California is the most-visited state in the country, and for good reason(s!). It boasts beautiful and eclectic cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. You have iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign or the Golden Gate Bridge. And it’s not quite at the scale of WDW in Florida, but there’s nothing like a little OG Disney action in Anaheim.
Of course, we can’t forget the sheer natural beauty. When a single state counts Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Death Valley National Park amongst its natural wonders, you just know it’s a must-see destination.
Most people tend to do this road trip style. But the hidden gems of California can also be explored on two wheels. In this guide, we’ll give you an A-Z on how to tackle your Californian cycle tour, the safety and essential packing 101, and the wide range of places you can explore.
Safety and Equipment: What’s the Cycling Situation in California?
Before even planning their cycling itinerary, many people stop and wonder whether it’s even safe to embark on a two-wheel tour around California. The concerns are legitimate, but we can assuage any fears you may have.
But of course, there are problems. According to a recent survey, only 10% of Americans who cycle recreationally pass the 100-mile mark annually. There are many potential cyclists, they just don’t go very far. That’s not because people don’t want to cycle, but probably because they can’t.
Unfortunately, it’s a car-heavy country, which means most people in the United States don’t have access to adequate cycling lanes. In California, the situation can be particularly dire. 44% of urban roads are officially in ‘poor condition’, based on research by the Federal Highway Administration.
Yet, there’s hope. City officials are finally diverting funds to invest in cycling infrastructure. For example, cycling in Los Angeles has improved markedly in the last few years. Cities like San Francisco have excellent infrastructure for cyclists also.
And for those of you who want a cycling holiday, the picture is a lot rosier compared to urban commuters. In the state that claims to have invented mountain climbing, cycle touring is a realistic option for covering all of the hidden gems California has to offer. This is how you should prepare for the tour:
The Essentials
The basics for any tour include a water bottle and hydration pack. Cycling will take a lot out of you, so you must stay hydrated throughout. Ensure you have enough on you, and mark out places where you can refill before you head out. Water is your most important companion, which is why we’re highlighting it!
You’ll also want to take the:
- Sunscreen. Apply generously and often.
- Emergency contacts, including family, insurance, and local emergency services.
- Sunglasses for maximum visibility.
- Maps. Smartphone with pre-saved maps and an old-school map just in case.
- Plenty of snacks, including energy bars and electrolyte powders.
- Repair kit. Depending on the length of your tour, you may want to slot in a visit to a local bike shop for a service halfway through your trip.
- Safety kit, including helmet, visible cycling jersey, and cycling-specific clothing like padded shorts (we highly recommend some chamois cream!).
We’ve given you an extensive list, but try to take only what you need. Pack as lightly as possible without giving up essentials. When you’re on a long bike ride, you don’t want to be taking unnecessary cargo.
Pacific Coast Route
This one isn’t for the faint of heart, as it requires a fair amount of cycling. The entire route runs from Vancouver, BC, to Imperial Beach, CA, but there are separate chunks you can tackle individually.
California’s coastline is incredibly diverse. You will encounter breathtaking vistas that will have you wondering whether it’s next-level CGI. The massive redwood trees are unlike anything you’ve seen elsewhere. And when you get a little tired or it’s just too hot, why not take a dip in that glorious ocean?
There are two recommended routes: San Francisco to Santa Barbara (383.1 miles), and Santa Barbara to Imperial Beach (250.5 miles). Because traffic tends to be super heavy during the summer (and not to mention the heat!), we recommend doing this during the fall or spring.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is Instagram heaven. Or postcard-perfect, for those of you who like to go old school. With Half Dome dominating the vistas from the village, Yosemite National Park has plenty to offer visitors. We recommend going just before winter sets in, with lower prices and decent weather for bike rides and hikes.
Of course, most people know Yosemite as a fantastic place to go hiking or climbing. But it’s also an ideal place to explore with your bike, which is something not many people know about, with the 12-mile signature look taking approximately two hours. Alternatively, you can also do the shorter Meadow Loop (3.5 miles).
Because the routes aren’t exactly epic in proportion (although they are in terms of the views!), you shouldn’t consider Yosemite a cycling-only destination. Combine it with a hike, climb, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of this stunning place.
California Wine Country
Exploring Sonoma and the Russian River Valley is a delight for your senses. Rounding off our top 3 is wine country, where you can combine a necessary upgrade to your iCloud storage for thousands of extra photos, views from jaw-droppingly gorgeous wineries, and wine that even the French would say sacré bleu to.
We recommend taking 3-4 days to properly enjoy this area. There are plenty of accommodation options, from the pure basic to astonishingly luxurious; let your budget guide your decision.
But the main highlight remains what nature gives us for free, plus the local wineries. Plenty offers tasting menus, combining the best wines the region has to offer plus delectable treats and delicious meals.
The area is also surrounded by the world-famous redwoods, which surround several wineries. Consider combining a trip to the Redwood National Park, which will make you feel tiny in comparison to the towering wonders of nature.
These are just three ideas to get your creative juices flowing. The point is this: California has so much for cyclists looking to explore the state. Natural beauty, gorgeous food and drink, urban landmarks, and so much more. So, what are you waiting for?
