NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Oakdale’s Scenic Backroads
Discover Oakdale’s hidden backroads as an alternative to busy CA-120. Take a peaceful ride through rolling hills and vineyards, leading to the historic town of Knights Ferry. Enjoy attractions like the covered bridge and river parks, perfect for hiking, picnicking or fishing.
Stay in Downtown Napa: Napa Valley Wine Train
Experience the Napa Valley Wine Train from Downtown Napa, close to various hotels including Andaz Napa, River Terrance Inn and The Westin Verasa Napa. Enjoy scenic 360-views while indulging in dining options like Vista Dome Lunch, afternoon tea with champagne and mini desserts, a Gourmet Express Dinner, a Murder Mystery dinner and the popular six-hour Legacy Experience, which includes a four-course dinner and seated wine tasting.
Redding's E-Bike Adventure
Discover Northern California’s beauty on a nearly 40-mile e-bike ride from Redding’s Sundial Bridge to Shasta Dam. Journey through the historic Diestelhorst and Stress Ribbon bridges. Admire Keswick Dam and ride through a railroad tunnel from the 1800s on the award-winning Sacramento River Rail Trail. This trail, part of a 200-mile network, offers both paved and dirt surfaces suitable for all levels. This epic ride culminates at Shasta Dam, showcasing the three Shastas with views of Mt. Shasta and Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir.
Epic Cycling in Siskiyou
Explore Siskiyou's diverse cycling routes with the new Cycle Siskiyou website, highlighting opportunities for all skill levels. From mountain paths to lakeside trails, this resource makes it easy to enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit.
Morgan Hill: Wine Trolley Adventure
What better way to trek around wine country than by an open-air cable car replica? The year-round Morgan Hill Wine Trolley lets visitors explore vintners in Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy while a professional driver takes the wheel, accompanied by a local tour guide. Tours are every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, from downtown Morgan Hill. Tickets include a champagne welcome reception, light appetizers, water and snacks. Lunch is provided at the second stop of the tour.
South Shore Camping Adventures
Bike, kayak or paddle board and camp along the shore of South Lake Tahoe. Designated campgrounds (open Memorial Day to Labor Day some into October) include Campground by the Lake, Tahoe Valley, Camp Richardson Resort and Emerald Bay Campgrounds. The Tahoe Rim Trail offers multi-use paths for hikers, bikers and equestrians, while camping regulations ensure a safe experience.
Ride the Rails in Sonoma County
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) connects Sonoma and Marin counties, offering an eco-friendly travel alternative. In Petaluma, explore the historic downtown with its boutiques and cafes, scenic views along the Petaluma River or nearby wineries for tastings. Downtown Santa Rosa features the Historic Railroad Square for shopping and dining, along with the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens.
Tuolumne County’s Aspen Meadow Pack Station
Aspen Meadow Pack Station has guided adventures in the Emigrant Wilderness for over 80 years. Choose from various trip lengths that include guides, meals and camping gear, with opportunities for hiking, fishing and wildlife spotting in a stunning natural setting.
Kenney Meadows Resort: High Sierra Gateway
Kennedy Meadows Resort offers multi-night pack trips into the Emigrant Wilderness, Carson Iceberg Wilderness or northern Yosemite National Park, catering to all riding levels. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive trips with meals and experienced guides while exploring breathtaking landscapes, including the journey to Yosemite National Park.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Visit the 26-acre Railtown 1897 State Historic Park for seasonal train rides through California’s Gold Country on historic locomotives. Railtown and its trains have been featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows. The six-mile round-trip Excursion Train Rides takes passengers past the water tower from “Petticoat Junction” and transports them from Jamestown to the rugged hillsides of California’s Mother Lode country. In November and December, the train becomes “The Polar Express ™” on an hour-long train ride to the North.
Bike Through Healdsburg
Healdsburg, just north of San Francisco, offers biking routes through California's wine country. Cyclists can journey between acclaimed restaurants, eco-friendly hotels and world-class wineries, all centered around the historic Plaza. For an extra adventure, rent an e-bike from Getaway Adventures to explore the stunning landscapes surrounding the town or stay at h2hotel, which offers curated biking routes for an eco-friendly exploration of Healdsburg.
Scenic Capay Valley Road Trip
Highway 16 through Capay Valley is a peaceful road trip alternative, winding through lush farmland and charming towns like Capay, Brooks, Guinda and Rumsey. Stop at organic farms, wineries and roadside stands for a taste of the area's bounty while enjoying stunning countryside views. The road also passes through the Yocha Dehe Golf Club and is near the Cache Creek Casino Resort.
