which features everything from RV campsites and water sport activities to boat rentals and dining options. After you’ve biked the loop, stop by this serene resort and take a refreshing dip in the water!

Upper Bay Trail

• Miles: 3.5
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Newport Beach

Arcing around the northern edge of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, the Upper Bay Trail is perched on a bluff, offering a bird’s-eye view of the bay below. Take a ride along the path, enjoy a cool ocean breeze and keep your eyes peeled for various species of birds. The Back Bay is not only a popular spot for hikers and bikers but also for birdwatchers! This 3.5-mile trail is also paved, so any type of bike should be able to handle the smooth terrain.

Castaways Trail

• Miles: 1.3
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Newport Beach

While this path is primarily used for walking, Castaways Trail is a great spot for a leisurely bike ride. The majority of the trail runs along the bluffs in Castaways Park, offering several scenic spots to take in views of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Newport Harbor and surrounding mountains. If you want to extend your ride, continue along the roadway and make a loop that passes by Bob Henry Park. To access Castaways Trail, take Dover Drive up to Bob Henry Park on Castaways Lane, where you’ll find the trailhead and amenities like public restrooms, parking and drinking fountains.

Newport Balboa Bike Trail

• Miles: 4.5 (full length)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Newport Beach

Looking for a taste of Newport surf culture? The Newport Balboa Bike Trail is the ideal pathway to take in views of the crashing waves, spot some surfers and grab breakfast, lunch or dinner. The 3-mile path runs straight along the bustling Balboa Peninsula, so expect to weave past pedestrians and put that bell to good use! Make a stop at the Balboa Pier to grab some grub at Ruby’s Diner—here, you’ll find a parking lot with plenty of bike racks. And if you want to continue your ride to the end of the Balboa Peninsula, turn up on E Street and take Balboa Blvd to the end, where it turns into Channel Road. And if you’re looking for an electric bike rental shop in Newport Beach, Pedego Electric Bikes on the Balboa Peninsula has a large selection of premium electric bikes!

Huntington Beach-Newport Beach Bike Path

• Miles: 10.5
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Huntington Beach and Newport Beach

Stretching from Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach to Newport Boulevard in Newport Beach, this flat, 10.5-mile path is a great ride if you’ve got a couple of hours to kill. During your trek, you’ll pass by gorgeous stretches of coastline, including Huntington State Beach and Huntington Dog Beach. And about halfway through your ride, you’ll want to make a pitstop at Huntington’s Main Street, where you’ll find the city’s pier and a variety of festive restaurants and bars. Grab a margarita upstairs at Fred’s Mexican Cafe or snag a few rolls at Sushi on Fire!

Balboa Island Loop

• Miles: 2.5
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Newport Beach

If you haven’t yet experienced the charm of Balboa Island, there’s no better time than the present! This little island in Newport Beach is the perfect spot for a morning or sunset bike ride. Load up the beach cruisers and take a ride around the perimeter as you relish views of the calm, boat-filled bay. And if the mood for food strikes, take a turn down Marine Avenue for one of Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop’s famous chocolate-dipped Balboa Bars or frozen bananas!

Bonita Canyon Trail

• Miles: 3.2
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Irvine and Newport Beach

Linking the cities of Irvine and Newport Beach, Bonita Canyon Trail is a path that runs along Culver Drive and Bonita Canyon Drive. At the trail’s midpoint, hop on the Shady Canyon Trail to reach the picturesque Quail Hill Preserve, where you’ll find fields of blooming wildflowers and far-reaching views of Orange County.

San Diego Creek Trail

• Miles: 7.7
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Irvine

Located on the east side of Irvine, the San Diego Creek Trail is a great biking path for all skill levels. The path begins where the San Diego Creek empties into the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and runs through neighborhoods, industrial areas and even along the edges of the university campus. Bikers of this path will enjoy an easy point-to-point ride along with a variety of great views along the way.

Bike Lido Isle

• Miles: ranges
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Newport Beach

Known for its trendy aesthetic and outdoor lifestyle, Lido Isle is an enclave of Newport Beach that boasts everything from charming shops and restaurants to photo ops and gorgeous views of the harbor. Rent a beach cruiser from Seaside Bike Rentals in Balboa Village and take a ride around Lido for a sun-soaked day of cruisin’. You’ll love everything this little island has to offer!

Standard and Electric Bike Rental in Newport Beach

Odds are, if you’re visiting Newport Beach on vacation, you didn’t pack your bike. Fortunately, the city has a number of bike rental companies with everything from electric bikes and beach cruisers to tandems and surreys! These companies include Newport Beach Bike Rentals in Balboa Village, Pedego Electric Bikes at the Newport Pier and in Corona del Mar, 20th Street Beach & Bikes on the Balboa Peninsula, Ray’s Rentals in Balboa Village and more!

If you’re with a large group, a tandem bike rental or surrey is a great choice. These allow you and your crew to travel together, and you’ll only have to park one vehicle if you decide to stop for a drink or dinner! However, if it’s just you or you and a friend, an electric bike rental or beach cruiser is ideal.

Newport Beach Bike Safety and Etiquette

Before you embark on your biking excursion, be sure to check The City of Newport Beach’s Bicycle Safety Guidelines. During the summer months, the city’s many paths and trails can get crowded with pedestrians, motorists and other cyclists, making them difficult to navigate at peak times. Be aware of your surroundings and wear sturdy shoes when riding. The paths along the beach, such as the Newport Balboa Bike Trail and Balboa Island Loop, can get sandy, causing tires to lose traction. It’s important to wear a helmet and ride slowly on these trails to avoid sudden stops. For more information, visit the city’s website for more tips on bike safety and etiquette.

Written By: Kaylin Waizinger