The Best Cycling Routes in Santa Barbara
With its Mediterranean climate, oceanfront views, and bike-friendly streets, Santa Barbara is one of the most rewarding places to explore on two wheels. Whether you're a casual cruiser or a moderately experienced rider, you'll find a perfect mix of flat coastal paths and scenic neighborhood loops.
Even better, staying with the Santa Barbara Hotel Collection places you right in the heart of it all—with easy access to the city's top cycling routes just minutes from your door.
Easy & Scenic: Cabrillo Bike Path
No visit is complete without riding the Cabrillo Bike Path—Santa Barbara's signature coastal ride.
This mostly flat, oceanfront path runs along palm-lined beaches, connecting Leadbetter Beach, Stearns Wharf, and East Beach. It's ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed ride with nonstop views.
Stay nearby:
- Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach — just a couple blocks from the beach and harbor, making it incredibly easy to roll straight onto the path
Short & Beautiful: Shoreline Park Ride
For a quick ride with big views, head up to Shoreline Park. This clifftop route offers sweeping ocean vistas and a peaceful alternative to the busier waterfront paths.
Stay nearby:
- Inn by the Harbor — located just a few blocks from the waterfront and close to the Mesa routes, making it a great home base for shorter scenic rides
Local Favorite: Mesa Loop
The Mesa Loop is a perfect step up for beginner cyclists ready for a bit more challenge.
This ~10-mile ride combines ocean views with gentle climbs through quiet neighborhoods. The incline along Shoreline Drive is manageable and rewarding.
Stay nearby:
- Lavender Inn by the Sea — especially well positioned for direct access to Mesa routes and quieter local roads
Scenic Endurance: Hope Ranch Loop
For a longer, more peaceful ride, the Hope Ranch Loop delivers rolling hills, shaded streets, and a quieter side of Santa Barbara.
Best for:
- Moderate riders building distance
- Scenic, low-traffic riding
Stay nearby:
- Best Western Plus Santa Barbara — tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood with easy access to downtown and Mission Santa Barbara.
Stay with the Santa Barbara Hotel Collection
The Santa Barbara Hotel Collection includes four boutique properties—each offering a slightly different experience, but all designed to put you close to the best of the city.
- Walkable + bikeable locations: Most properties are within steps of the beach, waterfront, and Funk Zone, or downtown.
- Relaxed, local vibe: Boutique-style stays with gardens, pools, and welcoming amenities
- Genuine, Thoughtful Service: Staff that goes above and beyond to make your stay memorable.