CENTRAL COAST
Scenic Routes of SLO CAL: Land and Rail
Bike the stunning 20-mile stretch of Highway 1 from San Simeon to Ragged Point, home to elephant seals and breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy the peaceful Bob Jones Trail, also known as the “City to the Sea” route, which connects San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach, and explore the Edna Valley vineyards along Highway 227. For a longer journey, hop on the Amtrak train that offers scenic coastal stops down to San Diego.
Monterey County E-bike Trails
Explore Monterey County’s coastline on an e-bike. The waterfront Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches 18 miles, from the “Artichoke Capital of the World” Castroville in the north to “Butterfly Town USA” Pacific Grove in the south. A quick detour leads into Pebble Beach and its iconic 17-Mile Drive. Local outfitters like Big Sur Adventures, Mad Dogs & Englishmen and Adventures by the Sea offer e-bike rentals for a more intimate connection with the landscape at all activity levels.
Atascadero’s Scenic Adventures
Experience the thrill of adventure without missing a beat of Atascadero's charm. Whether biking through the Carrizo Plains, catching the seasonal super bloom or saddling up for a horseback ride at Santa Margarita, its scenic routes redefine exploration.
Santa Maria Valley: The Road Less Traveled
Escape to Santa Maria Valley for an unpretentious wine experience amidst rolling hills. Ride through the scenic Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, visit local wineries and tasting rooms and enjoy outdoor adventures, all while savoring the region's culinary delight, Santa Maria-style barbecue.
Coastal Journey to Santa Barbara
Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner for a scenic train ride to Santa Barbara, showcasing the stunning Gaviota Coast, the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in all of Southern California. Once in the city, explore iconic spots like State Street and Stearns Wharf, with a range of lodging options such as Riviera Beach House and the Kirkwood Collection's Hideaway Santa Barbara and Blue Sands Inn.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
West Hollywood with Bikes and Hikes
Explore West Hollywood’s unique charm on guided bike tours or hikes with Bikes & Hikes. This walkable two-square-mile city features three distinct neighborhoods: the iconic Sunset Strip, the creative Design District and the welcoming Santa Monica Boulevard. Experience the best scenic trails and hidden gems that define this vibrant area.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Irvine Stop
Make a stop in Irvine while traveling on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and experience the blend of nature and urban charm. This city offers a unique opportunity to explore outdoor spaces such as Irvine Open Space Preserve, offering guided hikes, classes on flora, bird walks, yoga and more. Take advantage of the city’s dining scene, featuring trendy cafes to gourmet restaurants.
Santa Ana's Public Art Tour
Santa Ana boasts one of Southern California’s largest mural collections, reflecting its rich multicultural heritage. Starting with the Chicano movement of the 1960s, artists began painting massive images that commemorate the city’s colorful, diverse heritage. The city features over 200 murals, mainly in downtown, which can be explored via a self-guided walking tour. Use the Public Art Guide for a map and insights into the art and artists.
Road Riding in Big Bear
Big Bear Lake is a cycling paradise, hosting numerous events like the Tour de Big Bear, Gran Fondo, Grizzly 100 and downhill mountain biking events at Summit Bike Park. Cyclists can enjoy paved lakeside trails for beginners or tackle challenging routes for advanced riders, all while surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
Biking The Strand in Torrance
Ride the scenic 22-mile Strand Bike Trail starting at Torrance Beach and stretching to Will Rogers State Beach. Enjoy beautiful coastal views with plenty of stops for snacks and relaxation along the way. The beach is perfect for volleyball, surfing and outdoor showers.
Marvin Braude Bike Trail
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Santa Monica, also known as The Strand, stretches 22 miles along the coast, offering stunning views and fresh ocean air. Cyclists can explore sandy beaches, vibrant murals and local attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, making it perfect for families and enthusiasts alike. Fun fact: The Pier is also home to the “End of the Trail” sign, commemorating the end of the legendary Route 66.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a luxurious resort situated on 400 acres along the scenic Los Peñasquitos Canyon, offering access to hiking trails and outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a five-star spa, award-winning golf course, an equestrian center and more. The resort is also home to Addison, San Diego’s sole Michelin three-star restaurant, and offers live concerts at the outdoor venue Grand Social.
Oceanside: Beach Town Exploration
Experience Oceanside's "Season of Swellness" and visit via the Oceanside Transit Center by one of the many trains like Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, Coaster, Sprinter and Metrolink lines. Enjoy smaller crowds and events and explore Historic Highway 101 with self-guided tours, or participate in the Bike the Coast on Nov. 2 for a fun cycling experience along the beach.
Huntington Beach: Coastal Biking
Explore Huntington Beach on the eight-mile bike path that runs parallel to the coast. With its ocean views, picnic spots and iconic landmarks like the Huntington Beach Pier and Huntington Dog Beach, it’s perfect for cyclists looking to soak up the sun.